Help my dog has an allergy! What food should I give him?

Does your dog have an allergy? And are you looking for the right food? A food allergy is a problem that is becoming increasingly common in dogs. In a food allergy, a dog's immune system reacts hypersensitively, even extremely, to a particular ingredient in the food. Annoying symptoms such as itching or diarrhea can occur. Of course, you want your dog to be healthy! So how do you know if these symptoms are caused by a food allergy? And what is a suitable food for a dog with an allergy?

How do you recognize a food allergy in a dog?

• Skin and coat problems: as the immune system reacts to a certain component in the food, histamine is released which causes itching; this itching occurs mainly in the groin, armpits and on the legs. The itching can eventually worsen, causing a rash or even inflammation. A dog may also experience hair loss around the eyes and on the muzzle.

• Stomach and intestinal problems. Here you can think of vomiting, persistent diarrhea or flatulence.

• Ear infection (recurring).

  The symptoms of a food allergy are different in every dog. One dog suffers from both skin and coat problems and gastrointestinal problems, while another dog suffers only from recurrent ear infections. Does your dog suffer from one or more of the above symptoms? If so, try a different food. For example Riverwood Scottish Salmon, at the bottom of this article we explain why this particular variety is suitable for dogs with food allergies.

How does a food allergy occur in a dog?

In a food allergy, the dog reacts hypersensitively to a particular ingredient (usually an animal or vegetable protein). The immune system then attacks the allergens, substances that cause the hypersensitivity reaction. This reaction causes itching, which can worsen into skin rashes, dermatitis and hair loss. When a dog is extremely allergic to a particular ingredient, the body only needs to ingest a small amount to cause a reaction....

Usually a food allergy occurs when a dog is still young. But even later in life, a dog can still develop a food allergy. It can occur at any age and in any breed.

A dog may be allergic only to a component that the animal has been ingesting for an extended period of time. For example, a dog that is fed a food containing only lamb as a protein source for the first time may not have an allergic reaction to the lamb protein. If the dog is then given this food for a few months, the animal may develop a food allergy to lamb.

Dog foods suitable for food allergy

Because a food allergy is often accompanied by skin and coat problems, a food that provides additional support for the skin and coat is recommended. This is often food that contains oily fish such as salmon or herring. These oily fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids moisturize the skin and also contribute to a beautiful and shiny coat. By feeding a food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, complaints such as itching, skin rashes and hair loss will quickly diminish.

Does your dog suffer from a food allergy?  
Try Riverwood Adult Scottish Salmon.
A lot of happy customers have already tried it!