[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...