Common Dog Food Allergies
Dogs are allergic to some of the very same foods that cause dangerous reactions in humans, including peanuts, wheat, and dairy products. Corn, beef, chicken, eggs, and fish are also on the short list of common canine allergies.
Itchy, flaky skin is one of the most common symptoms of a food allergy, and dogs that scratch excessively or bite their feet and legs may be trying to alleviate the discomfort caused by food allergies. Irritated ears and diarrhea are other possible signs to be on the lookout for. However, these symptoms are indicative of many other conditions, so it is important to consult with your veterinarian for a positive diagnosis.
If your veterinarian determines food allergies are a potential cause of your dog's discomfort, she can help you determine which foods are the culprits and recommend healthy alternatives.
To find out which foods your dog is allergic to, your veterinarian may place him on a highly restrictive diet encompassing meals, treats, medications, and even toys. This diet may last as long as four months to allow your veterinarian to track results. Suspected foods are individually added back into your dog's diet to see whether symptoms will reappear.
Fact
Allergies can develop over time after dogs have been continuously exposed to foods. Even dogs that are well into adulthood may develop new allergies to common foods they never had problems with before.
Dogs with food allergies can eat specially formulated food, either commercially manufactured or homemade. Making your own food allows you the flexibility of tailoring recipes to your dog's unique needs, and you can usually substitute any offending ingredients.
Generally, you can substitute different types of meat if your dog is allergic to specific meats. For instance, if the recipe for Sauerbraten sounds good to you but your dog is allergic to beef, substitute lamb or chicken for the beef and use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
In baking recipes, use rice flour or oat flour if your dog is allergic to wheat or corn, but you may need to experiment with the proportions to get the right consistency.
Food intolerances are different from food allergies. Food intolerance symptoms can include upset stomach and diarrhea and can be easily remedied by eliminating the offending foods from your dog's diet.
