Dog Information - Food Allergies and Their Causes
Dog allergies can be a serious issue, as environmental factors like chemicals, pollution and food cause our dogs to lose hair and itch, to have loose bowel movements and vomiting. There are some things we can do to ease our pets' suffering, when we have identified its cause.
Food allergies in dogs can develop gradually, and you might find that a food or ingredient that your dog has always tolerated well could suddenly be the culprit. If in doubt, visit your vet for some allergy tests and dog information on allergies. Allergy culprits usually include dairy products, grains, and proteins like beef or chicken.
Be armed with reliable dog information about dog food and health, from reliable sources. for example, corn and wheat are grains that are unnecessary in your dogs' diets. They are used as low-cost fillers and are a bog source of canine allergies. Chemicals are another problem, and if these are what's making your dog sick, you might choose to switch to organic dog food to avoid them altogether.
The best way to feed a pet, and especially one with allergies is to make your own dog food. Many websites and books contain dog information on dog food recipes and home made dog food. A good home made food should contain a meat protein, vegetables, a starch, like potatoes and bone meal for minerals.
One sample dog food recipe that is well-balanced and hypoallergenic calls for 1 lb of ground beef or lamb, sauteed in olive oil or left raw. This is mixed with another pound some cooked vegetables like broccoli, carrots and potatoes. Then, you can add 1/2 cup of oatmeal, potatoes or other carbohydrates sources that your dig can tolerate. Finally, add 2 tbsps of cottage cheese and, for good measure, a quality doggie vitamin.
When your dog is eating well, his coat will get softer, his eyes clearer and you may see any allergies clear right up. And these are only the outward improvements. A home made or organic diet that contains no chemicals or low-quality, questionable ingredients will prolong a dog's life and certainly improve his happiness and well-being.
Dog food allergies can be a serious issue, and if you see any symptoms, please consult your veterinarian for dog information and allergy tests. To prevent such allergies, and to ease the symptoms if they do manifest, try feeding your dog a good quality organic dog food, that contains no grains or other possible allergens. Also, try to prepare your own dog food recipes. Your dog will thank you for it.
Published September 28th, 2009
Filed in Pets

