Hypoallergenic Dog Food

"If Your Pet Suffers From Dog Food Allergies He May Benefit From
A Hypo-Allergenic Dog Food"

Even if your Cocker Spaniel doesn't suffer from food allergies now, he may develop an allergy to certain foods at any point during his lifetime.

If this should happen, there are two options: a hypoallergenic diet, which will determine the cause of the allergy, or an exclusion diet.

The Hypoallergenic Diet

In many cases of food allergies, vets are recommending owners consider changing their dogs onto a hypoallergenic dog food as it's often a simpler way to combat the allergy.

Dog food allergies are often linked to many of the chemicals contained in manufactured dog foods such as artificial preservatives and colourings, or fillers such as corn or wheat.

Alternatively, your dog may simply develop an allergy or intolerance to a particular food (for example, beef or chicken).

Hypoallergenic dog food contains only natural, high-grade, food that has been processed to a minimum and also contains natural preservatives and colourings - you won't find any harmful chemicals or artificial preservatives and flavourings in this type of food.

Nor will it contain other allergy triggering fillers such as corn or wheat, but may contain rice instead as it's less likely to trigger an allergy.

Before deciding which hypoallergenic food is best for your dog, check the dog food ingredients label to confirm that it doesn't contain any harmful chemical preservatives and includes a good ratio of quality protein and good carbohydrates, including vegetables and rice - your vet will be able to advise you on the relevant nutritional values.

Your vet may sell good quality hypoallergenic pet food, but it's also available in most good pet stores or via reputable online pet stores.

If your dog's symptoms don't show signs of easing after 3-4 weeks of being on hypoallergenic food, try changing to a different flavour, perhaps lamb instead of beef, before trying the exclusion diet.

The Exclusion Diet

If hypoallergenic dog food doesn't do the trick, your vet may recommend an exclusion diet.

This is where all food is removed from your dog's diet with the exception of perhaps lamb and rice. No other food is given to him for 3 weeks - no treats, no tit-bits, nothing!

If the symptoms stop and don't return after 3 weeks, other foods may be gradually added to his diet, allowing 3 weeks between introducing each new food item.

If and when the symptoms return, it's likely that the food last returned to his diet is causing the allergy.

Symptoms Of Dog Food Allergies

Typical symptoms of a food allergy can include:

• Digestive problems, including vomiting and diarrhoea;
• Recurring ear infections;
• Itchy skin;
• Skin infections caused by scratching;
• Dry flaky skin;
• Hair loss;
• Hot spots.

All dogs are different, and what causes an allergy in one dog won't necessarily cause an allergy in another.

If your dog is suffering from any of the above symptoms we recommend you visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis.

Food allergies can make your dog's life miserable. If you believe your Cocker Spaniel may have an allergy, take him to your vet to get it confirmed - the sooner, the better!

By switching to a hypoallergenic dog food and following our advice (and, of course, your vet's advice) you should see an improvement in your dog's well-being within a few weeks.

Good luck!

Organic Dog Food

Feeding your puppy organic dog food has many benefits, including adding years to your cocker spaniel's life - learn more here!

Natural Dog Food

Natural dog food contains high quality ingredients. You won't find harmful chemicals or artificial preservatives and processing is kept to a minimum so that the dog food retains its natural goodness.

Prescription Dog Food

If your dog has recently been ill, or is suffering from a health problem, your vet may advise a prescription dog food diet for your cocker spaniel to replace his normal food.

Raw Dog Food

Feed your pet a raw dog food diet of fresh meat, bones, fruit and vegetables, with a few vitamin and mineral supplements thrown in, and see a marked improvement in your dog's health!

Raw Dog Food Recipes

A raw dog food diet (the BARF diet) can greatly improve your pet's health and appearance and can help him to live a longer life too! Try our raw dog food recipes and see the difference for yourself!

Holistic Dog Food

The word 'holistic' in holistic dog food relates to taking care of the entire body. One of the ways we can do this is by feeding our dogs good quality ingredients that then will 'feed' the entire body!

Vegetarian Dog Food

There are many vegetarian owners who choose to feed their dogs a vegetarian dog food diet, and whose dogs appear to thrive on it; however, it's not suited to all dogs. Learn more...

Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Dog food allergies are more common than you think and, in many cases, vets are recommending owners change their dogs onto a diet of hypoallergenic dog food to combat the allergy.

Homemade Dog Food

We've some tempting homemade dog food recipies here for your Cocker Spaniel to try. Why not try one - I'm sure he'll love you for it!

Dog Food Allergies

Dog food allergies often present many symptoms, making an allergy difficult to identify. Learn how to diagnose, treat, and eliminate a dog food allergy or intolerance.

Dog Poisoning

Learn how to prevent accidental dog poisoning from innocent everyday foods such as chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins. Also lists toxic household chemicals and poisonous plants.