Allergies and Intolerances
What exactly are pet food allergies?
Pet food allergies are defined as immune system or inflammatory responses triggered off by certain foods. Other pets may not have true allergies but are still sensitive to certain ingredients, on a less severe level. While often referred to as ‘allergies’, these types of lower-grade long term reactions to diet are more accurately described as food sensitivities.
A food allergy or sensitivity is entirely specific to the individual animal and a food that is ‘non allergenic’ for one pet may cause severe reactions for another. Just as a cake may be labeled ‘hypoallergenic’ for most human beings because it’s made without nuts, dairy and gluten, it could cause a severe and even fatal reaction for a person with a strawberry allergy, if it is made with strawberries. Similarly, a “hypoallergenic” pet food made with, say, lamb and rice or duck and potatoes, will not even come close to improving the situation for a dog who’s allergic to lamb, or potatoes.
There are lots of different theories about how and why pet food allergies occur. Most holistic practitioners agree that true allergic reactions are usually the result of an underlying health problem or system imbalance. All dogs and cats are exposed to a variety of allergens in daily life and never have a reaction of any kind. Pets don’t actually develop allergies as a result of exposure to allergens, but because they have suddenly become susceptible or vulnerable in some way.
Feeding a single type of food long-term without any dietary variety is also thought to be linked with an increased risk of food-intolerances developing. Pets that enjoy a varied, whole-food diet develop far fewer food allergies than one-food pets. Bad quality food in itself may deplete the immune system over time, because they are laden with toxins and other substances that place unnecessary burden on the body, or because they lack important nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes and so on.
Many such nutrients may not be included in AAFCO nutrient profiles but are still vital for the long terms optimal health and vitality of a cat or dog. Vaccines, chemicals, medications like antibiotics or steroids, stress and genetics can all predispose a pet to pet food allergies as well. It’s true that certain ingredients have a much higher incidence of causing allergic reactions than others but the key is to uncover what your own pet can and cannot tolerate. For many pets, the most common culprits are wheat, corn, soy, rice and sugar beet pulp – as well as various preservatives and by-products.
Steps to identifying allergies and sensitivities: The Elimination Diet
Start off feeding an ultra simple diet of ideally, just two ingredients. Many vets recommend turkey and sweet potatoes, and nothing more. You’ll probably have to home-make these meals for the test period. The idea here is to ‘eliminate’ everything else from the diet in the hope that the allergies or yeast infections will at least begin to show signs of starting to subside. (If they don’t, try just turkey and quinoa or maybe beef and sweet potatoes instead). Don’t feed any other foods or treats at all, as these can throw off your results.
Feed this ultra-minimal diet for about 2 to 3 weeks and possibly even longer, to observe for improvements. You probably won’t see a complete cure but you should start to see a little less itching and irritation. Once you’re at this point, you can begin to very slowly add additional ingredients, one at a time only, at a rate of one every one or two weeks. Don’t feed any other treats or ‘unplanned’ foods still. Keep a record of what you’re adding in each week and what reactions if any, occur. You may find you can add green beans one week and oatmeal the next but as soon as you add flax, she gets all itchy again. Note this, take out the problem ingredient, and make a note of it.
It’s a time consuming process involving a certain amount of trial and error, but an elimination diet really can work in helping you to work out what foods your pet can and can’t tolerate. Some pet owners are amazed to discover that their dog can tolerate almost anything that’s home-made, raw or minimally processed yet the moment they switch to a highly-processed kibble of the same ingredients, the allergies flare back up. There are a couple of suspected reasons for this: Either the kibble is laden with chemical preservatives which are causing the reaction, or it was processed under such extreme heat and pressure that the amino acid structure of the raw ingredients was altered and your dog’s body can’t even recognize that ‘chicken meal’ as true chicken!
Once you’ve pinpointed the allergies, you can either continue to home prepared meals, or try a very minimally processed diet with just a few simple whole-food ingredients. Many people have success with our Thrive recipe, which is chicken and quinoa (an ancient, gluten-free seed) plus vegetables – no fruit or flax.
