Food Allergies

Food allergies are found in every kind and breed of dog. Neutered and intact, young and old, male or female, any canine can have food allergies. Although the age food allergies most often show up is between 2 and 6 years old. The most common causes of food allergies are the most common ingredients in dog food. Beef, corn, soy, dairy products, chicken eggs, wheat, chicken, lamb, pork and preservatives. Dogs develop sensitivities to food over time so any food they are fed can cause allergies.

Itchy skin is the number one sign of food allergies. Other symptoms include hot spots, ear infections, and loss of appetite. Your vet may suggest an elimination diet when you first notice the itchy skin, or they may want to rule out other allergies and causes of itchy skin. A switch to a diet with completely new ingredients is the best way to pinpoint the problem. If the symptoms begin to clear up then each of the eliminated ingredients is added to the dog's diet. Added one at a time a week apart you should be able to pick out the ingredient that is causing the food allergy.

During the elimination period no snacks, treats or table scraps should be fed to your pet. And you do not need a special "non-allergic" food. Dogs can develop an allergic reaction to any food if it is fed to them long enough.