All breeds of dogs can suffer from dog food allergies. Both female and male dogs are affected. Allergies can can occur in young dogs and older ones too. They also may suffer from other allergy problems that are related to their environment. It is important that a complete veterinarian exam is done to rule out other medical conditions the dog may have.
Dog Breeds and Dog Food Allergies
Some of the dog breeds that are genetically pre-disposed to having dog food allergies are:
- Bulldogs
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Schnauzers
- Terriers
The most common symptom of allergies are skin problems such as red bumps or papules. Excessive scratching could lead to skin infections. Ear infections, hair loss, bowel problems, are other signs of dog food allergies.
Most Common Foods That Cause Dog Food Allergies Are The Following:
- Diary Products – milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt
- Eggs
- Beef
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Fish
- Wheat
- Corn
- Soy
- Additives – preservatives, food coloring
In order to diagnose a dog having dog food allergies, a food elimination trial must be done. This usually consists of feeding the dog ingredients to which they have not been previously exposed. Approximately 25% of dogs will show signs of improvement after being on the food trial for 3 weeks. Most dogs will need to be on the special diet for 12 weeks. It is recommended that this type of test be done first before considering other medical tests that could be costly.
The majority of dogs with food allergies can still eat commercial products once the offending ingredient is eliminated from their diet. All natural dog food that is homemade is another alternative to store bought foods. The good news is that most dogs are helped by a couple of dietary changes. Remember, if you think your dog has a dog food allergy, a veterinarian consultation is recommended before any changes are made to their diet.
Here is a Video On Dog Food Allergies you may find interesting.