Did you know that your furry friend can develop allergies to things like their favorite foods? In this blog post, our San Angelo vets discuss the best foods for dogs with allergies and how these dietary choices can help.
What are the possible causes of allergies in dogs?
Dealing with a dog with allergies can be tough for you and your furry friend. Like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to a wide range of things, including environmental allergens like dust, pollen, mold, or grass and food allergens. Identifying the specific allergens can be challenging at first. Your vet can guide you on eliminating common allergens to pinpoint the cause of your dog's allergies.
If your vet has examined your dog and diagnosed them with a food allergy, eliminating the ingredients causing the allergy from your pup's diet is the best treatment.
What are the typical symptoms of food 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)
Dietary Changes for Dogs With Food Allergies
There are two food choices to help manage dogs' allergies: limited-ingredient food or hypoallergenic food.
What is limited-ingredient food?
Diets with fewer components can make it easier to tell which specific ingredient your pup is allergic to. Once you figure it out, you can feed your dog a diet with limited ingredients to ensure it avoids the allergen. Limited-ingredient foods come in a wide range of flavors and styles, and you can find one tailored to your pup's specific needs.
What is hypoallergenic food?
Hypoallergenic dog food diets utilize unique protein sources that your dog's antibodies generally do not recognize as antigens, meaning they won't cause a reaction.
Many hypoallergenic foods use proteins that have been "split" (hydrolyzed) into their basic amino acid building blocks, making the original allergen virtually "invisible" to your pet's immune system. Hydrolyzed soy protein is a good example of a protein that could be found in hypoallergenic food.
Sometimes, your vet must write you a prescription for hypoallergenic food. Many are made using proteins that have been chemically “split” (hydrolyzed) into their basic amino acid building blocks, which can make the original allergen virtually “invisible” to your pet’s immune system.
What is the best dog food for dogs with allergies?
Here is a list of foods we recommend if your pup has allergies. Many options are 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.
Prescription Dog Food
If your dog's food allergy symptoms are severe, your vet may recommend that you feed them a prescription dog food. While this option can be pricey, novel protein and hydrolyzed diets available by prescription only are typically superior to those that can be purchased over the counter.
Grain-Free Dog Food
If your pet is sensitive to corn, wheat or other grains, grain-free dog food may be ideal. These foods are also gluten-free.
Limited Ingredient Dog Foods
Limited-ingredient dog foods address the presence of allergens by including just one protein source (such as beef, lamb or chicken), often combined with just a single carbohydrate source. When shopping for limited-ingredient dog foods, it's important to check for a seal of approval from the Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) and a "complete and balanced" claim from the manufacturer.
Novel Ingredient Dog Food
Novel ingredient dog foods replace traditional dog food proteins such as beef and chicken with more unusual proteins such as salmon, duck, or venison. Many novel ingredient dog foods also use unusual carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes to help balance the diet.
After your dog is diagnosed, your vet will work with you to find the best diet. Many food options are available to help alleviate your dog's food allergy symptoms.
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.