Allergies

While much less common than our environmental or seasonal allergies, we feel that including this allergy type is also important. As grain free diets gain popularity, it should be noted that many food related allergies for pets are often protein based, not related in any way to the grains included. For some pets this can mean a change from chicken, to beef, or turkey (or even 'novel' proteins of buffalo or kangaroo!). To explore this allergy further, a diet trial must be completed on a prescription hydrolyzed protein diets purchased from your veterinarian (or other trusted seller). The trial will consist of 6 weeks (minimum) with strict restrictions to only this diet (or approved treats related to this diet type). No rawhides, no extra snacks, no sharing your dinner meal, or any other options. If symptoms resolve, there are two options. One, switching your pets food to a different protein type (ex. if they were eating a beef based diet, switching to chicken). If symptoms reoccur however, the trial must be completed (for the full 6+ weeks) again before trying a different new protein source. Option two is to keep your pet on the hydrolyzed protein diet life long. For some pets that are more sensitive this is their only option and it is important to stick to it. Have a talk with your veterinarian about alternative treat options and what is safe to give your pet (as even some flea/tick/heartworm preventatives are flavored with a specific protein type).