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Food allergies are the third most common allergy found in dogs. Atopy (inhalant allergy) and flea allergies being the top two.
The dog reacts to a particular agent in the food for example:
Preservatives,
Colourings,
Additives,
Grains,
Fats,
Proteins
A dog suffering from a dog food allergy will develop skin problems, chronic or recurring ear infections and hot spots.
Once the vet has diagnosed a food allergy after ruling out fleas or atopy, the dog will be put on an elimination diet. The diet may start by introducing a “novel” (one which the dog has not had before) food ingredient. This could be duck, venison or rabbit. The dog will receive this food and this food alone for 12 weeks. This includes treats and chews. Fresh, clean water must be provided but not milk or gravy.
If the dog shows improvement after being on the diet for 12 weeks it is then fed individual ingredients from the original diet to determine the suspect source which can then be permanently eliminated.
Blood tests such as the RAST test are not beneficial in diagnosing a food allergy. The only effective diagnostic tool is a food trial. |
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