If you don’t have the time to home-make your dog’s meals, the other approach is to feed a completely grain-free pet food diet for a few weeks and see if that does the trick. Our Embark and Force are both 100% grain-free, as are most of the commercial raw food diets on the market.
Mange
Mange results from an excessive multiplication of the mites that live normally in a dog’s hair follicles, when a puppy’s immune system is depleted for some reason. This often happens in a weak pup after excessive vaccination, spaying and neutering.
For sarcoptic mange, the type that is very contagious even to people and causes extreme itching, a 1:10 blend of lavender to almond oil is good for topical application, along with feeding a fresh food diet. You can also bathe the pet in a yellow dock tea. Either of these methods should be used daily for three weeks and then once a week for two to three weeks. If there is no improvement, a pyrethrin shampoo would be the next choice before using a dip. Demodectic mange, the second type, is an immune system problem and is only mildly itchy with some hair loss and slight reddening.
Soaking the affected areas in a mix of Neem oil (about 15 drops in a bowl of warm water) can be helpful but take care to avoid the delicate eye area.
Fortifying the immune system with antioxidants like Vitamin E, as well as Colloidal Silver and a good quality fish oil supplement is also recommended. And a wholesome, natural diet is essential to ensure the immune system is able to restore itself properly.
For sarcoptic mange, the type that is very contagious even to people and causes extreme itching, a 1:10 blend of lavender to almond oil is good for topical application, along with feeding a fresh food diet. You can also bathe the pet in a yellow dock tea. Either of these methods should be used daily for three weeks and then once a week for two to three weeks. If there is no improvement, a pyrethrin shampoo would be the next choice before using a dip.
Demodectic mange, the second type, is an immune system problem and is only mildly itchy with some hair loss and slight reddening. Echinacea, Cats Claw and Astragalus, all helpful for immune system support, are also useful.
For both types of mange, Homeopathic Silicea is useful for vaccine-related mange outbreaks. This can be alternated with homeopathic Psorinum (made from the human scabies mite). The recommendation is to use one remedy for as long as it’s working and then switch to the other until the problem completely resolves. Sulfur is another good homeopathic if the pet is warm and very thirsty.
Copraphagia (eating poop)
There is a lot of speculation on what causes animal to eat their own poop. Disgusting as it sounds to us humans, many animal species indulge in this questionable pastime and the general consensus is that it isn’t always something to fret about – at least as far as our animal companions’ health is concerned. Of course, medical conditions such as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) should be ruled out via a medical exam, to ensure that copraphagia isn’t the result of something that requires medical intervention.
To our pets, in most cases, feces consumption isn’t too different from any other sort of scavenging that is part of their natural hard-wired instinct, and no more problematic than grazing on a bit of fresh spring grass. Some experts contend that consumption of dung from herbivores such as cows, horses and sheep may actually be beneficial for dogs, and provides a rich source of good bacteria and other nutrients. The risk of course is the consumption of medications or chemical de-wormers with which these herbivores may have been treated, or the contraction of intestinal parasites as a result of eating worm-laden dung.
Of course most of us don’t want an animal who eats his poop (or anyone else’s for that matter) and those of us with small children certainly don’t want kisses from an animal family member who has consumed feces of any kind. There are some things that can be done to manage and prevent the problem, from a holistic perspective – which means taking all aspects of the issue into consideration and treating the being ‘as a whole’.
The Nutritional Element
Nutritional factors may play a role in the incidence of copraphagia and many experts agree that animals on a poor quality diet may be more susceptible to picking up the poop-eating habit. In many cases, transitioning to a fresh, whole-foods diet with lots of raw and minimally processed ingredients will help to ameliorate the problem. Food allergies and mal-absorption issues can also be a factor.
