Your Dog and Food Allergies

Food allergies are as predominant in the canine world as they are in the human world. The trend towards natural and organic food is helping these dogs eat a safe nutritious diet. Allergies appear in many forms, some simple, some hidden and intense.

Wheat allergies are prominent and especially prevalent in some breeds. That one isn't that hard to go around. There are foods out there on the supermarket shelves that do not contain wheat. The next step up is grain allergies. These dogs can eat no grain at all. This presents a different problem for the owner. Most commercial dog foods do contain some grains, corn, wheat, barley being the most prevalent. Recently some companies have started manufacturing grain free foods.

The grain free foods that are easiest to find at the pet store will usually contain some type of fish and potato base. Dogs do like fish. Some have sweet potatoes which are loaded with anti-oxidants for good health.

Along comes meat and is it possible that dogs can be allergic to some meats? Yes it is. There have been instances where a dog was allergic to cooked beef but tolerated raw more easily. This can be the case with chicken as well. Lamb doesn't seem to have as many issues as beef and chicken. If food allergies to meat are present in your dog, remember to read the labels closely. Also, if you dog is allergic to a particular meat product chances are the liver or gizzards will react in the same way.

There are many breeders who have switched to what was once called the BARF diet. It consists of bones and raw food. There are those who swear by them and wouldn't consider feeding their dogs commercial or even home cooked foods. Before embarking on the raw diet, some research needs to be done. Your veterinarian is the best consultant for that project.

That will bring us to bones. There is so much talk about not feeding dogs bones. If your dog is not allergic to the meat the bone came from he can eat the bone RAW. Raw bones do not splinter as easily as cooked bones. Be careful with your dogs and small bones of any kind. The larger knuckle bones or thigh bones are safer for the chewers in your home.

In the vegetable category, there has been recent issues with corn and soy. Diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms can present with these food allergies.

The best advice one can offer is to consult with your veterinarian and carefully read the nutritional label on the food you purchase for your dog. The ingredient labels on dog food works the same as it does on human food. They are listed in the order of their proportion to the food. If meat is 5th on the list, you may have junk in your basket.

Don't forget to check the treats as well. Enjoy your happy, healthy friends and feed them well. They are bound to show their appreciation for the good care you administer to them.

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