Just like humans, dogs get stomach upsets. These stomach upsets can arise from a variety of causes, from the pet eating the wrong foods, to the canine developing an allergy or insensitivity to certain foods. When this occurs, you may wish to consider feeding your dog a more sensitive dog food.

A dog can develop a food allergy very unexpectedly, even if it has been eating the particular food for a long time. Some of the key symptoms of food allergies in canines include: itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin; increased scratching; itchy, runny eyes; itchy back or base of tail; itchy ears and ear infections; sneezing; vomiting; diarrhoea; snoring caused by an inflamed throat; paw chewing/swollen paws and constant licking. You pet may not experience all of the above symptoms, but prolonged display of one or more signs are a strong indication that there is something wrong and a visit to the vet is recommended.

While dogs have largely adapted to eating a more varied diet, there are many things that you should never give your pet as they are harmful to canines and even in some cases, toxic. These include:

1. Any form of alcoholic beverage

Alcohol can cause severe intoxication to dogs, which can lead to death.

2. Avocado

All the parts of the avocado plant, including the fruit, contain the chemical compound persin, which has been known to cause vomiting and even loose bowel movements in dogs.

3. Hard bones from animals like chickens

Contrary to some popular beliefs, dogs cannot break down hard bones. Like humans, dogs can suffer from a punctured stomach from eating bones.

4. Commercial Cat Food

Generally, commercial cat food contains higher protein content than regular dog food. Some experts believe that higher concentrations of protein can cause kidney failure in dogs.

5. Chocolate and Caffeinated beverages

Although chocolate tastes good, it contains the compound theobromine. Dogs are unable to metabolise theobromine. Over time, this chemical compound can accumulate in a dog's system until a toxic level is reached. Caffeine, as well as the chemical theophylline, is present in coffee, coffee-based beverages, and teas. Both these compounds can affect the canine's heart and may also cause vomiting in some cases.

6. Citrus Oil

Citrus oil has been known to cause vomiting in dogs.

7. Pure fat cut from beef or pork

Too much fat can cause Pancreatitis, a severe condition in both humans and dogs.

8. Large amounts of fish - in any form

If the dog is not given sources of protein other than fish, the dog can suffer from vitamin deficiency (thiamine deficiency, to be exact).

9. Grapes and other grape-derived snacks and food items

An unknown toxin in the flesh of grapes has been known to cause kidney problems. The same goes for currants, so don't give your dogs fresh or cooked currants.

10. Yeast dough

Increases gas production in the dog's bowels, which can cause internal rupturing and death.

Sensitive dog food is designed to exclude ingredients harmful to dogs as well as all of the common allergens (foods that cause allergies), while retaining all the proteins and nutrients your pet needs. One of the best ways to provide your dog with sensitive dog food, is to create it yourself using specially formulated recipes.

You can get your Own Dog Food Recipes eBook HERE ...