Food allergies in dogs

Food allergies are common and can cause severe skin problems in dogs. However there are now many commercial dog foods available that cater to these allergies. Symptoms of food allergies include digestive problems, severe dog scratching, dog hair loss, resulting in bald patches, and a dull coat.

Most food allergies are caused by the addition of dairy, wheat and gluten to the diet, which are usually added to foods to bulk them out at a cheaper cost to the manufacturer. These additions are usually a sign of a poor quality food and should be avoided as they are not necessary in the dog’s diet and can often cause upset to the digestive system.

Hypoallergenic foods do not include these common allergens and should be fed to dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. Food labels should be checked as additives and preservati

ves, which are also common allergens, are added to dog food to give a longer shelf life and make the food more palatable, but could result in further dog skin conditions.

For dogs with food allergies feeding them dog supplements of essential omega oils such as Yumega Dog helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevent moulting and skin irritation.

The only effective way to diagnose a food allergy is to conduct a food allergy test. This involves feeding a hypoallergenic or bland food for twelve weeks to see if the symptoms clear up. However it is very important that during this trial no other food items are given and that your dog does not have access to other pet food as this will deem the trial ineffective. It is important to seek veterinary advice before you start a food trial to ensure that your dog is still receiving a nutritionally complete diet.

There is no cure for a food allergy but avoidance of the problem food should prevent further dog skin problems . Premium hypoallergenic dog food brands include James Wellbeloved and Burns.