What Is The Best Dog Food For Allergies?

Although there may be a number of factors that leads to dog allergies, my focus here will pertain to specific dog food allergies that may be causing discomfort to your canine. In this article, I will answer the question, “What is the best dog food for allergies?” and cover a few other items specific to this topic. I will look at a few common allergens, symptoms associated with allergies, treatment and suggest a few brands of dog food that may be beneficial to your dog’s health.

Allergens .. What And Where Are They? (Non-Food Related)

Before I get into specific allergens associated with dog food, it is important to look at some other allergens that may be systematic to your dog’s health. Unfortunately, allergens are everywhere, so it is essential that we do our best to minimize our pets’ exposure to these agents. This is a difficult task as we look at some non-food allergens that may be detrimental to the health of our dogs. Here are a few:

• Dander
• Feathers
• Dust mites
• Tree pollen
• Cigarette smoke and ashes
• Fleas
• Weeds
• Flowers

This is not an exclusive list, and as you can see, it would be near impossible to keep our beloved pets from exposure tall of these agents. I will examine signs to look for, and offer some recommendations if you believe your dog may be allergic to one or more of these allergens in a minute.

Allergens .. (Food Related)

Below I will tell you which allergens your pet may be having issues contained in the food they eat. Keep in mind, that dogs, in any life cycle can obtain food allergies or food intolerance to certain recipes. Let’s take a look at a few of these food allergens:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Beef
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soy

Once again, you can see from the ingredients listed above that finding a dog food without one or several of these ingredients can be difficult. This list not only pertains to your dog food, as treats and table scraps may also contain one or more of these ingredients that may be harmful to your pet. Proteins which are supplied through the meat source (chicken,fish,beef,etc.) are commonly associated with allergens that are sensitive to your dog. Be advised that a food allergen and a food intolerance are not the same thing. Food allergies involve the immune system, whereas food intolerance does not.

Are You Seeing These Symptoms? . Your Dog May Have Allergies

Dogs with food allergies or food intolerance usually will have similar symptoms. It is important as pet owners that we take notice of specific signs that may indicate that our canines may be troubled with allergens. Here are a few indicators that your pet may be bothered and facing some health concerns. Here they are:

• Itching – (Number 1 sign.) Licking, biting, or using their paws to scratch the skin.
• Lesions – Can be anywhere on your dog’s body.
• Vomiting
• Diarreah
• Ear infection

These signs are indeed a good indicator that your pet may be suffering from some time of allergen (non-food, food) which can lead to some serious health concerns. Like I mentioned above, keep a close eye on your pet, and look for anything out of the ordinary.

Nasty Allergens .. Are They Treatable?

Okay, your precious pet is scratching like crazy, has diarrhea and occasional vomit. Your next step should be towards your phone and a call to your vet. These symptoms that your dog is experiencing may or may not be attributed to some sort of allergen, but you won’t know for sure until you get your dog examined by your vet.

Since this article is based on the assumption that food may be the major factor in your dog’s allergies, let’s stick with that theory. Your vet, after examination, may suggest that you remove a specific source of protein (one that you are currently using) from your dog’s diet. Let’s say that you have currently been using chicken as a source of protein. Your vet may suggest you switch to a different source such as duck.

See where I’m going here? Yes, a trial! In order to eliminate the allergen that is giving your pet issues, you must eliminate ingredients with a process. This will take some time, and patience must be a stable. Make sure your vet gives your dog a complete evaluation to eliminate other factors (non-food) that may be causing these symptoms. Your vet and perhaps an animal nutritionist will work with you during this process, so you shouldn’t feel alone.

This ‘trial’ process may take eight to twelve weeks so as I mentioned before, be patient. During this process, you will be feeding your dog with a ‘new’ recipe to determine if your previous food caused the allergic issues. It is indeed an elimination process, and one worth the effort. At some point, usually eight to ten weeks, you will be instructed to serve your pet the original recipe to see if a specific ingredient again causes an allergic reaction. If so, we have found the culprit!

Stop The Madness … What Are you Feeding Your Dog?

What is the best dog food for allergies? With so many brands on the market claiming to be the best, finding a brand to assist in helping with food allergies can be a daunting task. If your dog has been evaluated by your vet, and determined to be suffering with a food allergy, I will give you some healthy options to assist you in this endeavor. These are brands with a solid reputation, and one that you should consider in the treatment of your pet.

Check Out These Healthy Options Below And Make The Right Choice For Your Pooch!

1.)  Hill’s Prescription Diet D/D Dry Canine

• Description – This recipe has been desinged and formulated by veterinarians and nutritionists. Designed to assist dogs with with skin and digestive issues, as a result of food sensitivity. Highly digestible recipe that includes clinically proven antioxidants that help to maintain a healthy immune system and skin barrier function.
• Intended For Adult Dogs
• May be used with all breeds, small, middle and large.
• Available in 8 pound bag.
• Would you like this product to be shipped to your front door? If so, click Amazon.com

2,) Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets (HA) Dry

• Description – Recipe that is vegetarian formulated, featuring single proteins and low-allergen carbohydrates designed to minimize the risk of food allergic reactions. Suited for dogs that have food allergic gastroenteritis or dermatitis, food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreatitis.
• Intended for growing puppies with allergens, adult dogs.

• May be used with all breeds, small, middle and large.
• Available in 25 pound bag.
• For free shipping, click Amazon.com 

3.) Wellness Simple – Limited Ingredient (Canned)

• Description – Canned (wet) recipe with a single source of protein and easily digestible carbohydrates, without extra fillers or additives. Gluten and wheat free, Easily-digestible formula with probiotics and prebiotics. Easily digestible with fewer ingredients for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies or ingredient intolerances.
• Intended for Adult Dogs
• May be used with all breeds, small, middle and large.
• Available in 12.5 ounce can, 12 pack. Flavors include Duck & Oatmeal, Lamb & Oatmeal, Turkey & Potato.
• Is this product available online? Click Amazon.com to find out.

4.)  Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Selected Protein Dry

• Description – This veterinary-prescribed duck formula helps treat a variety of dermatological and intestinal problems like itchy skin, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal upset. Duck is an easy digestible ingredient. Should be used for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food-related allergies.
• Intended for Adult Dogs
• May be used with all breeds, small, middle and large.
• Available in 7.7 pound bag.
• Are there any reviews regarding this product? Click Amazon.com to find out.

In Conclusion …

These are four very good, nutritional products that can be used to treat your dog suffering from food allergies. As I mentioned above, make sure to consult with your veterinarian and nutritionist before starting a new diet. You will notice that these products are a bit pricey, but the end result will be well worth it! I wish you nothing but the best in treating your dog suffering from this infliction, and i hope one of the products listed above will be a start to a healthy, happy pet. Thanks for stopping by, and feel free to leave a comment or question below. To your pet’s health!

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