most common food allergies for dogs
Food intolerances, defined as a dog inability to digest a certain type of dog food, are much more common in dogs that food allergies. Compare dog food intolerances to allergies: only 10% to 12% of the canine population has allergies while up to 50% could suffer from an intolerance. Nearly half of all dogs are unable to stomach a certain kind of food and could become patient in the half – a time consuming.
There is a distinction must be made between food allergies and intolerances. Food allergies are true allergies and show the characteristic symptoms of itching and skin problems associated with canine and feline allergies. Food intolerances may cause diarrhea or vomiting and do not create a typical allergic reaction. Food intolerances in pets would be similar to people who suffer from diarrhea or an upset stomach from eating spicy or fried. Fortunately, food allergies and intolerances can be eliminated with a diet free from offending agents.
While milk is not necessary for a dog food, it can be fun if we give them from time to time. However, some dogs can not tolerate milk because they do not produce an enzyme called lactase. Lactase helps to digest lactose, found in milk. After weaning, the level of lactase activity falls to about 10 per cent of its peak activity. In some animals, diarrhea occur if more lactose (ie – milk) is consumed by the animal can digest. This is called "intolerance lactose. "Instead, dogs are able to tolerate it, milk can be an excellent source of protein and calcium.
A dog may develop intolerance to foods they have eaten for years. Follow closely your dog food is the best way to manage an intolerance. Vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining tissue and are necessary for energy. Each time you feed your dog food that or she can not stomach, your dog is missing these nutrients.
Most dogs do best with a varied diet. Variety helps keep immune systems strong and maintain good health. It also may help prevent food intolerance, obesity, allergies and other problems. Variety may also protect a dog from nutrient deficiencies not discovered by science. Many people can power to vary the first dry feed that matches the food needs of race, age, activity level and overall health. So they turn to high-quality canned or raw proteins from a variety of sources.
It is important to identify an intolerance as soon as possible. There are many ingredients in commercial foods and natural dog and one of them could be the cause of the problem. Often there is information in the most recent dog food that can help you find a healthy alternative to your dog.
If your dog intolerance is caused by a common element, then you will need to read labels more before feeding your dog anything. Management of dog food intolerance is relatively easy once the root of the problem is identified.