Allergies

Like humans, dogs have wheat allergies too!

Some also have allergic reactions to other foods or ingredients but most frequently suffer from allergies to environmental triggers like pollen, molds, dust mites or flea bites. Food allergies account for about 10% of dogs’ allergy problems. Fortunately, these are treatable once your dog has been tested and you know which food or ingredient is causing the problem.

The most common symptoms of food allergies in dogs are itchy, red, or flaky skin and dull coat and more severe intolerances can affect their digestive tract and bowel movements.

As a responsible dog owner, you need to be aware of any changes to your dogs’ health, and if you are in any doubt whatsoever take your dog to your vet for check-up and treatment.

Some common symptoms that may be a sign your dog has a wheat allergy:

• Red, itchy or flaky skin
• Licking front paws
• Shaking of the head
• Ear inflammation
• Rubbing face on carpet
• Sneezing
• Asthma like symptoms
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Anal itching
• Behavioural changes
• Seizures

Many dog owners never suspect that a wheat allergy could be the cause of their dog’s ill-health, usually because they’ve fed their dog the same food for a considerable amount of time and the symptoms have only recently appeared.

Not every dog suffering with a food allergy was born with it. Like humans, dogs can develop food allergies at any time in their life. Most dogs that have allergies, are allergic to more than one thing, food or ingredient.

Studies show that beef is by far the biggest known cause of allergies in dogs and so beef features at the top of the allergy list followed by dairy products at number two.

Wheat is the third top cause of allergies in dogs. Soy rates at number 13 and corn at number 7. Actually, protein sources like beef, dairy, chicken, egg, lamb, soy, pork and fish are responsible for more food allergies, than wheat, corn and rice combined.

• If your dog is allergic to wheat, it can’t eat a cheap brand of dog food that contains wheat, nor can it eat an expensive brand containing wheat. The only advantage with buying the BEST quality hypo-allergenic dog foods from BRIGHT EYES – BUSHY TAILS is that these avoid wheat as a cheap filler in the first place.
• Some, but not all dogs with food allergies, have concurrent gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or diarrhoea, so you should not rule out food allergies just because his gastro -intestinal tract seems to be functioning normally. If your dog has chronic gastrointestinal problems in addition to non-seasonal itchiness, a food allergy will probably be at the top of the list of potential problems.
• Dogs are allergic to some ingredients, not to brands or types of food. So, if your dog is allergic to chicken, and each of the foods you have tried contains chicken, he will still be itchy. Look very closely at the ingredient list of the individual varieties as some contain multiple protein and carbohydrate sources.

BRIGHT EYES – BUSHY TAILS proudly offers a range of dog food containing only a single protein (also wheat free / grain free) Please browse our extensive range of dog food, treat and healing options and feel free to contact us for more information.

• The first step in diagnosing if your dog has a wheat allergy is to talk to your vet. You’ll probably want to put your dog on an exclusion diet, the long process on eliminating one food at a time to see how your dog reacts (or not) to each particular ingredient or food. Once you’ve isolated the troublesome food(s) eliminate it from the diet completely.
• Without the elaborate lab tests and the exclusion diet it would be difficult to guess correctly as to what your dog might be allergic to. The suggestion would always be to try a top quality hypo-allergenic food that is free from wheat, preservatives, colourings and flavourings. Also avoid foods that include any form of ‘derivative’. No two batches of these foods are necessarily the same and as the protein source is not clearly defined you will have no way of knowing what is included and what is not.

Our BRIGHT EYES – BUSHY TAILS dog foods are developed by leading pet nutritionists and experts in pet nutrition and are made using only the very finest raw materials. The gentle consistent formulas are vet approved and represent the BEST dry dog foods on the market. Our BEST Super Premium range is hypo-allergenic which means it has been especially formulated without wheat and wheat gluten and many other ingredients such as beef, soy, diary, and the artificial preservatives, colourings and flavourings which are renowned for causing food intolerances and allergies, making the food suitable for all dogs, especially those that are gluten intolerant or prone to allergies.

Each formula offers the best nutrition, catering for all life-stages from puppy through adulthood to senior dog, including the active, working and the not so active pampered pooch, and those that may even need a bit of weight loss program.

Our range is proudly made in the UK, in one of Europes’ most advanced and environmentally sustainable pet food manufacturing facilities which produces some other of the worlds’ finest pet foods.

With no added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives the food is complete and fully balanced, designed to be gentle on your dogs’ digestive tract and help alleviate itchy skin and promote well-being and healthy glossy coat.

Our recipes all contain a tasty meat protein (chicken, turkey, lamb, duck or salmon) and a carbohydrate (rice or potato). Both carbohydrates are a valuable source of energy and are easily digestible so perfect for delicate and sensitive stomachs.

To stay happy, healthy, and active dogs, like humans, need a balanced diet containing a wide range of all the good nutrients without any of the ‘bad or ugly’ ingredients that lead to skin or tummy upsets. We make this easy for you in a tasty complete and fully balanced dry kibble where convenience does not compromise on quality.

Your pets’ health and happiness depends on YOU and the food you choose so make sure you choose the BEST!

PLEASE NOTE: The information on this page is not to be taken as medical advice for dogs (or humans). Please discuss your concerns regarding your dogs’ health with your veterinary surgeon before making any changes to your dogs’ diet.