Posted on March 15, 2010 by Nancy Houser

It is pretty convenient for dog owners to feed already prepared commercial dog foods to their dogs (canned, dry or moist). Not a problem, but many dog owners have no idea what they are putting into their dog’s stomach or what affect it will have on the dog. Food allergies in dogs develop subtly yet powerfully,  but remains a field where little is known yet. Everybody has an opinion, but nobody knows what it is yet.

In today’s economy, struggling pet owners determine what the dog food price is and what can be afforded that week. Many families are forced to buy a different type of dog food every week, depending on what is on sale—which is extremely hard on their digestive systems causing diarrhea and soft stools.

What we don’t know is that food allergies in dogs actually develop in a manner that is rapid, obvious and dramatic.

Signs of food allergies in dogs

• Itchy skin around the dog’s face, feet, ears, forelegs, and armpits with excessive scratching.

• Red itchy area around the anus and rectal area

• Chronic or recurrent ear infections

• Skin infections that clear up with antibiotics but come back once the med is done.

• Listlessness

• Lack of energy

• Hot spots

• Chronic diarrhea

• Poor skin and coat and loss of hair

• Change in normal behavior

• Lack of appetite

• Increase in bowel activities

All kinds of animals and all ages can develop food allergies.

Facts about food allergies

Food allergies in dogs are the third most common cause of dog allergies, with flea bite allergies and inhalant allergies (atopy) at the top of the list.

If food allergies are suspected, the only treatment is a food trial, say of 12-weeks. It is advised to rest the animal’s digestive system of its previous diet. Instead, prepare a protein for them that has never been eaten much (such as salmon, lamb or venison) which can be eaten raw or lightly cooked.  Vegetables can also be given (carrot, potato, parsnip, etc) either raw or lightly cooked. White rice is an excellent dish for resting the digestive system with some of the protein or vegetables adding to it.

Many allergy professionals will separate the starches from the proteins while serving two meals a day—carbohydrates in the morning and meat at night. Remember this is a diet for short term use only in order to eliminate the dog’s body of all past foods. If there has been a food sensitivity or food allergy going on, they will quickly respond with more energy, a shinier coat, and more affectionate once the allergy food is removed from their diet.  This should go on for about three weeks before small bits of food are brought into the picture to check out the theory. Once a new food is introduced, it can be fed for about seven days.

Related posts:

• Natural Dog Care for Allergies
• Winter Allergies: Winter Health Issues in Dogs
• Tips about low-cost healthy dog food
• Dog Food With Fresh Meat & Vegetables
• Symptoms of Rabies Shots Problem in Dogs