Expert: Jo Ann - 11/13/2010

Question
Hi,
I was just reading a question someone sent you about using the high protein dog foods for their chi. I have a 4 lb. rat terrier that is 8 yrs. old. He has had issues with anal sacs several times before I got him. At that time, he was on kibble & bits, which I took him off of gradually, and now have him on Orijen senior. He has been on either Orijen or Acana for about 4 months and had no issues with the anal problem.After reading your answer to the question about protein however, I became concerned that maybe I should have him on Innova or Wellness, with some grain. The vet said to have him on a high fiber food. What do you suggest is the best one for his age and anal sacs? Maybe he's getting too  much protein?  Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Diana...

Can you tell me what question and answer you're referring to that had to do with protein and caused you to become concerned that maybe you should have your dog on a food with some grain?  I looked in the archives and came across an answer I gave that was very positive about high protein food and grain free food, but don't see the question/answer that you're referring to.  I'm wondering if my answer that you're referring to was tailored to a specific dog and not an answer intended for all dogs in general?

I'm not at all surprised that a dog would have a problem with their anal glands when on a low quality food like Kibble & Bits.  That food is full of fillers that are not good for a dog's digestive system and most certainly it isn't considered a premium, human grade dog food.  Dogs that produce soft stools often have problems with their anal glands because the glands are not being properly expressed with the passing of firm stools.  That's how dogs naturally empty their anal glands - by passing healthy stool.  If that isn't accomplished, you will see them scooting on the rug and you may eventually see them licking at the anal area and possibly presenting with an infection.

I'm wondering why you feel that you need to change your dog to another food with some grain if he's now having no problems with his anal glands?  It sounds like the high protein diet is working just fine for him. Orijen is a great food and certainly considered premium and human grade.  I'm not as familiar with Acana, but it looks fine.  Ingredients in the Orijen are more appealing to me as they use fresh meat instead of all meat meal.

I recently found out that Natura (manufacturer of EVO and Innova) has sold out to Proctor & Gamble.  I, personally, no longer feel comfortable using either EVO or Innova for this reason and will no longer be advising anyone to use these products.

Neither my 11 year old or my 9 year old Chihuahuas are on Senior formula foods and both of them are fed totally grain free. Their weight is perfect and their last blood workups were very good.  

I hope the above information is helpful to you and certainly get back to me with info. on that question and answer that you referred to if you like.

Jo Ann