Dog Food Allergies

The most common symptom associated with allergies in dogs is itching of the skin, either in one area or all over the body. Other symptoms involve the respiratory system with coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. There may even be runny discharge from eyes or nose, even chronic ear infections. Allergies, especially food related, can involve the digestive system, where the dog may vomit or have diarrhea.

Canine allergies can cause bacterial and yeast infections. Once the itching starts the potential for scratching until the dog bleeds can occur. The wound can easily turn into an infected, raw "hot spot" - the perfect place for bacteria and yeast to flourish. The infection can begin when these organisms have the opportunity to invade the raw wound. When your dog scratches, this can spread the infection from ears to face or to his abdomen, as well as between the "toes" of your dog's paws. Nasty odors (yeasty ear smell, etc.), scabs and flaky, oily dandruff are clues that the spread of these pathogens is occurring.

Canine allergies are a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system of a pet to a particular substance called an ‘allergen’. Most allergens are proteins. The allergen protein may be of insect, plant or animal origin. Initial exposure of the dog, or more likely multiple exposures, to the allergen may over-sensitize the immune system, such that a subsequent exposure to the same or related allergen causes an over-reaction. This means that the immune response, which normally protects the canine against infection and disease, can be harmful.

Changing a dog's diet, in my opinion, should be the first action taken. Many dogs are sensitive to wheat products, and low quality grains. Most commercial dog foods, even those that are supposedly "high-quality", contain grains, and fillers such as corn. The ingredients may not be human- grade and therefore of inferior quality. Grains are highly susceptible to toxic molds which can trigger allergies and possibly cause severe illness or even death

 

"Detoxification  is  a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin."

Many dogs are having difficulties these days with allergies - most often diet related. The phone calls I receive on this subject alone have increased ten-fold in the last 2 years. Of course owners have no where to turn but their veterinarians. Unfortunately, most dogs are then put on a prescription diet and drugs (steroids) with very limited results. These dogs rarely ever look healthy and vibrant. Of course we worry too about long-term use of these drugs on our dogs overall health and longevity.

The detox diet below can be used short or long-term. It can be time consuming. I often recommend it to wean dogs off of prescription diets and medication which will usually take about 2 to 4 weeks. Then, you can keep your dog on it, if need be, or gradually switch to one of the prepared premium dog foods I recommend. You can even use both. The choice is yours. See our dog food recommendations below the recipe.

Detox Recipe

Poultry (or lamb) and Rice Diet

1. 1/2 pound organic poultry or lamb meat (raw weight), cooked (lamb may be lightly cooked and raw on the inside)

2. 2 cups organic brown rice, long-grained, cooked (cook with organic, low sodium meat broth for flavor)

3. 1 cup lightly cooked mashed organic vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, summer squash, broccoli) Suggestion: Grate carrot and peas into rice when cooking

4. 1 teaspoon Flax Oil (Boorleans)

5. 1 1/2 teaspoon Pure Bone meal

Optional - 1/2 cup organic grated apple, raw carrot or 1/4 cup thawed frozen blueberries - add into rice during last 10 minutes of cooking.

Supports the caloric needs of a 50 pound dog. Adjust accordingly.

You may also use Chicken, Turkey, Eggs, Lamb, Beef, Liver (once or twice a week OK), or Cottage Cheese for protein. (Organic of course)

Why Organic

It has been my experience that many dogs who have been allergy tested and have had a positive result to being allergic to chicken or beef, when fed organic, have had no problems. It could be that some dogs are sensitive to antibiotics and steroids. Who knows for sure. With organic, you are getting food sources free of these things as well a pesticides! So, don't skimp during detox - it is well worth it.

Things to know

Please understand that during detox your dog may look worse before he/she looks better. Flushing out your dogs liver is a wonderful thing but for some time now it has been overtaxed. Changes will take place. Hang in there. However, if your dog begins excessively vomiting, has diarrhea for more than two days, stops drinking water for more than a day, or experiences seizures,  please consult your vet right away. These are highly unusual circumstances but you should be aware of them just the same.

Information provided on this site is not a substitute for veterinary care. See your vet before you begin a complementary natural health care plan. The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Center for Veterinary Medicine, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.