Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Good Dog Food For Allergies

Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support

BEST DOG FOOD FOR ALLERGIES | NO PRESCRIPTIONS NECESSARY

Image courtesy Nutro

The Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support Skin & Stomach Recipe is a high-quality best dog food for itchy skin, grain-free food that is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin.

This formula is made with real lamb as the first ingredient and also includes peas, potatoes, canola oil, flaxseed meal, and more. It is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

The Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support Skin & Stomach Recipe is a great option for dogs with itchy skin as it contains omega fatty acids

How Can I Help My Dog With Allergies

The first step to helping your dog with allergies is to consult a veterinarian. Only a professional will be able to verify whether your dogs symptoms are truly caused by food. Once youre sure it’s a food allergy, youll need to identify the allergen.

Veterinarians often recommend an elimination diet to help you determine what ingredients are causing your dogs allergies. An elimination diet entails switching to food with a different protein source and carbohydrate source than beforeyou could switch from chicken and rice to lamb and sweet potato, for example. If you find that your dog responds better, youll know to make the switch to chicken-free dog food.

Switching to a hypoallergenic dog food is a reliable way to find your dogs food allergy. Hypoallergenic dog foods are made with novel proteins and carbohydrates , like venison and potato, or duck and pea. Your dog must eat hypoallergenic dog food for at least 810 weeks to notice any change.

Best Novel Protein: Earthborn Holistic Venture

Whats special about Earthborn Holistic Venture are the ingredients that are missing and not just those that are in the formula. This dry dog food for allergies is free of grains and gluten, beef, chicken, fillers, by-products, peas, lentils, potato, eggs, colorants, and artificial preservatives. The main ingredients in this kibble are grass-fed, free-range and pasture-raised lambo sourced from New Zealand and Australia, as well as hand picked butternut squash from Central America, for a novel protein source and a highly digestible complex carb. Their Venture line of dog food for allergies is also available in duck, squid, pollock, pork, and turkeyif you think your pooch would prefer these flavors over rabbit.

Read Also: Iams Large Breed Puppy Food Feeding Chart

What Are The Most Commonfood Allergies In German Shepherds

The most common GSD allergy symptoms include itchiness, swelling of the face, hives, inflamed skin, red skin, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the ears and ear flaps, swelling of the lips, swelling of the eyelids, itchy ears, sneezing, runny eyes, excessive itchy skin and constant licking of the paws, and other areas of the body. Any of these symptoms could mean your German Shepherd has food allergies.

Go Solutions Carnivore Grain

The Best Dog Foods for Allergies of 2020  ReviewThis

Image courtesy Go! Solutions

With Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Recipe, you can provide your dog with high-quality food tailored to his specific nutritional needs.

This healthy, grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and potato-free recipe is ideal for dogs on a diet. Go! Solutions’ natural and wilderness-inspired recipes utilize ingredients like wild boar, salmon, duck, lamb, ocean fish, turkey, and chicken to bring out the dog’s taste buds.

Read Also: When To Change To Adult Dog Food

What Protein Is Best For Dogs With Itchy Skin

There are a few different types of proteins that are commonly used in dog food for dogs with itchy skin. These include chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb. Each protein has its own unique benefits that can help to soothe your dog’s skin.

Chicken is a great source of protein for dogs with itchy skin. It is a lean protein that is easy to digest and is packed with nutrients that can help to soothe your dog’s skin.

Turkey is another great source of protein for dogs with itchy skin. It is a lean protein that is high in omega fatty acids, which are beneficial for the health of your dog’s skin.

Fish is a great source of protein for dogs with itchy skin. It is a lean protein that is high in omega-fatty acids, which are beneficial for the health of your dog’s skin.

Lamb is a great source of protein for dogs with itchy skin. It is a rich source of nutrients that can help to soothe your dog’s skin.

While there are a few different types of proteins that can be beneficial for dogs with itchy skin, it is important to choose a protein that your dog will tolerate. If your dog has a history of allergies, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into their diet.

The second thing to consider is the ingredients list. When choosing a food for your dog, you should always look for a food that has simple ingredients that you can easily pronounce. The fewer ingredients, the better.

How Common Is It For Dogs To Have Food Allergies

According to WebMD, approximately 10% of dogs experience allergies to one or more ingredients in their dog food. Allergic symptoms are caused when a protein from your dogs diet is mistakenly flagged by their immune system as an invader , and their body creates an immune response. A true allergy can cause symptoms all over the body, such as skin, ear, or eye infections, as well as digestive trouble.

There are also dogs who have food intolerances. These dogs are more sensitive to certain ingredients in dog food and will experience an upset stomach or bowel issues. Food intolerance is different than allergies, as it only can cause tummy trouble, rather than the skin and other symptoms seen in true allergic reactions.

In either case, changing your dogs diet can greatly relieve their symptoms and lead to a happier, healthier pet.

