Finding the Right Food for a Dog with Allergies

Allergies are commonly thought of as irritations that affect people and cause a number of annoying and sometimes severe reactions. Food allergies are among the most varied and do not necessarily present right away. Dogs can have allergies to foods the same way that people can and the reaction to foods can cause a number of irritations in your pet. Ten percent of allergies that are found in dogs are related to the food they eat. One of the most common symptoms of a food allergy for dogs is itching and scratching. Twenty percent of cases of excessive itching and scratching in dogs is linked to food allergies.

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Dogs can present symptoms of food allergies as early as five months and most cases present when dogs are between the ages of two and six years. Symptoms of food allergies in dogs can be varied, and the allergies can affect male and female dogs. The most common symptom is itching and it typically affects the armpits, legs, ears and face. Dogs with food allergies also become prone to frequent ear infections, hair loss, and skin infections. Many people treat dogs with antibiotics only to realize that the infections come back once the antibiotics are stopped. Dog food for allergies should be given to the dog once the food allergy is confirmed.

The diagnostic process of food allergies for dogs is simple but takes a little over twelve weeks to complete. The process most commonly used to diagnose a food allergy in dogs is a food trial. This means that the owner replaces the diet of the dog for twelve full weeks with a different food source that consists of protein and carbohydrates since these are the most important nutrients for dogs. The most common sources of protein used in food trials are rabbit and venison since they are not generally used in commercial dog foods. The most common form of carbohydrates used in the food trial is potatoes for the same reason.

Controlling the environment of the dog is important for these twelve weeks by not giving the dog treats or rawhide bones to snack on. The dog should only consume the special food and water. This helps to ensure the accuracy of the test. After the dog has been on its special diet for twelve weeks, if the symptoms have reduced or gone away, it is time to put the dog on the normal food again. Once back on the normal food, if the symptoms come back, you know that your dog was allergic to an ingredient in its food.

Dog food for allergies can then be customized to avoid allergic reactions. Slowly add in ingredients from your dog’s normal food for two weeks at a time. Once the symptoms resume, you have found the ingredient that caused your dog’s reaction. Homemade dog foods are the best way to ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your dog.