Tuesday, March 19, 2024

What To Feed My Dog With Food Allergies

Common Dietary Allergens For Dogs

What is the Best Food to Feed My Dog With Allergies [3 BEST Diets]

Allergies are caused by proteins that over-stimulate the immune system.

The most common meat allergies for dogs are:

Beef, chicken, lamb, fish, and pork are all dog food meat ingredients that have been known to cause allergic reactions in dogs.

Youll notice that theyre some of the most popular ingredients in dog food, and since exposure to these ingredients is common, theyve become common allergens.

Other common dog food allergens that are not meat-based include:

As you can see from this list, allergens arent only caused by foods humans think of as protein sources. In reality, most foods even vegetables and grains contain some proteins. Accordingly, the proteins in things like wheat, soy and corn can also elicit allergic reactions.

Unfortunately, these are all common ingredients in commercial foods, and unless you actively work to avoid these ingredients, your pooch will likely be chomping them up in her kibble.

When your dog has a food allergy, your dogs digestive system fails to digest some of the proteins in the allergy-inducing food. When these whole proteins contact specialized receptors in the intestines, the body treats them as dangerous invaders.

This causes the immune system to launch a disproportionate response, which causes the side effects associated with a food allergy.

Is Homemade Dog Food Good For Dogs

While I am not a vet, and I certainly cant speak for all animals , I can tell you that switching to homemade dog food made the world of difference for Rascal. We had a very unique case with him and his food allergies, but we have also seen other positive changes.

On traditional dog food, Rascal was lethargic, he shed in abundance and his appetite was mediocre. He was also low in his weight class, weighing in at just 64 pounds for a full-sized male Golden Retriever.

Since the dog food switch, he has been energetic, focused, and calmer. He has also put on about 15 pounds in just one year after switching to homemade food. On a traditional diet, were vacuuming at least once a day but now only 1-2x a week. We no longer have to coax Rascal into mealtime and have finally developed a great eating schedule.

Types Of Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Hypoallergenic dog food could be misleading since an ingredient that triggers food allergies in dogs varies from one dog to another.

For example, for a dog that’s allergic to chicken, any food that does not contain this common allergen can be considered hypoallergenic dog food.

But that’s not the case for dogs that are allergic to various ingredients other than chicken, like rice or beef, pork, and others.

A vet typically recommends this type of dog food once your dog’s food allergies are determined. Though hypoallergenic dog foods are often regarded as prescription dog foods, some are readily available over-the-counter and online.

Here are the common types of hypoallergenic food for dogs: Limited Ingredient Diet, Hydrolyzed Dog Food, and Grain-Free Diet.

Limited Ingredient Diet

Limited ingredient dog food, otherwise known as limited ingredient diets , refers to dog foods with fewer ingredients. This diet helps eliminate and identify food ingredients that trigger dog food allergies.

Generally, limited ingredient diets include a novel protein and a different carbohydrate source.

A novel protein is a new protein that is not usually present in common dog foods. Examples of sources include kangaroo, venison, duck, venison, turkey, and ostrich.

Usual novel carbohydrate sources for limited ingredients diet are brown rice, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal.

Hydrolyzed Formula

Grain-Free Formula

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What Ingredients To Avoid And Which Ones Are Good

You should avoid dog food that has high glycemic index carbohydrate sources in its first 5 ingredients.

Keep an eye out for dog food containing fish and flaxseed as they are good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Dog food containing fructooligosaccharides and other prebiotics also stands to benefit your dog.

Look out for food containing hydrolyzed protein or single source protein as most of these infections stem from an allergic reaction.

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Purina Pro Plan Focus

Best Dog Food For Skin Allergies: 2020

Salmon and rice-based formula

This high-protein recipe features salmon as the very first ingredients and mixed with vitamins, minerals, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and joints.

About: Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach is made without many of the most common allergens.

In fact, Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach contains no wheat, corn, soy or chicken by-products. Instead, it is a salmon- and rice-based formula, which provides the nutrition dogs need, without triggering their allergies.

Although Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach contains no artificial colors or flavors, it is packed with the vitamins, minerals and nutrients your dog needs. Of particular note are the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids contained in the dog food, which help promote healthy joints and skin, respectively.

This is a great dog food for pit bulls as well as any other breed that commonly suffers from food allergies as well as joint issues, with the combination of omega fatty acids for joint health alongside the lack of common allergens.

PROS

Most owners report that the dog food helps eliminate hot-spots and similar itchy skin conditions. Additionally, most dogs find the food very palatable. The ingredient list is also very short and manageable compared to most others.

CONS

Salmon is the #1 ingredient, but there are no other meats at the top of the ingredient list.

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What Should I Feed My Dog

With all this in mind, you might still be a little unsure of what food is best for your dog. This is a common feeling, as no two dogs are exactly the same! They all have unique personalities and preferences in food. What works best for your neighbors dog might not work that well for your dog and thats okay!

