Dog Food Allergies
Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, especially older dogs and the incidence of allergies are on the increase.
What are the symptoms? Most commonly, they manifest themselves as itchy skin and eruptions, usually in the lower back. A dog might also have inflamed ears, you might see them liking their front paws more than usual, or they might show digestive problems such as gas, gurgling noises and diarrhea. Other symptoms might be an irritated rear end when they lick or drag their bottom on the floor.
In many cases these symptoms are an allergic reaction to the food your dog is eating.
If your dog has a mild case the best way to start is by doing a diet test.
Eliminate the most common food allergens. Most notably:
- wheat
- corn
- milk
- cheese
- eggs
- nuts
- fruits
- tomatoes
- yeast
- carrots
- additives
- food coloring and flavorings
You can try a dog food that is specially formulated for allergies. They would normally contain only one source of protein, either lamb, turkey or duck and a single carbohydrate, such as potato or rice.
Lamb is one of the most non-allergic meats you can serve your pet. Rice is also easy on the digestive system.
The best way to start is on a restrictded diet is to make dog food at home using raw or rare lamb of mutton. Why raw food? Raw food contains enzymes and vitamins that help with digestion. Online pet food companies, carry frozen meat that is suitable for dogs (and cats as well) and can make the chore of preparing dog food at home a lot eaiser.
For instance you can prepare a simple meal using lamb and rice.
Compine cooked brown rice, raw or rare lamb or mutton on a 50% ratio. Add some healthy vegetable oil such as safflower oil (avoid soy or peanut oil) and feed this to your dog.
Hypo-allergenic dog food is also available at specialty stores and also online
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If you are going to try this elimination diet, veterinarian Pitcairn advises to continue this diet for a period of 12 weeks. Although you might see signs of recovery sooner thatn 12 weeks, a vast majority of pets respond to a specific diet by 12 weeks
If the dog shows a reduction or elimination of the symptoms, you can then start adding other foods.
Relieving the itch
John MacDonald, D.V.M associate professor of dermatology at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama advises to bathe your pet in cool water. A cool water bath for about ten minutes will alliviate the itchy skin. Do not use warm water as it aggravates the itching Dr. MacDonald says.
Adding colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno) to the bathwater, can also calm the skin, accorking to Dr MacDonald.
Supplements
Should you give your dog supplements?
If you are on the elimination diet, the only supplement your dog may benefit from is pure salmon oil. Salmon oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA
Below is a list of hypo-allergenic products:
Natural Balance Potato & 
Duck Dog Food Allergy Formula
Natural Balance Potato & Duck Formula is a proven formula for dogs with allergies based on a unique single source protein and single source carbohydrate blend. Some dogs may be highly sensitive to commonly used proteins, carbohydrates and food additives in their diet. Allergic reactions can lead to irritable bowel, upset stomach, and a number of skin problems.
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This product helps improve their pets’ skin and coat issues and very often this fish oil is a hit with cats and dogs that rejected other fish oils in the past.
