So as most people have heard about this DCM issue and grain-free diet I came here looking for suggestions on how to put grain-back in my dogs' diets. I have three dogs two greys and a mix beagle/ACD/misc. All of them are on grain-free but it was all sort of a thing I stumbled on. My first grey, Hawkeye, had horrible GI problems and skin issues. It took me nearly 2 years trying every brand/formula/flavor and supplements I could get until I finally got him on Orjien Six-fishes and a digestive supplement. He has been on it nearly 8 years now and his coat and skin are perfect and he has normal BMs. My second grey, Daisy, was never a good eater according to the rescue and they actually had to sit with her and hand feed kibble. When I got her I again tried lots of food until I found a Zignature formula she loved and she's been on that since then. My third dog, Zee, was suppose to be a temporary thing but has become permanent. He was on Blue buffalo chicken and rice for years but once he stole some Orjien out of Hawkeye's bowl he refused to eat the BB.
Long story short I now have three dogs on grain-free and now I'm very concerned about the research however inconclusive the FDA says it is about heart issues. Zee already has a heart problem due to his former owner's wife "accidentally" poisoning him with psychiatric drugs. Zee shouldn't be a problem to change I believe as long as it is high quality and fish based but Daisy is supper picky and I worry about Hawkeye's GI issues especially now that he is almost 11.
So suggestions? My head is spinning looking through dog brands. I'm thinking maybe doing a 40/60 mix of the current foods or maybe just making a rice/oat/barely porridge for them (though I have no idea how to even go about making or feeding portions for that). Many posts talk about home cooked or raw diets but financially that is not an option since I have my mother-in-law with Lupus living with me and my husband was diagnosed with it just a year after we were married so medical bills take up most our three incomes. Still I want to do the best I can for these dogs they were here before life got complex and promised to give them a happy healthy life.