If your dog has symptoms that are abnormal for a healthy dog, one of the most common causes may be dog food allergies.
Allergies in dogs are often associated with the following symptoms
Hair loss
Dry skin
Loss of appetite
Itchy skin
Inflammations of the ear
Hot spots that are persistent
Chewing on paws, legs or other parts of the dogs body
Lack luster, dull coat
Upset tummy and or diarrhea
Itchy Anus
Rubbing Face
There are in fact many different kinds of allergies such as those caused by fleas, bacteria, inhalant and contact allergies. But the most common allergy is a dog food allergy and that is the one that well discuss here. Dog food allergies are indicative of a problem in the adequacy of the nutrients in your dog food. There may be a lack of essential fatty acids and a sensitivity to the dog food that you are feeding. Your dog may be allergic to a variety of different foods, and perhaps more than one dog food.
Some common food culprits for dog food allergies are
Corn
Pork
Preservatives and Additives
Beef
Chicken
Dairy
Eggs
Wheat and Grains
Fish
Whey
Oats
Soy
And even Lamb !
If your dog shows any of the symptoms above and her food includes any of the possible suspect ingredients listed, you may want to consider a home made natural diet, eliminating the potential allergen. You must remove the potential source of the dog food allergy for up to 30 days in order to see any possible improvement. You will be certain that no hidden ingredients masked as something else are present that may be causing a dog food allergy
One of the best resources for a natural homemade diet can be found at http://www.dogs-4life.com/raw-vs-kibble.html
If you opt for a commercial dog food make sure that you understand and read carefully the ingredient list on the label Just because a dog food says that it is hypo allergenic does not mean that it is. There are very few regulations as to what can be printed on a dog food label. Dont trust dog food company propaganda. Read the ingredient list carefully. For more information on this go to: http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-labeling-better-than-human-food,-industry-claims.html
Finally, while a dog food allergy may be the most likely culprit in your dog's symptoms, there could be more serious underlying problems. You should always consult with your veterinarian who can help you with a proper diagnosis and with a selection of a diet that is most appropriate for your dog. Dont just guess when your dog's health is at stake.
My small 8 year old dog had skin allergies, suddenly became ill and no vet could isolate the cause. She died after enduring 2 weeks of pain and misery on Mothers Day morning. Dont let anything happen to your best friend. Find out what is in the dog food you use at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html
Source: www.articledashboard.com
