Best dog food for german shepherds with skin allergies
Allergies remains a lifelong condition every German Shepherds will have to fight with on a daily basis.
Like humans, German Shepherds are susceptible to allergic reactions.
Unlike humans, however, symptoms of allergic reactions in German Shepherds are limited to the skin only. There’s no runny nose, itchy eyes or coughs.
Allergies in German Shepherds are harder to determine since its symptoms are pretty much the same as everyday behavior of a German Shepherd: scratching, kicking and licking.
An allergic reaction in a German Shepherd is not considered an illness, since it is not caused by any disease pathogens.
Though the skin reaction is not an illness, it can easily scar your dog’s beautiful body and also make it restless and as such, allergies should be given proper attention and care.
Best Dog Food For German Shepherds With Skin Allergies
Our pick as the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies is
Taste of the wild
Common symptoms of skin allergies in German Shepherds
Since symptoms of allergic reactions are not as pronounced in German Shepherds as they are in humans, you’ll have to pay close attention to your dog, or better visit a vet and find out if it’s suffering from an allergic reaction.
The symptoms of allergic reactions are more noticeable in the skin, so that’s where you should look first.
If you observe patches of irritated reddish skin in your German Shepherds and it spreads to several places within a few days, it’s possibly because of an allergic reaction.
Another symptom of allergic reactions is hair loss. Loss of hair will occur at the site with red patches and sometimes slightly reddish swellings.
If your dog barks, scratches, bites or licks the skin more habitually than aggressive, it’s possible that its body is reacting to an allergen.
Frequent coughing, sneezing or rubbing of the eyes are all common symptoms of allergic reactions in German Shepherds that you should watch for.
Must Read: Best dog food Brands for German Shepherd.
What causes allergic reactions in German Shepherds?
Allergic reactions as stated earlier is not a sickness – its just a reaction to a foreign body.
While allergies in humans are often dangerous and can lead to death, in dogs it is less severe and does not have any serious effects. However, it should be taken care of since it can make your pet jumpy or restless, plus it can easily damage its beautiful body.
Allergic reactions are caused by substances known as allergens. Allergens are a set of substances that a dog’s immune system treats in the same way as a disease causing pathogens.
Examples of allergens includes:
- Pollen
- Fur
- Hay
- Smoke
- Corn
- Soy
- Wheat etc
When a dog takes in any of these allergens, the body immune system will treat it like a disease causing pathogens. The white blood cells of the immune system particularly the eosinophils will release chemicals to kill off the “suspected pathogen”.
The immune reaction is quite beneficial since it helps to keep your dog from falling sick. However, in the case of allergic reactions, the immune system is “confused” and usually overreact by secreting more antitoxins which often kill of body cells and further lead to allergic reactions.
The above is a much simplified version of what actually happens when the dog’s body sights an allergens and mobilizes its immune system to fight it off.
On the surface however, allergic reactions are caused by three factors:
- Flea bites
- Inhalants
- Foods
As such we have three different types of allergic reactions in German Shepherds: flea bites allergies, inhalants allergies and food allergies.
Flea bites allergy in German Shepherds
Flea bite allergy is the most common types of allergic reactions in German Shepherds. Dogs are extremely susceptible to flea bites particularly saliva from a flea.
A dog’s body will start itching immediately after a fleas bite since the body is extremely sensitive to fleas saliva. The itching easily transforms to red spots and inflammation.
The best treatment for flea allergy is flea control. You can take active steps to control fleas on your dog’s body, home and fields.
You may also want to keep your dog from making contacts with other dogs, since fleas moves easily from one dog to another through body contact.
Itching caused by the fleas saliva can be soothed easily by using steroids or antihistamines.
Inhalants allergy in German Shepherds
German Shepherds are amongst the few breeds of canine that are extremely susceptible to pollen-related allergy.
The immune system of German Shepherds treats pollen like disease causing pathogens and as such reacts severely when it pollens are inhaled.
Unfortunately, Pollen-related allergies cannot be cured since it is genetic and could only be managed.
Usually Pollen-related allergy usually starts in the first three or six months of a dog’s life.
The major effects of pollen allergy in German Shepherds is a skin condition called Atopic Dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis is a skin condition that’s caused as a result of the skin’s susceptibility to pollens, grasses, molds, dust and trees. This type of allergy usually begins when a dog is very young: about three or six months old.
Atopic Dermatitis will continue to progress until a dog is almost susceptible to any substance it inhales. Common symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis includes skin irritation around the mouth, nose, armpits, stomach and anals.
Unfortunately, Atopic Dermatitis is a genetic condition and cannot be cured.
Food Allergy In German Shepherds
German Shepherds are also prone to food allergies like other dogs. Food allergies, like other types of allergic reactions, manifest in the form of itching. So it is important you distinguish the causes of an itching allergy before looking for treatment. In most cases, your vet will help you do this.
There are different food allergens which a dog can be allergic to. Some of the most common types includes: soy, beef, dairy, wheat, corn, etc.
