Finding out what's making your pet react can be a long, arduous struggle. But, it's worth it in the end because your pet and you will have a higher quality of life, and maybe even a longer life.

There are some culprits that are well-known food allergens that you should start with. They are wheat, oats, corn and gluten. They will cause havoc with even the most mild-tempered pet with incessant itching, hair loss, sore spots and secondary infections in the ears and eyes.

Many have found it quite useful to make their pet's food themselves, controlling exactly what goes into their pet's diet. If you'd like to do this, talk with your vet and see what he/she thinks your pet needs.

A simple diet with as few ingredients as possible is best. The more ingredients you have, the more potential allergens your pet is exposed to. Meat and vegetables only, except corn, is good. One woman makes her dog's food by cooking one pound of meat and an equal amount (not weight) of vegetables cooked together, and divided up into two or three 'meals' per day.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Good for dogs, being the omnivores that they are! Peanut butter is enjoyed by a lot of different animals, and your dog is no different. In fact, most dogs enjoy something considered "people food" more than any store-bought treat you could offer him. Note that there are only three ingredients, and the milk can be substituted with water if your pet is lactose intolerant or allergic.

2 cups peanut butter, creamy or crunchy

1 cup milk

2+ cups instant potato flakes - the 100% real potatoes kind with no other ingredients.

Cream the milk and peanut butter together and then mix in the potato flakes. Keep adding the potatoes until it forms an easy to work dough. Depending on the size of your dog, drop the 'cookies' onto a baking sheet that hasn't been greased. Bake at 375 for twenty minutes. Remove from baking sheet and put on a rack to cool. Serve them anytime you like!

Here's another good recipe:

Vegetable Bars

Raw veggies like celery, carrots, radishes, and sweet potatoes are good for this recipe, just don't use onions or anything from the onion family, like garlic. There are some veggies no dog should have, and onions and garlic are included there.

There's no real set amount of veggies to add, it just depends on how much you want to make. After your first batch you'll know more about the size of the batch.

Raw vegetables

Instant potatoes - again, the 100% real potatoes with no other ingredients

Water

Put all your raw veggies into a large pot and add enough water just to cover them. Put the burner on high and boil them until they are done. Don't drain them, but take a potato masher and mash the veggies all up as best you can. If there's still some small chunks, it's okay, it makes for pieces in the veggie bars.

Add the instant potatoes until it makes a dough-like texture. Spread it out on a greased baking sheet into a layer about half an inch thick and cut the dough into bars or squares with a butter knife. Bake in the oven at 375 for twenty minutes and then turn the oven down to 250. Bake for another 2-3 hours until they're hard and dry. Remove from the oven and cool before serving.

Your Dog Will Love These!

It's not known what the calorie count or fat content is for either of these recipes. Use good judgement as you would normally about dishing out treats. My dog gained eleven pounds because he loves them and i enjoy giving him what he enjoys, but I had to cut back! Don't make your dog obese!