Well, Jackson has been on Nutro Natural Choice Puppy for about 3 weeks or so and I think I'm going to try something else. He has dandruff .... flaking. I just noticed it today and I am constantly looking at him and cuddling with him. I read somewhere on this site that others have had flaking issues w/ Nurtro.

I know that my vet will recommend Waltham b/c they sell it there - anyone else have experience with it?

If everything else is ok with that food try adding some oil, fishoil is great as is flaxseed oil or a raw egg every so often.

labracorn is right....Dermcaps are also very helpful. I get them at the vets office. You can probably order them online too. I went with the I went with Solid Gold dry and their canned. I'm doing a 50/50 ratio. Some shampoos realllllly give the flakes too!! Just some simple clean shampoo without additives is great. Try looking for a natural type. I do believe the shine comes from within though. Wellness has a whitefish dry and canned. Great for dogs with allergies it also contains flaxseed and of course fishoils.

I had the same problem with Nutro...the flakes.

I agree with Labracorn, try the fish oil capsules first before changing foods. While dermcaps and 3v caps are wonderful and made for dogs, after doing alot of reading, I now buy my capsules at Sam's club, 300 for 7 bucks. He gets one morning and evening. I do feel they help....in our case it wasn't enough, but I will continue to give them.

Re what Lauren said...I am going to most respectfully disagree here. Labs are not made to be bathed very often. I did this too, overbathed my boy. Ugh. His coat was like a brillo pad. I would recommend using soap only when absolutely necessary....generally speaking a good hose off will get off everything but the most smelly muck or poop. Even then, only spot lather the stinky area (if they have rolled in poop or dead fish). I would use an extremely gentle shampoo, and always always always try just hosing off first!.

I consider Labby to be an expert in this area, with her brood and her years of experience...when I have asked her in the past what she uses, she DOESNT. She uses water and a brush....and THATS IT.

Yep...I agree with labracorn too. IF you DO have to use shampoo I have learned too......use sparingly and use something simple and natural. I have learned the hard way too. In the show ring. Not pretty. :( Again....I think a healthy and shiny coat comes from WITHIN.

Lauren, if you show, then you definitely know what i am talkin about!!!!!

Last fall....every time Cooper would wallow in the mud (several times a week), I would lather him up. Can you say brillo pad? YIKES!

I have a package of baby wipes I use on him too for spot treatment, but for the most part the hose and zoom groom fixes him right up.

Suzie

Humm....baby wipes for touch ups....That sounds good! I don't think I will ever again use shampoo on my Labs just before a show!My pups live with me in the house. Clean smelling is a must! I brush them at night while watching TV. The two boys however seem to wrestle outside. If there is one poop pile out there they find it. Pete is always rubbing Tucker in a fresh one! Yuck!! :eek:
I found that a diluted natural shampoo to remove that kind of dirt doesn't seem to change the coat. I think I'll keep that kind of cleaning even for the shows!! NO SILKY LABS!!

Jackson had his last set of puppy shots last night (my boy is growing up so quickly!!!!!) and I spent about 15 minutes talking food with the Vet.

I've read so much from so many different places, it's difficult to know what to do! Dawn, the vet, was great about explaining things and she really set me at ease.

So we are going to make the switch to Science Diet, LB puppy. Hopefully we (vet, Jackson, and I) have a long relationship - I am going to put my trust in her and we'll just see what happens!

Although a lot of people on this site knock Science Diet and use Nutro (which I've heard bad things about as well, but I guess there will always be problems with every food for some pup out ther!), It has worked for Jack...he has no problems, his coat is beautiful, and he loves it....do whatever works best for your pup....good luck switching!