Being knowledgeable about what your pet with allergies needs in a food will help you make a more informed decision and choose a healthy recommended dog food meal you can feel confident feeding your pup.

If you think Earthborn Holistic might be the right food for your dog with allergies, but want a little extra help in deciding which recipe to try, please send us a message! Wed love to get to know you and your furry family more to help with your decision!

Dog Food For Sensitive Skin Or Stomachs

Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to environmental allergens around them. Especially during the spring season, dogs can have dry, itchy, or sensitive skin. Dry dog food that contains fish as the main protein can sometimes help with this. Fish contains omega fatty acids that work to help maintain healthy skin and coat. A dog food with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and a fish protein, such as Wholesomes Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon, can sometimes help clear up your dogs skin. This recipe is a tasty whole grain diet for all life stages, so even puppies can find some relief from allergy symptoms.

According to Dr. Anne, since food allergies are in response to proteins from the diet that are misidentified by the immune system, switching the primary protein source in your dogs diet can ease the allergy. That being said, lamb is another great protein option as it tends to be a less commonly used protein in a lot of dog foods. Food suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs would be our Wholesomes Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb recipe. Packed with easily digestible proteins and quality sources of fiber, Wholesomes will support any puppy or adult dog with sensitive skin or stomach.

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Everything You Need To Know About Dog Allergies In 10 Minutes

We are specialists at dog allergies. Its one of the main reasons people jump to feeding their dogs better food. Invariably, it begins with an owner of a dog with recurring skin, ear or gut conditions. Youre getting nowhere with your vets conventional approach .

I have divided up our approach to dog allergies into FOUR sections below. If you want to understand WHY this is happening to your dog, you need to read and understand the first three articles. We recommend getting your head around it. The SOLUTION to your dogs issues begin at pat 4 though, if you want to get straight into it!

Im Dr Conor Brady, a canine nutritionist that specialises in canine food sensitivity. I see hundreds of such dogs each year so you can bet the info in this article is pretty solid. Below I tell you everything I know, including not only why your dog is likely sick but how to fix it. Best of all, I have made it available to you for free. How do I benefit? Articles like this get folk on to my site. If you need specialised help you can book me for a consultation.

What Food Is Best For My Dog

Homemade Dog Food Recipe! [Cured my Dog’s allergies]

Your dog’s specific allergy and overall health will determine which diet is best for your four-legged friend. If your dog’s symptoms are caused by an allergy, your vet will be able to recommend the best foods that can improve your dog’s health.

Note:The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

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Dietary Guidelines For Dogs With Food Allergies

Once you pinpoint the foods that cause your dogs food allergies, you’ll need to avoid those trigger ingredients.

They’re not only going to be in dog food recipes either. Look for these foods in your dogs treats and medications, as well as anything else he ingests.

For example, some toothpaste made for dogs has chicken as an ingredient, and if your dog is allergic to chicken, this can cause an allergic reaction.

If your dog shows some symptoms of food allergies after you have eliminated the trigger food, that means that it might have another allergy.

It’s not unusual for dogs to develop a new food-related allergy. Therefore, you might have to do the elimination diet again if that’s the case and figure out what the new allergen is.

Pick commercial pet foods that are easy on your dog’s stomach, and if you choose to cook for the dog , then make all meals easily digestible for the dog.

It’s recommended to cook starchy vegetables and healthy wholesome grains alongside novel proteins that you are sure your dog isn’t sensitive to.

To make your dogs digestion process easier, feed him more often in smaller meals.

What Is The Best Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food

When it comes to finding the best hydrolyzed protein dog food, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, many veterinarians recommend specific brands such as Royal Canin, Hills, and Blue Buffalo. These brands have all been specifically formulated for dogs with allergies or inflammatory bowel disease , and are generally well tolerated by most canines.

If youre looking for a high-quality and reliable option for your pup, be sure to check out our reviews below! Weve evaluated dozens of different products to bring you the finest so that you can select the best one for your dogs nutritional needs and requirements.

We independently research, review, and recommend the best dog products. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Read our affiliate closure here.

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Symptoms Of A Food Allergy In Dogs

Dogs suffering from food allergies often exhibit a collection of relatively consistent symptoms. However, because these symptoms can mimic the symptoms of other illnesses, its wise to bring your dog to the vet for an evaluation if you suspect a food allergy is involved.

Fortunately, while food allergies are troubling and frustrating problems to deal with, they are rarely life-threatening as they are for humans so thats a plus!

Whereas humans often suffer from a swollen throat or difficulty in breathing after consuming an allergen, dogs most frequently suffer skin ailments as the result of allergic reactions.

Dogs express allergies a bit differently than us. It may seem natural for us humans that an environmental/inhalant allergy results in sneezing, while a food allergy results in vomiting or a swollen throat.

