Hi Michelle, given the scratching noticeably increased when you changed the food I would suspect it’s a sensitivity to an ingredient in the puppy formula – possibly lamb, but could be something else.

I find dogs fed an unvaried diet for a long period of time often develop sensitivities which only become realised when the food is eventually changed. Many then assume the new food is the cause, when that isn’t necessarily the case. Unfortunately the pet food industry tells us to feed our dogs a single brand of food (i.e. their brand), but I disagree – I see variety in a diet important, and the best way to avoid our dogs developing sensitivities.

The solution for you is to find a food which works, but this could be a process of elimination and trial and error. Have a read of this page on hypoallergenic dog foods as I really feel that will point you in the right direction.

I would agree with your vet’s recommendation of a puppy formula on the basis dry puppy formulas tend to have more meat and more animal fat than adult formulas which reduce these essential nutrients in favour of cheaper and less nutritious “filler” grains or plant-based starches. OR one of the foods recommended on the hypoallergenic page should also work given they’re more animal-based foods which will be more appropriate and more digestible for your dog than many kibbles.

Note the reason I’m not recommending the LifeWise turkey puppy formulas is based on the assumption your dog might be reacting to lamb, and the turkey formulas also have lamb in the ingredients.

Hopefully that helps, but feel free to ask me anything else – hopefully you find a solution!

Hi Chrissy, if your dog is suffering reactions on one brand of food then it’s definitely worth switching to another, and LifeWise tends to be a good option in this respect.

I would also take note of the ingredients in the current Black Hawk Fish & Potato recipe as this may help you discover what your dog is sensitive to.

Had the same with an 18kg bag of chicken from them around the same time. Unfortunately didn’t keep the receipt, tried contacting the company multiple times to voice concerns/see if there was anything known, never got a response. That says enough to me to avoid this brand from here on out.

Have also had similar problem with a 18kg bag of Lifewise chicken, purchased around the same time. They also never replied to my two emails querying it (had noted I didn’t even have the receipt, I was just raising the issue.)

My dog is the same! This has also made her start scratching a lot.

Hello
Pet Food Judge my Keeshond has had a number of skin issues itchy scratchy skin. I have had him on blackhawk fish and potato. I have heard that Lifewise is a great dry dog food
when I’m finished blackhawk I’m
not sure which way to go I would very.much appreciate a reply please Chrissy

I’m very interested in what you say about kangaroo, vet’s all natural plus Lifewise. My last moodle did very well on Vet’s all natural (to a good age of 15). My current moodle suffers chronic pancreatitis plus gastrointestinal problems. She was put on RC gastrointestinal low fat 4 yrs ago which helped the tummy/gastro probs. Then she developed the pancreatitis with enzymes through the roof different vet put her on RC hypoallergenic wet & dry which kept her out of hospital for a few mths but she is now having occasional flare ups of both. I’m tempted to try her on human grade roo mince with vets all natural and this Lifewise. What’s your thoughts? I’ll ask the new vet as well as we’ve just moved. Many thanks. She’s a nearly 6 yo moodle.