Food allergies or sensitivity in dogs are difficult to identify unless there is a baseline with respect to allergies. Many symptoms can mimic allergies and it can be difficult to diagnose them. In general, the signs of food allergies in canines include facial and belly itching, limb or paw gnawing, skin diseases, ear infections, gastro-intestinal discomfort etc. Dogs fed commercial food brands containing colors, dyes, preservatives and proteins often suffer from food allergies. Let us take a look at some of the best dog food for allergies and also study some common signs and symptoms of food allergies in canines.
Signs of dog food allergies
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of dog food allergies:
- Wind/flatulence
- Bad breath
- Blocked anal glands
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Poor coat
- Itchy skin with red patches and hair loss
- Candida
- Recurrent skin infections
- Fungal infections
- Lethargy
- Twitchy energy
- Classic doggy smell
- Dogs may appear irritable, barky or snappy
- You might find it difficult to get their attention or keep their focus.
- Dog food allergies can also reduce your pet’s threshold for arousal – they may bark, growl, snap or bite more readily than other dogs.
What to look for in dog food when your dog is allergic
Different dogs are allergic to different things found in commercial dog food. Some dogs are allergic to grains like wheat, corn etc. Pet parents must look for food with little or no wheat, corn and other grains. You could, instead, go for brown rice, buckwheat, amaranth or other ancient grains as these are easier for digestion. Some dogs are known to be allergic to all sorts of protein including beef, lamb, fish, eggs and chicken. Then there are cases of dogs being allergic to dairy and milk based foods. Food allergies can also occur when the source of carbohydrates used in dog food is soybean.
Dogs are generally very active, so they need a clean source of carbohydrates which they can use up for energy. There is a general consensus among veterinarians that dogs need about 40% of healthy carbohydrates. It is best to go in for low or zero grain dog food containing plenty of vegetables, chicken and antioxidant rich fruits and veggies. Or better yet, you can prepare home cooked meals for your little ones! There are some easy recipes which we have discussed in this article.
What to avoid in dog food
Take a good look at the ingredients listed in dog food. Avoid the following
- Artificial colors, preservatives and flavors
- Propylene glycol-an ingredient banned by the FDA
- Fats- Avoid foods that list fats vaguely as animal fats or poultry fat. These are poorer choice than vegetable fats since they do not provide the ratio of essential fatty acids necessary for optimal health.
Most dog food is extruded meaning it is cooked at a high temperature. However, this destroys the nutrition. So look for baked, slow cooked food. You are what you eat and the same thing applies to your dogs. Feed your dog organic food as far as possible.
Best Dog Food for Allergies
Taste of The Wild
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Food
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry and Wet Dog Food
