Like people, dogs can get allergies to various things, even their food! In this article, our vets in Los Angeles recommend the best dog foods for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
Causes of Allergies in Dogs
If your dog has allergies, it can make both you and your furry friend feel really unhappy! Just like people, dogs can react to various things like dust, pollen, mold, grass, or even certain foods.
It might be a bit tricky to identify which things are making your dog react this way at first. Your vet can advise you on figuring out the common culprits. If you and your vet discover that it's food causing the allergy, the best thing to do is remove those specific ingredients from your dog's diet for 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
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 dog a diet with fewer ingredients can help you discover what they're allergic to. Once you know, you can give them a specialized limited-ingredient diet that suits their needs. These diets come in various flavors and styles to match your pup's preferences.
Hypoallergenic Food
Hypoallergenic dog food is special because it uses unique proteins that your dog's body doesn't recognize as something bad. This means these proteins won't make your dog have an allergic reaction.
They often use proteins that have been broken down into tiny pieces, making it hard for your pet's body to see them as a problem. For instance, hydrolyzed soy protein is one of these special proteins.
Sometimes, your vet might have to give you a prescription for this kind of dog food.
Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies
Here is a list of some of the foods we recommend if your pup suffers from food 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 line of dry dog food keeps things simple with a single protein source and easily digest carbohydrates. 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 the size and dietary needs of your dog. 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.