Supplementation with minerals in the form of kelp, spirulina or other high-nutrient foods is recommended. Digestive enzyme supplementation is also a good idea to help improve absorption and assimilation of the nutrients in Fido’s food. Several companies now make supplements specifically designed to discourage copraphagia. A couple of notable examples are Forbid and an aptly names supplement called Stop Eating Poop (S.E.P.) made by Solid Gold. These products cause the feces to take on a foul taste, which deters dogs from consuming it.
Management
Training is a vital component in the holistic approach to preventing copraphagia. Management begins with prompt cleanup of the yard to remove temptation, and use of a leash to prevent access to or contact with feces that might have gone undetected, out on walks.
Teaching the command ‘Leave it!’ is also immensely helpful. Start on a leash, and reward with a well-timed click, treats and lots of praise each time you successfully call your pup away. Don’t reward for coming away after eating poop – the reward should only come for successfully averting the undesired behavior. Take care not to turn the task of preventing your dog from getting to his much desired fecal treat, into a fun game of ‘keep away’ which you might risk losing and which can turn into even more of a rewarding experience. Other commands such as ‘Stop!” or ‘Look (at me)! Can also be used with some success to divert a dog’s attention and allow you to intervene.
The use of aversives such as punishment for stool eating is not recommended as a general rule. Some pet owners report success with the application of hot sauce or chili powder to stools, to provide a negative experience when they are consumed but in the time it takes to apply these seasonings, it’s more efficient to actually pick up and remove temptation.
Behavioral Issues
Some cases of copraphagia result form a learned behavior – copying or joining in with another hound who’s doing it at the dog park, for example. Copraphagia does seem to be more common in dogs who co-habit with cats. They start off unable to resist the high-protein delicacies in the litter tray and move on to other types of feces later on.
In other instances, stool eating can begin in an animal’s attempt to alleviate boredom, loneliness, anxiety, which results from being left alone for long periods of time, or other stressful situations. Stuffed Kongs, raw meaty bones and other ‘interactive’ puzzle toys filled with treats can provide a useful management tool to address the emotional causes.
Whatever the cause, a multi-pronged approach that takes into account all aspects of copraphagia is more likely to yield success than focusing on one factor alone.
Colitis & GI Upset in Dogs
Colitis is essentially an inflammation of the large intestine, or colon. The term Colitis is used to cover several different conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract and can include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (a condition where the animal’s white blood cells invade the intestine and cause inflammation to occur). The result is that nutrient absorption is impaired and this causes weight loss and general GI disturbance
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which can be related to stress
- Pancreatitis in which the pancreas becomes inflamed
- Parasitic infections such as giardia, hookworms or whipworms
- Bacterial infection such as Campylobacter or salmonella
- Food allergies in which an animal is intolerant of certain ingredients.
The symptoms of colitis include diarrhea, which can sometimes alternate with constipation. Mucus or blood in the stool and excessive gassiness are also signs of Colitis. Stool volume may be reduced but there may be much straining and the frequency of defecation may increase.
A holistic approach to treatment
If a food intolerance is suspected as the cause of colitis, an elimination diet is a good starting point. This involves feeding a simple bland recipe, like turkey and sweet potatoes, for a period of several weeks. Once digestive issues settle down, other food ingredients can be added back into the diet one by one, with a period of several days between each new addition, to monitor for any adverse reactions such as a recurrence of diarrhea, or vomiting.
A Grain-free diet is recommended by most holistic veterinarians for pets with colitis or a sensitive GI tract. Grain can cause many adverse reactions especially when there is an excessively high grain content in the diet, or those grains are highly processed such as corn gluten meal or wheat middlings. Genetically modified grains may be more likely to cause inflammatory reactions in the GI tract than conventional or organic grains. Whole grains are less problematic, too.
Digestive enzymes are helpful. A good quality probiotic such as lactobacillus and acidophilus helps to improve intestinal absorption of the nutrients in your pet’s food. Plain yogurt with a live-culture may also do the job.