Also Check: What Is The Healthiest Dog Food

A Quick Comparison Of Our Favorites Of 2022

Rating
Calories: 325/cup

Rachael Ray comes in with the best overall dog food from Target with the Just 6 Limited ingredient option. At a competitive price point and fewer ingredients, this dog food choice skips all the extra fillers. It is labeled as having only clean ingredients, with added vitamins, minerals, and additional nutrients for a wholesome diet. With its first ingredient being meat, you can be assured that your dog is eating right.

This recipe contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. However, some dog owners say that the food doesnt smell great. Plus, containing no preservatives, this dog food may not remain fresh for as long as other options. Those factors aside, you can give your dog a nutritious and wholesome dog food option when you shop at Target for their next meal.

Calories: 424/cup

Purina Dog Chow High Protein Lamb with Beef dog food comes in as the best dog food for the money at Target. Purina Dog Chow has a very favorable price point and provides a large quantity of dog food as well. This high-protein dog food option is great for energizing your pup for the day. With added benefits of nutrition and muscle support, and a recipe containing real lamb and beef flavoring, this is a great dog food choice available at Target for an affordable price.

Calories: 350/cup
Calories: 399/cup
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 377/cup
Calories: 343/cup
Calories: 355/cup
Calories: 361/cup
Calories: 463/cup
  • Picky eaters may not like it

What Foods Should Dogs With Allergies Avoid

Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Skin Allergies

Certain foods should not be found on the ingredient list of the best dog food for allergies. Here is a list of those ingredients:

  • Common Proteins. Protein sources from beef, chicken, and eggs are very common allergens. A hypoallergenic food may still have these ingredients, however, so it is important to either know what your dog is allergic to or know what they are not allergic to in order to give them the proper nutrition.
  • Cheap Fillers. Ingredients such as corn, wheat, gluten meal, and poultry by-product meals are all examples of cheap fillers. These are inexpensive but highly processed foods that are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than whole foods.
  • Artificial Ingredients. This includes things like added colors and unnamed natural flavors. If ingredients are not specifically named and identified, they must be avoided.
  • Multiple Protein Sources: Protein causes allergic reactions. Having multiple protein sources increases the risk of a reaction as it causes exposure to more varied proteins.

Also Check: Is Grain Free Dog Food Bad For My Dog

Hills Prescription Diet Canned Dog Food

Hills Prescription Diet is the best dog food for sensitive skin and stomach. It comes in a bundle of 12 cans. The formula consists of hydrolyzed animal protein. Plus, it has a satisfaction guarantee and is AAFCO-approved.

Hills has a veterinary exclusive prescription wet food aimed to treat skin and food sensitivities. It consists of water, hydrolyzed chicken liver, corn starch, powdered cellulose, and soybean oil.

The formula is clinically tested and AAFCO-approved. It could be the leader wet dog food for allergies with a 100% money-back guarantee. The cans are 13 oz and come in a bundle of 12.

Product Specifics:

Avoderm Advanced Sensitive Support Lamb & Sweet Potato Formula

Image courtesy AvoDerm

The AvoDerm Advanced Sensitive Support Lamb & Sweet Potato Formula is perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. It is made with lamb, sweet potatoes, and avocados, and is free of grains, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

This formula provides your dog with all the essential nutrients he needs while being easy on his stomach. The AvoDerm Advanced Sensitive Support Lamb & Sweet Potato Formula is a great option for dogs with itchy skin as it contains omega fatty acids to help soothe and nourish the skin.

Read Also: How To Tell If Your Dog Is Allergic To Food

Weigh The Costs Of Grain

For the last fifteen years, specialty grain-free formulas have been touted as the answer to the rising number of dog allergies. Although some dogs truly are allergic to grains, its now estimated that chicken, beef, and dairy may be more to blame. The FDA recently correlated grain-free diets to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, which means you might be taking a health risk with a grain-free diet. Keep in mind that you can find a gluten-free diet that still includes grains if your dog is allergic to wheat. Talk to your vet before you try a grain-free diet to see if they think its worth the risk.

When To See The Vet

The 8 Best Dog Foods for Allergies

If your dog is dealing with itchy skin, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve their symptoms. However, if your dog’s itchiness is severe or doesn’t seem to be improving with home treatment, it’s important to see your veterinarian.

They can determine the underlying cause of your dog’s itchiness and recommend the best course of treatment. In some cases, your dog may need medication to help relieve their symptoms.

Additionally, if your dog is scratching so much that they’re causing injuries to their skin, this can lead to secondary infections. So, it’s important to see your veterinarian if you notice your dog scratching excessively.

