When we adopted Rocky Road, we were told that he had a bit of a sensitive stomach. Let me tell you, we have tried many different kinds wet and dry food, probiotics and supplements with varying results. This dietary selection was more complicated while Rocky was healing from his jaw injury (see header story The Accident for details). What we learned is that mixing equal parts warm water with dry kibble will soften the food and Rocky loved it. This eventually led to some issues with Rocky not wanting to eat dry dog food and wanting all his meals served soft and warm. Our battle of wills has yielded a compromise now where we mix a bit of wet food with the kibble. Of course, it isn’t quite that simple as he needs specialty dogfood to avoid nasal unpleasantness and the un-scoopable pooper. What we have found that works best is Purina Proplan for sensitive stomachs with a bit of Blue Buffalo Blissful Belly. Rocky loves both the lamb and salmon-based Purina Pro Plan. We have not tried grain free foods as our veterinarian is not a fan. When things get really rough, we occasionally break out the Fortiflora Probiotics which are a bit pricy.
We also try not to give rocky allot of “people food” but sometimes use a bit of cheese or peanut butter to get meds down sometimes. Also, Rocky loves cooked sweet potatoes and squash so if I make some for the family, I will put some in his bowl and it has been well tolerated and devoured.
If you give your pet table foods, please lookup whether they are toxic to your pup first. Common foods that are toxic to dogs include grapes, nuts, green potatoes, avocados, onions, garlic and chocolate among others.