Common dog food allergies and sensitivities are an annoying problem for dogs and their owners. Read the DogAppy article to understand how you can find a solution for your pooch’s diet adjustments.
Although flea and tick allergy, along with skin allergies, are common among dogs, they can also be subjected to food allergies. Keep in mind that corn and wheat are the biggest agents. Typically, dogs (while in the wild) survive on meat only. However, they are fed corn and wheat, added in dog foods.
Hence, keeping an eye on what is being fed to your darling pooch is very essential. Canned or dry foods for dogs have fillers, like rice. Which is why, reading the ingredient’s label is important before you purchase a particular brand or type of food.
Types of Allergies
- Whey and grains, mostly wheat
- Eggs or certain meat products
- Certain vegetables, mostly corn
- Soy and dairy products
- Commercial dog foods with additives
Basically, the allergies are not the result of eating the actual food; it’s the preservatives and pesticides they add in the food and some which are present around the food as well; causing an allergic reaction.
Now let’s take foods that have lamb as an ingredient. So even lamb can be one of the factors behind the allergies. It is yours and the veterinarian’s responsibility to figure out which foods your dog is allergic to.
Signs of Allergies
The main sign you’ll notice is itchy skin. This leads to intense scratching and chewing, head shaking, loss of hair, rubbing face, sores, and recurring infections. When any of these allergies and symptoms are overlooked, they can become serious.
For example, a minor skin irritation can turn severe with symptoms like diarrhea, throwing up, asthma-like breathing symptoms, seizures, change in behavior, and/or gas.
As the most common allergies can appear at any age, breed, and gender, knowing what to feed your dog is an essential step for proper dog care. Although we can’t stop an allergy from developing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take precautionary steps. When you spot any of these signs, visit the veterinarian and find out the root cause.
Generally, almost always, you should see if the food you wish to purchase contains protein in food ingredients. As there are many natural and organic foods available today, although slightly expensive than other commercial brands, they seem as a better choice for your dog.
These natural foods have less fillers, which means, even less food will give sufficient nutrients that is required. While battling with allergies, we need to remind ourselves, that not money but the dog’s health is more significant.
Another advantage of him/her consuming natural dog food is that he will poop less as well. And if you wish to eliminate store-bought foods, you can even feed him/her homemade foods. Why take chances with your pet’s health? Giving slightly more attention will give your dog a life free of allergies, and bring a whole lot of peace.
