Dog breeds all come with their own genetic traits and health issues. Border collies, for example, are known for their intelligence and trainability but often suffer from hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Labradors, on the other hand, have a reputation for being friendly and sociable while being prone to stomach issues and bloating. But how do you know whether your dog is displaying health traits typical of their breed or showing symptoms of a pet with an intolerance to foods?

Poor health or food intolerance symptoms?

Getting to the bottom of your dog’s food intolerance symptoms can be difficult, especially if they’re a breed prone to ill health. In this case study, we meet Manny, who is a ten-year-old boxer/American bulldog cross. Through no fault of his own, Manny was passed from home to home until he was adopted six years ago. Despite finding luck with his new family, he hasn’t always been so fortunate with his health. Along with itchy, sore feet and ears, Manny suffered from sensitive skin and angry spots on his body that would turn into scabs. His owner tried numerous treatments and products to try and soothe his skin, but nothing seemed to be working.

Sensitive skin is common in pets with food intolerance

As much as Manny’s owner was aware that his sensitive skin could be related to his boxer DNA, she was keen to see if there were any other factors that were making his health worse. Wanting faster results than an elimination diet provides, she decided to order a food intolerance test to see if there were any ingredients in Manny’s meals that were triggering his skin complaints. Along with stomach issues, patches of hair loss and fatigue, persistent itching is a common symptom of a pet with an intolerance to foods. Since Manny had been suffering from sensitive skin for a long time, it made sense to further investigate the possibility of a food intolerance.

Order a pet food intolerance test for fast results

The results of our pet food intolerance tests are emailed out within a few days of receiving a fur sample, so it’s a much quicker process than an elimination diet. Manny’s results showed that he was sensitive to cheddar cheese, peanut butter and apples and that chicken, steak and turkey could also provoke a reaction. At the time of his intolerance test, Manny was regularly eating turkey-flavoured food and enjoying xylitol-free peanut butter on a licking mat as a high-value treat. While these items are regarded as being highly nutritious for dogs in general, Manny’s test results suggest they don’t agree with his digestive system. 

Change your pet’s diet to suit their individual needs

In Manny’s case, it was hard to determine whether he was a pet with an intolerance to foods or whether he was suffering from health traits associated with his breed. By taking a food intolerance test, Manny’s owner is now in a better position to feed him a diet better suited to his needs. Along with reducing the amount of peanut butter he eats, she has swapped his turkey-flavoured food for a fish and potato option. Since tweaking his diet, the condition of Manny’s skin has improved, and he no longer suffers from irritating spots on his body.

The intolerance test results also highlighted several non-food items that Manny is sensitive to, including rose plants and willow trees. By knowing what environmental factors contribute to Manny’s symptoms, his owner can limit his exposure so he has a better chance of staying healthy.

Contact UK Pet Food Intolerance to improve your dog’s health

If you’re unsure whether there are foods that your pet has an intolerance to or their symptoms are down to genetics, we can help. You can order a test from their website by clicking here or read our FAQS page for more information. To get in touch with intolerance test experst or ask any questions you have, please email [email protected] or fill out our contact form.