Dog Food Allergies

An uncommon allergen can be a nuisance to Fido

I found it interesting that dog food allergies account for only 5 to 10 percent of all allergic reactions in dogs and cats. It seems like food would be the most likely culprit in causing allergic reactions, but actually it is inhalants, or flea bites that cause the most allergies. The signs of food allergies are similar to other canine allergies. Diagnosing a food allergy can be challenging for you and your vet.

Common signs of dog food allergies:

• Facial itching
• Foot or limb chewing
• Belly itching
• Recurrent ear infections
• Head shaking
• Hair loss

These symptoms are also common in dogs suffering from other allergies. There are a few signs however that are more common in dogs suffering from just a food allergen. If your dog suffers from allergies year-round and has recurrent ear problems, and/or itching skin that does not respond to antihistamines or steroid treatment, dog food is probably the problem.

Most common ingredients to cause dog food allergies:

• Beef
• Dairy products
• Chicken
• Wheat
• Chicken eggs
• Corn
• Soy

How To Determine If Your Dogs Allergic To His Food

Food trials and the elimination diet

If you suspect food allergies in your dog after all other problems are ruled out, it is time to start a food trial.

Most veterinarians recommend a trial with an elimination diet. This means your dog should get a protein and carbohydrate that he has never eaten before. The trial period should last for 12 weeks. Absolutely Nothing else should be in the dog's diet at this time except of course drinking water.

After 12 weeks if your dog starts to show improvement then he should be placed back on his original food. If the symptoms return after going back on the original diet you have a confirmed diagnosis of food allergies.

Choices for Foods and Diets

To keep your dog allergy free you have two choices. You can choose to feed your animal a special commercially prepared diet, or a home-cooked diet.

Recently there have been new commercial hypoallergenic dog foods developed.

Natural Balance Potato & Duck Dog Food Allergy Formula 5 lb. Bag A proven formula for dogs with allergies based on a unique single source protein and single source carbohydrate blend. No by-products, soy, wheat, rice, eggs, dairy products, or artificial ingredients.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food Allergy Formula 17 lb. Bag For adult dogs with allergies caused by intolerances to common food ingredients such as meat or dairy products. Provides the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the protein source.

Sojos Europa Grain-Free Dog Food Mix 2 lb. Air dried blend of dried veggies, fruits, nuts, herbs and other healthy foods to mix with cooked or raw meats. For dogs with sensitivities to grains.

Solid Gold WolfKing Bison Dry Dog Food 4 lb. Bag For large breed dogs, made with bison, flaxseed oil, garlic, blueberries, and host of other nutrients for a complete, balanced diet.

Solid Gold Just a Wee Bit (Small Breed) Dry Dog Food 4 lb. Bag Diet specially formulated for the high energy needs of small breed adult dogs, or those dogs that will be 20 pounds or less as adults. Made as a very small kibble to accommodate small mouths.

The homemade diet is an excellent option

If you choose a homemade diet it is essential that the diet is balanced with the correct amount of ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. For good ideas check out this excellent e-book Click Here! for John Millers "Healthy Food for Dogs: Homemade Recipes"

Return To Allergies In Dogs

Return To Home Page