If your pup is experiencing itchy skin, paw or ears itchiness, digestive disturbances like vomiting and diarrhea, they could have a food allergy.
Allergies in pets occur when their immune systems overreact to certain ingredients in food. This produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which binds specifically to antigens and causes an allergic reaction.
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Hydrolyzed Proteins
If your dog suffers from food allergies or irritable bowel syndrome, a hydrolyzed protein diet might be beneficial. These meals reduce itching skin and coat, stomach upset and upset tummies by providing broken-down proteins which won’t trigger an allergic reaction.
The hydrolyzed process breaks down proteins into tiny fragments too small for your dog’s digestive system to recognize. Many dogs with allergies to chicken or beef do well on foods containing this type of protein.
Royal Canin is a widely-recognized brand that provides several options in this category, such as four dry foods, several canned varieties and treats. However, you must obtain a prescription from your veterinarian in order to purchase these items.
Limited Ingredient Diets
Limited ingredient diets are an increasingly popular solution for dog owners to manage food allergies and sensitivities. Typically, these contain just one source of protein and fewer ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction in dogs.
Limited ingredient diets may be beneficial to some dogs, but they are not a guarantee against allergies. Gary Weitzman, DVM and President of the San Diego Humane Society reiterates this point: “Food allergies in dogs are very uncommon.”
Some pets may suffer from food allergies, particularly to beef, chicken, eggs and wheat proteins.
If a dog has been diagnosed with food allergy, they must follow a hypoallergenic diet for 8-12 weeks in order to help the body rid itself of the antigens it has been exposed to.
Once symptoms have subsided, the dog can be gradually reintroduced to each suspect ingredient until they no longer show signs of being allergic. This process is known as “challenging the diet.”
Grain-Free Diets
Grain-free diets have seen a resurgence in recent years as an approach to improving the health of dogs with allergies or intolerances to grains. These diets typically substitute grains with other sources of carbohydrate, like potatoes, peas, lentils or quinoa.
Grain-free diets can be a great option for dog parents looking to reduce their pup’s grain intake, but they come with risks as well. In particular, studies have linked them with an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart becomes enlarged and unable to adequately pump blood.
When selecting dog food for your furry friend, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian first about which brands they recommend and then consider all available options before making a purchase.
Prescription Diets
Prescription diets can be an effective tool in helping your dog manage their food allergies. These diets are specifically tailored for specific health conditions and must be prescribed by your veterinarian as part of a management plan.
Most prescription diets consist of a few key components, such as protein sources. These ingredients have been chemically “split” (hydrolyzed) into their basic amino acid building blocks in order to make them virtually indistinguishable to your dog’s immune system, so there won’t be any allergic reactions.
Reintroducing your pet to their original diet can help avoid symptoms from returning. However, make sure the diet remains ‘exclusive’ – that is, only feed them the prescription food recommended by your veterinarian.
Food allergies can be challenging to identify, but veterinary diets offer the best solutions. If you believe your dog may have an allergy, ask your veterinarian about a trial elimination diet using prescription food such as Hill’s Z/D Skin Food Sensitivities or Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein.
