Food Allergies Going to the Dogs

I can't help noticing an increase in stories about dogs being allergic to dog food. Recently I read that 1 in 10 dogs is allergic to a food. It seems that the offending foods for dogs are very similar to the top eight food allergies for people. There must be some link. Food allergic dogs, like people, can experience itchy skin leading to excessive scratching.

I can't help wondering if this is how food allergies in people began. Perhaps a generation ago we didn't hear much about food allergies because no one realized that itchy, rashy skin may have been a food allergy. Maybe over the years, responses have gotten more severe and now we deal with skin issues, gasto-intestinal issues and respiratory distress. Will we soon be carrying epinepherine for our pets? I'd like to see some research on food allergy in dogs and its possible link to the rising number of people with food allergy.

If you want to read more on this topic, check here and here.

This seems like a good time to remind you to be careful of your pets around children and adults with food allergies. Many pet foods, treats, bones, snacks and toys contain peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, wheat, eggs and other top allergens. A food allergic person may have an allergic reaction if licked by a dog. Know the ingredients in your pet products and alert at-risk people if they have contact with your pet.

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