Dog Food Allergies - what you need to know!



Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008

by
MyWay LLC

Does your dog spend a lot of time scratching, biting or licking himself? Does he suffer from hot spots, rashes, itchy flaky skin or other similar issues? If so, he may be suffering from a dog food allergy.

Food allergies in dogs occur more frequently than most owners realize, and more often than not they show up as skin problems.

Contrary to what most people expect, food allergies are more likely to occur in response to a familiar food which has been well tolerated for months, or even years, rather than as a result of trying a new food. Dog food intolerances or sensitivities are more likely to produce tummy upsets than true allergies.

Symptoms of food allergies in dogs

Dog food allergies usually result in skin irritations and conditions. You may notice these symptoms

Food allergies in dogs may also cause other symptoms, such as


Causes of dog food allergies

There are many different ingredients that can cause these types of allergies, but some are more likely to be a problem than others. The most common triggers are

and there are many others. It's also useful to know that foods likely to trigger an allergic reaction in people are more prone to doing the same in dogs. Foods such as eggs, tomatoes, certain cheeses etc. should be avoided.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a dog food allergy, an elimination diet can be recommended. This basically means eliminating any food ingredient that your dog has ever eaten, and replacing his food with one containing only new, unfamiliar ingredients. You can then reintroduce the familiar ingredients one at a time and monitor your dog for reactions.

There are a range of dog foods designed specifically for this purpose, and natural dog foods and those formulated for dogs with sensitivities are also good.

Breeds most likely to suffer from allergies

It's possible for any dog to become allergic to any food, but some breeds just seem to be more likely candidates than others. These include

 And there are many more.

You can find more complete lists of ingredients likely to trigger food allergies in dogs, other breeds that are pre-disposed to allergies, plus lots of tips, information and advice on dealing with food allergies in dogs here - http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/dog-food-allergies.html


You can find lots more information, tips and advice about caring for your puppy (including training, behavior, feeding, health and much more) at http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com


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