Boston Terrier Food Issues

by Nikki
(PA)

My Presley is a 1.4 yr old Boston boy. He is picky eater and has had a sensitive tummy since I got him at 4 mos. old. He has terrible gas, vomits about 1-2 times a month and very rarely has a solid stool. I feed him a cup of dry kibble in the AM and a cup in the evening, mixed with 1/3 of a can.
When I got him from the breeder he was on science diet puppy kibble, but I found that he had the above mentioned issues as well as he rarely ever ate enough food. I began adding some canned science diet which improved his eating slightly, but none of the other problems. So I switched him to Blue buffalo basics (for dogs with food sensitivies) again he would not eat the kibble alone so began adding blue buffalo canned food, he remained on blue buffalo for several months (hoping that it was just an adjustment period). There was still no luck. He is now on Wellness and still has all the GI issuse; gas, loose stools, and periodic vomiting. He eats all of the canned food that I give him, but usually leaves any dry kibble that I give him (this includes his breakfast). Im looking for some feeding suggestions to help my poor little picky boy.

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Boston Terrier Food Issues

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Jan 02, 2012
 Thoughts on Innova Small bites
by: Kim

I want to change my dogs food from Science diet puppy to something better quality. The breeder I got him from suggested the brand Innova. I looked up some reviews and they seem to be positive, but I was wondering if anyone uses this brand of dog food with their bostons? any other suggestions?
Dec 20, 2011
 Food Options
by: Heather

Our Boston Terrier puppies are on Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Puppy after they were on some more expensive high protein dry dog food and the switch has worked wonders.
Dec 20, 2011
 In the same boat as you
by: Jason

You just described our same situation and almost to a tee! We got our dog at the same age, experience the same issues, and tried lots of things like you. We even switched our BT to natural balance, after trying the rest; It was recommended to us by a specialist. We love our BT and have done lots to keep her well. The specialist told us that BT's get a form of IBS like humans. Nervousness, diets, food reactions, and pickyness all contribute to the problem. Suggestions given to us that have worked:

1.Give them a little plain Greek yogurt on occasion for pro biotics (no more than a teaspoon or two)
2.Don't leave the food out too long because it will spoil. feed them at the same time all the time. Twice a day. If they don't eat take the food away and only feed at the same times the following day etc. till they eat. (the will adjust and eat and won't starve themselves) they eventually get in the habit too.
3. Don't over feed because of stomach sensitivity. Our BT is 19lbs and is lean, we feed her 1cup twice a day. She's not too active and is solid.
4. Feed them the sweet potato and fish - natural balance. The fish oils help digestion and the stomach. U can even give them fish oil (found at pet stores).
5. Wash the dog bowl often.
6. Add just a small amount of water to the dry kibble (they eat the food better this way)
7. Brush the teeth often to reduce bacteria.
8. Give your BT boiled chicken (no seasoning) with a little white rice (plain) every once in a while.
9. Massage their tummies every once in a while.
10. After they eat don't let them be active. Put them in a crate for 20 min to let the food settle. (this helps prevent vomiting), that and removing their food bowl for a couple minuets if they're eating too fast but return it to them after.
11. Keep the food sealed in air tight container.
12.dont change their diets once you get them used to a specific kind if you can avoid it.
13. Give them lots of love and affection ;)

All of this helped us and our BT out greatly!
Good luck! We wish you guys the best!
Oct 20, 2011
 Grain Free
by: Susan

I just switched to Natural Balance Alpha Dog grain free and my Boston is doing 100% better. The Nature's Variety seemed to stop working after a while- don't know if there was some change, but I do know the kibble started to smell funny.

Anyway, no more gas and no more wiping the butt when he comes back in after a trip to the potty. I'm luvin' it! Rather expensive, though, but worth it.
Sep 20, 2011
 Grain free dog food
by: Susan

Please try a grain free diet- both canned if you need it and kibble.

My boy loves Nature's Variety grain free chicken and has done so much better with the gas and loose stool issue.
Feb 11, 2011
 Food
by: Mary

+
I am not a vet but it sounds like your pup needs fiber...could you try a treat that is high in fiber? Also, look online for canine vitamins or food additives that help with his particular problems. There is a wide variety out there.

One thing I have learned with our 3 Bostons...if they go for about a day without eating...they usually will eat anything you give them the next day as long as you are consistent and don't give in.

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