Food allergies in Labrador Retrievers cause itchy skin and ears. Your dog will rub her face, chew her feet and show signs of dry skin. Her coat may be dull and her appetite poor. Tracking down the source of her allergies may take some work, but once you've identified the cause, recovery is possible.
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Elimination Diet
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To treat food allergies in dogs, you must know the cause. A strict, 12- to 14-week elimination diet is a good start. Your veterinarian can provide a bland, allergen-free food.
Add Foods Slowly
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After 12 to 14 weeks, begin adding foods to your dog's diet. Common allergens are beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, corn and lamb, but this list isn't comprehensive. A good protein component may be venison, and rice is often a low-allergen food.
Keep His Gut Healthy
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Assuming your dog isn't allergic to dairy, maintain healthy intestinal flora with yogurt. If dairy is on the "no" list, consider a supplement. A healthy gut can slow allergens from passing through the intestinal wall.
Avoid Additives
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Choose a natural, high-quality dog food that is free from additives. Soy and whey are often allergens, so read the labels.
Antihistamines
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Antihistamines may reduce but not eliminate food allergy-related itching. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed, but they're a short-term solution.
Change Foods Occasionally
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Change your dog's food occasionally. Dogs can become allergic to a food that they previously tolerated, particularly if it's fed to the exclusion of all else.
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