VSSF

Do you know if your dog has food allergies? If he has symptoms such as itching, licking, and chewing his paws, groin, neck, and/or ears or even some gastrointestinal signs such as chronic vomiting, diarrhea, belching, and frequent bowel movements, then he just might. Food allergies are unfortunate and result in some pretty nasty symptoms, but all of this can be avoided by feeding the proper food to your dog.

 To get started on picking the appropriate food for your dog, consult your veterinarian. Make sure you inform them of your dog’s medical history and even more importantly, every type of food your dog has eaten---this means anything from table scraps to chew toys with food flavorings. Based on skin and possible gastrointestinal signs, your vet will recommend a food allergy trial for your dog.

Some commercials advertise over-the-counter diets that claim to be “hypoallergenic” or “great for sensitive skin” which may be a bit deceiving. In fact, pet food companies don’t even have to list every ingredient on the label, so who knows what they’re leaving out? Also, manufacturers of the food can substitute other ingredients for the appropriate proteins, as long as they meet the guaranteed analysis. It’s pretty scary to think that you have no idea what you’re putting in your dog’s belly! Your best bet is to stick with the diet your veterinarian recommends for a proper food allergy test.

There are three categories of diets that are used in food allergy trials:

1. Prescription diets
2. Low Antigen diets
3. Homemade diets

The purpose of prescription diets is to ensure that the ingredients in the pet food are always consistent---meaning the protein and carbohydrate source in the food will always remain the same. This type of diet is for treating medical conditions (such as food allergies) and is only available through your veterinarian.

Antigens are the proteins in a diet that can be responsible for food allergy symptoms. In a low antigen diet, which is also a type of prescription diet, the protein in the food has been formulated in such a small amount that it will not stimulate the immune system---this will keep your dog from getting those pesky food allergy signs!

So let’s say your pet can’t or won’t eat either the prescription diet food or the low antigen diet food--- a homemade diet may be your last resort. This sort of diet normally contains a new protein source and a carbohydrate. Keep in mind though, this diet cannot be long term, it is meant to be a trial! A recommended homemade diet is not formulated to be a balanced diet---it lacks the proper nutrients needed to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Now, there are always downfalls in food allergy trials.

1)      The client does not understand why the veterinarian has recommended a feeding trial, how the feeding trial will be conducted, their role in completing the food allergy trial properly, and the ultimate goals of the trial.

To help with this, have your vet let you know exactly why the food allergy trial is being conducted and how to complete it---you need to be clear on what the expectations and goals are. It would also be a good idea to request phone progress reports, and remember that it is okay to ask questions! I mean, this is your dog’s health we are talking about---you want to be clear on EVERYTHING.

2)   Feeding your dog any type of snack or chew toy with food flavoring can affect the length and success of the food trial. 

Keep in mind, this mistake can also be made by children, relatives, visitors, etc. So the best way to avoid this is to keep everyone informed of the trial, or just keep your dog in a separate room when visitors or family are over.

3)      In a multiple pet house you must prevent the patient from eating the other dog’s food.  If there is a cat in the household, eating the cat food will disrupt the food trial.

It may be a pain, but you may need to stand over your dogs while they are being fed to avoid any trouble. However you could have the dog who is on a diet eat in a separate room, or even put all of your dogs on the diet, if it’s possible.

4)      The dog is not confined and wanders.  This patient will be able to get into the garbage, compost piles or the neighbor may feed him treats.

The solution for this is simple---keep your dog inside and the garbage out of reach!

Food allergy trials are the only sure fire way of determining if your dog has food allergies. Sure, the trial may be long and difficult, but in the end you and your pup will be grateful to know what food is safe to eat!