General Chat

Thanks everyone for all your comments - I am surprised at how many pets suffer in this way. Storm doesn't have any skin problems - his are intestinal - but funnily enough Bonnie my Retriever has terrible skin, so I am going to try her on a different food too and may try some Evening Primrose Oil as suggested on one of the threads (sorry can't remember which one now). We had a trip to the Pet Shop (which is where our Vets is too) and found a complete food that contains Salmon and Potato, so we may try that in a week or so, but for now he's on egg and potato. The vet said he was allergic to certain types of grass too and also Rice - I was really shocked and thought that must be rare, but obviously not. It's nice to know there are so many good pet owners out there - thanks again to you all. Kaye x

I also have a german shepherd who is allergic to lots of things. This website is good for vegetarian/allergic dogs, all foods listed show ingredients, don't know if it helps: www*veggiepets*com Replace * with . The ami complete vegan dog food suits mine, although he didn't like it much to start with, he will eat it better if I mix with eggs/tuna (he can have fish) Good luck, Sarah

Thanks Sarah - I'll go and have a look at that now. Is yours ok with white fish? I was going to try a Salmon and Potato food for mine - he's allergic to white fish, but perhaps Salmon will be OK? I emailed Burns about their dog foods and they suggested trying their Vension and Ricea and sent me a couple of attachments about allergies - apparently allergy tests are only 25% reliable and this Veterinary Professor has only known ONE true rice allergy in his time. The Vet said we can try a prescription diet, but that's going to cost us about £40 a fortnight just for Storm - we'll still have to get normal food for Bonnie. So we're going to give him potato and egg for a week and then start introducing either Burns Venison and Rice or the Salmon and Potato gradually and see how he gets on. Sounds like a typical German Shepherd problem - one other thing Sarah, is you dog a complete coward too or is that just mine? lol Kaye x

try typing in k9,theres a site there and there v/helpfull

Joy - thanks I'll take a look. Sarah - I have just been to VeggiePets and taken a look at their Ami Complete Vegan Dog Food (the one you use I think?) and it definitely looks like it could be ok - I'm going to email them about the cerea in it as he is apparently allergic to wheat, but it does look good. Thanks Kaye x

Hi Kaye, Mine is allergic to allsorts, I never had the tests done as the vet thought it would reveal quite a bit, and fortunately he doesn't get really ill if he has something he shouldn't. Certain foods give him blisters in and around the mouth such as red meats, dairy products (he is ok with soya), anything sugary (oops!), and something in mixers but I'm not sure what - maybe wheat? I believe the cereal in the ami food is corn based, but I could be wrong. He eats any fish ok, except mackerel, but won't eat fish that often, eggs (but only scrambled - did I mention he is also really faddy?!), I also give him veggie gravy on his dinner! I gave him duck and liver recently and he seemed ok, he loved it, but I wouldn't give it him too often as a) its probably too rich for him and b) he might develop a new allergy. He is also alergic to pollen (red welts all over him) so has to be washed down when we go out in the summer - which he hates!! Oh and a flea allergy, so he stays on programme tablets - frontline is as bad as fleas! He sounds like a nightmare, but touch wood has been ok for the last few years, he's nearly 10 now and we have known about his allergies for about 6 1/2 years, so lots of time to try stuff out. Apparently allegies are really common in german shepherds, I'm sure you will sort it out. Yes he is a complete coward, you want to see him if you touch his feet, anyone would think he was suffering from the worse form of abuse ever from the sound of the squeals coming from him! Sarah

Oh Bless Sarah - he sounds just like my Storm. We think we should have called Storm Scooby Doo as he's scared of his own shadow - I'm sure some people must think he's been badly treated as he's nervous of strangers. He's worse with Women (and petrified of most children) and when I tell people that they always look at me! lol He follows me everywhere and whinges if I come upstairs on the computer for too long - even when Hubby's downstairs with him. They are certainly characters aren't they? Thanks for your comments - I think we will probably try that Vegan food. Cheers Kaye x (and Storm)

Good luck Kaye (and Storm!) Let me know how it goes. Sarah