Neck rash/ pretty sure food allergy/ recommendations on kibble please

[Hutchebs]

Looking for advise on curing a rash with proper diet for my puggie. My 2 yo, Gordie Howe, has a largish/ oozie rash under his neck. He has been scratching today while I was at work. I came home and put 1% cortisone cream on it and gave him benadryl. I am pretty sure it is a food related issue as he has had not bath in over a month and nothing else new but, I am at a loss as to what kibble would be his best bet. We have been switching things up as all the different food issues arrise in our house. Both Gordie and m 4 yo Labrador eat the same food right now. If he needs a different kibble I will feed separately, but raw is not an option.

Here is a history:
1. Diamond, Lamb and Rice- dogs did OK,ate this for over 1 year, dogs like it- no skin rashes,but Gordie farts terribly on this one, and Lab has anal gland issue on this food

2. Rachel Ray food( cheapo, can't believe I bought this stuff)- bought on a whim- gave Gordie a terrible rash underside of neck ( like this one)

3. Iams weight control- dogs hate it, refuse to eat unless I add olive oil,
but rash went away and no anal gland issues.

4. Science Diet Nature's Best, lamb and rice- dogs love taste, but came home to this new rash

I am kind of at a loss as to a good food for him for allergies and rashes.
Anyone?

[Pugpillow]

Okay, I'm saying this as a raw feeder, but since you say that is not an option, I'd recommend a good quality grain-free kibble. Grains (wheat & corn are the worst) are the culprits in most canine food allergies. Maybe Acana?

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

A dehydrated raw, like Ziwipeak or Wysong's Archetype would be great for his allergies and for the lab as well. They feed and store like kibble.

Take care,
Lisa

[Mom to Lucy]

We had similar issues with Bugsy and his many food allergies. So far, the only kibble that doesn't bring on hives is Avoderm chicken and brown rice. We mix that with either poached chicken, turkey or venison.

[crazypugmom]

Wellness, Natural Balance, Blue Buffalo are a few foods that can be found pretty easily that are good. The problem is that you don't know if the proteins, grains or both are causing problems. I would look for one of the foods where you have not fed that particular protein source. There are also lots of grain free foods that are very good.

[Snifter]

It sounds like a hot spot. We battled endless hotspots on Snifter last year. His would not go away without oral antibiotics and they can enlarge really quickly so do keep a careful eye on it and go to the vet if you don't see improvement by the end of the upcoming week or if it gets bigger. If you are able to shave the area that would help, and washing it over with hibiscrub daily should also help. Here's a link to what hibiscrub is in case it is called something different over there. Hibiscrub - ExpressChemist.co.uk - Buy Online

As for diet, Snifter has been on a totally grain-free fish based kibble (a UK brand not sold in USA) and all his treats, snacks, kibble topping etc are fish. He also has an oil supplement for his skin. This seems to have done the trick. *touches wood quickly*

[bnwebm]

Definitely grain free. I use Ziwipeak and Wysong raw is also excellent.

[Roseys Mom]

Rosey has had a hot spot under her neck before, too. We needed a medicine that came as a spray to clear it up! Probably a vet check is a good idea for your little one, too. I would recommend Blue Buffalo or Nutro Natural Choice has a new dog food for small breeds which is a chicken and rice base (it's in a hot pink colored bag)...I've heard lots of good things about it and it would be something different than the lamb and rice you were feeding now. It's readily available at most pet stores.

[MuShu Mom]

Definitely go grain free! You've stopped the lamb, now try omitting the chicken. My MuShu is allergic to chicken (so is my cat!!). Try turkey first. It is pretty bland and I've never heard of a reaction to turkey, but I suppose if it is the only protein source for many years, an allergy can develop. Also, make sure there is no soy in the food either. Give an enzyme product like Solid Gold Sea meal or Prozyme with each meal. Also some Omega -3's, either a supplement or one sardine packed in water a day. Will really help the skin and nose and paws too. Good luck!

[Denika]

ZiwiPeak is awesome.