However, most dogs exhibit nearly all their symptoms through itchy, irritated skin, and possibly chronic ear infections.

Some of the most common symptoms of food allergies in dogs include:

  • Itching, especially centered around the ears or feet

If you own one of these breeds, be especially alert for signs of a food allergy.

Natural Balance Lid Limited Ingredient Diet

Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Mid-priced limited-ingredient dog food

Limited-ingredient dog food that has lamb as sole animal protein, along with brown rice and brewers rice for carbohydrates. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

About: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet is composed of relatively few ingredients, which is an important characteristic for allergy-friendly dog foods.

Additionally, this limited-ingredient dog food contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, further reducing the potential to trigger your pets allergies.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet uses lamb as the single primary protein source and brown rice as the primary carbohydrate both of which are rarely implicated in food allergies. The recipe also contains canola oil, which provides a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

PROS

Many owners report that their dogs digest this dog food better than many similar products, and some have even remarked that the dog food reduced the amount of gas from which their dog suffered. Additionally, the kibble is reportedly designed to encourage your dog to chew thoroughly, which can help aid the digestive process.

CONS

Like some other hypoallergenic dog foods, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet is a little pricier than regular dog foods , but it is quite reasonable when compared to other hypoallergenic foods.

Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran…,

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Pedigree: Affordable And Best Dog Food In India

When it comes to dog food, Pedigree is a brand that Indian pet parents can be assured of. It has been around for many years and is well-known for its high-quality products at a reasonable price. Pedigree offers good quality dog food that meets the needs of all types of dogs – whether they are puppies, adults or senior dogs. So whatever your dog’s breed or size might be, you can be sure their dietary needs will be satisfied by Pedigree.

Mix And Portion Homemade Food For Dogs

The best way to store fresh food for your doggie is to use freezer bags. I have a small dog, so using this recipe I calculated the calories she needs per day. Measure a few day supply based on your dogs caloric needs. And portion it into a 5 day supply, so it is food safe after it defrosts.

Simply pull out a frozen bag of new food and let it defrost in the fridge every 5 days. I give her â of the baggie daily. The bags compress flat in the freezer or you can place them in an airtight container. Store in an airtight container or larger zip-top bag in the freezer.

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How Do Dogs Develop Food Allergies

While the true cause of allergies is still unknown, there has been speculation that when a pet is over-sensitized to food, it can lead to allergies developing later in life. For example, if your dog has only ever eaten chicken-based foods, then they are more likely to develop a chicken allergy.

Offering a wider variety of foods on a rotational basis can potentially help to prevent over-sensitization to specific proteins. In addition to possibly reducing future food allergies in your dog, you will also be supplying them with a wider variety of essential nutrients from different ingredients.

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food For Dogs With Allergies

Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Skin Allergies

When you are seeking a good food to eliminate your dogs allergies, you are really looking for a food that does not include the most common allergens . But you should also avoid foods that contain additives and byproducts, which may contain allergens too.

Many such foods are labeled as hypoallergenic, but this just means that the food contains fewer allergens than a normal food does .

Obviously, there is a great deal of wiggle room in this definition, so it is important to consider all the ingredients contained in a given dog food, and not just the marketing claims.

Additionally, some good foods for dogs battling allergies feature hydrolyzed proteins, which should prevent allergic reactions from happening at all.

The following five products are all generally good choices for dogs with food allergies, although of course the best food really depends on your dogs unique issues!

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How Do You Cure Yeast Infections In Dogs

The root cause of a yeast infection is your dogs immune system. In many dogs, yeast infections will be a chronic problem, and there is no actual cure.

However, you can manage it by using an appropriate shampoo and offering a suitable diet.

4 Simple Steps To Manage Yeast Infections In Dogs

Step 1: Treat the Itch

Check for hot spots and your dogs ears. You can help alleviate the itch with homemade remedies such as a vinegar rinse. You can also look for a benzoyl peroxide shampoo if theres waxy buildup all over your dog.

Step 2: Starve The Yeast

Starch only makes up about 4% of a wild dogs diet. Commercial kibbles often exceed ten times that amount, causing the yeast to multiply out of control.

Starve out the yeast by removing sugar, including carbs. Heavy metals also attract them, so make sure youre feeding your dog high-quality fish oil, GMO-free ingredients, and non-fluoridated water.

Step 3: Kill The Yeast

Add some yeast-killing food and supplements into your dogs diet. Garlic in small, controlled amounts can be beneficial to your dog. You only want to give tsp for every 5 lbs of your dogs weight.

Caprylic acid can also help your dog, but the dosage is around ¼ tsp for medium- to large breeds, and you will need to make your adjustments accordingly.

Powdered olive leaf has been proven to fight mange. Small dogs should have a ¼ tsp daily, medium-sized dogs at ½ a teaspoon, and large dogs can have 1 tsp.

Step 4: Boost Immunity

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