[daisyduke36]

I adopted a 9 month old black lab mix from my brother. He originally got her from a shelter, but after 6 months realized he couldn’t give her the life she need and I took her. My brother was feeding her Beneful from the grocery store. I already have two shih tzus that I was feeding Acana Grasslands, so when I got her I switched her. That was about 2 months ago. After about 2 weeks I noticed that she started shedding like crazy, which wasn’t like her. I also noticed that she started to lose her shine. I thought maybe it was the stress of the change from going from my brother’s to my house. After another 2 weeks of it not getting better I decided to switch her over to the Acana Pacifica food because it’s made with fish and is higher in Omegas. It has now been a month on the Pacifica and 2 months since bringing her here and there is been no improvement. She was skinny when we got her and she has plumped out quite a bit and is very broad now. I’m starting to get worried and I’m a little confused that by switching her to the “better” healthier food that it would cause her fur to shed and loose shine. Shouldn’t it have the opposite effect? Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Gally]

Maybe she has an allergy to one of the ingredients in Acana? Not every "healthier" food agrees with every dog. You may need to switch her on a different brand if this one doesn't agree with her.

 

[Goldens&Labs4Me]

I would probably try a different brand--maybe something a little less rich. Maybe a good quality grain inclusive food to start with.

I will say I've always fed what I consider to be decent foods (4 star range--grain inclusive). But then I tried the Fromm brand (duck/sweet potato) for my guys and in about 2 weeks, my golden started "blowing" his coat. (which wasn't bad before the Fromm trial). Then his coat got even softer and even a little more shine to it. So while I was with you about losing the coat, I would suspect the food just isn't working for her if she has lost her shine.

I'm curious if there are other symptoms such as itching? Dandruff? Ear infections? Or have you recently bathed her with something and applied topical flea meds maybe?

I hope you get it figured out for her. Good luck!

 

[Jordan S]

Well you can't lump all high end foods in the same category. Theres an enormous range of good quality products, theres bound to be at least one that works for your dog. My dog didn't really do stellar on EVO but thrives on NV and Wellness.

 

[luv mi pets]

Have you checked her fecals for any parasites? If not, I would get that done.

 

[Sibe]

When I rescued Kaytu her fur was rough and icky. I started her straight on prey model raw. She started shedding like crazy after a couple weeks too- and ended up blowing coat in December which is pretty darn weird. Her undercoat grew back and now she is silky smooth. Maybe it's just her body resetting to the healthier food?