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English Mastiff with Digestion Issues

Layla

New Member
Hi I was hoping someone could suggest something for my little girl. She will be 2 on December 18th and she has digestive issues it seems. She is really skinny and everytime she starts to put weight on she starts having really loose stools and the weight just falls off. She is currently eating Taste of the Wild - Salmon and Potato as that seems to sit best for her, she only wants to eat about 4 cups a day though. She got really sick last winter and I ended up having to cook for her every day for 4 months - she dropped 30lbs in 2 weeks, got the weight back on her and she seemed fine again. Other than not being able to have processed chicken or grains the vets say she's healthy and they can't find anything wrong:( I'm worried it is starting again as she has dropped 10 lbs in 2 weeks. She remains active, always ready to play and isn't lethargic. But she has terribly loose and frequent stools and occasional vomiting. Has anybody else had these issues with their English Mastiff?
 

FRANK

Active Member
I know you already said that the food that you're feeding her suits her best. But have you tried changing the food ? Many times I have seen people think that its the right food for their dogs but it can be the whole reason behind all the problems. Infact if you can... Switch it to raw food and see how she does. Im sure someone more knowledgeable will suggest something better. Good luck.

RC + Windy City = ? ? ?
 

Layla

New Member
I have tried a variety of different foods. Purina One, Eukanuba, Iams, Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo, Ocana and **vet allergy free** diet. All had the same effect, loose stools/diarrhea and vomiting. The Taste of the Wild I said is the best for her so far because she just gets the loose stools and not the heavy vomiting, only occasional vomiting.
I haven't tried raw because of the high cost.
 

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
Have you tried any supplements? I got a digestive supplement for my 10 month EM to try and help with his gas and a side benefit has been smaller, firmer stool. The one I use has both digestive enzymes and probiotics.
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
I agree with smokeycat - a probiotic with digestive enzymes would be a good thing to try. It might take a few weeks to see any results.

Going raw could be less than you think - especially if you've been spending any time at the vet. We spend about $150/month for Denna ($2/lb average for meat, and she eats 2.5lb/day average).
 

mastiffico

Well-Known Member
probiotic and digestive enzymes and i think the food or something isnt agreeing with her or a stomach virus and the probiotics will help fix that ...when i fed my dogs dry i gave them the organix dog food it had probiotics and organic chicken ..but i think raw will be better for us
 

musicdeb

Well-Known Member
I agree, it sounds like a food allergy. Generally, mastiffs are allergic to grains and chicken. Titan had extreme skin allergies, ear infections, and loose stools until I switched him to raw. His skin allergies have cleared up 99%, last ear infection in May 2012 and no more loose stools. Plus no more vet visits with the antibiotics, steroids and ear drops.

I spend about $150 a month on raw food. Titan eats 2-2.5 lbs of meat per day + green beans + chicken feet.

Check dogfoodadvisor.com for a listing of the dog foods. Look for a grain and chicken free kibble, if raw is not for you.

Please keep up posted on your baby's progress.
 

Layla

New Member
I have tried probiotics. I have her on Omega Alpha (suggested by the vet)and it has all the probiotics in it. Helped a bit but she's still has the issues.