Causes of Allergies in Dogs
Dealing with a dog with allergies can be tough for you and your furry friend. Just 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 you and your vet conclude that your dog is suffering from a food allergy, eliminating the ingredients causing the allergy from your pup's diet is the best treatment.
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
You have two options for your dog with allergies: limited-ingredient food or hypoallergenic food.
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.
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 may need to 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.
Best Foods 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.
1. Nom Nom Fresh (Limited Ingredient Food)
Nom Nom sells made-to-order, pre-portioned fresh dog food through a subscription service. Their food contains no chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavors. You can choose from a range of flavors that suit your dog's needs. They use simple, quality ingredients that are suitable for many dogs with food allergies.
2. Wellness Simple (Limited Ingredient Food)
The Wellness Simple dry dog food line keeps things simple with a single protein source and easy-to-digest carbohydrates. It offers a variety of flavor options and contains no fillers or additives.
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein (Hypoallergenic Food)
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Kibble derives most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein, making it suitable for dogs with meat-related allergic reactions. The product has various options tailored to different dog sizes and dietary requirements. This food can only be obtained with 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 offers vet-prescribed hypoallergenic food utilizing hydrolyzed protein and is available in various styles tailored to your dog's size and requirements.
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.