Leerburg / Ask Cindy / Categories / Food and Health / My GSD gets itchy every so often. I think it might...

May 24, 2011

My GSD gets itchy every so often. I think it might be her food. What are your thoughts?

Full Question:

Sheba, my GSD is 2 yrs old now. Since she was 8 wks old I have been feeding her PHD PRODUCTS ? VIAND with raw beef or chicken added. For the last 6 months she has been scratching and chewing on her feet. I?ve had to give her Cephylexin twice now and now the infection is coming back in her paws. I believe this is diet related. I had the vet check for worms and there were none. Currently she is in heat which could explain why she is not very drivey. I am looking at the honest kitchen products. I would love to hear your thoughts.

By the way I just found your website and it is by far one of the best I have every seen relating to dogs!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Bill

Cindy's Answer:

There are a couple of things I would mention. One is to have a thyroid test done, to make sure everything is in the normal range there. Thyroid imbalance can cause skin problems. I don’t know about your dog’s vaccine status, but many dogs develop allergies and skin issues due to reactions from vaccinations. You can read our article on vaccinosis.

For diet suggestions, I would recommend one of the grain free Honest Kitchen formulas, either Force or Embark.

You can read the section I have written on feeding a raw diet, for more ideas on how to feed Sheba. I would also recommend these books, Natural Nutriton for Dogs & Cats and Raw Dog Food.

Thanks for the kind words, let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Cindy

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