Ask the Vet: Food Allergies

The Problem: I have a Border Collie with food allergies - I think beef, chicken/eggs and low quality grains. I'm considering a homemade diet - any books you can recommend and any supplements that are musts? He's currently getting wellness core ocean formula and the honest kitchen "zeal" formula. But he's still having issues- overall itchiness (he no long has extreme ear gunk build or raw sores/hair loss). He was on Beneful at his previous home, and we've made great strides with a diet change, but we're not all the way there yet, which is why I'm considering other options. Any advice appreciated! -Megan Walsh

The Solution:

The thing I would recommend doing is going with a single novel protein and carbohydrate source. The things to make certain of is calcium phosphorous balance and using a multivitamin to help balance out the minerals and b vitamins. I've been using Vetriscience's Canine plus, but more often am using Standard Process Whole Body Support.

Take a look at our website for a recipe that is balanced, and adapt to a single protein for your dog. If you prefer the Raw approach, Dr. Becker, who has a website similar to mercola.com, has a book about raw foods, with many recipes. I prefer the cooked approach as it is what dogs have been eating for the last several thousand years, and the digestive system is often askew in allergic skin disease.

Because skin disease is a multi system disorder, you may also consider doing a food therapy and supplement consultation in the office or by telephone to help hone in on your dog's specific issues. Check out our new crockpot video at sundogcatmoon.com!

Ruth M. Roberts, DVM CVA CVH
Sun Dog Cat Moon, LLC
www.sundogcatmoon.com