Similar to humans, dogs can be prone to developing allergies to various things in their environment, including their diet. Our Ypsilanti vets have compiled a list of the best dog foods for canines with food allergies or intolerances.
Causes of Allergies in Dogs
Dealing with allergies in your furry friend can be a real challenge, causing discomfort for both you and your dog. Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to a wide range of things, such as environmental irritants like dust, pollen, mold, or grass, or even certain types of foods. Identifying the root cause of your pup's allergies can be a daunting task, but consulting with your veterinarian can be a helpful starting point.
They can provide you with guidance on how to eliminate common allergens and pinpoint the source of your dog's discomfort. If it turns out that your dog is suffering from a food allergy, the best course of action is to remove the problematic ingredient from their diet.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
If your dog is suffering from allergies they may be exhibiting some of the following symptoms:
- Scabs or rashes on the skin
- Chronic ear infections
- Red, inflamed skin
- Itching
- Sneezing
- Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea, excess gas)
Food Solutions for Dogs with Allergies
When it comes to food for your dog with allergies, you have two options: limited ingredient food or hypoallergenic food.
Limited Ingredient Food
Feeding your pup with diets that have fewer components can simplify the process of identifying the specific ingredient that triggers their allergies. This will allow you to feed your dog with a limited ingredient diet that avoids the allergen. There are various flavors and styles of limited ingredient foods available that can cater to your pup's specific requirements.
Hypoallergenic Food
Did you know that hypoallergenic dog food diets use unique protein sources that are not recognized by your dog's antibodies as being antigens? This means that they won't cause any allergic reaction. To achieve this, many hypoallergenic foods use proteins that have been "split" or hydrolyzed into their basic amino acid building blocks, making the original allergen "invisible" to your pet's immune system.
Hydrolyzed soy protein is a good example of a protein found in hypoallergenic food. In some cases, your vet may need to prescribe hypoallergenic food for your dog. These foods are often made using proteins that have been chemically split or hydrolyzed into their basic amino acid building blocks, making the original allergen virtually "invisible" to your pet's immune system.
Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies
Here is a list of some of the foods we recommend if your pup suffers from food allergies. There are lots of options available and it may take some trial and error before you find a food that works for you and your dog. It is always best to check in with your vet before you make any major changes to your dog's diet.
1. Nom Nom Fresh (Limited Ingredient Food)
Nom Nom offers a subscription service for made-to-order, pre-portioned fresh dog food that is tailored to your dog's needs. Their meals are free from chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors, and are available in a variety of flavors. They use high-quality, straightforward ingredients that are suitable for dogs with food allergies.
2. Wellness Simple (Limited Ingredient Food)
The Wellness Simple line of dry dog food keeps things simple with a single protein source and carbohydrates that are easy to digest. They have a variety of flavor options and their food contains no fillers or additives.
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein (Hypoallergenic Food)
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein kibble draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein which may make it suitable for dogs who suffer allergic reactions related to certain meats. They have a few different options based on your dog's size and dietary needs. This food requires a prescription from your vet.
4. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet (Limited Ingredient Food)
Merrick Limited Ingredient diets come in a range of flavors. They also offer a wet canned food option for dogs that prefer (or need) to eat softer foods. Merrick food contains just the essential proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins your dog needs to thrive without any fillers or additives.
5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets (Hypoallergic Food)
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet is another vet-prescribed hypoallergenic food that may be suitable for your dog. It uses hydrolyzed protein and comes in a few different styles based on your pup's size and needs.
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.