Is Your Dog Itching To Tell You Something? It Could Be About His Food

25 March 2015
 Categories: , Blog

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Do you think it's a stray flee, an unsuitable shampoo, or some other external irritant that's causing your dog to scratch? Have you considered that he may be suffering an allergic reaction to the food you're serving him for dinner every night? 

Assuming your dog has no existing health issues apart from his itch--and that he is neither a developing puppy or an aged dog--check out the points below for a quick  'meal makeover' for your dog.

Add Fish Oil To Your Dog's Diet.

  • Fish oil, which contains Omega 3 fatty acids, will have a positive impact on any inflammatory condition by calming inflammation and strengthening immunity.
  • Supplement your dog's diet with fish oil even if the food he currently eats contains Omega 3 additives. These oils are vulnerable to heat and age. The potency, and therefore the positive benefits of the oils, may be diminished before the food reaches your dog's dish.
  • If you are unsure of dosage check with your vet.
  • Adding a tin of sardines to your dogs dinner—if he'll eat them—is an alternative way of providing necessary Omega 3's.
  • Always store fish oil in the fridge and discard when expiry date is reached. Omega 3 oils are very susceptible to rancidity. Fish Oil products are available in both pet and human supplements.

Remove All Common Allergens From Your Dog's Diet.

  • Dairy Product
  • Soy
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Egg

Just as with humans, it is possible that an individual dog can be allergic to almost anything. You have to start somewhere, so if you begin with the most obvious allergens, you'll probably discover the culprit  before you need to investigate the more obscure ingredients.

Check Out The Food Preservative Used In The Kibble 

  • Ensure the dog food you choose is preserved with natural vitamins rather than a chemical preservative.
  • Some chemical preservatives can cause skin irritations in sensitive animals.
  • Choose a prescriptive dog food designed specifically for skin conditions. This will improve your chances of finding exactly what you need without having to prepare the food yourself.

Speaking of Food Preparation...

  • If you are unsuccessful ridding your dog of his itch with commercially available dog food, you may decide to prepare his food yourself.
  • Keep in mind that it can be difficult to achieve the correct balance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals to meet your dogs needs. A qualified Pet Nutritionist can advise you.
  • It can be time consuming, but it is worth it if it kicks the itch.

The Raw Dog Food Diet Is An Increasing Trend.

  • Keep in mind, when embarking on a raw food diet, it is best to introduce the diet incrementally. A sudden swap to raw food can result in pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
  • Expert veterinarian guidance should be employed with the implementation of a raw diet.

For more information, contact a business such as Geelong Farm Supplies.