An allergic dog should be given a diet that is free from known allergens, in order to get rid of the symptoms of the allergic reaction. It usually takes time to identify which particular food causes the allergic reaction, and sometimes a dog has multiple sensitivities that are harder to identify. In such cases, it's best to feed him a non-allergic dog food diet or a high quality hypoallergenic dog food.
Food Allergies in Dogs
Food allergies in dogs are difficult to diagnose. Foods that commonly cause allergies are chicken, eggs, beef, corn, soy and wheat. Allergies can develop over time and a dog that's fed a particular diet for a long time may suddenly develop symptoms of an allergic reaction. Dogs may be allergic to only one ingredient in the meal or to several. Since the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, it's best to work with the vet to diagnose the allergy with the help of an elimination diet.
Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies:
- Itchiness
- Dry and flaky skin
- Loss of hair
- Skin rashes
- Recurrent skin and ear infections
- Chronic vomiting
- Chronic diarrhea
- Excessive grooming
- Sneezing
- Flatulence
- Seizures
Commercial Dog Food
Commercial dog food, whether wet or dry, has ingredients such as corn, wheat, soy, dairy and other grains. Such components cause the dog's digestive system to work in a way that is contrary to its normal functioning and this can cause allergies.
Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Hypoallergenic dog food contains ingredients that are ideal for a dog's digestive system. The meal is also designed to handle a food allergy. Such food should be similar to the dog's natural diet or food that the pet would have consumed in the wild (such as raw meat and plants). High quality hypoallergenic diets should contain organic food and should be free of chemicals or preservatives. The protein sources of hypoallergenic diets are normally venison, duck, rabbit or salmon and not commonly used sources like chicken, beef or lamb. Moreover, brown rice is used instead of ingredients such as wheat, soy or corn that are generally present in commercial pet food products.
Benefits of a Canine Hypoallergenic Diet
Hypoallergenic dog foods contain proteins that are partially broken down. Since these proteins are broken down, they are incapable of causing allergic reactions in pets. These diets can be purchased from the vet and are also known as prescription diets.
Precautions
When you feed your pet an elimination diet or a hypoallergenic diet, you should stick to it and don't give him other foods in addition to the non-allergic food. Onions and garlic shouldn't be included in your pet's diet. Once the ingredient that causes the allergy is identified, care should be taken to exclude it completely from the pet's meals.
Non-allergic or hypoallergenic dog food can save your dog's life. You can give him commercially prepared food or meals prepared at home. Homemade hypoallergenic food is preferred if you have some doubt about the contents of commercially prepared non-allergic dog food products.