Turn To All Natural To Help With Dog Food Allergies

Yes, even dogs can have dog food allergies. Many of the store brand dog foods we trust to keep our dogs healthy are actually contributing to future illnesses commonly found in dogs. It is unfortunate that the ingredients in these store brand dog foods can cause such an annoying and sometimes severe reaction to your sweet and loveable dog.

There is something you can do to help your dog. Try switching to an all natural dog food to help eliminate the chemicals and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions to dog food.

All natural dog foods do not contain the chemicals and common ingredients that dogs are generally allergic to, such as: wheat, corn and soy. Some other common foods dogs are allergic to are:

*Dairies
*Eggs
*Beef
*Grains
*Corn
*Lamb
*Pork
*Fish

It is important to remember that just because you switch to an all natural dog food that does not mean you will automatically cure your dog's allergies. For example, if your dog is allergic to beef and you switch to an all natural dog food made with beef, this is not going to help your dog. It is going to be healthier, but you will need to try another all natural dog food.
That being said, the quickest way to eliminate harmful ingredients and chemicals from your dog's diet is to start with an all natural dog food.

Your dog could also be lacking important nutrients necessary for him to thrive. Most of the dog foods found on the store shelf will lack the necessary minerals and vitamins needed for a healthy life. For instance, your dog's food may lack Omega 3, 6, or 9 fatty acids. This can cause their skin and coat to be dry, which in turn causes excessive itching and scratching.

Itching is a very common symptom for dog food allergies. Minor symptoms include:

*Discharge from nose and eyes
*Loss of appetite
*Vomiting
*Coughing
*Sneezing
*Hair loss

There is a difference between food allergy and food intolerance. Food allergy is much more dangerous than food intolerance. Food intolerance is simply a reaction to the food such as gas or bloating. Food allergy is an abnormal immune system reaction to an ingredient found in your dog's food. Some of the more severe symptoms include:

*Difficulty breathing
*Rashes
*Swelling of the tongue or throat
*Hives
*Headaches

If you make the switch to an all natural dog food, be sure to do it gradually over a five or six day period. Use the following schedule to switch your dog over:

*Day One: Start with a 4 to 1 ration (old to new).
*Day Two: 3 to 2 (old to new)
*Day Three: half and half
*Day Four: 2 to 3 (old to new)
*Day Five: 1 to 4 (old to new)
*Day Six: Feed entire portion the new.

This will help to eliminate stomach upset and any other digestive issues. Allergies can be very frustrating to your dog. Take some steps to help relieve allergic reactions. Switch to an all natural dog food and pay attention to his symptoms.