Best Dog Food for Allergies: Top Vet-Approved Picks
Sometimes, dogs can have food allergies; which means they could develop some allergic reactions to certain kinds of food. The challenge is to diagnose the allergy, identify the allergen (the food or ingredient that causes the allergy) and eliminate it from the diet. One must pick the best dog food, which under these circumstances, would be a diet that is free from allergies. Moreover, one must always consult a veterinarian to help determine the best dog food for the specific allergy. Top veterinarian-recommended dog foods for allergies often fall into two categories: hydrolyzed protein diets or novel protein diets. Otherwise, one always has the choice to go for non-prescription options. Veterinarian-Prescribed Options (Also referred to as Elimination Diets) These best dog foods are designed for dogs with diagnosed food allergies and must be used under veterinary guidance to confirm the allergy. The two types of prescribed best dog food options are explained below: Hydrolyzed Protein Diets: These foods break down proteins into tiny particles, so the immune system doesn’t recognize them as allergens. Some popular options of hydrolyzed protein diets are given below: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Ultamino: This veterinary formula is available at select retailers and veterinary clinics. One must consult a veterinarian to see if it is the right choice for the pet’s health needs, or one may find a trusted partner to purchase this food in case of prescription. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formulais a prescription diet for dogs and cats containing hydrolyzed protein, broken into small pieces to reduce the chance of allergic reactions, and a single, low-allergen carbohydrate source. The formula is highly digestible, supporting nutrient absorption and skin health with added vitamins and fatty acids, and is available in different flavors and forms like dry kibble and wet food. This veterinary therapeutic diet is recommended by veterinarians for pets with food allergies and sensitivities. Novel Protein Diets: These diets use unique or “novel” proteins (like kangaroo, duck, or alligator) that a dog has likely not been exposed to before, reducing the chance of a reaction. Some common type of novel protein diets are given below: Hill’s Prescription Diet for Skin/Food Sensitivities: These diets are available in Salmon or Duck flavors _ which are less common ingredients than the regular ones, in order to avoid allergic reactions. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet: This diet is formulated in order to nutritionally manage inflammatory skin and gastro-intestinal diseases in dogs who experience adverse food reactions. It is made from alligator meat, which is a novel protein. Non-Prescription Options These are good dog food options suitable for dogs with sensitivities, however, they are not typically used for eliminating allergies. Some such popular brands are stated below: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula: These recipes contain Salmon & Rice and they are developed with specialized nutrition that promotes digestive health, healthy skin and a shiny coat. Blue Buffalo Basics Salmon and Potato Recipe: This chicken-free formula features high-quality deboned salmonand easily digestible carbohydrates, along with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diets: These formulas are a line of good dog food, which are designed for pets with sensitivities. They contain a single protein source and a limited number of wholesome ingredients like grains and vegetables, in order to promote digestive health and a healthy skin and coat. Products are available in various formulas, such as Salmon & Potato, Turkey & Potato or Lamb & Oatmeal, to cater to different dietary needs and preferences of pets. Each formula contains only one primary animal protein and a restricted set of other ingredients, such as grains, to simplify digestion and identify food sensitivities. Different protein options are available to help pet owners find a suitable food for their dog’s specific needs. The simplified ingredient list is designed to be easy to digest, making it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The formulas are also crafted to support a healthy skin and coat, likely due to the inclusion of beneficial nutrients and oils. This product line includes different types of dog food, such as dry kibble, and may be available in both grain-free and grain-inclusive options. This diet helps in managing food allergies or intolerances for sensitive dogs, by eliminating potential irritants found in more complex food formulas. For dogs that are going to be diagnosed with sensitivities, this diet is often used in an elimination diet to pinpoint the specific ingredients that cause an adverse reaction. Key Considerations Consult Your Vet: A proper veterinary diagnosis is extremely essential before starting an elimination diet in order to confirm the dog’s allergy. Ingredient Sensitivity: Common food allergens in dogs include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and chicken eggs. Whenever a dog shows symptoms of allergy, it is generally one (or more than one) of these ingredients that are causing it. Novel Proteins: For elimination diets, one must look for diets that contain proteins your dog has never eaten before, such as venison, duck, rabbit, or fish. Duration: An elimination diet should be fed to the dog for a minimum of 8-10 weeks in order to see if there is an improvement in the initial allergic symptoms. It can be extremely challenging for the owner if a dog develops a food allergy. Since the animal cannot identify the source of allergy or complain on occurrence of the reaction, therefore sometimes the allergy is identified quite late and takes more time to settle down. However, one needs to be patient and must handle the situation rationally. Taking consultation from the vet is the first step, followed by conforming to the given instructions and doing the needful. Just remember that your dog is very special and it deserves the best of everything; in this case it will be proper treatment of allergy and the best dog food that prevents that allergy to recur.
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