If you find it challenging to afford prescription dog food for allergies or make the trip to buy it, then you may have another solution in a food line from Wellness. It’s called Simple Food Solutions. However, if your pet suffers from food allergies, you shouldn’t change diets without first consulting with your vet.

To help us learn more about dog food allergies and Simple Food Solutions, I asked an expert, the consulting veterinary nutritionist to Wellness. Edward Moser, MS, VMD, DACVN holds the rare title of Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist. He’s Adjunct Assistant Professor of Nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and sits on a federal panel working to establish guidelines for organic pet food.

If you decide to try Wellness, enter the Blisstree contest for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates for Wellness food, plus pet treats from Wellness. The deadline to enter is 11 pm CST on Thursday, December 17. Go to the Wellness contest post to enter.

What are the best indicators that your dog is suffering from a food allergy?

Dr. Moser: Just because your pets aren’t coughing and sneezing, as we do when confronted by some allergens, doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering all the same. Incessant scratching, licking a “hot spot,” recurrent ear infections and frequent messes on the living room floor are all signs that a dog has allergies. Allergic reactions can show up in puppies as young as five months old, or in seniors as old as 12 years of age, though the vast majority of cases occur between two and six years.

Pets with food allergies tend to experience skin irritation when exposed to known allergens, which in turn causes varied scratching behaviors. Dogs (and, to a lesser extent, cats) that scratch their ears, vigorously shake themselves, and lick or bite at their paws or coats may be suffering from an allergic reaction. They are experiencing a skin irritation that, if left untreated, may result in infection.

Many pets are also intolerant of certain food components, leaving them unable to fully metabolize the food and experiencing various GI problems. Unusual fecal color or consistency, excessive GI gurgling sounds and the passing of gas are typical.

There are many foods that can cause allergic or intolerance reactions in pets, and unfortunately, the list is growing every day. In addition to artificial chemical additives, preservatives and flavorings (that offer no nutritional value whatsoever), there are many otherwise healthy ingredients that can potentially pose a problem for sensitive pets. Meats of all kinds, including beef and poultry, are known allergens and/or GI irritants to some animals, as are wheat/wheat protein, eggs, dairy and soy-based products. The key is determining which one or more of these ingredients are responsible for your pet’s distress.

The best way to determine that is to conduct a food elimination trial. In the elimination trial, you should choose a wholesome, complete and balanced diet like Simple Food Solutions that avoids ingredients to which the pet has previously been exposed, then feed this recipe, and this recipe only, (no snacks or table food) for six to eight weeks

How is the Simple Food Solutions line different from most other Wellness dog foods?

Dr. Moser: A limited ingredient diet like Simple Food Solutions is designed to manage allergies naturally, by removing additional proteins, carbohydrates, fillers and additives. It combines one novel animal protein source, like duck, plus one easily digestible carbohydrate source, like ground rice, with a short, yet complete list of key ingredients. Nothing extra – and is a natural alternative to prescription diets. The limited ingredients in Simple Food Solutions are carefully chosen for their quality, nutritional value and their ability to nourish with simplicity:

• Ground Rice – With the bran layer removed, it is easy to digest. There are no additional carbohydrates.
• Duck, Lamb or Salmon – These are “novel,” high quality alternatives to common proteins due to their unique amino acid profiles.
• Canola Oil – High quality fat source is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to help dogs maintain healthy skin and coat from the inside out.
• Tomato Pomace – Rich in the antioxidant lycopene; an excellent dietary fiber source.
• Vitamins & Minerals – A complete blend of everything a dog needs for daily wellbeing.

Do you have anything to add?

In addition to eliminating the dietary allergen or irritant and making the necessary switch to a quality natural pet food, you should visit your veterinarian. If your pet is prone to scratching, his skin should be examined for inflammation and infection that can lead to further medical complications and compromise overall health.

(Image via Wellness)

Post from: Blisstree

Interview on Dog Food Allergies

In a new study, scientists even reinforced this anti-allergy powers by http://”>genetically engineering Lactococcus lactis bacteria to secrete murine interleukin-10 (IL-10), and subsequently help treat food sensitivities and intolerances.

Writing in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Frossard reports that oral administration of this non-pathogenic strain effectively reduced food-induced anaphylaxis (severe allergic response) in mice and suppressed the production of an antibody capable of initiating the most powerful immune reactions.

The results of the animal trial is published online at the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2006.12.615.

[via: Allergizer, Photo: National Dairy Council]

Post from: Blisstree

Genetically Engineered Probiotic Bacteria May Reduce Food Allergies

Where to go if…

… you have the flu? Grace at FluPatrol itemizes which helps and which don’t, and tells us that chicken soup does work wonders when you have flu or colds.

… you’re ready to shift your baby to solids? Angela at Breastfeeding123 discusses all you have to know when starting your baby on solid foods.

… you’re craving for something vegetarian? Julie at VeggieChic gives us a quick recipe (and a link to a more complicated one) for a vegetarian “chicken soup”.

… you’re in London looking for someone you can discuss science with? Hsien at Genetics and Health found a gem of a waiter, and a satisfying conversation over poached eggs.

… you’re a teetotaler? Can you eat dishes and desserts cooked with sherry or brandy? Mark at A Dozen Steps says that in a lot of cases, quite a bit of alcohol is retained even after heating or flaming.

… you want to prepare something good for the heart? Hsien at A Hearty Life lists 5 resources where you can find heart-healthy recipes for inspiration.

… you’re taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease? Mary Emma at Alzheimer Notes tells us what it’s like eating and having tea-parties with an AD patient.

… you’re curious about diets that can treat autism? Kristina at AutismVox discusses and issues a caveat pertaining to claims that low oxalate diets can help treat autism.

… want to keep healthy despite the December rush? Heather at Lively Women urges you not to skip meals and eat nutrient dense/high energy foods. Afterall it’s not fun welcoming the coming year while on the sickbed.

… you want to know a scientific method of making pizza. Tris at the Homely Scientist, gives you a blow by blow account of the microbiological and chemical reactions when you bake a pizza crust.

… coping with chronic fatigue? Laura at CFS Squared recommends the BRAT diet for those who have food intolerances.

Post from: Blisstree

The Buffet Is Open: b5media’s Science and Health Channel Theme Day Focuses on Food