Switching Dog Foods?

[amsteldrinker2002]

I was thinking of changing my dog's food, she is currently eating Nutro Natural Choice Chicken, Rice and Oatmeal, but she keeps getting really bad dandruff right above her tail on her back ( I have been bathing her once a week w/ special shampoo, the rest of her looks great except this one spot) I was thinking of going to Nutro Natural Choice Venacene(sp) Brown Rice...Any suggestions? I would like to stick to the Nutro Natural choice but am willing to try others!
I am using the Tea tree shampoo, the rest of her coat is amazing!! It is literally one spot the size of coffee can lid!!
She was at the vet 3 weeks ago and she suggested the bathing and tea tree shampoo...Sorry should have mentioned that earlier!!

[Marina]

A dog really only needs a bath every 4-6 weeks. The flaking is coming from a dry scalp. Nutro Natural Choice is a decent food, but you could be doing better. Putting the dog on Beneful or Science Diet would be taking a step backwards, as Nutro is a better food than either of these. Science Diet is loaded with Corn, by-products and other fillers, as is Beneful and any other grocery store brand.

My dog and my sister-in-law's dog both had skin problems. My dog was on Nutro Herring Meal and Brown Rice for a while until they stopped making it due to lack of ingredients. I made the switch to Canidae Chicken and Rice, as did my sister-in-law, and our dogs are doing EXCELLENT on it! It is cheaper than the Nutro, and it has better quality ingredients. It can be found at feed stores, not pet stores. Blue Seal or Agway are good places to start. Nutro is a decent food, but Canidae is much better---it is a 5 star food, and the Chicken and Rice formula is specifically for dogs with problem skin. They eat less of it, and poop less too. I highly recommend it.

[Lioness]

I agree with Jo, Nutro has lost my vote because of some of there shady business. (included in the recall, among other things)

It would be a good idea to find a formula available in your area with only ONE meat protein and no corn or wheat in the ingredients list. The Venison formula might fit the bill, but if you look closesly rice is probably listed numerous times in the list (just in different forms) this is a common "trick" Nutro uses. Just because it doesn't have corn, it still has a LOT of grains in the form of Rice which isn't very good.

Fromms 4 Star has some good formulas with single meat proteins that would be great if you can get that in your area.

Once you've narrowed down to one meat protein, you can determine if your dog has an allergy to any particular meats. A fish formula is going to be one of your best bets, but Venison is a great possibility too. Just remember, no corn or wheat - those are the two most common allergens. (Check your treats, too - doesn't do any good to get it out of the food if it's still in the treats.)

[Alambre]

actually alot of show people give their dogs bathes once a week... or more!
sounds like your dog may have an allergy... have you had your vet look at her?
We are huge fans of Tea Tree Oil for skin conditions but your vet will probably suggest something else... if it is an allergy avoid grains, especially corn! Switch your dog to an allergy formula... like a fish and potatoe