The Dog Food Comparison Blog

A dog can get allergies from different sources including: flea allergies, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and inhalant allergies. The dog food allergy would typically not depend on the season, whereas the other allergies would typically come and go when it gets cold and insects and pollen are fewer in numbers. Allergies indicate that there is a disruption in the immune system. Sometime it can take real detective work to discover the reasons for it.

However, here are a couple of cautions to be aware of to avoid potential problems.

First, use ceramic or stainless-steel food and water bowls and clean them regularly. Avoid using plastic bowls or containers.

Second, make sure that the water you give your dog is clean and free from contaminants that may end up in your yard, hose, etc.

Third, pay attention to the foods you are giving your dog. Ingredients that are more likely to cause food allergies in dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, chicken eggs, corn, and soy. Unfortunately, these items are very common ingredients in dog foods. You may have to switch to a hypoallergenic dog food.

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Found an interesting answer Dr. Michael Fox at doctormwfox.org to a question about feeding dogs that have matured and are no longer going through the dramatic growth that puppies go through. Dogs go through different stages and have different nutritional requirements during these stages in their life. They also need protection for environmental toxins that are all around us.

Here is an excerpt from his answer that is valuable:

“Your two dogs need to get on a more healthful diet. The high-fat and high-protein puppy food should not be given to most breeds after six to eight months of age. And for some breeds, especially Labrador pups, such a diet is actually harmful. Studies indicate this diet can make developing hip dysplasia significantly worse, and lead to weight-control problems later in life.

“Many factors could be making your older dog gain weight, become less active and begin to decline in health. Aside from the often-dubious ingredients in processed and animal junk foods, and the nutrient deficiencies and pesticide contamination of conventionally grown pet foods, we have environmental chemicals all around us. Many of these are called endocrine disruptors, and they can play a role in both dogs’ and humans’ weight problems. The Canadian province of Ontario just banned lawn-and-garden pesticides — an important step for pets, wildlife and us!

“Then there’s the bisphenols that line food cans and fire-retardant bromides in aerosol dust that can affect the thyroid and immune system. There are so many endocrine disruptors everywhere, and many have been found in blood samples of cats and dogs living in what we would call regular homes. I do not mean to be an alarmist, but these multiple health issues call for much greater vigilance over the use of household cleaners, detergents, room deodorizers, as well as what we eat and feed to our pets who share the same environment.”

To summarize:

- Puppy food should be discontinued when a dog reach 6-8 months of age.

- Use only quality dog food and avoid animal junk foods.

- Be cautious with use of pesticides, lined food cans, aerosols, household cleaners and deodorizers.

Technorati Tags: Dog Food Comparison, Dog Food Ratings, high protein puppy food