If you own an Australian Shepherd, lovingly called the Aussie, then you probably already know that they are lively, energetic, and very intelligent dogs, making them great pets. With their agility and smarts, your Aussie has an awesome personality and decision-making skills, along with the loyalty and love for the family!
While they make great pets, there are prone to allergies, which can trigger skin issues, respiratory problems, among other conditions. That’s why it’s best to avoid any triggers and allergens to keep them happy and healthy, may it be in the air or the food they eat.
But what are the Australian Shepherd food allergies to keep away from their diet? Read on to find out!
The Australian Shepherd Food Allergies
Allergies are an immune system disorder that occurs when your body has a severe or inappropriate response to certain triggers, which include food. Food allergies can trigger skin allergies and other conditions that are very uncomfortable to Australian Shepherds. Allergies can begin when they reach 1-2 years old if they are caused by allergens in the air, but it can also begin earlier if they suffer from a food allergy.
Here are the most common signs of food allergies:
- Itching and itchy paws
- Sneezing
- Hot spots
- Scaly and/or oily skin or skin rashes
- Pigmented skin and/or leathery skin texture
- Red eyes or eye discharge
- Ear infections
- Air loss
- Bacterial infections on the skin or ears
- Chronic diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Gastrointestinal troubles
- Loss of appetite
- Behavioral issues such as frequently scratching on owner or furniture, shaking or scratching ears, biting their paws, tail, or rear end, as well as reduced interest or withdrawal from fun activities
If your dog shows signs of a food allergy, you’ll need to take them to the veterinarian for treatment. This is especially if they are vomiting, straining to pass stool, or have abdominal pain and/or diarrhea.
If your dog experiences an allergic reaction to what he eats, there are ways to remedy the symptoms, including antihistamines or other medications.
What Are Aussies Allergic To?
Obviously, if food is the culprit of the allergy, then you need to keep that certain food away from your Aussie. They may be allergic to certain dog food containing specific ingredients or ‘dusty’ dry food, or homemade food you whip up for your dog. There are various foods an Aussie can be allergic to, depending on their genetics and individual body composition.
While no dog or Aussie is the same, here are the top dog food allergens:
- Beef
- Dairy products
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Wheat
While vegetables may seem like the best bet, take note that they contain proteins as well, so they aren’t safe immediately.
If you suspect food allergies in your Aussie, then you should conduct an elimination diet or food trial. You can do this by feeding her new and pure food for at least 8 weeks, either cooked or commercially-produced.
You can opt to feed them dog food with single sources of carbohydrate, animal protein, and vegetable protein. If you’re making your own dog food, opt for fish and potatoes, or rabbit and peas. Don’t feed them food that has other natural flavors, as they may contain unidentified proteins.
As you perform this food trial, don’t feed them any table food, flavored medications, or supplements. Then, slowly introduce your Aussie’s original food, or one food ingredient at a time, monitoring for any signs of allergic reactions. When you reintroduce the food you suspect as an allergen, this can help you determine if there are allergies.
Besides this, there are also other ways to determine allergies, such as blood or patch tests performed by a veterinarian. Talk with your dog’s veterinarian for any recommendations regarding their meal plans, as they can help you create an effective meal plan that focuses on a fresh food diet to keep your Aussie healthy while preventing any allergic reaction.
What Food Actually Helps Aussies
Besides food that triggers allergies, they also have supplements and food to eat to help reduce and eliminate allergic reactions. For instance, food with fatty acids like fish oil can help with the itching. Simple diets that have whole food ingredients can also benefit dogs with or without food allergies.
Having a long-term and consistent diet and meal plan will not only keep them away from allergies but also prevent diseases and serious conditions such as obesity, heart disease, among others. Furthermore, ask your veterinarian regarding any supplements, pet products, and/or medications that can help reduce skin issues and allergies!
Learn more about what you should feed your Australian Shepherd with this informative video:
Wrapping It Up
Australian Shepherds are no strangers to allergies, with various triggers and types, including contact allergies, flea allergies, inhalant allergies, and molds. Food allergies are also common in this dog breed, which is why it’s important to know what your dog is allergic to and keep it away from their meal plans.
I hope that you learned a lot from this list of Australian Shepherd food allergies! Now that you are more well-acquainted with what food to avoid, be sure to plan your dog’s meals ahead and choose their food wisely.