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Dog with Dog Food AllergyDiagnosing and treating a dog with a dog food allergy is one of the most common problems faced by dog owners. The process is just as tough as it is with humans. First comes the mystery symptom, then come the questions and then the daunting “trial and error” process begins. Mr. Puppy Dog, would you like some stress with your rash? Here’s what we will cover to help you and your dog with a dog food allergy:
What is a Dog Food Allergy?Though it may sound strange, it is a proven medical fact that many dogs do indeed suffer from dog food
allergies.The way the dog allergies are acquired, the symptoms and even the treatments are all the same as they are for their human owners. We’ll cover the symptoms and the culprits further down the page. Unfortunately, diagnosing a dog with a dog food allergy becomes much more difficult because they lack the ability to tell us what they are feeling. (back to top) Which Dogs are More Likely to Suffer from a Dog Food Allergy?Experts have found no evidence showing any link between specific dogs and dog food allergies.All dogs - female and male, neutered and intact, old or young - can develop a dog food allergy.  Well, there has to be an explanation…right? Experts admit that they lack the ability to predict which dogs will develop a food allergy. They only know that the exposure to a particular allergen or protein starts the complicated antibody response that occurs in the intestinal tract. Did you get all that? It’s just a sophisticated way of saying they really have no idea why certain dogs suffer from dog food allergies and others have no problem at all. All that we are left with is a firm understanding of the symptoms and what we must do to treat those symptoms if they show up in our dog. (back to top) What is the Difference Between an Allergy and an Intolerance?There is a clear difference between food allergies and food intolerance.The differentiator lies in the symptoms of the two issues.  A dog with a dog food
allergy
will experience
symptoms that correlate
with an allergic reaction, which is caused by a hypersensative reaction
to the disagreeable protein ingredient within the food.
Things
like itchy skin and skin
breakouts or rashes are a common example of a dog allergic reaction.A dog suffering from dog food intolerance will experience symptoms similar to those that you would experience if you ate excessively spicy or rich foods or bad seafood. Intolerance is caused by the inability to digest fat, additives, artificial colors, rancid or spoiled products, etc. Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can be seen when a dog has specific food intolerance. The good news is that both allergy and intolerance symptoms can be avoided by supplying your dog with a diet free from the offending food. Unless, of course, your dog decides to hop up on the counter and finish off the last of your Indian take-out. Then you’re in for a real treat! (back to top) What are the Main Problem Foods for a Dog with a Dog Food Allergy?Studies to determine which foods effect a dog with a dog food allergy point to these main culprits:
Right you are, and experts claim that this is no coincidence. It is believed that the incidence of allergic reactions in our dogs is probably associated with the over-exposure to these foods. When you look at the natural diet of our dogs’ ancestors over thousands of years, it is apparent that many of the foods we’ve introduced are relatively new to the species (introduced within the last 50 or 60 years). It takes many generations for an animal to develop a tolerance to certain foods, and dogs simply have not had enough time to adjust. (back to top) What are the Common Symptoms and What Can Be Done to Treat Them QuicklyThe main symptoms that a dog with a dog food allergy may experience are quite similar to those of other common dog allergies:
Numerous irritants in your dog’s world can cause itchy, irritated skin. If this is the main symptom your dog is experiencing, first check to make sure that fleas are not the culprit. If fleas are indeed the issue, then you should find organic solutions to your flea crisis. If fleas are not the issue, it’s time for a trip to your veterinarian’s office. 
There are many skin
diseases that
can cause excessive
itching (inhaled allergens, contact allergens, external parasites and
certain skin cancers, for example) and it is best to have your dog
evaluated by a professional. If your vet can find no cause for the excessive itching or skin infection in your dog, there is a good chance you have a dog with a dog food allergy. Excellent natural and organic tonics are sold online and in stores that could provide your dog some relief. They can make the trial and error process much more comfortable and itch-free, so don’t hesitate to use them. This can be a difficult and tedious process, but if you follow a specific guideline to diagnosis it can eliminate some of the guesswork… (back to top) How to Diagnose Your Dog's Food Allergy & the Elimination DietThe diagnosis of a dog with a dog food allergy is straightforward but complicated!Many other health problems can cause similar symptoms in your dog. A few of these health problems are as follows:
Once you have ruled out any other possible health problems, it is now time to begin the food trial.  So, what exactly is a food trial for your dog? The purpose of a food trial is to eliminate all food from your dog’s diet. Your dog is allergic to only one or two of the many ingredients in their dog food diet, and a protein is usually to blame. In order to find the offensive food, you must eliminate all of them and start from scratch. Start your dog on a 12 week “novel protein and carbohydrate” diet. A novel protein and carbohydrate diet consists of a protein and carbohydrate that the animal has never eaten before. Examples include:
Once you have chosen your 12 week diet, feed your dog ONLY that specific diet for the full 12 weeks. NO treats of any sort, remember you have no idea what food source is causing your dog’s dog food allergy. Observe your dog closely. If your dog’s symptoms show a marked reduction or elimination after the 12 week trial, then attempt to feed your dog its original diet once again. If the symptoms return, then you know that your dog has an allergy to something in that specific food. If during the dog’s food trial you notice no improvement of its symptoms, then switch to a different protein and carbohydrate source and continue the food trial. (back to top) Moving Forward with a Treatment Method for Your Dog with a Dog Food AllergyOnce you have made a positive allergy diagnosis for your dog, it is time to plan ahead to figure out what your dog’s diet will contain in the future.As an owner of a dog with a dog food allergy, you have two choices:
 new ingredients. If you are feeding
your dog a diet of
rabbit and potato, you could add beef one week and see how it is
tolerated by your dog. If your dog’s symptoms return, then
you know that your dog is allergic to beef and it can be scratched from
the meal options. Hypoallergenic commercial diets work for 80% of dogs with dog food allergies. The important thing to remember when choosing the right hypoallergenic commercial dog food is that it can not contain any of the ingredients that the “old” dog food contained. Best Foods on the Market for Dogs with Dog Food AllergiesThe following dog foods pass our Healthy Label Test with flying colors and are specifically formulated for dogs with dog food allergies.Note that we continue to research more brands and foods and will add to our recommendations as we come across worthy choices!
Also see... Dog Skin Allergies Best Natural Organic Dog Food on the Market Back to Health & Wellness from How to Help a Dog with Dog Food Allergy How to Help a Dog With Dog Food Allergy - Reference |
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