Discovering if your dog has a food intolerance isn’t always easy. Sometimes the signs and symptoms go unnoticed by pet parents until they are chronic and require a visit to the veterinarian office. There are a variety of adverse food reactions that can happen to dogs. The following information will help you determine if your dog is experiencing food intolerance and how you can help.
What are the different kinds of adverse food reactions in dogs?
- Ingesting large amounts of a nutrient such as vitamin A & D
- Food poisoning from spoiled food that causes gastrointestinal disease
- Ingestion of toxic foods
- Food additives such as spices, monosodium glutamate, disulfide and sulfates found in some commercial dog foods and treats
- Ingestion of toxic plants that lead to gastrointestinal irritation
- Carbohydrates
- Reactions to medications
Symptoms of food intolerance in dogs
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort and pain
- Weight loss
- Abdominal gas
- Excessive scratching
- Poor weight gain
Dietary indiscretion
Sometimes your dog’s food intolerance issue is directly related to their diet. As a pet parent, you try your best to provide a healthy diet that meets your dog’s nutritional needs. However, your dog can accidentally consume a variety of things when you aren’t looking or while they are playing outdoors. Common items that cause an adverse reaction include fat or grease, bones, plastic, wood, and aluminum foil.
Diagnosis
A visit to the veterinarian is recommended if you suspect your dog is experiencing and intolerance to their food. The veterinarian will conduct a physical exam to determine the cause of the symptoms and confirm if it’s related to food intolerance.
Treatment
Treatment often involves a change in your dog’s diet, adding a fiber supplement to their diet and successfully treating any bacterial infection that exists in your dog’s digestive tract. Bernie’s Perfect Poop is a great option for fiber supplements. Bernie’s 4-in-1 digestive supplement provides balance to the microbiome (good and bad bacteria) in the gut. As a result of a balanced digestive system, the gastrointestinal tract is better able to eliminate allergens as well as absorb nutrients the dogs need.
Food intolerance in dogs is a common issue that is usually easy to solve. A healthy diet with added supplements helps maintain a healthy digestive system and improve overall health.
