Could it be the food?

[Clartymidden]

Hi

We have a beautiful lab pup. Due to issues with his food causing an upset tummy he's been moved onto Royal Canin Gastrointestinal food. He's had one full day on it and it's like there is also something in it that doesn't agree with him.

His stools are better but he's gone loopy. He's showing no interest in toys where previously he's loved them instead he'll lunge for my arm/hand. He's whining for more food even though he is having plenty, the vet gave me a weight range and he's top end on what I'm feeding him. He is pacing - won't settle at all, whining even when it's not for food, banging into things with his head such as baby gate, crate gate (the crate gate is open and he's outside, he's banging it to slam and bounce open again. I haven't locked him in don't worry).

I've had plenty of dogs throughout my life and I've never seen this behavior. Its almost obsessive and hyper active.

Could it be the food?

Its like his entire temperament has changed

[userxx]

Stop with the food ASAP and see if his behaviour changes again. It sounds quite a reaction and may not be related but better to rule it out.

[Clartymidden]

That was my plan but as he was slightly underweight after a few days of chicken and rice i would need an alternative food to feed and i'm worried about introducing another food when he's been so poorly with his upset stomach already.

[billybagpuss]

Completely agree, maybe try a night on something very plain like chicken.

I recommend Canagan it’s all natural stuff, it’s not cheap but all my animals are on it and it’s great. Most commercial feeds have a low real ingredients percentage and are padded out with cheap filler it maybe something in there that is affecting your little fella

[Clartymidden]

Thanks I will take a look at canagan. I'll ring the vet at 8.30 to talk it over with them also and see what they reccomend. He's actually calmed a lot after his breakfast this morning. Last night he was running riot till midnight from 7pm I ended up just letting him go for it instead of intervening and trying to redirect because it was clear he was getting something out his system. Told my husband it was like the food was crack and he was needing his next fix, the way he was jumping at the cupboard for over an hour. Everyone I removed him he was straight back, when I closed the kitchen door he was doing the same to that door.

It was bizarre.

[Clartymidden]

every time

[Veterinari]

As he's settling I'd leave him on the new food for a few days. It may just be a combination of feeling better plus an energy boost as this food is more digestible for him. Check with your vet but I'd aim for consistency rather than repeatedly changing foods

[billybagpuss]

I think many vets have a link with royal canin, I know around here certainly it’s the only thing they will stock.

Wow mnhq are on it this morning what on earth did someone say in the doghouse to get the post removed 😂

[Clartymidden]

I wondered the same. Did a cat get in?

[UnfinishedSymphon]

Our lab has tummy issues, turkey breast and sweet potato usefully sorts her out, vet recommended

[Clartymidden]

Thanks, I'll def keep the sweet potato in mind as he wasn't keen on the rice tbh

[vanillandhoney]

Royal Canin is actually a pretty poor food - vets will recommend it because they get commission when they sell it, but if you look at the ingredients it's really not brilliant.

What did you feed him before and was it the cause of his upset stomach? I would be tempted to sort his poos out with something like chicken and rice or fish and sweet potato, and then you can pick a decent quality food to switch him onto.

Try "allaboutdogfood" for an idea of what's decent and within your budget. You can narrow it down by price, protein etc. Good luck!

[Clartymidden]

He was on skinners before

[Panicmode1]

My goldie is on Canagan - has been since 14 weeks, and we've had zero further intestinal issues.

[Veterinari]

vets will recommend it because they get commission when they sell it, but if you look at the ingredients it's really not brilliant.

No, vets recommend it because it offers a range of clinically proven prescription diets that generic dog food producers don't offer.

[SlothMama]

Royal canin is not known for being a good quality food despite the high price tag! Move him onto a high quality food google all about dog food. It's a website that lists dog foods, and rates them by what they contain.

If your dog has an allergy it tends to be chicken that can cause it, so maybe going to a food with fish could help? I've heard good things about Eden Fish cuisine

[eyeoresancerre]

We moved our dog onto the bags of frozen raw food cubes. Defrost 10 cubes twice daily - and his behaviour, poo, farts, etc all much better. I think it's £4 per bag which lasts us 3-4 days. So maybe £10 a week so not cheap but we've found it hassle free and have a happier mutt.

[eyeoresancerre]

These ones at Pets at Home

[BigSpringy]

@Veterinari

vets will recommend it because they get commission when they sell it, but if you look at the ingredients it's really not brilliant.

No, vets recommend it because it offers a range of clinically proven prescription diets that generic dog food producers don't offer.

This.

When will the "commission" myth ever die?

[BigSpringy]

If your dog has an allergy it tends to be chicken that can cause it, so maybe going to a food with fish could help?

Chicken is common - but a dog nutritionist once told me beef was the most common, which I am not sure is as widely known as a common allergen.

[Clartymidden]

Thanks everyone. Spoke to the vet and they have said to keep him on it for 3 days but give him 3 larger meals instead of splitting it into smaller portions. Have done that today and he is tolerating it better.