Food Intolerance and Food Allergy: Symptoms and Treatment

Changes in stool consistency, mucus in the stool, increased grass eating, itching or excessive paw licking: these symptoms can, individually or in combination, indicate a food intolerance or allergy in your dog.

However, before you suspect a food allergy, it is important to rule out other possible causes. For example, itching can also be caused by parasites or a parasite allergy.

If other causes of the symptoms have been ruled out, it may be advisable to carry out an elimination diet (food exclusion diet) with your dog.

What is an elimination diet?
An elimination diet helps you find out which foods your dog reacts to. For this, your dog receives only one new protein source and one new carbohydrate source over several weeks (typically 6–8 weeks). Afterwards, other foods are gradually reintroduced one at a time to observe any reactions.

Our pork variety ("Ringeltanz") is particularly well suited, as it contains pork as a protein source and potato as a grain-free carbohydrate source. Both are well tolerated by most dogs.

How does an elimination diet work?

  1. Choosing a new protein source:
    Choose a protein your dog has never eaten before, for example pork, as contained in our "Ringeltanz" product. 

  2. Choosing a grain-free carbohydrate source: Combine the protein with a new carbohydrate source.

  3. Exclusive feeding:
    During the diet, feed only this food – no treats, chews or table scraps.

  4. Monitoring symptoms: Watch for changes in itching, skin or digestion.

  5. Gradual challenge: When the symptoms improve, reintroduce other foods one at a time and observe any reactions.

  6. Reaction: If a reaction occurs to a particular food, this indicates an allergy or intolerance. This way, you can adjust your dog's diet in the long term.

Not sure how best to proceed? You are welcome to arrange a personal consultation with our veterinarian to discuss your dog's individual situation. Book your consultation now!

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