Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

Hypoallergenic dog foods are great for dogs that suffer from food allergies and digestive problems. The specific ingredients included ensure that the food provides digestive aid for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. 

Common allergens include:

  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
  • Gluten
  • Artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
  • Chicken (protein)
  • Lamb (protein)
  • Fish (protein)
  • Many of these ingredients are added to foods to bulk the food out at a cheaper cost and/or to make cereal based foods more palatable.
  • Food allergies can be a nightmare for both you and your dog and it is therefore important that the problem is dealt with effectively. 
  • Symptoms often include:
  • Pain when going to the toilet
  • Bloated stomach
  • Excessive wind
  • Significant hair loss resulting in bald patches
  • Increased itching and red patches on the skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation 

Unfortunately there is no cure for food allergies; however the symptoms can be prevented by avoiding foods that contain the allergen. 

Artificial colors, flavors and preservatives should also be avoided as they can cause hyper activity, a lack of concentration and nervousness (similar to what is seen in children) and have even be linked to kidney and liver problems.

A natural food is great as it only contains meat, vegetables and rice-nothing artificial is included. 

Burns dog food offers a variety of hypoallergenic foods and even has diets which do not contain the common sources of protein (chicken, lamb and fish) which are often used in other hypoallergenic foods.  

Most hypoallergenic foods also offer hypoallergenic treats, which are great to feed your dog in moderation. 

As your dog may already have a very sensitive stomach, it is important that when changing their food you do so gradually by mixing the new food with their current food. It is normally recommended that you do this over seven days to prevent any further digestive upset.

If feeding a hypoallergenic diet such as James Well beloved dog food does not relieve the symptoms that your dog is showing then you should seek veterinary advice immediately. 






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