Dogs with allergies need special attention, especially regarding their diet. Feeding them the right food can alleviate their symptoms and improve their well-being. In this post, our Houston County vets suggest our top dog foods for dogs with food allergies or intolerances.
Causes of Allergies in Dogs
If your dog suffers from allergies, it can make them (and you) miserable! Like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to a wide range of things, including environmental allergens like dust, pollen, mold, or grass, as well as food allergens. It can be challenging to determine which allergens your pup is reacting to. Your vet can suggest eliminating common allergens to identify the cause of your dog's allergies.
If you and your vet determine that a food-based allergy is causing your dog's suffering, the best course of treatment is to remove the ingredients causing the allergy from your pup's 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
You have two options for your dog with allergies: limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic food.
Limited Ingredient Food
Diets with fewer components can make identifying which specific ingredient your pup is allergic to more accessible. Once you've identified the allergen, you can feed your dog a diet with limited ingredients to ensure they avoid it. Limited-ingredient foods come in a wide range of flavors and styles so that you can find one tailored to your pup's specific needs.
Hypoallergenic Food
Hypoallergenic dog food diets use unique protein sources that are generally not recognized by your dog's antibodies as antigens so that 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.
For example, hypoallergenic food may contain hydrolyzed soy protein. In some cases, your vet may need to prescribe hypoallergenic food, which is made using proteins that have been chemically “split” (hydrolyzed) into their basic amino acid building blocks, rendering 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. Checking in with your vet before significantly changing your dog's diet is always best.
1. Nom Nom Fresh (Limited Ingredient Food)
Nom sells pre-portioned fresh dog food made to order through a subscription service. Their food contains no chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavors. You can choose from various flavors that suit your dog's needs. They use simple, quality ingredients 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 draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein, which may make it suitable for dogs that suffer allergic reactions to certain meats. They have a few options for 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 the essential proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins your dog needs to thrive without fillers or additives.
5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets (Hypoallergic Food)
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet is another vet-prescribed hypoallergenic food that may suit your dog. It uses hydrolyzed protein and comes in several styles based on your pup's size and needs.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
When selecting the optimal food for dogs with allergies, it is important to understand their sensitivities and provide a diet that reduces their exposure to allergens.
If you have tried various methods at home and your dog's allergies are not improving, please get in touch with our veterinarian nutritionist to schedule a consultation and find the best dietary approach.
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.