How Long Does It Take For Food Allergy Symptoms To Go Away In Dogs
It all depends on the dog and the severity of their allergy. For dogs that are on a limited ingredient diet, it is expected that the symptoms will go away after 6 to 12 weeks. This is not a set rule, though, as some pooches might see an improvement in their symptoms in the first month, and others might take a couple of months until the digestive and skin issues are resolved.
Limited Ingredient Dog Diets
If your dog is demonstrating food sensitivity A-Z Animals recommends starting limited ingredient dog foods. Limited ingredient foods have fewer inputs and less harmful fillers. This makes it easier to identify fool intolerances and allergies. Limited ingredient foods are also usually healthier as manufactures focus more on primary inputs like animal protein or vegetables .
There are many good options for limited ingredient food today. Unlike many hypoallergenic dog foods, limited ingredient options are available at most retailers like Amazon, Petco, and Chewy and do not require a prescription.
The Best Dog Food For Dogs With Allergies
It can be hard to watch your pet suffer from allergiesespecially when the cause is unknown. Allergies can present in a variety of ways, with many different reactions, from dry, itchy, and red skin to digestive issues. Your dog may be itching, scratching, or biting, or experiencing tummy troubles like vomiting or diarrhea that arent fun for either of you.
While environmental allergens or fleas can cause allergies, many reactions are caused by a pets diet. The five most common food sensitivities reported for dogs are beef, dairy, wheat, lamb and chicken.
How do you know whats causing your dogs allergies? One way to determine this is through an elimination diet trial: simplifying what your dog is eating and then gradually adding ingredients back in to see when symptoms resolve and then flare back up.
But this can be challenging with many of the pet foods on the market, which have long lists of ingredients, are highly processed and contain many common allergens.
For dogs with food allergies, switching to a fresh diet is an excellent choice. Many pet parents report that a change to a fresh diet solved or reduced their pets allergy problems.
They also comment that their dogs skin and coat look better after switching to fresh food, in addition to their dog having more energy and maintaining a healthy weight. This may be because a food allergen was removed, or because the diet contained nutrients helpful for controlling environmental allergies .
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What Is My Dog Allergic To
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.
Buying Guide For Hypoallergenic Dog Food
If youve ever experienced allergies you know how difficult they can make everyday life. But did you know that just like people, dogs can be allergic to a variety of substances? Dogs can experience skin or food allergies that can lead to many unpleasant symptoms.
Thankfully there are a number of options made specifically for dogs with allergies. Many of these brands have either or limited ingredient formulas, which remove the most common allergens known to affect dogs. In this guide, well review these types of foods, as well as allergy symptoms, typical foods to avoid, and the proper course of action to get your dog on an allergy free diet.
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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.
Canidae Pure Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
CANIDAE has a reputation for providing high-quality dog food, and this is no exception.
Using 8 simple ingredients, this formula is guaranteed to give your dog all the nutrition it needs to live a long and healthy life. These 8 ingredients are salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, canola oil, sun-cured alfalfa, potatoes.
This is all enriched by vitamins, minerals, and a probiotics mix. As we have spoken about previously, it is rare for a limited ingredient formula to be able to provide an above-average level of protein and fat, but this dog food goes the extra mile.
The formula contains 32% protein and 18% fat. This is an above-average percentage and will help your dog develop and maintain its muscle fibers.
Unfortunately, these percentages come at a cost. At $65 for a 25 lb bag, this is expensive dry dog food and not an option for a lot of dog owners.
The price is more than justified by the nutritional punch that CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food provides.
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food is a great food based around simplicity. It features a central protein with easily digestible carbohydrates and wholesome fiber. It never contains any by-product meal or artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Lamb is the first ingredient, along with brown rice, ground rice, and dried beet pulp.
- High quality ingredients like chicken, beef, and fish, along with real vegetables.
- A portion of each sales goes to the Rachael Ray Foundation for animals in need.
Tylees Human-Grade Beef Recipe Frozen Dog Food provides complete nutrition with real, whole ingredients. Real meat is combined with fruits and vegetables and then frozen, so mealtime is easy. It contains no filler or artificial flavors or colors.
- USDA beef, plus sweet potatoes, mango, plus fiber and nutrient rich broccoli, spinach, and zucchini.
