Stomach Problem Trying Acana Light

by Sheila
(Canada)

Hi, This is my second question to you. as my Norwich terrier is 4lbs overweight I started feeding her Acana Light and Fit 3 weeks ago. She defecates 3x a day and often has loose stool at the end of the defecation. Is this normal? Can I acheive the weight loss by feeding a lesser amount of Orijen or Now for small breeds. She also seems less energetic and drinks more water now that she eats this kibble. It is 35% protein, 10% fat and 30% carbs. Does it take more time for a dog to adjust to a higher level of protein in a food and less carbs.
Thanks. SZ

My Comment:

Hi Sheila

I find the stomach should work as before so I don't find it normal that she defecates 3 times a day - and have some soft stool as well.

How often did she defecate before?

I think you should go back to the old food for a while and see if her stomach gets normalized again. Then you try Acana Light but you give her only about 10% of Acana, the rest should be the old food. Keep this for a week. Thereafter you increase the Acana to 20% (rest 80% old food) and see how the stomach behaves.

As long the stomach is fine you can slowly increase the Acana amount by 10% each week until - hopefully - you get to 100%.

This is a very very slow move from the old to the new food and if the stomach still gets bad I would try another food. Yes - Orijen you can try. Often I use the one for old dogs as a "obesity food". But, you always have to try the food to see if she likes it and it works well.

Could there be any other cause for her to be drinking more - any disease?

I cant remember if she was castrated but if she just been in heat some weeks ago and she drinks more water you might her examined not having a endometritis.

Please - I am not trying to make you scared or afraid. So sorry if I have done that. I am just wondering if there is another reason for her to be as you described her to be, not being caused by the food. And that's very difficult for me to know.

Try the old food again and contact your vet if you want to make sure its not any health problem.

All the best

Per Schonbeck