Allergic to grains in their food?

[BonBon]

I know that most food allergies are related to the proteins in foods (Alex has a terrible allergy to chicken), but can our pups also be allergic to some of the grains?

I really feel like Alex does much better on a grain-free diet. He stops scratching almost completely and his stools are much healthier and more solid. But, I am having such a hard time finding a food that is chicken-free and grain-free, and that I feel comfortable feeding them. I'm seriously considering going back to a kibble that contains grains just to see how he does, but I don't want to make him suffer through the intense itching if that's what's causing it.

Do allergies to grains present themselves the same way as allergies to proteins (mainly the terrible itching)? Are there some grains that are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others? For example, I believe that Alex is really sensitive to barley but I've read where this is supposed to be a good grain for them to have.

Any input would be appreciated. I just need to find SOMETHING healthy that he can eat.

[MaddiesMommie]

I don't know if this is helpful or not but Maddie had horrible itching on RC. After reading up on it, I found many had similar reaction due to its corn content. After going to grain free, she stopped. So in her case, I just assumed the extreme scratching to the corn in her food. Good Luck. I know others here will have more input to give than me

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by MaddiesMommie

I don't know if this is helpful or not but Maddie had horrible itching on RC. After reading up on it, I found many had similar reaction due to its corn content. After going to grain free, she stopped. So in her case, I just assumed the extreme scratching to the corn in her food. Good Luck. I know others here will have more input to give than me

Thank you!!

I realized after I submitted my post that I should have clarified - I haven't fed anything containing corn in a few years but I have fed other grains.

[Sweet Apple]

Originally Posted by bonbon

I know that most food allergies are related to the proteins in foods (Alex has a terrible allergy to chicken), but can our pups also be allergic to some of the grains?

I really feel like Alex does much better on a grain-free diet. He stops scratching almost completely and his stools are much healthier and more solid. But, I am having such a hard time finding a food that is chicken-free and grain-free, and that I feel comfortable feeding them. I'm seriously considering going back to a kibble that contains grains just to see how he does, but I don't want to make him suffer through the intense itching if that's what's causing it.

Do allergies to grains present themselves the same way as allergies to proteins (mainly the terrible itching)? Are there some grains that are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others? For example, I believe that Alex is really sensitive to barley but I've read where this is supposed to be a good grain for them to have.

Any input would be appreciated. I just need to find SOMETHING healthy that he can eat.

All I've ever heard about itching and allergies, is that the pups do very well on raw...That might not be an option you want to take 'though...There are so many proteins, in raw...I rotate mine between beef, duck, chicken, lamb, right now, because I'm gun shy of anything, except Stella & Chewies...It's hydrostatic pressure treated (air squeezes out any pathogens, w/o heating or altering the structure of the protein)...I'd still probably use Primal, because it has such a wonderful reputation, but my little boutique, isn't carrying Primal, in the larger weights (cost effective)...When she does, I'll probably use Primal too...

[Sweet Apple]

ewwwwwwwwww Bonnie...don't do corn

[Ellie May]

An allergy is the immune system's response to a protein.
Intolerance is what you would see if non-protein ingredients didn't agree with them. This is GI upset. etc. Scratching from grains, I don't know what it would be classified as. But grains do contain some protein so maybe it's an allergy? Or maybe some dogs itch from intolerance. I've wanted to know the answer to this for awhile. Either way, they can scratch from both and both are important in an elimination diet. I'd hesitate to change if he is doing really well. If the allergy/intolerance is under control, EEEEK to starting all over again.

[MaddiesMommie]

Originally Posted by bonbon

Thank you!!

I realized after I submitted my post that I should have clarified - I haven't fed anything containing corn in a few years but I have fed other grains.

I knew a pro like yourself knew corn was a no-no.
I was just thinking that her reaction to this grain my be similar to allergic reaction to another grain. hmmm does that make sense? I have been yucky sick for a few days and the medicine has me thinking sorta fuzzy.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Sweet Apple

All I've ever heard about itching and allergies, is that the pups do very well on raw...That might not be an option you want to take 'though...There are so many proteins, in raw...I rotate mine between beef, duck, chicken, lamb, right now, because I'm gun shy of anything, except Stella & Chewies...It's hydrostatic pressure treated (air squeezes out any pathogens, w/o heating or altering the structure of the protein)...I'd still probably use Primal, because it has such a wonderful reputation, but my little boutique, isn't carrying Primal, in the larger weights (cost effective)...When she does, I'll probably use Primal too...

Originally Posted by Sweet Apple

ewwwwwwwwww Bonnie...don't do corn

Don't worry - I don't, and won't, feed corn.

Actually, I'm a fan of raw and used to feed it, although I've only ever fed the NV pre-made medallions. I'm not comfortable feeding raw unless it's pre-made (I'm not good at calculating what supplements they need, etc. so I'd rather it be done for me ) I also free fed a high protein grain-free kibble while they were on the raw stuff. I had to stop feeding them raw because my little family grew so much that I couldn't afford to buy the pre-made stuff any more. Also because the only raw available locally is NV. The shipping cost to get Bravo, Primal or S&C's is just outrageous.