- Flaxseed and sunflower oil provide omega-3 and 6.
- All natural ingredients are easy on sensitive stomachs.
Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is top quality, allergy-friendly nutrition. Grain-free recipe is centered around beef, sweet potatoes, and fruit. It is supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
- High levels of omega 3 and 6 for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Poultry free formulation is ideal for sensitive stomachs.
- Made in the USA from locally-sourced ingredients.
What Are Dog Food Allergies
Just like how people can develop food allergies or a sensitivity to a particular food, the same can happen to dogs.
Dogs who develop a food allergy have usually been eating the offending food for a while with no previous trouble. Food allergy symptoms will typically begin in dogs 5 to 6 years old or less than 6 months, Dr. Burch told The Dodo.
If your dogs allergic to an ingredient, his immune system will try to attack it every time he eats the food, which causes all the annoying allergy symptoms your dog has to deal with.
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Why Is Dog Food Designed For Pets With Allergies So Expensive
Keep in mind that food created for the specific purpose of preventing allergies involves more effort on the part of the manufacturer. There are research and development costs in order to find formulas that contain all the necessary nutrients your dog needs, as well as sourcing higher quality ingredients than are found in regular dog foods. In other words, the manufacturer spends more money making the food, and that cost is reflected in the price.
Theres a wide range of prices that can be found when purchasing limited ingredient or hypoallergenic food so its likely you can find one that fits your budget and also keeps your dog allergy free. However, when you take into consideration the vet bills you end up paying when your dog experiences severe allergies, it can actually end up being more cost effective to proactively invest in a high quality dog food. Not only does it make your dog feel better, youll have peace of mind knowing your best friend is feeling good.
Can Dog Food Help With Skin Allergies
Fortunately, numerous types of dog food for dogs with skin allergies exist. The best dog food for skin allergies related to food is therefore one that doesnt include this food. Grain allergies, for example, are very common and easily treated with grain free food. Sadly its not always this easy, as sometimes your dog is allergic to things it just cant avoid. Pollen and dust allergies arent solely human phenomena.
For a severely allergic dog a vet might prescribe antihistamines, but most of the time a change in diet can provide significant relief. Fatty acids like omega 3 and 6 have been proven to have a significant effect on skin allergy symptoms. By helping your dog to maintain healthy skin the chance of a secondary infection is significantly reduced.
In fact, these nutrients are often present in prescription dog food for skin allergies. Whether its the best grain free dog food for skin allergies or the best dry dog food for skin allergies, you should be able to find what you need in this article.
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Distinguishing Between Food Allergies Vs Simple Food Intolerance
In addition to recognizing the possible signs of a dog food allergy, its also important to distinguish between true food allergies vs a simple intolerance.
When your dog has an allergy, it means that your dogs immune system is overreacting to a normally harmless substance . Intolerance simply suggests your dog has trouble digesting something, in which case switching to a dog food for dogs with sensitive stomach may provide a quick fix!
You should always consult your veterinarian before self-diagnosing your dogs food allergies or intolerances. However, in general, dogs that have true food allergies will generally exhibit skin problems, while dogs with a food intolerance will just display intestinal upset. This commonly takes the form of gas, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Some food allergies may also cause digestive upset, but skin conditions are almost always the most prevalent problem.
Its very common for dogs to be intolerant of things like dairy products and fatty foods.
While dairy and high-fat foods often cause digestive issues in canines, many pooches can eat one but not the other. For example, my Rottweiler is capable of digesting fast-food quantities of fat , but a teaspoon of ice cream can make her hurl.
In an ideal world, you should probably avoid giving either type of food to your dog, regardless of the different biological factors at play.
Signs Of Skin Allergies In Dogs
Allergies in dogs are a real issue and can appear for a number of reasons. The allergen can vary from dog to dog. It can be something they eat, something they breathe in, or something that comes into direct contact with their skin. Allergic reactions, regardless of cause, are often most noticeable in the skin.
Your dog may have bald patches from scratching, or be visibly sore. Whatever the type of allergic reaction, food can play an important role.
