Like humans develop food allergies, sensitivity, or intolerance to a particular food, our dogs can get them, too. Dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages can develop food allergies, which can be frustrating to manage. They can be caused due to environmental allergens or by our dogs’ food.
WHAT CAUSES FOOD ALLERGIES IN DOGS?
Environmental allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, mold, grasses, cigarette smoke, feathers, chemicals, pests, medicines, and more, can trigger allergic reactions in dogs.
Not to forget the allergies that develop in dogs in response to protein in food, such as dairy products, beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat. Other less common causes of dog food allergies include soy, eggs, corn, nuts, pork, fish, and rabbit.
COMMON SYMPTOMS IN DOGS DUE TO FOOD ALLERGY
Some of the most common symptoms your dog may have due to a food allergy are itching, skin irritation, and chronic ear infections. Other symptoms include constant paw biting and licking, rubbing, scratching, chewing, gnawing, hair loss, red inflamed skin, gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea, excess gas), and respiratory distress.
FOOD SOLUTIONS FOR DOGS WITH ALLERGIES
As a pet parent, finding the right food for your furry dog with allergies can be frustrating and challenging. Determining which specific ingredient (known as an allergen) your furry friend may be allergic to is essential.
Once you identify the ingredients your pet is allergic to or has a sensitivity towards, you can either choose to include a hydrolyzed protein diet (sometimes called hypoallergenic dog food), a novel protein diet, or a limited ingredient dog food so that their symptoms don’t come back.
- A hydrolyzed protein diet, where the protein molecules are broken down to a size that makes the allergen virtually invisible to your pet’s immune system.
- A novel protein diet uses single-protein dog food and snacks with an uncommon protein source your dog hasn’t consumed before.
- A limited ingredient diet contains diets with fewer components and often a novel protein.
5 BEST FOODS FOR DOGS WITH ALLERGIES in 2023
This article lists some of the best foods you can give your furry friend suffering from food allergies. However, it is always advisable to check with your vet for recommendations on an appropriate diet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
1. Nom Nom Fresh (Limited Ingredient Food)
Nom Nom’s whole thing is limited-ingredient, fresh dog food and contains no chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavors. There have custom nutrition plans and a variety of flavors that you can choose from to suit your dog’s needs.
2. Wellness Simple (Limited Ingredient Food)
Wellness Simple’s limited-ingredient diet hypoallergenic dog food is a grain-free dry dog food. The food comes with a single protein source and carbohydrates that are easy to digest without additives or fillers. They have various flavor options, and their food also contains fiber and probiotics to support your pet dog’s digestive health.
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein (Hypoallergenic Food)
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein draws most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein. It is a highly palatable kibble, making it suitable for dogs who suffer from allergic reactions to certain meats. A veterinarian’s prescription is required for this food.
4. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet (Limited Ingredient Food)
Merrick Limited Ingredient diets contain the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins your furry companion needs to thrive on. It has no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.
5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets (Hypoallergenic Food)
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet is another vet-recommended hypoallergenic food that uses hydrolyzed protein to manage certain health conditions of dogs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Without proper nutrition, dogs with food allergies suffer greatly. Hence, with the help of your veterinarian, we recommend you pick up the right food for your furry family member with food allergies and help them lead a happy, healthy, tail-wagging life.