Finding the Best Allergy-Friendly Dog Food for Your Dog

Finding the Best Allergy-Friendly Dog Food for Your Furry Friend

Does your dog suffer from food allergies or sensitivities? If so, you may be on the hunt for an allergy-friendly dog food that will provide your pup with the nutrition they need without aggravating their condition. Selecting the right food can be a daunting task, but understanding your dog's needs and your options will set you on the path to finding the ideal diet.

Common Dog Food Allergens

Before switching foods, it's helpful to understand what ingredients typically cause allergic reactions in dogs. The most common culprits include:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Corn
• Wheat
• Soy

Reactions vary from dog to dog, so be sure to look out for any symptoms after introducing new ingredients or foods. Symptoms may include itchy skin, ear infections, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, and wheezing.

Hypoallergenic and Limited Ingredient Diets

If your dog has allergies, a hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diet may be a good solution. Here’s what to know about each:

• Hypoallergenic diets are designed to minimize allergens. They typically contain proteins and carbohydrates your dog has never eaten before, such as venison, kangaroo, oats or potatoes.
• Limited ingredient diets contain a short list of key ingredients to reduce the potential for adverse reactions. They usually have just one protein and carbohydrate source.

Because ingredients are limited with these diets, it's important to ensure the food is nutritionally complete with proper supplementation.

Tips for Choosing an Allergy-Friendly Food

When comparing allergy-friendly foods, keep the following tips in mind:

• Select a novel protein like rabbit, duck or salmon that your dog hasn’t eaten before.
• Check the ingredient list for grains and carbohydrates that may be triggers, like wheat, corn or soy.
• Look for an omega fatty acid source like fish oil to support skin health.
• Make sure the food meets AAFCO nutritional standards.
• Choose dry, wet, dehydrated, raw or freeze-dried varieties to find a texture your dog likes.
• Opt for simple recipes with fewer ingredients.
• Avoid artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

Transitioning to a New Dog Food

To avoid an upset stomach, transition your dog to a new allergy-friendly food gradually over 5-7 days. Here are some tips for a smooth switch:

• On days 1-2, feed 75% of the previous food and 25% of the new food.
• On days 3-4, feed 50% of each food.
• On days 5-6, feed 25% of the old food and 75% of the new food.
• After day 7, feed 100% new food.
• Split daily portions into 2-3 small meals during the transition.
• Monitor your dog closely and slow the transition if they show signs of digestive upset.

Homemade Limited Ingredient Foods

Pet parents looking to take maximum control over ingredients may want to prepare homemade dog food using a limited number of allergen-free ingredients. This requires careful formulation to meet nutritional requirements. It's best to work with your vet to develop customized recipes or use reputable cookbooks.

Some standard guidelines for homemade limited ingredient dog foods include:

• Choose one protein source like turkey, lamb, duck, rabbit or fish.
• Include a low-allergen carbohydrate such as sweet potato, squash, oats or millet.
• Add vegetables like spinach, carrots, zucchini for nutrients.
• Supplement recipes with oils for fatty acids and vitamins.
• Leave out ingredients like dairy, corn, wheat, eggs or soy.

Shopping for Allergy-Friendly Foods

When buying allergy-friendly dog food, you’ll find many specialty options both online and in pet stores. Reputable brands formulating hypoallergenic and limited ingredient diets include:

• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
• Hill’s Prescription Diet
• Natural Balance L.I.D.
• Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
• Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient
• Taste of the Wild

Be sure to get your veterinarian’s recommendation, as they can help identify foods to best address your dog’s needs. With the right diet trial and error, you can get your pup on the road to managing their food allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of food allergies in dogs?

Common signs of food allergies in dogs include itchy skin, chronic ear infections, hair loss, excessive licking of paws or skin, vomiting, diarrhea, and wheezing. Reactions typically occur shortly after consuming a food ingredient the dog is allergic to.

How are dog food allergies diagnosed?

Dog food allergies are diagnosed through a food elimination trial over 8-12 weeks. Your vet will recommend a strict hypoallergenic diet using proteins and carbs your dog hasn't eaten before. If symptoms resolve, it confirms a food allergy. Then individual ingredients are reintroduced to identify the triggers.

What proteins are best for dogs with allergies?

Novel protein sources like rabbit, duck, salmon, venison and kangaroo are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Lamb, bison and trout may also be well-tolerated. Carbs like oats, millet and sweet potatoes are less allergenic too.

Is grain-free food good for dogs with allergies?

While some dogs are allergic to grains like wheat and corn, grain-free foods are not necessarily better for dogs with allergies. The protein source matters most. Grain-free foods often contain legumes high in protein that can still cause an allergic reaction.

Can homemade dog food help with allergies?

Homemade limited ingredient dog food lets you control the ingredients, which can help manage allergies. Work with your vet to formulate recipes ensuring nutritional balance. Introduce one protein and carb source at a time to identify triggers.

FAQs

What are veterinary hypoallergenic dog foods?

Veterinary hypoallergenic dog foods are prescription formulas designed to reduce allergens. They feature hydrolyzed proteins, novel proteins and carbs, and go through extensive quality control testing. Brands include Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, and Hill’s Prescription Diet.

Should I give my dog allergy medicine with special food?

Your vet may recommend giving allergy medicine while transitioning to a new food to provide additional relief from symptoms. Antihistamines and omega-3 fatty acids can help with itching and skin irritation. Steroids may also be prescribed in some cases for short-term use.

How long does it take to see improvement with an elimination diet?

It can take 6-8 weeks on an elimination diet before you see a noticeable reduction in allergy symptoms. It's important to strictly avoid all other foods and treats during this time. If you don't see improvement in 2-3 months, the food may not be the allergy trigger.