Let me tell you the story of one of the cutest, move lovable puppies in the whole entire world!
Her name is Dewey Punkin; the “Dewey” not my choice, but it fits and, yes, the “Punkin” is my doing! She is a red nose/blue nose pit bull, but don’t tell her that. We got her on October 30, 2010 at the age of six weeks. She came from Reno. She was so little and needy. It had been about 2 ½ years since there had been a puppy in the house; you kind of forget how needy they are, but her needs ended up being more than I had expected!
I started her on the puppy version of what the older dogs we had at the time were on. She seemed to do well, and then the issues started. She was restless, gassy and had bad “messes,” so off to the pet store to check on different foods. After telling the associate about her issues, they suggested putting her on a “grain free” diet to rule out that issue first, then working on a possible “protein” source issue. We got her on the new food and some of the issues stopped, but I knew there was something more going on with her. We tried her back on the chicken protein and, oh my goodness, we were nearly gassed out of the house. We literally lived under a “green cloud” of stench! Back to the pet food store, explained the issues with her yet again, and it was a mutual decision that she was allergic to all foul!! Next issue to figure out, dairy. Turns out, this puppy has so many food allergies common to the breed that she had to be put on a totally “gluten free” diet. All I could think of was, “Why me?! Why do I have to have the puppy with all these issues?!” So instead of focusing on me, I had to focus on her with these issues, and I had to find a way to “FIX” her. I had to do something for her so that all of us could have a happy life without her intestinal issues. I started researching recipes for dogs with gluten allergies and found out that it is actually more common than one would think.
Off to the health foods stores to check out all of the gluten free ingredients to make her special treats since she has the sensitive intestinal issues. I really did not know what I was in for when I decided to make her special treats. Most of the gluten free ingredients are rather pricey, but what the heck, she is worth it! She has the most adorable face and disposition; I HAD to just buy the stuff!!
Since figuring out her tummy issues, life with her has been a pleasure. She still has some issues, but those are ones that are livable. She is on a totally gluten-free, lactose-free diet and is the picture of perfect health.
I would be happy to share my trials and tribulations of what I have gone through with anyone who would like more information.