Dog Food Allergy

There are a number of possible causes to consider when diagnosing a dog food allergy. All dogs are unique, so determining the causes of a dog food allergy is a difficult process. At times, dogs may be allergic to many common pet food ingredients including soy, wheat, and corn. Other dogs may in fact be sensitive to certain types of proteins as well.

The first sign of a dog food allergy is excessive itching and scratching. Many experts agree that this may indicate that your dog may have some nutritional deficiencies in her diet. If she consistently scratches and the culprit is not fleas, there is a good chance that your dog’s diet is missing Omega three, nine, and six types of fatty acids that promote healthy skin and coat conditions. A lack of these may lead to dry irritated skin, and subsequently, a very dry coat.

Another sign of a dog food allergy is the frequency with which your pet tends to bite at her own coat, feet, or how often she chews at parts of her body. Veterinarians suggest switching the main protein source in your dog’s food from say chicken or beef to a more easily digestible form of protein. Lamb is often the most suggested meat source for dog’s experiencing allergic conditions. Although lamb is not entirely capable of being called a non-allergic form of protein, it is always more readily digested by pets with digestion problems than may stem from dog food allergies.

Finally, if you suspect a dog food allergy is to blame for your pet’s discomfort, try switching to a grain-free regimen. This can be accomplished by combining one of many grain-free options available at most major pet supply stores with a type of meat, preferably lamb. If your pet’s condition does not improve, try switching from lamb to another meat source until it appears that symptoms no longer persist.