less itchy

Well, after two weeks on his new, gluten free venison, Murphy isn't scratching himself raw anymore! I also got him grainfree treats at this wholefood grocer that is just for dogs and cats and they agree with him, too. So I'm not sure if it was the salmon or the grains but he is so much better!

I ended up cancelling his last vet appointment to try this food. I knew my vet would just want to give him a steroid shot and I really was bound and determined to get to the bottom of this.

Of course now when we go out I have to keep a close eye on him and not let him get any outside treats. He isn't fond of that but I know he's happier not to scratch so hard he falls off the couch.

It's so odd how my healthy pug could develop that allergy almost overnight. He's now deemed my high maintenance puhg but he's worth it!

Dogs (nor humans, but that is another message for another message board) aren't genetically 'designed' to ingest grains. I gave up eating grains over 2 years ago, but meanwhile Billy was eating crappy, grain based food. He always seemed to have a 'sensitive' stomach and I was always on guard about him getting the runs. Finally it occurred to me to change his food to a grain free diet. He was boatloads better immediately.

I have now moved him from a 'beef' based diet to venison. He seemed to have a somewhat chronic ear infection and I had heard the beef can cause that mostly because the crap that they feed the beef that causes it. His ears have been perfect ever since.

My sister has a Boston Terrier that gets a big red belly immediately if she eats something grain based. It is terrible for both humans and dogs.

Excellent news, Sam. Please give Murph a hug from me, and, of course, give one to my Duke of Twirl.

Great job playing food detective! So glad the itchies are gone!

Don't you just love it when something easy, like changing brands of food, is so effective?

Good on you for not getting that last steroid shot. It would have been the easiest fix of all, but the way you did things is so much better.