Labrador Life: Navigating Allergies, A Possible Solution & The Raw Diet Advantage.
Let’s talk Labradors, those wonderful bundles of energy that light up our lives. Labs are known for their friendliness, intelligence, and well the occasional chaos they bring. But here’s the thing these lovable goofballs can also be prone to allergies, both in their food and the world around them. So, grab your coffee, find your cozy spot, and let’s have a real chat about Labs and their unique quirks.
First off most Labradors are not picky eaters and most will eat honestly anything but like us, they can develop allergies to certain ingredients. Surprisingly, Labradors can be sensitive to common food allergens like beef, chicken, wheat, corn, eggs, dairy, soy, excessive carbs and sugar! It can show up as tummy troubles, skin issues, ear issues, eye issues, constant itching, hives, behavioural issues and from over vaccination the list is honestly endless.
What can you do? Well, it starts with being mindful of what your Lab eats, my labs eat a raw diet with limited low starch veggies and low sugar fruits with one ingredient freeze dried treats. However opting for high-quality dog food can make a world of difference. These diets skip the common allergens making them a safe bet for Labs with food sensitivities. It might take some trial and error but finding the right food is a solid investment in your Labrador’s health and happiness. Diving into dog nutrition has been a passion of mine as both my Labradors have struggled in the past with allergies. A word of warning most vets will push their allergy dog food on you, they get money every time they do so for me the intention becomes a conflict of interest. Always do your own research you know your lab best.
Now, let’s talk about the raw diet. Many Labrador owners swear by it including myself Raw diets, filled with raw meat, none weight bearing bones, and organs, can be a game-changer for Labs dealing with allergies. No fancy processing, just real, simple food that might help reduce allergic reactions. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s worth considering for a healthier, happier Lab. You always want to do your research on safely switching your Labs diet its a long process that requires patience. Most Labs do not show improvement on a new diet for a while then all of sudden their symptoms get better. Its worth keeping a food and environmental allergy notebook to go back and reference. Raw diets are fantastic but if done incorrectly can also be disastrous. Again educate yourself but I will have another post coming on it soon!
But it’s not just about food. Labradors can also face environmental allergies, just like us. Pollen, mold, dust the usual suspects. If your Lab is scratching like crazy or dealing with watery eyes, it might be an environmental thing. Regular grooming, a clean living space, and maybe an air purifier can help ease their discomfort. In serious cases your vet might suggest allergy medications or immunotherapy. In a another post I will go over natural supplements that can help with allergies as most vets want to throw traditional medications at the problem in the end it can make the problems worse.
Now, let’s cut to the chase. Labradors are awesome but they can have their allergy struggles. You might be wondering, “How do I know what’s causing the issue?” Well, here’s where things get interesting.
There’s a test called the 5Strands Pet Food and Environmental Intolerance Test. It’s not a quick fix but it’s a way to get to the bottom of your Labrador’s allergies.
This test examines 380 common pet food and environmental items using bio resonance technology on a hair sample. It’s a straightforward process purchase the kit, register it, collect a bit of your Lab’s hair, send it back and receive results within 10 days. The test detects intolerances based on the body’s reactions. It’s not an immune system allergy test but it’s a step toward understanding your Labrador’s unique needs. Once you have this information it will be a much easier elimination process and a shortcut to battling allergies.
So, in the grand scheme of Labrador life allergies are just a chapter. With mindful eating, a potential shift to a raw diet, and tools like the 5Strands Pet Food and Environmental Intolerance Test, you’re on the right track to ensuring your Lab thrives.
Here’s to Labradors, allergies, real solutions, and the genuine joy of having these incredible Labs in our lives!
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