We humans have a lot in common with our dogs. For instance, our dogs can have food allergies – just like us. Food allergies can make life miserable for a dog and its owner. Avoiding such misery is what motivates Nextrition to make dog food that avoids ingredients that are common allergies. While our recipes aren’t 100% hypoallergenic, the limited ingredients make it easy to pick a recipe that fits your pups diet.
You might be wondering how to tell if your dog has a food allergy. Well, you’re in luck. That’s exactly what we’re going to dive into in this post.
Allergic Reactions: The Basics
When we say that a dog has food allergies, what we really mean is that the animal has an allergic reaction to certain foods or ingredients. An allergic reaction happens when the immune system goes into overdrive, reacting to something it sees as a threat, even though it’s not dangerous.
Imagine a dog allergic to certain types of protein. The protein in her food is perfectly fine and healthy, but her body overreacts to it in a way that can cause trouble.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
You need to know if your dog has food allergies before looking for a food that avoids those ingredients. So how do you figure that out? By paying attention to your dog’s behavior and looking for symptoms.
Some common symptoms of food allergies in dogs include:
- Skin rashes and infections
- Changes in coat volume and quality
- Persistent scratching, especially around the ears, face, and feet
- Regular bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, and gas
- Red, itchy feet combined with licking or chewing the paws
Dogs with food allergies might also lose their appetite and have less energy. They might even avoid eating, leading to noticeable weight loss. However, many signs of food allergies are also associated with other conditions. So if you suspect food allergies, your best bet is to take your dog to the vet for an expert opinion.
Diagnosis Through Trial and Error
A vet who suspects food allergies will often use a trial and error approach to diagnose the issue. This might sound old-school, but it’s the best way to figure out what foods are bothering your pet. Typically, this involves an 8-12 week elimination diet.
Initially, your dog is fed a diet consisting mainly of a novel or hydrolyzed protein. Then, different foods are introduced to see how the dog reacts. By the end of the trial, the vet should have a good idea about what your dog is allergic to.
One last thing to note is that food sensitivities are far more common in dogs than actual allergies. Your vet can explain the differences. Either way, the limited but high-quality ingredients in Nextrition cold-pressed dog food make it a great food for dogs with many of the common allergies and sensitive stomachs. Consider giving Nextrition cold pressed food a try – we’re confident you and your canine companion will be pleased!
