Best dog food for allergies When your dog experiences an allergic reaction, figuring out the cause and solution can be quite frustrating. That’s why Dr. Harvey’s has crafted this guide to assist pet parents in distinguishing between a food allergy and a food sensitivity, recognizing the typical signs of an allergic reaction, and discovering the most suitable dog foods for allergies.

While your veterinarian might have prescribed antihistamines or other allergy medications, these are often temporary fixes that don’t address the root cause of the issue. Taking a closer look at your dog’s diet and selecting the right food for your dog with allergies is crucial for long-term management.

Common Signs of an Allergic Reaction to Food

Recognizing the common signs of an allergic reaction in dogs can be quite helpful. While some dogs may display gastrointestinal symptoms, many allergic reactions manifest on the skin. If you notice your furry friend scratching excessively at their face, feet, paw pads, ears, legs, or rear end, it could be indicative of an allergic reaction or food sensitivity.

Additional signs of allergies in dogs can include various symptoms such as blisters around the lips and chin, chronic ear infections or crusty ears, fatigue, flaky skin, hair loss, hives (hot spots on the skin), interstitial cysts (cysts between the toes), excessive licking of the feet, a red belly, runny eyes, skin infections, swelling of the face, and a yeasty odor. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate course of action.

How to Find the Best Dog Foods for Allergies in 3 Steps

Dr. Harvey’s recognizes that not all pet parents have the resources to prepare home-cooked meals for their furry friends, which is why we provide healthy and allergen-friendly meals and supplements. Here are some tips to consider when searching for the best dog foods for dogs with allergies:

1. Examine Ingredients

Your top priority is to carefully examine the list of ingredients in your dog’s current food or any new food you’re considering. If you’re aware of your dog’s allergies, avoid purchasing any food containing those specific ingredients.

If you’re uncertain about your dog’s allergies or simply want to provide a healthier option, here’s what to look for:

• New sources of proteins : Beef is often the primary protein source in pre-made dog food, but it can also trigger allergic reactions. Consider opting for alternative protein sources such as turkey, fish, lamb, rabbit, or venison. Since your dog likely hasn’t consumed these meats before, they are less likely to provoke an allergic reaction.
• A limited ingredient list : Dog foods formulated for allergies typically feature shorter ingredient lists. This is advantageous because it reduces the likelihood of including ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction.
• Grain-free : Grain-free diets can be beneficial for some dogs with allergies. Grain-free dog food often contains fewer filler ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy, which are common triggers for allergic reactions. Additionally, these ingredients are often genetically modified and treated with pesticides. However, it’s important to note that grain-free does not necessarily mean gluten-free, so pet owners should exercise caution if they’re specifically seeking gluten-free options for their dogs.
• Artificial colors: Artificial colors and preservatives are additives commonly found in commercial dog foods that can potentially cause stomach or skin problems in dogs, even in the absence of an allergy or intolerance. Look out for artificial colors such as Blue 2, Red 40, and Yellow 5 and 6 in the ingredient list. Additionally, it’s advisable to choose dog foods that are free from preservatives, which will be discussed later in this article.

2. Read Everything Carefully

When evaluating potential dog food options, take your time to carefully read the ingredient list. Brands may not disclose the quality of ingredients and may divide them into various forms, making it challenging to ascertain the quantity of a particular ingredient in the food.

For instance, corn can be listed in different forms such as ground, kibbled, flaked, and corn. While scanning the ingredient list, you might only see one mention of corn and assume that the product doesn’t contain much of that ingredient. However, corn is not well tolerated by dogs and should be avoided in dog food, especially for dogs with allergies.

Additionally, ingredients are typically listed by weight, meaning that the food contains more of the ingredients listed first. Therefore, the best dog foods for allergies have recognizable first-line ingredients listed on them.

3. Recognize the Value of Whole Foods

Opting for whole food ingredients in your dog’s food can offer numerous benefits. These ingredients are not only healthier for dogs but also more appealing to their senses due to their retained taste and aroma. Look for foods preserved through methods like freeze-drying and dehydration rather than chemical additives.

