How to Test Your Dog for Food Allergies

Does your dog suffer from skin problems and/or scratch constantly?
Does he have hot spots or recurring skin infections? He may suffer
from dog food allergies. Food allergies can appear in dogs any time in
their lifespan, from puppyhood to senior. There are certain food
ingredients that tend to be problematic. Among them are dairy
products, chicken and chicken eggs, soy, corn, wheat, and even beef.
Conduct a Food TrialTo diagnose your dog's potential food allergies
you can conduct a food trial, which means feeding your dog a unique
diet for up to 3 months. You will need to feed your dog new foods it
has never eaten before, such as venison and oats. Lamb and rice diets
used to be prescribed for dogs with potential allergies, but they are
no longer considered unique foods. Many commercial lamb and rice dog
foods also contain soy, eggs and other allergens.
Special foods are available through your vet or you can make your
dog's special diet at home using your vet's recommendations. The
special diet must be followed consistently, no other foods allowed
including treats or rawhides. Continue with the diet until you see
marked improvement in your dog's symptoms. Then go back to his regular
diet. If symptoms return, then you know your dog is allergic to one or
more ingredients in his regular food....

http://groups.google.com/group/dogfoodmave