{"id":85566,"date":"2009-12-16T17:17:51","date_gmt":"2009-12-16T22:17:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blisstree.com\/?p=136086"},"modified":"2009-12-16T17:17:51","modified_gmt":"2009-12-16T22:17:51","slug":"interview-on-dog-food-allergies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/85566","title":{"rendered":"Interview on Dog Food Allergies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Identifying pet food allergies can be challenging. Once those allergies are identified, some pet owners who can’t afford the prescription pet food have even given up their beloved pets to shelters. I met a sweet pet like that once that had been in the shelter for a year since his owner had given him up.<\/p>\n

If you find it challenging to afford prescription dog food for allergies or make the trip to buy it\"Dr., then you may have another solution in a food line from Wellness<\/a>. It’s called Simple Food Solutions<\/a><\/strong>. However, if your pet suffers from food allergies, you shouldn’t change diets without first consulting with your vet.<\/p>\n

To help us learn more about dog food allergies and Simple Food Solutions, I asked an expert, the consulting veterinary nutritionist to Wellness. Edward Moser, MS, VMD, DACVN holds the rare title of Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist<\/strong>. He’s Adjunct Assistant Professor of Nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and sits on a federal panel working to establish guidelines for organic pet food.<\/p>\n

If you decide to try Wellness, enter the Blisstree contest for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates for Wellness food, plus pet treats from Wellness. The deadline to enter is 11 pm CST on Thursday, December 17. Go to the Wellness contest post<\/a><\/strong> to enter.<\/p>\n

What are the best indicators that your dog is suffering from a food allergy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Moser<\/strong>: Just because your pets aren\u2019t coughing and sneezing, as we do when confronted by some allergens, doesn\u2019t mean they aren\u2019t suffering all the same. Incessant scratching, licking a \u201chot spot,\u201d recurrent ear infections and frequent messes on the living room floor are all signs that a dog has allergies. Allergic reactions can show up in puppies as young as five months old, or in seniors as old as 12 years of age, though the vast majority of cases occur between two and six years.<\/p>\n

Pets with food allergies tend to experience skin irritation when exposed to known allergens, which in turn causes varied scratching behaviors. Dogs (and, to a lesser extent, cats) that scratch their ears, vigorously shake themselves, and lick or bite at their paws or coats may be suffering from an allergic reaction. They are experiencing a skin irritation that, if left untreated, may result in infection.<\/p>\n

Many pets are also intolerant of certain food components, leaving them unable to fully metabolize the food and experiencing various GI problems. Unusual fecal color or consistency, excessive GI gurgling sounds and the passing of gas are typical.<\/p>\n

\"Simple<\/p>\n

There are many foods that can cause allergic or intolerance reactions in pets, and unfortunately, the list is growing every day. In addition to artificial chemical additives, preservatives and flavorings (that offer no nutritional value whatsoever), there are many otherwise healthy ingredients that can potentially pose a problem for sensitive pets. Meats of all kinds, including beef and poultry, are known allergens and\/or GI irritants to some animals, as are wheat\/wheat protein, eggs, dairy and soy-based products. The key is determining which one or more of these ingredients are responsible for your pet\u2019s distress.<\/p>\n

The best way to determine that is to conduct a food elimination trial<\/strong>. In the elimination trial, you should choose a wholesome, complete and balanced diet like Simple Food Solutions that avoids ingredients to which the pet has previously been exposed, then feed this recipe, and this recipe only, (no snacks or table food) for six to eight weeks<\/p>\n

How is the Simple Food Solutions<\/a> line different from most other Wellness dog foods?
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Moser<\/strong>: A limited ingredient diet like Simple Food Solutions is designed to manage allergies naturally, by removing additional proteins, carbohydrates, fillers and additives. It combines one novel animal protein source, like duck, plus one easily digestible carbohydrate source, like ground rice, with a short, yet complete list of key ingredients. Nothing extra \u2013 and is a natural alternative to prescription diets. The limited ingredients in Simple Food Solutions are carefully chosen for their quality, nutritional value and their ability to nourish with simplicity:<\/p>\n