Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Growing concerns about the quality of dog food ingredients has led to more transparency in the $15 billion a year industry. Many consumers are unaware that what is used in their dog's food can have a drastic effect on their overall health. Like humans, dogs can develop allergies to foods such as wheat. Wheat is one of the most common ingredients in dog food and used primarily as a filler. Various types of wheat products are used in dog food, though all originate from the same plant source.
Canine food allergies cause skin irritation, ear infections, hair loss and characteristic itching when dogs eat foods they are allergic to. Corn and wheat are among the most common canine food allergens. This can make mealtime difficult, as corn and wheat are also common ingredients in most commercially prepared dog foods. Making your dog's food at home is one way to ensure that corn or wheat is not included in your dog's diet. Consult your veterinarian about multivitamins suitable for your dog if you choose to feed her a homemade diet.
Dogs love treats, but if you're the pet owner of a dog with a food allergy or intolerance, you may despair reading labels on dog treats, which are often chock-full of ingredients your dog simply can't have. Don't worry! You can put together a few good dog treat recipes that your dog can enjoy.
Does your dog scratch a lot? Does she have raw, hot spots? Maybe she always has a runny nose, or she is always pawing her ears or chewing her toes. These are all signs your dog has allergies, and it could very well be the store-bought food you've been feeding her that is causing the problems. When you understand what is being put into commercial dog food, you realize why so many dogs suffer from allergies. First are the additives and preservatives in commercial dog food; second are the pieces of euthanized dogs used in some commercial dog foods. Yes,…
