Let’s talk about food allergies today.  Dogs are very similar to people they are both mammals and eat similar food types. Just as in people dogs can have allergies to different food items, such as wheat, and grains.  People may feel some dogs are prone to more allergies than others however this maybe in relation to a breeder or inbreeding. Allergies can be genetic. Just to be clear there is a difference between an allergic reaction and a food intolerance.  Think in terms of a person having an allergic reaction to a food item such as nuts peanuts they can die breathing is cut off or have hives. A food intolerance such as with gluten (not referring to Celic disease) can cause upset stomaches, headaches,  chronic diarrhea.  For dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, retrievers, pit bulls, German Shepard, dachshunds may have allergies. The common foods for allergic reactions are lamb, soy, wheat, eggs, chicken, rabbit, beef.  Dogs can have an allergy to more than one item. 

The big question is how to determine what to feed your dog if they have allergies or how to determine which food item is causing the problem. Dog foods such as California Natural, Innova, Evo, addiction have limited ingredients. California Natural may have only Herring and Sweet Potato or lamb and rice. The dog owner can slowly adjust the foods to determine which item is the culprit. Do not forget the snacks and treats your dog eats. Goodness Gracious has one ingredient treats such as Chicken or lamb jerky. Grizzly treats are just wild Salmon jerky.  The benefit of supplying your dog such as a Rottweiler, yorkie, Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, Bull Dog, rescue mix, with one or two item food is you quickly determine if there is a food allergy.   Do not forget especially if you have a dog who likes to pick up what is around or is fed pizza crust or food items dropped from the table  these will interfere with you determining what is causing the issues. www.funlovingpets.com

My dog will beg for pizza crust. I think he is looking for any extra piece of cheese. Pumpkin is a good gas reducer for your dog, Great Dane, Border Collies, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Greyhound.    With any medical issues your first stop will be at the veterinarians office.  Have your dog/cat checked out for any other issues. 

Good training is also crucial to determine what is the issue. You can be very diligent in keeping certain foods away from you pet, however if the minute they go outside they start eating what is on the ground your hard work was for not.

Good Luck.