[marcerella02]

I got this in an email from Layla's nutritionist- also great info!

Peanut Butter and Food Allergies in Pets
By Susan Blake Davis, Certified Clinical Nutritionist

Many people commonly give their pets peanut butter because it is a food that they personally enjoy and want to share it with their beloved pet. There really is no upside to doing this and we can't emphasize enough the downsides. The recent peanut butter and peanut butter product recall, just like last year's pet food recall, calls attention to the fact that there is already an existing problem, especially for pets. Peanut butter commonly contains mold which can fuel yeast growth in people and pets. Where do problems typically show up on your pet? Ear and skin infections. Many clients report their pets have excessive scratching, itching, redness, allergic reactions, ear infections, hot spots, all from giving them just a small amount of peanut butter. Moreover, there are many pet owners whose pets already have chronic allergies and skin problems who carefully watch their diets using hypoallergenic foods and yet their pets continue to scratch and itch because they are coating the pet's pills with peanut butter to administer them. Their pets continue to have chronic yeast infections in the ears and scratch and itch. It only takes a small amount (e.g. a teaspoon) to result in a week-long allergic episode.

Peanut butter is also very high in fat, and many times, contains sugar, again--neither is good for your pet's health. If you have been using peanut butter or peanut butter-flavored biscuits (wheat is also a potential allergen and should be avoided) in your pet's diet, we urge you to discontinue and use lower fat, hypoallergenic treats such as Wildside Salmon Treats Wildside Salmon treats (if no kidney issues are present), baby carrots or sliced apples. If your dog has chronic skin and coat problems, itching, scratching, hair loss, most likely it is due to the food you are feeding and poor digestion. A high carbohydrate diet, paired with specific allergies to various proteins, can result in a very allergic pet.

If your pet has allergies, it is important for them to eat a hypoallergenic diet—A list of potential foods to be avoided can be seen below. There is no “one” allergy diet that works for everyone. Each pet is different. You will need to try a few diets and/or learn how to prepare a homemade diet. We offer Holistic Pet Health Telephone Consultations and also in-person office visits at VCA Arroyo in Lake Forest, CA to assist you with this.

Common Allergens in Pet Food:

Corn

Soy

Gluten (found in wheat, barley, spelt and other grains)

Milk Products

Casein (found in cheese)

Beef (problem for some dogs)

Chicken (problem for some cats and dogs)

Fish (cats can often be allergic)

Peanut Butter (big allergen!)