Dog food allergies can affect dogs in a number of ways.
They account for around ten percent of the allergies that typically affect dogs.
Right after allergies from allergies from flea bites and inhalant allergies, it is the third most problematic.
Allergies account for around twenty per cent of the itching and scratching on dogs.
The reason why dogs become sensitive to certain food agents is not really understood.
But diagnosis and treatment is understood and is available.
Many dogs that have dog food allergies also have contact and inhalant allergies.
Sometimes a dog may not have a food allergy but food intolerance.
A food intolerance results in diarrhea or vomiting which is not the normal allergic reaction.
The good thing is that eliminating the food will solve the problem.
Normal dog bowel movements are key.
The ingredients that normally cause allergies are dairy products, chicken, fish, chicken eggs, soy wheat, corn and beef.
Of course, these are also the most common foods of dogs.
Symptoms of food allergies are normally itchy skin around the anus, armpit, face, feet, forelegs, and ears.
Other symptoms include reoccurring or chronic hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots and skin infections that seem to go away for a time after the dog has taken antibiotics but the return.
Sometimes dogs that have allergies have more bowel movements.
For instance, a normal dog has about one and a half bowel movements per day while a dog that has allergies can have three or more allergies a day.
Diagnosing food allergies is fairly straightforward.
The only problem is that food allergy symptoms are similar to more difficulties that dog food allergies.
Flea bit allergies, yeast, bacterial infections or sarcoptic mange are just a few of the problems that can cause symptoms that are the same as dog food allergies.
If these problems have been ruled out, a food trial can then be started.
A novel food source it introduced in a food trial.
A novel food is defined as a protein or carbohydrate that the dog has never before, for twelve weeks or longer.
Some ideas would be rice, potato, venison or rabbit.
There are also commercial foods on the market.
This is all the dog will have for at least twelve weeks.
That means no treats, not chew bones, or anything extra.
Just the basic diet is given.
Treatment for dog food allergies is easy in theory.
It is avoidance.
Commercial diets may be available or a homemade diet may be necessary.
Make sure to consult a veterinary nutritionist for the correct balanced diet.