EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Does anyone use or have an opinion on Grandma Lucys Artisan dehydrated raw?

http://www.grandmalucys.com/retail/product.php?productid=31&cat=6&page=1 

Or use any other kind of dehydrated raw that they like?

I just looked at this, as it doesn't sound familiar.  I know those that use the frozen raw patties and have good luck with it, but they usually add fresh raw meat or veggies to those to cut down on the bone, as the bone content is too high for these guys.  On this one, I don't see where it has the bones, so it should be ok as is.  If it works, go for it!  I make my own. 

I have not heard of the brand you mention but have heard good things about Honest Kitchen dehydrated.  They have several varieties that are grain free and have the meat already included.   Also one (Preference) that you add whatever type of fresh meat you prefer to it.  I tried it my pup Boss but he turned his nose up at it.... but then he does that with most food so his opinion is not really a valid critique of the product

http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/products/dog-food/

They also have a supplement called Perfect Form that has many good reviews on the German Shepherd Forums to help firm up loose poop for non-epi dogs with various GI problems.  While this product would not replace enzymes needed in an EPI dog, it looks like it might be an interesting supplement to try out, especially for those that are adding pumpkin to their pup's meals.   I have not ever tried this product, as again, my finicky boy will not even take a lick of pumpkin when offered.... he shakes his head and says "nope, no way, ain't happening... it's orange"  

http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/products/perfect-form/

Hi Troy,

Just make sure if you try this product and have to add fresh raw  to reduce the bone content, you are now in home prepared diet country and you'll need to add some sort of calcium to balance it...

Sorry Becky, but I'm with Boss on the orange vegies! Stick to your guns boy!

Craig

Troy, I don't think you have to worry about it being in home prepared, as you would be adding just a bit of food w/ it, if you go w/ one that has the higher bone content.  This should be no different than adding food to the kibble.  It doesn't have to be a lot of extra meat/veggies.  On this food, it looks like it would be ready to go for you, so you should be all set w/o adding anything to it.

Hi Troy,

Grandma Lucy's dehydrated is very highly rated here in the New England.  For an EPI dog you would have to watch the fiber and fat content as with any other dog food.  It has it's own meat/protein source as well as all supplements needed such as calcium. 

If you try it please let us know what you think.  I am curious how an EPI dog would do on it.  As I said, many have had good luck with it for their non EPI dogs.

Have had jade on Grandma Lucys Artisan dehydrated raw now for 3 weeks and it’s not the food for her.  With her last diet of natures variety raw she would take 3tsp of enzymes for 3 cups of food.  I’ve been putting 5tsp’s for 3 cups for a couple days and haven’t seen any improvement in her stools so took her off grandma lucys today.  I wouldn’t recommend it for epi dogs but for healthy dogs its a good thing.  My guess is that when you mix in the required amount of water, the food stays too wet for the enzymes to work efficiently.

I’m trying another brand of dehydrated raw that requires half the amount of water to prepare.  Its more expensive but I really liked what I found when researching them.   www.nrgdogproducts.com/ , the Maxim GRAIN-LESS Diet Chicken flavor.  It also comes in buffalo, salmon, and beef.

The ingredient list for the chicken formula is-

Free Range Chicken muscle meat, squash, carrots, pumpkin, eggs, chicken liver, grapefruit, wheat germ,broccoli, cranberries, papaya, garlic, goat milk yogurt, flax seed, salmon fillet, apples,cider vinegar, limes, kelp, blueberries, eggshell, coconut oil

I forgot to mention that you don’t have to add anything to grandma lucys other than warm water and I don’t believe the chicken formula has any kind of bone content to worry about and its the same for NRG. 

It will be interesting to see how Jade does on this brand... please do let us know as it may help others looking into the same type of diet.

Jade did not wind up doing well on 'Grandma Lucys Artisan dehydrated raw.’  For whatever reason, I wound up having to use a lot more enzymes than I normally do when feeding her ‘Nature’s Variety, Instinct, Raw Chicken Formula’ but lost a bit of weight before I figured out the amount she needed so now that I have her back to a healthy weight again I am going to be trying a different brand of dehydrated raw.  I’ll post to this thread what I’m trying and how it goes. 

That would be good information... i personally tried the Honest kitchen.... my non-EPI dog loved it... but Izzy would not eat it.... so that was $40 down the drain......  :(... keep us posted on what you try and the results!

Checked out your website (finally)  cool!!!    i see that you are an APDT trainer.... that is really good to know.....i have the greatest respect for APDT fog-training philosophies!!!