But, I am going to have to seriously consider that - it can't be any more expensive than all the kibble I've been buying and trying lately. Hmmm, I'm liking this idea better and better. I think I'll go shopping online tomorrow and check the prices - I haven't bought raw in several months so I don't even remember what I was paying for the NV.

Thank you!!

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

An allergy is the immune system's response to a protein.
Intolerance is what you would see if non-protein ingredients didn't agree with them. This is GI upset. etc. Scratching from grains, I don't know what it would be classified as. But grains do contain some protein so maybe it's an allergy? Or maybe some dogs itch from intolerance. I've wanted to know the answer to this for awhile. Either way, they can scratch from both and both are important in an elimination diet. I'd hesitate to change if he is doing really well. If the allergy/intolerance is under control, EEEEK to starting all over again.

Exactly!!!

I really want to stay with a grain-free diet because he is doing so well. Here's some of the problems I've had:

1) Loved how they did on TOTW's Pacific Stream, then I learned it contains ethoxyquin. I am so not comfortable feeding them that.
2) They loved NV Instinct but it's the highest in fat and calories and they all gained too much weight. Alex is arthritic so this is very bad for him.
3) They wouldn't touch Orijen 6 Fish or Evo Red Meat.
4) They have pretty much stopped eating the Now! grain-free food from Petcurean after only 2 weeks on it.
5) Fromm's only grain-free food contains chicken.

They did like the new Evo Herring & Salmon a lot so that may be an option, but I really want to have 2 or 3 foods available to rotate between.

I ordered a bag of Acana last night to give it a try, so hopefully that will give us another option.

I want someone to make a healthy, grain-free, chicken-free, moderate fat, moderate calorie, moderate cost dog food!! Is that really asking so much?!?!?! (Sorry....just needed to let off a little steam. )

[Sweet Apple]

I want someone to make a healthy, grain-free, chicken-free, moderate fat, moderate calorie, moderate cost dog food!! Is that really asking so much?!?!?! (Sorry....just needed to let off a little steam. )

I can, totally, relate to the cost factor!...I was amazed at just adding one extra mouth to the raw food plate...Another reason I'm using Stella & Chewies, is I can buy a 6 lb. bag for $24.99, and fortunately, it's local, so no shipping...That's about the best price I can find...

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Sweet Apple

I want someone to make a healthy, grain-free, chicken-free, moderate fat, moderate calorie, moderate cost dog food!! Is that really asking so much?!?!?! (Sorry....just needed to let off a little steam. )

I can, totally, relate to the cost factor!...I was amazed at just adding one extra mouth to the raw food plate...Another reason I'm using Stella & Chewies, is I can buy a 6 lb. bag for $24.99, and fortunately, it's local, so no shipping...That's about the best price I can find...

Oh wow!! I don't even know how many six pound bags I would need each month. Right now I go through a 30 pound bag of kibble in about 5 weeks, maybe a little less.

[Ellie May]

You don't want anything high in fat? Then isn't pre-made raw out?
Acana does interest me, but I think they need some different formulas.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

You don't want anything high in fat? Then isn't pre-made raw out?
Acana does interest me, but I think they need some different formulas.

It looks like pre-made raw is out anyway because of the $$$.

None of my babies have shown any signs of pancreatitis or other health issues that would necessitate a low-fat diet (knock on wood). And, I've actually been ok with the fat content of a lot of the grain-free kibbles I've looked at.... but yes, a moderate fat content in a kibble is something I would like to see in conjunction with all my other criteria.

ETA: I definitely agree - it would be great to see Acana offer some variety.

[Sweet Apple]

Originally Posted by bonbon

It looks like pre-made raw is out anyway because of the $$$.

None of my babies have shown any signs of pancreatitis or other health issues that would necessitate a low-fat diet (knock on wood). And, I've actually been ok with the fat content of a lot of the grain-free kibbles I've looked at.... but yes, a moderate fat content in a kibble is something I would like to see in conjunction with all my other criteria.

ETA: I definitely agree - it would be great to see Acana offer some variety.

I totally understand the money factor...I'm afraid to say, if I got just even one more, I'd have to go 1/2 and 1/2 (raw and kibble)...I've sure read some wonderful things about Acana...Have you tried writing them, suggesting they have more variety? Ya' never know, sometimes if they hear those things, they'll get on it...Is it Friday, yet lol....

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Sweet Apple

I totally understand the money factor...I'm afraid to say, if I got just even one more, I'd have to go 1/2 and 1/2 (raw and kibble)...I've sure read some wonderful things about Acana...Have you tried writing them, suggesting they have more variety? Ya' never know, sometimes if they hear those things, they'll get on it...Is it Friday, yet lol....

That's a good idea. I'll send them an email today.

And yes, it's FRIDAY!!