Finding the Right Hypoallergenic Dog Food

How to Choose Dog Food for Allergies

Choosing the right dog food for allergies is crucial in managing your dog's health and well-being. Allergies can cause various issues, from skin irritations to digestive problems. Understanding how to select the best dog food can help alleviate these issues and improve your dog’s quality of life. 

Understanding Dog Food Allergies

Common Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies

Dog food allergies can manifest in several ways. Common symptoms include:

• Itchy Skin: Persistent scratching or biting at the skin.
• Ear Infections: Frequent ear infections or inflammation.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive gas.
• Hair Loss: Unexplained patches of hair loss or a dull coat.

Diagnosing Food Allergies in Dogs

To diagnose food allergies, visit your nearest Zigly Experience Center and consult with a Zigly veterinarian. They may recommend some allergy panel tests to rule out exact allergens causing the problem or an elimination diet, where you introduce a new food that contains a novel protein and carbohydrate source. This process helps identify specific allergens. Your vet might also perform allergy tests to pinpoint the cause.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food for Allergies

Common Allergens in Dog Food

Though any dietary protein can elicit an allergic response in sensitive pets certain ingredients are known to trigger allergies in dogs. These include:

• Beef and Chicken: Common protein sources that may cause sensitivities.
• Corn and Wheat: Common fillers that can lead to digestive issues.
• Soy: A common allergen and filler in many commercial dog foods.
• Artificial Additives: Colors, flavors, and preservatives can also trigger allergic reactions.
• Dairy Proteins: Commonly fed dairy products like milk, curd, yogurt, and paneer as a part of home food can also cause dog allergies in pets sensitive for it.

Reading Dog Food Labels

When choosing dog food for allergies, carefully read the labels. Look for foods that are free from the common allergens mentioned above. Ingredients should be listed in descending order by weight. High-quality dog food will list a single, named protein source as the first ingredient and avoid vague terms like "meat by-products." 

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Allergies

Top Brands for Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Several brands specialize in hypoallergenic dog food. They use novel proteins and limited ingredients to minimize allergic reactions. Some top brands include:

• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet: Offers various options tailored to specific allergies.
• Vetlife (Farmina): Offers diets for dietary allergies and their management with proven ingredients.
• Drools Vet Pro: Prescription diet for dogs with hypersensitivities. This food range has hydrolyzed fish protein which is highly digestible and less likely to cause an allergic reaction and is gluten and lactose-free.

What Makes a Dog Food Hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic dog food is formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Most of the prescription diets use hydrolyzed proteins which have a very low molecule size to cause an allergic response  Key features include:

• Novel Protein Sources: Use proteins that your dog hasn’t been exposed to before, such as duck or venison.
• Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients can help identify and avoid allergens.
• Hydrolyzed Proteins: Proteins that are broken down into smaller particles, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Ingredients to Look For:

For dogs with skin allergies, look for dog food with:

• Omega Fatty Acids: Ingredients like fish oil or flaxseed oil can support skin health and reduce inflammation.
• High-Quality Protein: Easily digestible and hydrolyzed proteins help maintain a healthy coat.
• Limited Additives: Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Fresh Food Dog Options

Benefits of Fresh Food for Allergies

 Some dogs may be allergic to many dietary proteins, and it may not be easy to formulate a perfect hypoallergenic diet at home. In such cases, fresh food from brands like Fresh for Paws comes to the rescue. Their meals are 100% balanced meals which are grain-free & prepared with zero preservatives, and minimal carbohydrates. They have more bioavailability than most food options & are 100% natural and human-grade. Fresh for Paws meals are hypoallergenic and are suitable in most cases. Their packaging is 100% transparent so you can read the packaging to read through the list of all the ingredients and check for any dietary proteins your dog is allergic to. 

But in some cases where one or two dietary proteins are responsible for atopic dermatitis or allergies, you can try a homemade diet with the help of your veterinarian. Homemade dog food allows you to control the ingredients and avoid allergens. Benefits include:

• Customization: Tailor the diet to your dog’s specific needs and sensitivities.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients free from fillers and additives.

Recipes and Tips

When preparing homemade dog food:

• Consult Your Vet: Visit our nearest Zigly Experience Center & book an appointment with Zigly vets to ensure the diet meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
• Include Balanced Ingredients: Use a mix of protein sources, vegetables, and grains. Common recipes include chicken with rice and carrots or turkey with sweet potatoes. Try to introduce new protein sources that have not been tried or your pet has not been exposed yet so far like duck, fish, chevon, mutton, turkey, lapin etc.
• Avoid Harmful Foods: Do not include toxic ingredients to dogs, such as onions, garlic, or grapes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best dog food for allergies?

The best dog food for allergies is often hypoallergenic and made with novel proteins and limited ingredients. Brands like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, and Vetlife Ultrahypo/Hypoallergenic, are highly recommended.

2. Can dog food help with skin allergies?

Choose dog food with high-quality protein, omega fatty acids, and limited additives can help alleviate skin allergies. Products like Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet and Blue Buffalo Basics are known for their benefits in managing skin issues.

3. What ingredients should I avoid in dog food for allergies?

Avoid ingredients such as beef, chicken, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives. These common allergens can trigger or worsen food allergies in dogs.

4. Is hypoallergenic dog food effective for all dogs with allergies?

Hypoallergenic dog food is effective for many dogs with allergies, but not all. It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine if hypoallergenic food is the right solution for your dog’s specific needs.