A Guide to Sensitive Dog Food: Health and Happiness Dogs have a special place in our hearts and homes. We believe our dogs are part of the family, and we treat them like our children. It is obvious when we are equally happy to see our furry, four-legged friends when we walk in the door as they are to see us. But, unlike the other members of our families, our dogs are unable to speak up when they are uncomfortable. It is even likely that will not show us that they do not feel well, unless of course, they are in immense pain. That is precisely why it has taken people so long to discover that dogs, just like people, can develop food sensitivities. Symptoms of Food Sensitivities Digestion is one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy body; it applies to canines as well as humans. However, it is an often overlooked part of well being, at least until something stops working properly. When this happens to dogs, they are as apt as we are to be confused about unusual bodily sensations. But, until they become acutely sore, our dogs are unlikely to let us know that they are uncomfortable. Fortunately, the symptoms for canine food sensitivities are largely the same as those experienced by humans. Typically, this includes one or more of the following: Loose bowels Inability to relieve the bowels Flatulence Vomiting Just like humans, these can occur from time to time normally. Food sensitivities, however, cause these to occur regularly. They may even happen intermittently, but if bouts occur frequently, then there is reason to be concerned. If any of these symptoms are accompanied with despondency, or whimpering, it is best to rush your dog off to the vet. In this instance, what resembles food sensitivities could actually be symptomatic of something much more serious. Typically, however, it is likely to be food sensitivities if your dog otherwise appears happy and healthy. How Food Sensitivities Develop When considering specially formulated food for your pet, it is necessary to understand how food sensitivities develop. Although some dogs are born with sensitive stomachs, many canines develop this condition over time. Dogs, like most mammals, require a varied diet. That does not mean that they need to change their food every other day, only that they need a varied source of nutrition. Although most dogs stay on the same food from the time they make the switch to adult food until they are ready for a senior diet,
some dogs’ digestive tracks cannot handle repeated exposure to the same foods. Beef, for example, is one of the foods that canines build up a resistance to over time. Sadly, many cheaper brands of dog food include only beef products within their ranges. Like beef, the other ingredients that present problems are the same that many humans battle. These include soya, wheat gluten, maize and dairy products. While not all pet foods include these products, nor are they blended in the same way, foods that are difficult to digest only become more difficult as time passes. The inclusion of probiotics for intestine health can only do so much to alleviate the symptoms of food sensitivities. Typically, the offending food must be totally eradicated from your pet’s diet, along with the other foods known to cause digestive problems. Formulating Sensitive Dog Foods When preparing food for consumption for dogs with food sensitivities, all of the known offenders must be removed from production. Although beef must be largely bypassed in sensitive dog foods, other meats can and should, be included in the process. Dogs are carnivores; they require meat or fish as part of a healthy diet. However, one of the most crucial parts of dog food formulation is the other ingredients used. Not only should certain ingredients be excluded, but the fewer and more natural the ingredients are, the healthy it is for sensitive stomachs. Rather than using maize to bind the pellets together, rice should be used, along with beetroot and prebiotics for natural stimulation of digestive enzymes. If you have any concerns about the ingredients used in sensitive dog food, ensure that you call the manufacturer, who should be willing to answer all your questions. Switching Your Dog to Sensitive Food Dogs with sensitive stomachs have already been through a lot of discomfort. Often, it is difficult for them to switch brands or flavours as soon as food sensitivities are diagnosed. However, it is still healthiest for them to make the move quickly if at all possible. Indeed, it is the easiest way for your pet to regain his normal state of happiness. Once food sensitivities dictate a change in food, attempt to give your pet only the new food at the next feeding time. Ensure that you follow the guidelines regarding serving size as the sensitive food may be more concentrated than the previous food. If your dog is not willing to try the new food, you can allow her to skip a meal, although do not let her leave more than one meal. At the next feeding time, offer the new food again. Her hunger may just win her over to the new taste. However, if your dog still will not eat, you will need to make the change slowly, mixing a little bit from both bags until your dog is happy with her new sensitive food. If your dog is pregnant, or nursing, it is best to speak to your vet about the best way to switch to a new food, and which one is best suited for this time of her life. Above all, remember that dogs are usually extremely happy. If you believe that something is wrong with your pet, you must take him to the vet. Although your dog may not show obvious signs of discomfort while you play fetch, checking their stools is a strong indicator that all is not well in their world. Remember, it may not be food sensitivities, so the last thing you want to do is wait. To find out more sensitive dog food then please visit the Burgess Sensitive website http://www.burgesssensitive.co.uk/