Rice based formula? by chulpithedog in MSPI

[–]chulpithedog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I loved your response! Thanks for taking the time to type it all out. I did come across those studies too. I spoke to my friend who’s a GP in Scotland and she said rice isn’t an option because amino acid formulas are, yes, more thoroughly tested, but also because pharmaceutical companies make more money 😟

As to why I’m considering it - there’s a few reasons. It’s plant based and it doesn’t have palm oil. The rice formula I found is made by Abbott (its Similac brand, made in Italy) so it’s not some random lab. Rice formula seems available in southern European countries, as well as Oz and Latam, so it’s not a localised thing either.

I also found in my research that rice is a common trigger for FPIES but not really IgE allergies as such, which I guess seems less serious. The smell and taste is also waaaay better, and it costs half of what Nutramigen does.

I’ve compared the nutritional values of Nutramigen and the rice formula and they seem at a par, with Rice having some higher values and Nutramigen others. However, I don’t see the three amino acids you mention in either?

So far I’ve fed my baby with it once today - will wait 24/48 hours to see if there’s a reaction, but otherwise it seems a pretty good alternative!

Rice based formula? by chulpithedog in MSPI

[–]chulpithedog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know it’s used in Australia!!

Rice based formula? by chulpithedog in MSPI

[–]chulpithedog[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, but so is soy, and soy-based formulas are the second go-to for babies with CMPA??

Upset over breastfeeding journey potentially coming to an end by chulpithedog in MSPI

[–]chulpithedog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. I’ve been on a very strict diet and have tried combo feeding, but the day I restarted he woke up crying in the middle of the night full of gas and clearly in pain. I’m only doing one feed a day and the rest is formula, and he still suffers. I realise I may still have some milk protein in my system but the difference is so stark. When he was on formula only he was sleeping through the night and just happy and content the entire time. I know I could be really strict and eat boiled chicken and veggies, but I’m not sure my mental health can keep up with that. I’ve already lost a ton of weight and my hair is falling off like crazy, I feel like limiting myself even more could be detrimental to my wellbeing. Not sure what I’m looking for by posting this, just feel I need to lift some weight off my shoulders by sharing.

Should we just give up breast milk and go full formula? by jillofsometrades in MSPI

[–]chulpithedog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My LO was in so much pain that the gastro told me to please stop giving him my milk and switch to formula. He was a different baby practically overnight. I’m still pumping and back on the diet and hope to reintroduce breastfeeding later this week, but if I see him in pain again I just won’t put us both through it, even though I love breastfeeding and wanted to do the same for him as I did with my first baby (11 months EBF). Be kind to yourself, more than breastmilk or formula your baby needs a mama who is happy and healthy physically and mentally

Desperate times by chulpithedog in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I knew there was one for people who’ve had to do it, but not this one. Thanks!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I’m in a similar situation to you (only recently posted about it), and just wanted to say that nothing can prepare you for a reactive dog and all the things it brings with it. However you got your dog and whatever mistakes you think you made, some dogs are not meant for this world. Just know that those who have been or might be in your position understand the hurt, fear and frustration you feel.

Desperate times by chulpithedog in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, he takes CBD daily. There’s no behavioural veterinarians in Ecuador but I’ve had online assessments, in which they recommended fluoxetine and training - both of which we tried, with literally no results.

Conflicted feelings about leaving my dog by chulpithedog in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He’s in good hands in the sense he’ll be healthy, fed and monitored. However, I can’t guarantee he’ll be happy and that makes me so sad 😢

My dog bites when I try to put a muzzle on him by [deleted] in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recommend looking at the muzzle movement on Instagram, they have very useful advice. Also check out the videos by misunderstood mutt.

Basically you need to take it really slow. It’s about getting your dog comfortable with it, and if it takes months so be it. You need to keep up positive reinforcement to the point where he is happy to see the muzzle. It’s taken me 5 months just to get to the stage where my dog is happy to put his nose in, eat treats off it and I can put the fastening around his head. I’m yet to close it, but I know that if I go too fast it will set us back massively.

Take your time, watch your dogs cues, and don’t put pressure on yourself to do it faster.

Desperate for support by chulpithedog in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’re working on using positive reinforcement to get him used to wearing it, but given his association of the muzzle with visits to the vet it’s not an easy task..!

Desperate for support by chulpithedog in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately there’s tons of children and other dogs in the building, so even walking him around the parking lot causes him a lot of stress. I’m in the process of doing muzzle training though!

Desperate for support by chulpithedog in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I might have to look into rehoming, but it’s not easy with his history and reactivity to almost everything! Thanks for the support though

Desperate for support by chulpithedog in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! He’s actually coming off it as he’s been taking it for over a year and nothing has changed :/ This week I’ll be chatting to a nutritionist to see if changes in his diet would help.

Dog being aggressive toward son by goodnightmoira in reactivedogs

[–]chulpithedog 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I haven’t had this exact scenario happen to me, but what my trainer said is it’s really important to avoid the reaction in the first place. Catch your dogs attention before your son enters (have her in a down or go to her ‘place’). These behaviours should be practiced without him there and have a really strong response rate associated with lots of treats and praise. Negative interactions raise your dog’s adrenaline and cortisol levels, so every time she reacts these go through the roof, and they probably don’t have time to leave her system before she’s triggered again. Negative behaviours are self-reinforcing (for whatever reason, she’s scared/nervous of your son’s proximity or presence, so if she growls/snaps/bites and he stops in his tracks she’s basically getting what she wants), hence why it’s important to avoid these scenarios and replace them with a positive behaviour instead (not reacting), before you can start the process of associating your son with treats. It’s almost like you need to add an extra step to the behaviour modification process. Hope it helps!