Food that is not agreeable to dogs’ and cats’ systems can cause “pretty much any health problem,” says Laurel Davis, doctor of veterinary medicine and owner of Sunvet Animal Wellness in downtown Asheville. She says that most gastrointestinal, skin and ear problems are related to carbohydrates in the food or protein sources to which an animal is sensitive or allergic. “Almost every time there is an ear problem … it is related to food,” says Davis.
Christy Thompson, owner of My Holistic Transformations, agrees, saying that often the cause of itchiness in dogs, such as yeast infections in their ears or the skin on their paws, “is because the dogs are eating all these grains.” Food allergies and sensitivities can also arise when a dog is fed the same protein for years. “The body can start seeing it as an invader,” she says.
And, according to Thompson, “some [dogs and cats] are just like us and have environment allergies, like when the trees are blooming.” If the problem is a year-round event, it is probably a food allergy, she says. If it only happens at certain times of the year, an environmental allergy is likely to blame.
“No matter what the disease problem is, I always clean up what they’re eating,” says Davis. “Because, first and foremost, they need to be getting the nutritional choices correct.” She cites the example of a 10-year-old hound dog that recently came in for help with itchy, dry, flaky skin. She saw the dog had patches of fur missing and scratched the whole time. “He’s on a good dry food that has never had water put in it, is always bored with his food and has been on the same food for a long time — also not a good idea,” she says. For this dog, she recommended the owner gradually change to a grain-free, potato-free kibble, soaked in water or broth, along with cooked meat and vegetables.
“I will guarantee you, when that dog comes back in three weeks, I’m going to see a dog that is healthier and the skin has changed and he’s not scratching,” Davis says. “And this is without drugs.”
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