Does Your Pet Have a Food Allergy?
In the Sunday papers, Charlie Brown would often set down a bowl of dog food and Snoopy would turn his nose at it, wishing for cookies instead. It’s funny in the comic strips, but a pet reluctant to eat supper isn’t always a laughing matter. It could signal the possibility of food allergies.
According to PetMD, various signs can indicate when your dog experiences a sensitivity or allergic reaction to their food. Does your dog scratch often as though suffering a skin irritation, especially when they haven’t been outside? There could be a connection with their diet. Chronic itching can lead to other problems, like skin infections and loss of fur, so it’s important to look for these signs before they become serious problems.
More obvious symptoms include gas, vomiting, and diarrhea, definite signs to consult a veterinarian to determine the severity of your pet’s sensitivity or allergy.
One assumption made about pets and allergies is that they occur at a young age. In truth, domestic animals are like humans when it comes to food allergies. They may develop at any age for different reasons. A dog eating the same type of protein-based food may, over time, become less tolerable of it and require a dietary change. Chicken, beef, and dairy are common problem foods for pets, though dogs are known to experience reactions to grains as well.
If you suspect your dog or cat may have a food sensitivity or allergy, though, you may not want to switch foods just yet. As with humans, pets may react to multiple things. Rather than risk compounding the problem, talk to your vet about an allergy test.
When you’re ready to serve your pet something new, Care-A-Lot Pet Supply carries an extensive selection of pet food. We offer grain-free, limited ingredient, raw, and freeze-dried options, and foods formulated for pets with multiple sensitivities. Contact us through our live chat and we can help you find the right brand for your pet’s needs.
Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/evr_dg_best-dog-food-for-dogs-with-food-allergies