We’ve all heard of food allergies, but did you know that food sensitivities in dogs are a very real thing, too?
Allergies are much easier to diagnose than sensitivities because they are clear, immediate reactions to a particular food. For example, if your dog breaks out in a rash immediately after eating that sliver of chicken off your plate, you know that they are probably allergic to chicken.
Now imagine that every night, four hours after eating their last meal, your dog starts obsessively scratching and licking their skin. You would probably assume that the flea medication you applied the week before isn’t working anymore.
What if that itching was actually caused by the beef in the organic food that you feed them? You would never know because the symptoms presented hours after your dog ate their dinner. You would never suspect it because the food is organic and human-grade. How could it be bad?
In this blog, we’re going to take a closer look at the top 5 reasons to get a food sensitivity test done on your dog.
Getting to the root of digestive problems.
As a dog owner, you know that digestive issues can be a common problem. Your furry friend may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, gas, or other unpleasant symptoms. These issues can not only cause discomfort but also disrupt your daily routine with your pup.
What you may not know is that food sensitivities could be the underlying cause of these digestive issues. Just like in humans, dogs can develop food sensitivities to certain ingredients in their diets. And just like in humans, these sensitivities can lead to digestive problems.
The gut is typically the first place where food sensitivities become prevalent, but a lot of times it can show in other, less identifiable ways.
Itchy skin or dull coat?
Your dog’s skin and coat are not only important for their appearance but also their overall health. Unfortunately, skin and coat issues are a common problem among dogs. You may notice your pup itching, scratching, or developing rashes or dry patches.
Did you know that food sensitivities could be contributing to these skin and coat issues? When dogs develop food sensitivities, it can cause inflammation in their bodies, which can lead to skin problems like itching and rashes.
It’s important to note that if your dog has persistent rashes, ask your vet to conduct tests for parasites and potential diseases along with the food sensitivity test.
Not running around or playing much these days?
We all know that a telltale sign that our best friend isn’t feeling like their best self is a lack of energy and general lethargy. This is usually one of the most pronounced symptoms that we see when they are sensitive to a particular ingredient.
While there could be various reasons for this, food sensitivities are a common culprit. When a dog has a food sensitivity, their body reacts to certain ingredients in their food, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
This inflammation can lead to a lack of energy and lethargy, making it difficult for your furry friend to enjoy their daily activities. A food sensitivity test can help identify these problematic ingredients, allowing you to make dietary changes that can improve your dog’s energy levels and overall well-being.
Optimizing their nutrition.
Food is fuel. It’s that simple. If you put Diesel in a car that runs on regular gas, the fuel pump will struggle to move the gas where it needs to go, which can lead to a host of other problems, including a call to AAA when the car eventually breaks down.
Food works the same way in both our bodies and our dog’s little bodies. Eating the wrong foods, no matter how healthy they are supposed to be, is the equivalent of putting the wrong fuel in your car.
Reducing inflammation and chronic conditions.
Our dogs can’t tell us what is bothering them. Figuring out why they are extra lethargic or having difficulties at potty time can feel like trying to solve a rubix cube while blindfolded. It’s important that we try and take that blindfold off with the help of a vet to get to the root of chronic inflammation and chronic conditions.
Food sensitivities can contribute to chronic inflammation, and identifying trigger foods through a food sensitivity test can help reduce inflammation. By eliminating trigger foods, your dog’s body won’t have to continually fight off inflammation, leading to a decrease in chronic conditions.
A food sensitivity test can help identify the foods that cause inflammation in your dog’s body, allowing you to make necessary changes to their diet.
Because your best friend deserves the best.
By identifying trigger foods, you can help your dog avoid uncomfortable symptoms and promote optimal health and wellness.
To recap, the top reasons for getting a canine food sensitivity test include resolving digestive issues, improving skin and coat health, increasing energy and reducing lethargy, optimizing nutrition, and reducing inflammation and chronic conditions.
If you notice your dog experiencing any of these issues or suspect they may have a food sensitivity, don’t hesitate to talk to your veterinarian about getting a test. With the help of a food sensitivity test, you can ensure that your best friend is happy, healthy, and living their best life.