Finding the type of food your dog is allergic to might prove to be a bit and as such, you might want to get help from a vet.
The vet will use an elimination diet plan to find the particular type of food your dog is allergic to. The elimination diet over involves a single meal at the beginning. Other meals will be added over time until an allergic reaction occurs, then you can easily remove the meal that causing the allergy from your dog’s meal.
How To Treat The Different Types Of Allergies In German Shepherds?
Before thinking about treating an allergic reaction in a German Shepherd, you’ll first of all want to find out the causes of the allergy. You can visit your vet to help you with this.
If your German Shepherds allergy is caused by fleas, you’ll have to begin a routine flea control program. This program should begin with your dog, then with its immediate environment: its bed.
Also, if the dog does sit on a couch, you may want to cover the couch with a blanket. This way you can easily remove and wash the blanket to keep fleas away from the couch.
Minimize contact with other dogs and ensure your dog only plays with other dogs which are free from fleas or are already on a flea control program.
For pollen-related allergy, you may want to avoid walking your dog early in the morning or at evening, since that is the period when pollen levels in the air is especially high.
Also, after every walk, you should wipe your dog’s limbs and body with a clean cloth. This will help keep pollen grains off its body.
Food allergies are quite tricky and will require a longer time to figure out the particular diet causing the allergy. However, you may want to start with a neutral diet.
A neutral diet will help prevent food allergies since it does not contain any of the substances known to cause allergic reactions in German Shepherds.
One solid example of a neutral diet for German shepherds is the Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food.
More Information About Taste Of The Wild Grain Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild remains the number one grain free dog food for German shepherds owners. The Taste of the Wild comes with all the nutrients your dog needs for a healthy growth, plus it is neutral; it does not contain any allergen.
As such, you can easily use the Taste of the Wild dog food to completely keep your dog safe from allergic reactions.
Important Ingredients Of Taste Of The Wild Dog Food
Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, egg product, roasted bison, roasted venison, beef, natural flavor, tomato pomace, potato protein, pea protein, vitamin B1, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin B2, vitamin D supplement, folic acid, ocean fish meal, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide.
Taste Of The Wild Is Good For Both Adults and Puppies
Taste of the wild is specially planned to cater for both adults and puppies. It is enriched with special vitamins and minerals for healthy bone development in young puppies and as well as with rich sources of proteins for sped up tissue growth and repair.
Because of its stable energy content, Taste of the Wild is highly recommended for adults dogs.
It comes with all the necessary proteins for tissue growth and repair, plus it is grain free and will help keep skin allergies at bay.
Health Benefits Of Taste of the Wild
Grain-free formula: Taste of the wild is specially formulated using Smoked Salmon Bison & Roasted Venison, Roasted Fowl, Roasted Lamb, Wild Boar Venison as the base ingredients.
Taste of the wild is completely grain-free and as such does not lead to any allergic reactions in German Shepherds no matter how sensitive the dog might be.
Source of long-lasting energy
Taste of the wild is made from premium meat and contains complex carbs like sweet potatoes and legumes, which are rich sources of protein as well as long-lasting energy guaranteed to keep your dog going for the day.
Immune system supports
Taste of the wild is specially formulated to work with the immune system in your pet’s stomach.
It is a well-known fact that about 70% of the canine’s immune system is found in the stomach and it is vital; you select a meal that agrees with the immune system to keep allergies at bay.
To handle this delicate aspect of your dog’s diet, Taste Of The Wild is specially formulated with probiotics and species-special probiotics from bacteria that’s found naturally in the dog’s intestines.
Protein blends
Taste of the wild comes with an optimal blend of animal and plant protein for optimal health. It features rich sources of animal protein like wild boar; buffalo; smoked salmon and turkey; and roasted bison, lamb, quail, venison etc and rich plant protein sources like legumes and potatoes. This makes Taste Of The Wild a perfect source of protein for your pet.
Omega fatty acids
Omega fatty acids are necessary for maintaining your dog’s healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Taste of the Wild gives every pup the right dose of Omega fatty acids. The Omega fatty acids found in Taste of the wild are all natural: the Omega-3 comes from smoked salmon while Omega 6 comes from plants. Both work in your pet’s tissues to maintain its healthy skin.
Taste of the wild
It has been proven numerous times that the dog has similar DNA to the wolf. It belongs in the wild but with numerous love and care from humans the dog has now become fully domesticated.
Still, the wild is embedded in every dog’s DNA and as such, they will continue to taste for the Wild. Use the taste of the wild to satisfy their needs and you’ll have a happier pet.
Final Verdict
Allergy in German Shepherds though incurable is quite easy to manage and even treat. All you have to do is find the cause of the allergy and eliminate it. For flea allergy, enter a flea control program and for inhalants, learn to protect your dog from chemical fumes as well as pollen grains.
Food allergy which is very common is quite easy to prevent and control. Simply find the food causing the allergic reaction and eliminate it from your dog’s diet or better still dump your current dog food causing the allergy and go for a neutral food like Taste of the Wild which is completely grain-free.
