How long?

[JinaU]

My boxer is 8mnths and is on Solid Gold HF Adult...my question is when should I start seeing better results than what I am seeing. We did the whole mixing thing with his other food for about a week or so and he has been on SG by itself for a month (I believe). He just seems so skinny...however, I am aware that a lot of them grow up before growing out which I totally believe that is the case with him. At this point I don't think he will get any taller. My concern is the consistency of his poop. In most cases it is runny and a yellowish green color. He does has firm ones here and there but they are the same color. I know boxers stomachs are different or at least from what I can see they are. I hate switching foods all the time and just would like to find something that would hopefully help him to fill out and help with his bowels as well. I know SG is a very good food and I don't know why it wouldn't be for him! I had thought about putting some potatoes in with his food...would this help? I was just thinking about the saying "that they stick to your ribs". And if I were to do this could I use the kind of potatoes that you can buy in a can or would I actually need to peel them and cook them? This is just assuming I can even do this...

 

[gmacleod]

HF - is that hund'n flocken? If it is, I'd be inclined to suggest that you add some lean protein to his diet (don't add potatoes - that's just starchy carbs, which could add fat, but won't help for lean muscle mass). Solid Gold products are generally good quality, but this particular formula is quite low in protein and fat - perhaps better suited to middle aged adults than youngsters.

The only thing wrong with it though, is the low protein and fat (which actually means excessive carbs). But you can correct that by adding meat to his diet, and perhaps the occassional raw or lightly cooked egg, can of sardines, etc. All of those things are excellent nutrition (better than any kibble) and are high in protein which should help him to gain in muscle mass gradually.

 

[JinaU]

is there a different type of solid gold that would be better suited for him? and yes, that is what the HF stands for...i didn't want to butcher the spelling. if i were going to stick with what i have then what other protein source would you suggest adding (besides the sardines). i'm just always afraid that something like this would be too much for his stomach. also, my husband just got through picking up poop from the back yard and let's just say that we do have more of a problem with his stool not being firm than what i thought in the beginning.

 

[JinaU]

also, his eyes always have that runny white mess coming from them all the time...i can't remember when exactly that started...could that have anything to do with his food???

 

[Loladog]

It definitely sounds as though the Solid Gold HF is not agreeing with him. He should have adjusted to it by now since he's been on it for a month. I would try experimenting with other foods. The HF is lamb based so try something without lamb. Some good foods to try would be Wellness, Innova, California Natural or Orijen Puppy (just some examples). Also, has he been tested for parasites or is he on a monthly heartworm preventative/de-wormer such as Interceptor? The goopy eyes could be food related (food allergies) or it could be an environmental allergy. Try a change in food to see if that helps. Boxers can definitely have sensitive stomachs but there should be a food out there that will work for him. It has taken a lot of experimentation for me to find foods that work for Lola. Good luck!

 

[JinaU]

he hasn't been tested for any parasites but he is on hearworm preventative and since he does have a few firm stools here and there i don't think he has a problem with them. wait, come to think of it though, he did get tested at christmas time because i had to board him at the vet...and he was fine then.
i guess i will try a different food...we noticed today when we bathed him that he is shedding so badly! this isn't the first time that we have noticed that either. and we are giving him vitamins that specifically has what he needs for his skin to possibly keep him from shedding so much. so that would be on top of what he should already be getting from his food!
here we go again...trial and error until we find something that works...hopefully sooner rather than later though.

 

[TreyT]

I also so feed sadie(1year old) SG and noticed that when I get the one that contains fish that her poop is lighter and runny at times. I currently use the SG with bison in it but i also try to change it up to give her a variety. And I add a egg or sardines to the mix once or twice and she seems to love it