Have you noticed that your dog scratches excessively and have itchy skin issue?
Dog food allergy symptoms range from skin reactions to stomach problem to behavioral changes. If your furkid is displaying any of the below, he is most probably allergic to the food he eats.
Itching
Hot spots
Skin rashes
Scaly or oily skin
Red eyes or eye discharge
Ear infections
Bloating or abdominal pain
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Restlessness
Biting at paws, rear end or tail
Loss of interest in playtime
Anorexia or disinterest in or refusal of food
If you notice yourself repeating a similar sentence “Stop scratching yourself” to your furkid, it is time to pay more attention.
Just like people, dogs can have food allergies too. Similarly, the allergic reactions can range from itchy and irritating to severe and dangerous. Allergies are the reactions of the immune system where your dog’s body goes a little haywire caused by a trigger.
Food Allergies in Dogs
“Food allergies is the most common allergies for dogs.” Allergies change over time and there is a possibility that they will go worse. It is always advisable to find out about the allergy issues before it turns bad. Even if your furkid has been eating the same food at all time, he could have just developed an allergy with the changes of external factors. Do keep an eye on your pups from time to time, to ensure they are healthy and happy.
Common Dog Food Allergens
BMC Veterinary Research identified some of the most frequently reported dog food allergens. The top three most common causes of food allergies in dogs are beef, dairy products and chicken.
Dog food allergen | Percentage of dogs with reported reaction |
Beef | 34% |
Dairy Products | 17% |
Chicken | 15% |
Wheat | 13% |
Soy | 6% |
Corn | 4% |
Egg | 4% |
Each time your dog eats food containing these ingredients or substances, the antibodies reach with antigens and symptoms appear. Many of these ingredients are found in commercial dog foods. If this reminds you of what you read at the list of your dog’s food ingredients, you shall pay extra attention especially if your pup displays a symptom.
“If your dog is constantly itching, he/she feels like having a thousand mosquito bites all the time, and this leads to distress.”
If food allergy is left untreated, more serious health issues could developed. For example:
Secondary skin infections
Development of more allergies
Behavioral changes
Distress or depressions
Conducting a food elimination diet can be a way to identify the source of your dog’s irritation.
Elimination Diets
One of the methods of diagnosing food allergy is to feed a hypoallergenic diet, called “Elimination Diet”. The elimination diet shall not contain any ingredients that the pet has eaten in the past. This also requires that no other foods, treats or supplements to be fed during the trial period.
“The elimination diet shall not contain any ingredients that the pet has eaten in the past.”
You may introduce novel proteins to your dog. This approach involves feeding proteins that your dog has likely never been exposed to, in an effort to avoid an allergy reaction.
You may want to check out Zignature Formula, which is a limited ingredient recipe with meat first, to ensure proper digestion while minimizing possible allergens and food sensitivities. These formulation are chicken-free, potato-free, grain-free and Low GI, suitable to be used for an elimination diet.
Most dogs experience at least some improvements in their food allergy symptoms within the first 4 to 6 weeks during the elimination diet, some may require a longer period of time to respond to it. It is important to feed only hypoallergenic dog food during the time of an elimination diet.
Once the food allergy has been diagnosed using the hypoallergenic dog food, a challenge may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Single source ingredients, such as a slice of chicken, a sprinkling of wheat or soy, may be added to determine the ingredients to be avoided in the future. Speak to your veterinarian for a safe and complete plan for your dog.
Keep feeding the Hypoallergenic Dog Food
It is a good idea to stick with the hypoallergenic dog food you are feeding your pup now. If your dog is enjoying their new diet and showing no signs of allergies or intolerance; some may even have improvements in their energy or coat; you do not have to go back to the previous diet.
As long as the hypoallergenic dog food provides a complete and balanced diet to your dogs, you may have found their ideal meals. Check out dog food with AAFCO Compliance.
Remember that each dog is different. It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian to discuss the most suitable treatment for your pup. You will feel great to have taken time to rule out food allergies of your dog, your furkid will have more enjoyable moments with you hereafter.