How to detect kibble allergy?
The number of adult dogs and puppies with food allergies has increased in recent years. Veterinarians estimate that one in seven dogs show allergy symptoms because of their nutrition . Genetics plays an important role in this situation. Some breeds are more likely than others to develop some kind of allergy, although they can all be affected. Food allergies are the third leading cause of allergic reactions in dogs. They can develop into different types of foods usually contained in kibble such as meat, milk, eggs, fish, cereals, potatoes, soy or additives. If your pet shows symptoms, it will be necessary to give him hypoallergenic kibbles for dogs .
What are the symptoms of a food allergy in dogs?
There are certain messages given by dogs when they are affected by allergic reactions resulting from the consumption of certain foods or kibbles . So, you need to pay attention to their body language and examine them carefully.
Lack of appetite
The dog becomes more sedentary and appears dejected . He also does not rest properly and is sad or aggressive. His ears move backwards and his eyes are glassy. He loses his appetite and changes his behavior.
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hair loss
Dogs are constantly shedding hair , but a sudden shedding of hair clumps is a sure sign of a food -induced allergic reaction . The fur can also change appearance and lose its shine. The coat is a real indicator when it comes to canine health .
Skin disorders
Generally, disorders caused by food hypersensitivity are skin disorders. Itching , redness, pimples, plaques, irritations, inflammations , swelling of the skin and disorders resulting from pruritus , all these symptoms should alert you.
The red paws
This symptom is characterized not only by redness in itself, but also by signs of inflammation, areas without hair, and when touching them, one can perceive an increase in the temperature of the epidermis. If your dog licks his paws excessively, that's also a symptom of a food allergy .
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inflamed ears
With a food allergy, the dog's ears may be red , inflamed, and swollen. This symptom is quite noticeable in dogs with droopy ears such as Golden Retrievers or Labradors .
red eyes
Red eyes and very droopy eyelids, excessive eye discharge or excessive blinking are signs of an allergic reaction.
Signs of the stomach and digestive tract
These are symptoms of an immediate food allergy, sudden intoxication, rather than a reaction to a specific food:
A food allergy is a reaction of the dog's immune system . Her antibodies are overreacting to a specific food in her diet. This famous food is the allergenic agent that must be found in the dog's food. In the case of a simple food intolerance , there is no immune system reaction.
What to do if your dog has a kibble allergy?
An allergy is a reaction caused by exposure to a food, substance inhaled or present in the environment, called an allergen . The way the dog's immune system responds to this agent is called an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity . To find out if the dog's symptoms correspond to an allergy, make sure your pet does not have fleas on him.
Before a dog is allergic, exposure to the allergen must occur at least twice . Upon first exposure, the immune system produces antibodies against the allergen. Subsequent exposure triggers the antibody reaction against the antigen releasing histamine , the causative agent of the reaction. It may therefore happen that your dog has an allergic reaction to a food that he has been eating for several years.
In the case of a food allergy , it is necessary to look for a hypoallergenic food that does not contain the allergens for your dog. Therefore, your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate diet , carefully checking its composition. Once you find an appropriate hypoallergenic diet , you can keep it to feed your dog. This way, you will know which hypoallergenic or anti-allergic kibble to choose for your canine friend .
Which hypoallergenic croquettes to choose for your dog?
Before choosing anti-allergic dog food, it is important that you find the allergen that is causing problems for your canine companion and that you check that the food selected does not contain the allergen in question. A veterinarian will be best able to help you identify the source of the allergy .
Since allergies are most frequently caused by the source of protein, one of the first reflexes may be to change the source of animal protein present in the kibbles. The insect , for example, is a source of animal protein to which dogs have rarely been exposed, which reduces their allergenic potential.
Another solution can be to try hypoallergenic kibbles, which are formulated under veterinary supervision and are reserved for dogs with food allergies or dermatitis problems . They are easy to digest and they generally do not trigger allergic problems. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce skin reactions and they contain many nutrients to strengthen the barrier effect of the skin and protect the intestine. In general, they do not contain lactose or gluten . The hypoallergenic croquettes are characterized by being easy to digest, gluten-free and grain -free . They're fortified with vitamins E and C and antioxidants , and avoid the most common allergens, or include a single source of protein, so you can pinpoint the problematic ingredient for your dog and easily select foods that won't cause allergic reactions .
How do I know what my dog is allergic to?
Finding the food agent responsible for the allergic reaction can be complicated. Typically, your vet will resort to an elimination diet , with ingredients that your dog doesn't normally consume, adding others little by little, until you find the food or food causing the problem.
Some of the most common allergens are grains, such as corn, wheat, or soy. In the case of protein , dogs can develop an allergy to certain meats , usually chicken, as well as fish . In some cases, they develop a pork allergy, although this is not so common.
When looking for a new diet for your dog, you need to switch protein. It is therefore easy for your veterinarian to suggest that you change the type of meat. The most common allergens are those we have included in the following list, along with the percentage of dogs that have suffered an allergic reaction:
- beef: 34% of dogs with reaction;
- dairy products: 17% of dogs with reaction;
- chicken: 15% of dogs with reaction;
- wheat: 13% of dogs with reaction;
- soy: 6% of dogs with reaction;
- lamb: 5% of dogs with reaction;
- maize: 4% of dogs with reaction;
- egg: 4% of dogs with reaction;
- pork: 2% of dogs with reaction;
- fish: 2% of dogs with reaction;
- rice: 2% of dogs with reaction.
In conclusion, it should be remembered that food allergies are the third cause of allergic reactions in dogs. The allergy manifests itself from the second exposure to the allergenic agent. It's important to look for a diet that boosts your dog's immune system . If it is a food allergy, you need to locate the food that is causing the allergic reaction. There are limited ingredient kibbles.
Indeed , hypoallergenic or anti-allergic dog food contains few food sources, which facilitates the localization of the allergenic agent . Consult your veterinarian to help you choose the best diet.
FAQ on hypoallergenic kibbles:
Why give hypoallergenic kibble to your dog?
Putting your dog on a hypoallergenic diet helps find the allergen that causes his allergic reactions.
Which dog food is allergic?
Hypoallergenic dog food should contain different ingredients from what the dog usually eats.
How to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs?
To treat atopic dermatitis in dogs, you must use dog shampoos specially designed to soothe the skin. Antibiotics and antifungals may also be needed.
- How to treat allergies in dogs?
To start, you have to find the allergen so that you no longer give it to the dog in his daily diet. Antiallergic drugs may be needed. In case of symptoms, consult the veterinarian.