Some studies have shown that supplementation with Omega 3 fatty acids is helpful, since these have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Herbs that are helpful for colitis include Slippery Elm and Marshmallow, Calendula and Pumpkin Seed. Pumpkin seed contains Omega 3 EFA’s, which have anti-inflammatory properties and also helps to stimulate appetite and relieve constipation. Plantain is an anti-inflammatory and emollient which soothes and protects internal mucus membranes. Slippery elm soothes and protects the internal mucus membranes and is a natural emollient and anti-inflammatory. Calendula can be used as an infusion or tincture, to treat ulceration and inflammation of the intestinal tract. Pectin, a soluble dietary fiber, is also recommended for various GI problems including Colitis; it helps to naturally regulate the digestive tract and combat diarrhea. Most of these are found in out supplement for digestion, Perfect Form.
Antibiotics are not recommended except for specific types of colitis which are caused by a bacterial infection.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from Colitis, consider a veterinary consultation to determine the cause and come up with a treatment plan. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association web site www.ahvma.org has a directory of excellent holistic vets, nationwide.
Itchy Skin
There are many possible causes of the chronic itchy skin, hot-spots, dandruff and oily coat that plague many dogs. In the summer months, fleas or environmental / contact allergies may be the culprit – many pets are sensitive to certain types of grass and weeds. Other possible irritants in the home include detergents used to wash blankets and bedding, household cleaners including carpet or upholstery shampoos and floor products in the areas where your pet lies down, as well as any sprays used in the yard.
One common cause that’s often overlooked, is diet. Food sensitivities are abundant in almost every breed, possibly due to genetics or that fact that many animals are fed the same food for months or even years on end, with no variety in ingredients or alternative sources of nutrition, such as fresh real food.
One of the most common causes of food sensitivity in pets, is grain. Lots of pets are sensitive to gluten, which can cause an inflammatory response that manifests itself as itchy skin or red and inflamed feet, GI Upset or persistent ear infections.
Feeding a no-grain dog food diet to itchy pets, is a great first step in helping them to overcome this problem that can be uncomfortable for the pet – and frustrating and upsetting for the whole family.
If it is not possible to feed a completely no-grain diet, then one with only organic, whole-grains would be the next best choice. Grain fractions (gluten, husks, hulls etc) can be more problematic than the whole grain, and organic food, by definition, cannot be genetically modified. One school of thought is that GM grains are more likely to cause an adverse reaction in a sensitive pet; Studies show that when butterflies and other species come in contact with pollen from genetically modified crops, they suffer a number of health problems and genetic mutations eventually occur. It is possible that a similar thing happens when other species consume GM grains – especially species whose systems aren’t designed to cope with a grain overload in the first place.
Some pets are sensitive to ingredients other than grain, such as certain meats, vegetables or herbs. These sensitivities are generally less common, and in fact a pet who seems to be allergic to a certain meat, say chicken, because she gets itchy every time she eats her chicken flavored kibble, may actually be just fine when eating real, home-prepared raw or lightly cooked chicken. The problem is high heat processing that alters the amino acid structure, making the protein problematic in its processed form.
A natural, no-grain, minimally processed diet that’s also free of chemical preservatives and fillers, can go a long way to combating the problem of itchy skin, from the inside out. Customers are usually delighted with the results and under veterinary supervision , they may even be able to start reducing the long-term steroids and antibiotics they’ve had to administer to their pets. Many cats and dogs show a noticeable improvement in just a few days after starting a no-grain diet.
While a grain-free diet can be super-important part of the solution to chronic itchy skin in pets, a truly holistic approach looks at the big-picture. So in addition to the substances you use around your home and yard, think also about how high you run your central heat or A/C (both can be drying to the air) and of course – the shampoo and conditioner you use to bathe your pet. One of our favorite lines of pet shampoos is from Happy Tails Spa www.happytailsspa.com This California company’s products are free of parabens and other harmful chemicals such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate found in many shampoos, and we love ‘em! Itchin’ For Relief is an especially nice product to tackle irritations from the outside!
