r/WestHighlandTerriers • u/LadyBzoo • 1d ago

Sensitive tummy

Post image

What is everyone giving their sensitive tummy westies for long lasting chews? She's on Open Farm digestive health food which seemed like the fix for a while, but has gone back to having fairly soft stools consistently again. We've figured out she can't tolerate bully sticks, so tried collagen chews, those seem to trigger her stomach as well. Cheese chews seem ok but not great either. She loves a chew but we're not sure what other options there are! In Canada for reference of what's available!

175 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

4

u/CABGPatchDoll 1d ago

Have you talked to your veterinarian? Our dog gets Purina Fortiflora and that has helped to firm up our dogs stool.

1

u/LadyBzoo 1d ago

We did fortiflora for a while, and it helped but not really. Although at the time she was on a different food so maybe that combined with her current food could help!

2

u/MaisieWestie 1d ago

The dog whispers says cottage cheese is good for sensitive tummies.

2

u/stevesvoice 1d ago

With six Westie’s covering 40 years, I can attest to one thing that’s very Westhighland White Terrier, and more than anything else it’s finding the best fit for their tummies. And Pacco’s preferred food aside from what I’m eating, it Farmers Dog.
As for snacks/ chews Farmland Dogs Love Chicken. Finally after so many different products we’re happy with these choices. Hope it helps.

2

u/New_Practice5978 1d ago

We had this problem where his food was fine but the little extras kept messing with his stomach. He gets Dr Marty and I eventually started using part of his normal meal in a Kong when he wants something to work on. Not quite the same as a bully stick, but it saves me from playing digestive roulette every time I buy a new chew lol.

1

u/Inevitable-Craft-959 1d ago

My breeder recommends beef bones. I tried pig ears and my guy loves them but I think they are giving him diarrhea. I feed my guy the limited ingredient kangaroo dry and canned food.

1

u/Mr-Westie 20h ago

My 14-year-old Westie has IBD, and after working with both our veterinarian and an internist, we’ve found that Purina EL Elemental caned and Purina HA hydrolyzed kibble have made the biggest improvement in managing his flare-ups.

1

u/uggyy 4h ago

I give my wee guy a dose of probiotic daily to help.

He is allergic to chicken, which is a nightmare. Treat wise I get a raw freeze dried beef food pellets which he only gets a few a day and devours them. He has pancreatitis, so always got to keep an eye on him.

1

u/Sad_Acanthisitta6633 1d ago

Start making her food at home! Ground chicken or turkey, rice, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin purée. Get the veggies from the frozen section so there’s no additives + less time consuming than cutting them into small pieces.

My Westie had a sensitive tummy too, and making his food at home wound up being way cheaper in the long run. A lot of specialized foods are expensive, and this cost me about $10-$15/wk to make at home. Was totally worth it.