Dog vomiting question...

fatkid1974

Well-Known Member
Apr 3, 2010
1,317
102
63
51
van down by the river
I have a 14 month old lab. We fed him Taste of the Wild large breed puppy food for the first year with great results. At one year I mixed 50/50 of the same brand puppy/adult food to try to gradually break him in. He would vomit his dinner two hours later, still in kibble form, about once a week. We switched him over to the Adult food and he would vomit the same way, about every other day. I looked at the ingredients of the Adult formula and noticed that although it was supposedly all natural, that it had a pretty high wheat content. After talking to my breeder he told me to try a food with no corn, wheat or soy--so I did. I started off the week with a couple trial size of Diamond Naturals, he didn't vomit once so I thought I had the problem licked. Well, now it's the end of the week and he is pretty much vomiting one meal a day up. Since this problem started when I switched food, I'm assuming it's a food problem and not a health problem for now. I'm about to take him to the vet if it continues to happen over the next couple days, but I figured I would take advantage of sharing a forum with some grads of the best vet med school in the country for their input. If it matters, I feed him 2 cups twice a day and his spirit hasn't changed at all. He isn't losing any weight and he doesn't show any of the signs of sickness--dry nose, swollen gums, and eyes. Thanks for any input.
 
I have a 14 month old lab. We fed him Taste of the Wild large breed puppy food for the first year with great results. At one year I mixed 50/50 of the same brand puppy/adult food to try to gradually break him in. He would vomit his dinner two hours later, still in kibble form, about once a week. We switched him over to the Adult food and he would vomit the same way, about every other day. I looked at the ingredients of the Adult formula and noticed that although it was supposedly all natural, that it had a pretty high wheat content. After talking to my breeder he told me to try a food with no corn, wheat or soy--so I did. I started off the week with a couple trial size of Diamond Naturals, he didn't vomit once so I thought I had the problem licked. Well, now it's the end of the week and he is pretty much vomiting one meal a day up. Since this problem started when I switched food, I'm assuming it's a food problem and not a health problem for now. I'm about to take him to the vet if it continues to happen over the next couple days, but I figured I would take advantage of sharing a forum with some grads of the best vet med school in the country for their input. If it matters, I feed him 2 cups twice a day and his spirit hasn't changed at all. He isn't losing any weight and he doesn't show any of the signs of sickness--dry nose, swollen gums, and eyes. Thanks for any input.

Both of our dogs do not agree with the fancy "all-natural" dog foods. Diamond Natural was one that we got a partial bag that came with our pup when we adopted her.

Can't remember the other one...Buffalo something years ago made the old guy puke.

There was another big "all-natural" brand of treats that they really seemed to like, but we had the same problem as you, maybe every third day or so they'd hack it back up.

I don't know if it just takes longer than we were willing to go for them to get used to those brands or what. But I definitely had similar issues to what you're describing.

Never had a problem with Science Diet (senior and adult, we give both adult lite now) and Eukanuba puppy.
 
Last edited:
Have you tried to break the dog in more gradually that 50/50? Might want to start with the newer food as a smaller portion.
We rescued a shelter dog in August and feed him Blue Buffalo Grain Free Freedom Puppy. It's pricey but it has worked out very well with him, luckily he's small so its not a huge expense.
 
My wife is a veterinarian. I just read her your post and am handing the laptop over to her now. She writes...

That vomiting can be due to a number of different problems. I recommend seeing your veterinarian for a full physical exam to rule in or out a medical problem. They may suggest bloodwork or radiographs as well. It is still possibly food related (food sensitivity), there are other allergens besides just soy, wheat, or corn. Also, some elimination diets (not true hypoallergenic diets) will not necessary rule in or out a food sensitivity due to cross contaminants, etc. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet if a food sensitivity is to blame.
 
Both of our dogs do not agree with the fancy "all-natural" dog foods. Diamond Natural was one that we got a partial bag that came with our pup when we adopted her.

Can't remember the other one...Buffalo something years ago made the old guy puke.

There was another big "all-natural" brand of treats that they really seemed to like, but we had the same problem as you, maybe every third day or so they'd hack it back up.

I don't know if it just takes longer than we were willing to go for them to get used to those brands or what. But I definitely had similar issues to what you're describing.

Never had a problem with Science Diet (senior and adult, we give both adult lite now) and Eukanuba puppy
.

I've considered those brands but my breeder says my dogs mother has a problem with those brands so I just stayed away.
 
My Golden Lab used to throw up randomly all the time till I switched her to Pet's Mart brand Authority Large Breed. After a couple weeks, she has not thrown up since unless I forget to feed her lol. Take it for what it's worth.
 
Before you take him to the vet, try slowing down his feeding by giving it to him in 1/4s and spread the time out a bit... My old beagle used to do this occasionally when she ate too much too fast. The food expands and it has no place to go but back out... If he still pukes, go to the vet...
 
My wife is a veterinarian. I just read her your post and am handing the laptop over to her now. She writes...

That vomiting can be due to a number of different problems. I recommend seeing your veterinarian for a full physical exam to rule in or out a medical problem. They may suggest bloodwork or radiographs as well. It is still possibly food related (food sensitivity), there are other allergens besides just soy, wheat, or corn. Also, some elimination diets (not true hypoallergenic diets) will not necessary rule in or out a food sensitivity due to cross contaminants, etc. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet if a food sensitivity is to blame.

At least you give credit to the source. My fiance is a 3rd year vet student, and gave me roughly the same answer. However, I was going to pass along the info like it was my own and act like I'm a jack of all trades and know a little something about everything.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cyrevkah
He scarfs it down like he's in prison. I think you might be on to something.

Our dog used to do this as well...he never puked, but he used to hack and burp like crazy when he was done eating. Once he got to about 20 months, we pretty much had to beg him to eat. We are at a point now where he always has food in his bowl, and just eats a little at a time randomly throughout the day.
 
Before you take him to the vet, try slowing down his feeding by giving it to him in 1/4s and spread the time out a bit... My old beagle used to do this occasionally when she ate too much too fast. The food expands and it has no place to go but back out... If he still pukes, go to the vet...

Over how much time did you do the 1/4s? Spread it out over each feeding or the whole day?
 
He scarfs it down like he's in prison. I think you might be on to something.

My cat vomits. She eats fast without chewing at all. Smaller portions help, but sometimes it still comes up a few minutes after she eats. I've mentioned it to the vet and there doesn't seem to be any problems from that side. She's done this since I got her 3 years ago.

On a related problem, what's a good carpet stain remover?
 

Help Support Us

Become a patron