[nagdu] Allergies and Dog Foods Dog

[S L Johnson]

Hello:

Yesterday we were discussing allergies.  I said Eva would be seeing the vet 
again today.  Her yeast infection in both ears looks better but the ears are 
still a bit red and irritated.  She will be getting the ear drops for 
another ten days.  She is also getting eye drops twice a day.  The vet could 
see some irritation in the eyes.  She  noticed missing hair around the eyes 
from Eva rubbing them.  Eva will still take antihistamines twice a day.  She 
will continue to take daily omega 3 capsules.  The vet said their practice 
is seeing a lot of allergies this year.  She said it is the reality of 
living in hot humid central Indiana where all the dogs and humans are 
suffering from allergies.

I asked the vet about a regular diet verses a grain free diet.  The vet said 
that the grain free trend has not been scientifically proven to be effective 
for pets anymore then it has for humans.  She said it is just the latest 
craze with no real benefits to your dog’s health.  The vet said any good 
quality commercial dry food is fine.  The only time to consider grain free 
is if the dog has digestive issues due to the foods.   She said that 
changing the diet really doesn’t effect seasonal allergies.  With seasonal 
allergies the dog is reacting to things in the environment, not what it is 
eating.  She went on to say that there is a lot of hype and misinformation 
about pet diets just as there is for human diets.

There is a lot of discussion on this list about foods and supplements.  I 
read posts about not using omega 3s sold in stores but insisting on all 
natural.  I’ve read that only natural dog foods should be used.  I am not 
knocking those of you who choose to feed very expensive foods or raw diets 
that claim to be better for your dog.  However, I do want to reassure those 
who cannot afford this that their dogs will do fine on any of the name brand 
supplements and dog foods sold in grocery, department or pet stores. 
Sometimes people try to make us feel that we are not taking care of our dogs 
if we feed commercial dog foods.  The reality is, many of us are on very low 
incomes and cannot afford the fancy trendy foods that are two to three times 
more expensive.  A guide dog is an expensive responsibility without putting 
the guilt trip on those with limited incomes.  If commercial foods are 
approved by the guide dog schools and most vets, then I feel confident to 
feed them to my dog.  I can’t afford it and , I don’t jump on the health 
food craze for humans and I don’t intend on doing it for my dog.  It is just 
the current trend and not medically proven to be beneficial.

Sandra and Eva 
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