9.19.2011

Food Allergies - Dogs

While we can't recommend specific brands for your dogs, we can give you some ideas on what to look for in a quality food.  Allergies are the number one complaint with dog owners.  It is most often associated with a food allergy.  Food allergies are most often caused by food additives and by-products.  Please check with your vet about food allergies and any dietary changes. 

People often mix different kinds of protein in food and treats.  Be sure your food and treats have the same protein.  Don't use chicken for one, pig for the other and beef for another.  I like the dried chicken breast strips myself for treats.

Check the labels on your current dog food.  The first three ingredients should not contain the words..."by-product", "meal", "corn", "wheat", etc.  The main ingredient should be a protein such as your basic chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.  Then it can contain a starch such as rice, barley, potatoes, etc.  Any other ingredients should be the required vitamins and supplements required by law.  Stick to a food that contains only one protein source and one starch or carb source.  This way it will be easier to rule out any allergies.  You can start with the popular lamb and rice diets (however, make sure there are no other proteins or carbs and definitely no corn, wheat or soy).    For allergies, I prefer a fish and rice or potato diet because the fish has lots of oil and makes the skin and coat look better. 

My dog's food label reads:  "Salmon", "Sweet Potatoes", and then lists the vitamin contents.  I can read and understand everything on the label.  It can be found at most large pet stores but definitely not the grocery store!