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Other Things To Consider
If your pup is exhibiting any of the aforementioned signs of food allergies and it has been determined that he is, in fact, sensitive to certain foods, switching his diet to a premium quality dog food that is specifically formulated for dogs with allergies can help relieve his allergies and improve his comfort and health.
To ensure you are feeding your canine companion the best dog food for allergies, make sure you read the labels before you choose a formula and pay attention to the ingredients. A superior hypoallergenic dog food will feature the following:
Ingredients To Look For In Dog Food For Allergies
Knowing what your dog is allergic to is very vital. You need to know the elements that make your dog react to avoid them. You can purchase dog food with and without the following ingredients:
- these are sources of proteins that are not common. Therefore, they present a lower risk of allergies. Examples include lamb, rabbit, Venison, herring, and bison.
- No eggs buy dog food with no eggs since eggs are a significant cause of allergies.
- No dairy dairy products cause allergic reactions. Purchase dog food with no dairy.
- No fillers-fillers are like husk, soy, or corn. They are of no nutritional value to dogs, and they cause allergies. So its good to avoid dog food with fillers.
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Purina One Smartblend Natural Sensitive Systems Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Purinas ONE SmartBlend is a natural formula for adult dogs with sensitive systems, whether its the stomach or the skin. In fact, it provides holistic benefits for overall health and nourishment from the inside out, with results in as little as 28 days. High in protein and available in a tasty dry kibble form, this will have your pets coming back for more.
Ingredients & Nutritional Benefits
Salmon is a rich source of protein that is less likely to cause allergic reactions in dogs compared to poultry, beef and lamb. Purina One uses real salmon as its main ingredient, and it offers other benefits such as being high in essential fatty acids for coat and skin health, as well as being a natural source of glucosamine for improved joint health and mobility. Also contained within is rice flour, pearled barley, oatmeal and corn gluten meal, chicken by-product meal, beef fat, liver flavour, fish oil , as well as dried carrots and dried peas natural antioxidants to help support a strong immune system.
Safety & Quality
Purina follows strict safety and quality control standards, with products manufactured in the USA in Purina facilities. Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that the Purina One Smartblend provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs.
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Managing Food Allergies In Dogs Through Diet
The following are several diet strategies that may be successful in treating dogs with food allergies:
New meat source diet
If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, the easiest change to make is switching the protein source in your dogs diet. For example, if you are feeding a chicken-based diet, switch to a beef- or fish-based diet. Read the ingredient label carefully to ensure that there is only one protein source. For example, many pet food companies will add chicken to formulas that are advertised as having primarily fish in the recipe. Once you decide on a new protein source, check the ingredients in treats and supplements to ensure that your pup only gets one source of meat protein.
Limited ingredient diet
This diet limits the total number of ingredients, typically to one source of protein and one source of carbohydrate for example, lamb and rice. These diets are commercially available over the counter or by prescription from a veterinarian. The advantage of prescription limited ingredient diets is that the manufacturing lines are more controlled, helping to prevent cross contamination from other formulas, which is important for extremely sensitive dogs. These diets can also be prepared at home as long as they are balanced. There are tools out there to help. For example, Balanceit.com is a website that helps pet owners design and balance a limited ingredient diet.
Hydrolyzed Protein Diet
Amino Acid Based Diet
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How Can I Tell If My Dog Has An Allergy
There are a few signs that may indicate your dog has an allergy, such as excessive licking, chewing, or scratching of the skin. Dogs with allergies may also have hot spots, hair loss, or scaly patches of skin. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for an evaluation.
At-home allergy tests are available, but they are not always accurate. The best way to determine if your dog has allergies is to work with a veterinarian.
Best For Grain Allergies: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Courtesy of Amazon
Key Ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, menhaden fish meal | Flavors: Salmon | Packaging Size: 4.5, 11, 20, or 24 pound bag
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Sweet potatoes are a source of healthy carbs
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Grain-free diets may not be best for every dog
Its always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dogs allergies. They may recommend changes to their diet that remove foods that could flare up their allergies, like grains or poultry. But being grain-free doesnt mean that this recipe is all protein either, it also features sweet potatoes and peas to help give your active doggy that extra boost of energy. Blue Buffalo also offers similar grain-free recipes for all life stages, including puppies, adult, and senior dogs.
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