How To Spot Potential Food Intolerances in Dogs

Some dogs appear to be sensitive or intolerant to certain ingredients and additives and this can cause a variety of problems. As owners, it is our responsibility to ensure only the best ingredients are fed to our pets, but to also lookout for the signs and symptoms related to food intolerances.

 

Signs to look out for:

  • Itchy, scratchy, flaky skin

  • Lethargy

  • Hyperactivity

  • Ear problems

  • Light brown loose stools

  • Diarrhoea

  • Slime or jelly like substance being passed with stools

  • Flatulence

  • Bloating

  • Weight gain or loss

 

The most common foods to cause intolerances appear to be colourings, sugars, wheat, milk, and soya. Wheat and mixed cereals can vary greatly in digestibility causing stress to their digestive system resulting in many of the above symptoms.

Obviously, not all dogs are sensitive to these things, but you should watch and monitor your pet for these symptoms and if they keep re-occurring adjusting their diet could do wonders.  

If you suspect a food intolerance you should avoid giving your dog any foods or treats containing any suspect ingredients for a minimum of 4 weeks, and then reintroduce each ingredient, one at a time, and watch for the return of any physical or behavioural changes.

Our staff at Pets Corner can help you find the best foods for your pet and help rule out the ingredients most likely to cause intolerances.