Best Dog Food for Allergies— The basics: Dogs can suffer from food allergies the same way humans do. When a dog is allergic to something then selecting the right diet is very important to improve their overall well being. We’ll go over what causes food allergies, what to watch for, and how to choose the best dog food for managing them here.
Food allergies happen when a dog’s immune system has an exaggerated immune response to certain proteins in their food. Common allergens include:
If you think your dog has a food allergy, it’s important to check with your veterinarian to rule out other possible causes and determine the specific allergen.
Includes limited ingredients to reduce possibilities of allergens.
Typically contain one protein source—salmon or duck—and one carbohydrate source, such as sweet potatoes.
Hypoallergenic diets, frequently prescribed by veterinarians, contain hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down in order to avoid causing an allergic reaction.
Grain-free diets may be good for dogs with grain allergies (e.g., wheat or corn) but they aren’t necessarily for all dogs with allergies.
Includes more unusual protein sources such as venison, kangaroo or rabbit, making it less likely to cause an allergy.Best Dog Food for Allergies
Look for limited-ingredient diets, innovative proteins, and grain-free or hypoallergenic recipes when choosing dog food for allergies. Our top suggestions are as follows:
Important attributes:
Reducing allergies by using fewer ingredients
Devoid of dairy, eggs, meat, and fowl
contains the fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 for healthy skin.
Important attributes:
Formula prescribed by veterinarians
One new source of protein (venison or duck)
promotes the health of the skin and digestive system
Important attributes:
Eight basic components that steer clear of common allergies
Free of artificial additives, grains, and soy
uses protein from premium lamb or salmon.
Important attributes:
One source of protein (fish, lamb, or duck)
Minimal carbohydrate intake to aid with digesting
No artificial preservatives or flavors
Important attributes:
Proteins that are hydrolyzed lessen allergic responses.
promotes the health of the skin and digestive system
Perfect for pets with extremely sensitive diets
An ideal hydrolyzed protein formula recommended by veterinarians for allergy management.
Designed for canine companions with serious food sensitivities.
Blue Buffalo basic diet of limited ingredients
Contains a single protein source with few ingredients, suitable for sensitive stomachs.
Dog food with some protein and a single carbohydrate source for dogs with food sensitivity.Best Dog Food for Allergies
If you can eat it, but with some serious restrictions, focus on basic, high-quality ingredients to avoid food sensitivities.
See a Vet: You’ll need your veterinarian to identify the allergen and recommend a diet.
Read Labels Carefully: Check for high-quality ingredients, and steer clear of fillers, starches or artificial additives.
Progression to New Foods : Introduce the new diet slowly over a 7–10 day period to help prevent digestive upset.
Watch for Symptoms: Keep an eye on them and their symptoms to determine how the new diet goes. Best Dog Food for Allergies
There are a few common chemicals in dog food that can cause allergic responses. Avoid the following if your dog has dietary allergies:
For those who like to do it themselves, cooking meals at home (with your veterinarian or pet nutritionist’s guidance) allows you to control all of the food your dog eats, so you can make sure they receive the the necessary nutrients without exposing them to allergens. Best Dog Food for Allergies
Abruptly changing your dog’s diet may cause stomach problems. To ensure a seamless transfer, adhere to following steps:
Day 1–2: Combine 75% old and 25% new meals.
Increase to a 50/50 blend on days three and four.
Increase to 75% new food and 25% old food on days five and six.
Day 7+: Serve only fresh meals.
The quality of life for your dog can be greatly enhanced by selecting the best dog food for allergies. Think about a prescription, hypoallergenic, or limited-ingredient diet that is suited to your dog’s particular requirements. Before altering your dog’s diet, speak with your veterinarian if you think they may have food allergies.