Recommended Reading: Best Food For Pug Puppy

What Food Should German Shepherds Avoid

There are certain ingredientsthat should not be in the best food for German Shepherds:

  • Grapes and Raisins. These contain toxic compounds that can cause health problems in your dog. In extreme cases, they can lead to kidney failure and even death.
  • Salt. Salt is a flavoring agent that is often added to dog food. However, excessive usage of salt can lead to salt poisoning and prevent water deprivation.
  • Chocolate. This is among the most toxic compounds that a dog can eat. It can lead to an upset stomach and, if not treated, death.
  • Macadamia Nut. These nuts can cause vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and depression in your dog. As a result, they should be avoided at all costs.
  • Onion. A key ingredient in onion is N-propyl disulfide which is highly toxic to dogs. Not only does it damage your dogs red blood cells, but it also can lead to anemia.
  • Avocado. Avocados contain a toxin called person, which is considered toxic to dogs. It can lead to fluid buildup in their lungs, which can be fatal.

Also Check: How Much Is A Trained German Shepherd

Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin And Stomach Adult Dry Dog Food

Typically, sensitive skin and tummy troubles are the manifestations of food allergies in dogs. If your pooch has allergies and is experiencing both stomach and skin problems, Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dry Dog Food is a great choice. This dry dog food contains limited ingredients to reduce food allergens and ease sensitive skin and stomachs.

Corn, wheat, and soy are some of the most common ingredients that canines are allergic to not only can they cause skin problems, but they are also difficult to digest and can lead to digestive issues. Since this formula contains absolutely no corn, wheat, or soy and instead features natural carbohydrates that are easy to digest, like barley and ground rice, its considered a dog food for sensitive stomachs.

Real salmon is the primary source of protein in this formula. Salmon is rich in amino acids and helps to build strong muscles, but since it has lower amount of salmon than other types of dog food that also feature this ingredient, its considered a low protein dog food. The fact that it contains salmon instead of chicken, which is another known allergen for dogs, further enhances the effectiveness of this formula for combating allergies.

What We Like About It

Reasons to Complain

  • Some customers said that they were not pleased with the quality of the bags when they received them
  • Others have said that they think the formula is different than what they purchase in the pet store

Also Check: How Much Dog Food Should My Puppy Eat

What Are The Results

Scientists wanted to determine the effectiveness of the dog elimination diet, so they conducted a study of 209 dogs that develop food allergies or had adverse reactions to commercial diet or pet food. The scientists wanted to determine if the dog elimination diet was truly effective. Scientists also wanted to know how long it would take for the dogs symptoms to improve. The results were quite surprising.

  • After three weeks had passed, 50% of the dog participants no longer had allergy symptoms.
  • After five weeks had passed in the study, 85% of the dog participants were free of allergy symptoms.
  • After eight weeks had passed, 95% of the dog participants were free of allergy symptoms.

The results prove that less than 5% of dogs will need to remain on the dog elimination diet for more than 13 weeks. Scientists recommend dogs go through the dog elimination diet for no less than five weeks to get the best results. Some studies have recommended a minimum of ten weeks.

If your dog is one of the 5% that is difficult to diagnose, you will need to go longer and remain patient. Rarely the dog elimination diet does not work to disclose the problem. In these cases, you will need to attempt one of the dog allergy testing methods above.

What Is My Dog Allergic To

Homemade Dog Food for Itchy Skin

If your dog is suffering from a food allergy, youre most likely to see irritation concentrated to the paws and ears and an increased potential for stomach upset. Proteins that come from ingredients like beef, dairy, wheat and chicken can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. An elimination diet can help determine which ingredient is causing the allergic reaction in your dog.

If your dog seems to suffer from itchiness or distress sometimes more than others, they may be suffering from an environmental or seasonal allergy and not a food allergy. The best dog food for skin allergies will have high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help promote healthy skin.

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Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food: Hills Prescription Diet Skin/food Sensitivities

Available direct from your vet, Hills Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities dog food is slightly more processed than the other dog foods in our top 5 list, but given the brands track record at getting pets health back on track quickly, we feel its worth the sacrifice.

This food is grain- and soy-free, and uses a single protein source to help you nail down your pets allergies. Reviewers mentioned that they appreciated that this food was made in a separate area from chicken-containing foods from the brand in order to prevent cross-contamination, and that improvement was noticeable after feeding their pet just one bag.

With a price point of $61 for an 8-pound bag, it doesnt come cheap, but the quick improvement in symptoms, as well as the ease of picking it up when youre at the vets office for a checkup, justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.5 on Amazon, and although there are less than 10 reviews at publishing time , we think they help in convincing pet owners that this prescription dog food for allergies is a solid choice.

Hills Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities Key Features:

  • Available in a choice of 4 different novel proteins
  • Contains high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Features a single carbohydrate source

Hills Prescription Diet For Skin/food Sensitivities

Hills d/d formula is one food your vet is likely to recommend to begin addressing your pups food allergies. Its a basic dog food thats hypoallergenic to help get your dogs health back on track. The grain- and soy-free d/d recipesyou have a choice of venison, salmon, or duckeach use a single protein source. You can also find wet versions of some of those recipes.

Hills Prescription Diet for Skin/Food Sensitivities

Hills prescription diets are a basic yet frequently veterinarian-recommended option that can begin to address your pets food sensitivities.

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