What is a good dog food for German shepherd with EPI?

Answer 1

If you feed kibble make sure it is a low fiber/low fat product, that is no more than 12% fat and 4% fiber. Most people find that their EPI dogs do not tolerate grains very well. A good many of those that do are only able to digest grains that are hydrolyzed as those found in most "prescription" diets. So when looking for a kibble you may want to check out one that is grain free. Solid Gold has several that are both grain free and low fat and low fiber. Raw feeding is also very popular with EPI dog owners. But to be able to absorb the food properly most dogs will require it to be ground up first -- this includes both the meat and the bone. When feeding a raw diet it is important to do so under the guidance of someone with experience as there is more to feeding raw than just tossing a chunk of meat into a bowl. EPI dogs should be fed 2 or even 3 times a day. EPI dogs need to have their food treated with enzymes. Many vets will tell the owners to put so much per cup/per lb. and serve. This will many many times burn the inside of the dogs mouth and lead to blisters. Remembers these enzymes are to pre-digest the dog's food and as such will try to break down anything they come into contact with. A better way to do it is to measure out the correct amount, put it on top of the food, add warm (not hot) water and stir very well. Let treated food then sit for a min. of 20-30 minutes before giving to the dog. Some dogs even do better if the food sits for 45-60 minutes. Besides making it more pleasant for the dog to eat (no burning), the food is better able to be digested and used by the dog. A good rule of thumb when starting to give enzymes is: 1 tsp powdered or 7 tablets of enzymes per cup of kibble or 1/2 tsp powdered enzymes to 1 cup of raw food. Amount may be adjusted up or down as needed by the individual dog.