Member

Posts: 78
From:Houston, TX USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 10-09-2003 08:34 AM         

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Hi everyone. I have finally reached the bottom of the bag of the Science Diet I was feeding my 2 small dogs - 9 and 12 pounds. I have begun switching to Innova (as I have long planned), but I have some concerns. First of all, yesterday they had 1/2 SD and 1/2 Innova (they had previously had only small amounts of Innova occasionally). They love the Innova, but the poops yesterday were out of control! I mean, it was like a horse! And it was mushy. I'm hoping this doesn't last after the transition. Secondly, I've noticed that the Innova is very high in calories - 550 kcal per cup! The Science Diet was only 365 kcal per cup. I have thought about trying another food that seems to be very comparable to Innova in terms of quality ingredients -- Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul -- which has only 336 kcal per cup. So here are my questions:

1) Has your dog continued to have large mushy stools while on Innova for a long period?

2) Has your dog gained weight on Innova?

3) Has anyone tried Chicken Soup food and, if so, what was your experience?

Thank you all for any input you can give me!

Diane in Houston

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Member

Posts: 238
From:miami, fl, usa
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 10-09-2003 09:58 AM         

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hi diane.. i have had bella on innova for about 7-8 months now.. she has nice firm stools (not mushy and not constipated) about once or twice a day.. she has not gained any weight on innova; however she eats about 1/4 of the amount of food she was eating when i had her on nutro max.. she loves the innova, her coat is soft and shiny, and she has remained healthy.. the innova is more expensive than the nutro max was but in the end i am saving money since the portions are much smaller.. bella is a small dog approx. 11 lbs. and i feed her 1/3-1/4 cup of food twice a day (she normally poops after breakfast and then again after her dinner).. i hope i helped some, let me know if you have any more questions or need me to clarify my answers

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Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 10-09-2003 10:02 PM         

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I have used Innova on both of my dogs and have had great results. There was never an issue with mushy or frequent stools....though my Aussie X did put on some weight but my toy poodle maintained his weight well on it. My mother has been using Innova on her miniature poodle for over a year now and he maintains his weight well, has a coat to die for and has small, firm stools about twice per day. I would suggest reducing the amount you are feeding to see if that helps...feeding too much of a high calorie food will often cause loose stools.
On the other hand, I think Chicken Soup is also an excellent food. If the Innova does'nt work out I think the CS is a nice alternative.

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Member

Posts: 64
From:Ontario, Canada
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 10-10-2003 08:32 AM         

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Hi,
I recently moved my pup to Wellness by Old Mother Hubbard, and I have found the same issue, lot's of poop and pretty moist constancy. I am not sure why either, my Abbey also likes to eat her poop, and I am wondering if it is the food making it tempting for her to do this???

I have started to lower the serving from 1/2 cup, to 1/4 cup, and maybe this will help.

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Member

Posts: 1179
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 10-10-2003 12:52 PM         

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Have been feeding Innova for about 2 years now. at fisrt I gave what the bag stated for their weight level, but found they gained some so I have lowered the food. Besides good looking coats, My two have solved itchy skin and stomache issues. My poodle also get about 1/4 cup total kibble per day. But she is such a little piggy she wants more so I supplement her food with about 1/2 cup veggies, which adds to bulk of poo. But both my dogs have very sturdy looking bowel movements about 2x daily. It may be just the change of food is causing the softness in the stool. By all means go for the c.s. for the pet if it does not work out for you. I don't even think they sell it around here. I do think it is a good food too.

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