Yes, some dogs suffer from food allergies just as humans do, and their allergies can make your pup just as uncomfortable. Not sure what a food allergy looks like in a canine? Read on. To learn more about Three Dog Bakery, click here.
Signs of Allergy in Dogs:
- Dog is very itchy
- Rashes on the skin — rash color can vary from light pink to red or brighter
- Hives
- Excessive and constant licking
- Chewing on paws –leads to paw swelling
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
Determining exactly what is causing your pet’s food allergy can be difficult because the ingredients in dog food are all mixed together. It’s impossible to eliminate just one ingredient at a time – like humans do when discerning what is the source of their allergy. (It’s also important to note that dogs can also be allergic to trees, pollen, fleas and mold.)
Most commonly, dogs with food allergies are usually allergic to proteins or grains. However, as Leslie Kessinger, co-owner of Three Dog Bakery in Franklin attests, “We have seen dogs coming into the store who have had a variety of allergies including carrots, tapioca, peas and potatoes.”
How To Help A Pup With Food Allergies:
1. Limit Ingredients – Wheat First
The first recommendation for a dog who has undetermined allergies is to limit the number of ingredients in the dog’s food so they can begin to assess what the dog is reacting to. “Limited ingredient formulas typically have one protein source rather than a mix, are often grain-free, and contain a smaller ingredient panel of produce,” says Kessinger. “If a dog has been experiencing allergies on a diet containing grains, we often recommend eliminating grains as the first step of assessment.”
“If it is something as simple as a grain allergy, we carry formulas from Orijen, Acana Regionals, Acana Heritage, Fromm, and NOW that are grain free and filled with wonderful wholesome ingredients,” advises Kessinger.
2. Consider Protein Sources
However, if you find that grain allergies aren’t the problem, the next step is to consider protein sources. “We often see dogs that are allergic to chicken or beef, but it is possible to be allergic to proteins that have been prescribed for food allergies such as duck or lamb,” notes Kessinger. Just as you did with the grains, you will need to do the same with the proteins and limit the meat source in the food to one ingredient.
“Unique meat sources such as fish, venison, pork, rabbit, or even kangaroo can be an excellent option for finding a food that your dog won’t react to,” adds Kessinger. “Often, dogs have not encountered these unique sources before, so their bodies have not had the ability to build up irritation against them.”
Kessinger also says to research the method in which the meat source in your pup’s food was raised because it can shed light on the sources of irritation. “Dogs can experience toxicity because of medications, poor quality feed and poor quality control in food production. It’s all reflected in the meat that turns into dog food,” explains Kessinger.
If none of the above reveals the source of your pup’s allergies, have your veterinarian conduct an allergy panel.
3. Alleviate Symptoms
To help alleviate your Best Buddy’s discomfort, below are a few tips from Three Dog Bakery.
Just Add Goat’s Milk
Add raw goat’s milk to your pet’s food. Yeast build-up often results in irritated skin ears and paws. “Raw goat’s milk, in addition to containing more than 200 live strains of pre and probiotics, is a natural antihistamine and contains an 
acid that naturally fights and reduces yeast,” says Kessinger.
Primal Frozen Raw Goat’s Milk – Has added turmeric and cinnamon for inflammation reduction as well as ginger for intestinal soothing.
Answers Fermented Goat’s Milk – Has added digestive enzymes that help break down food in the gut, restoring intestinal balance and aiding your dog’s ability to eliminate toxins in his system.
Try Allergy Friendly Dry Dog Food
Zignature -Particularly the kangaroo and whitefish formulas; although lamb, duck, turkey, trout & salmon, and Zignature Zssentials is also available at Three Dog Bakery.
Acana Singles – Duck and pear and lamb and apple can be found at Three Dog Bakery.
“I usually like to see a dog on a food for a minimum of two weeks before determining whether or not the food we are on the right track. It takes the body a few days to eliminate a toxin/allergen from the body, and then a few more days for the reaction in his body to subside and heal,” says Kessinger. Diet changes are rarely immediate, especially if the dog has been suffering from food allergies for a long period of time.
You can find any of the holistic products pictured here at Three Dog Bakery, located on West McEwen Drive, adjacent to Whole Foods in the McEwen Shopping Center in Franklin.
Three Dog Bakery
To learn more about Three Dog Bakery, click here.
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If you have health concerns about your dog, consult your veterinarian. This article is not meant to substitute or act as medical advice for pets.
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