If your dog is scratching at his ears or skin a lot or losing his hair, he may be suffering from allergies. One of the hardest things about allergies in pets is determining what your pet is allergic to--whether it's something in the environment or something he's eating. If your veterinarian has determined it's a food allergy, you may have to try many different diets until you find the right one.
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Recipes With Rabbit
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One of the key components in feeding an animal with allergies is giving him a protein he hasn't had before. One choice is rabbit. For an easy recipe with this novel protein, mix together one-half cup of cooked, diced rabbit; three cups of boiled potato, with the skin still intact; two teaspoons of vegetable or canola oil; one-tenth of a teaspoon of table salt; and one-fifth of a human-grade multiple vitamin-mineral tablet. You can replace the potato with two cups of cooked, long-grain rice.
Venison Varieties
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Another option for a different protein is venison. Combine four and a half ounces (raw weight) of cooked venison with two cups of long-grain cooked rice, two teaspoons of vegetable or canola oil, one-tenth teaspoon of table salt, one-quarter teaspoon of salt substitute and one-fifth of a human-grade multiple vitamin-mineral tablet. For a tasty alternative, replace the salt substitute and rice with three cups of boiled, skin-on potatoes.
Puppy Meal Plans
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Even puppies can suffer from food allergies. Since their food requirements differ those of adults, recipes for growing dogs are a little different. Try one-half cup of cooked, diced rabbit mixed with two cups of boiled potatoes with the skin, two teaspoons of vegetable or canola oil, one-tenth teaspoon of table salt and one-fifth of a human-grade multiple vitamin-mineral tablet. You can mix it up by skipping the rabbit and serving four and a half ounces (raw weight) of cooked venison, or replace the potatoes with one and a quarter cups of long-grained cooked rice.
Switch Slowly
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Change your pet's diet slowly, especially for sick or older animals. Your dog's digestive system needs time to adapt to new food. Abrupt changes can cause vomiting, diarrhea and refusal to eat. Begin by adding two tablespoons of the new diet to your pet's food. If she tolerates this, add another tablespoon each day.
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