Whole foods preserve their natural nutrients, particularly in vegetables, which can be lost during processing. This nutrient retention makes whole foods ideal for dogs with allergies or intolerances, potentially enhancing their overall health. Additionally, the digestive system finds it easier to process whole foods, reducing stress on the body.

Dr. Harvey’s Allergy Dog Nutrition

Crafting nutritious meals for your canine companion, especially when they have food allergies, can be quite challenging. That’s why we’ve developed a homemade meal solution that ranks among the best dog foods for addressing allergies. Our Allergy Natural Nutrition for Canine Sensitivities features whole ingredients that are dehydrated to ensure a longer shelf life.

Available in three delicious flavors—turkey, lamb, and fish—we’ve carefully selected protein sources that are less likely to trigger allergies in dogs. Preparation is simple: just add hot water, wait for 12 minutes, and your dog’s wholesome meal is ready to serve!

Common Food Allergens in Dogs

Certain ingredients in your dog’s diet could potentially trigger allergies or sensitivities. Dogs may develop sensitivities to specific proteins, especially if they’re fed the same protein daily. While a sensitivity isn’t a true allergy, it can manifest similar symptoms. To address this, it’s crucial to rotate your dog’s diet and incorporate a variety of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and oils. Avoid feeding only one protein source continuously.

Here are four common ingredients found in commercial dog foods that might lead to allergic reactions:

Preservatives

Some dogs can be highly sensitive to the preservatives commonly used in kibble and canned dog foods. These processed foods often contain preservatives such as:

• BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
• Ethoxyquin
• Nitrates/Nitrites
• Propyl Gallate
• Carrageenan
• MSG
• Sodium Hexametaphosphate
• Coloring Agents
• Palatants
• Corn
• Propylene glycol

It’s crucial to carefully read all labels when selecting products for your allergic dog or deciding on the best food for your dog with allergies. Avoiding these ingredients in dog food is generally advisable to maintain your dog’s health and promote overall wellness and longevity.

Chicken

Frequent consumption of chicken can sometimes lead to sensitivities in some dogs. Many food allergies can develop when dogs are consistently fed the same type of food for extended periods. To avoid these allergies, it’s recommended to rotate protein sources regularly and provide your dog with a varied diet consisting of whole foods.

Beef

It might be unexpected for some pet owners, but beef allergies are quite common among dogs. When a dog consistently consumes a commercial food rich in beef over time, it can lead to the development of food allergies. To mitigate this issue, rotating protein sources in your pet’s diet could help prevent the development of such allergies.

Wheat, Corn, and Other Fillers

Several commercial dog foods rely on inexpensive fillers like wheat and corn to bulk up the food, despite their limited nutritional value. While some fillers serve to stretch the food’s volume, reducing the need for higher-quality ingredients and cutting costs, others can be relatively benign. However, due to its widespread use, wheat has increasingly become a common allergen in dog food.

Additional Steps: Add Oils—Including Omega 3’s—to Your Allergic

Dog’s Diet

Omega-3 oils are beneficial additions to any dog’s diet, but they can be especially helpful for dogs with allergies due to their ability to support healthy skin and tissue. Excellent sources of omega-3s include seafood such as salmon, krill, mackerel, and anchovy. Additionally, oils like coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and olive oil can be added to your dog’s diet to alleviate itching and dryness of the skin and ears. By incorporating these oils into a whole-food diet, you can create the best dog food for dogs with skin allergies and promote optimal skin function.

Other Things to Consider:

• Health and Shine-Omega-3 for Dogs: Adding omega-3 oils to your dog’s meals can significantly contribute to their skin and coat health. These oils come in various flavors, including original, salmon, and krill, providing options to suit your dog’s preferences. Simply incorporate them into your dog’s meals to support their overall well-being and maintain healthy skin and coat.
• Allergy + Immune Support Soft Chews: These supplements provide a diverse range of ingredients that help bolster your dog’s immune system. Plus, they come in flavors that dogs love, making them both beneficial and enjoyable additions to your dog’s diet.

What If It’s Not a Food Allergy?

While we’ve delved extensively into food allergies, it’s important to consider alternative factors if your dog doesn’t exhibit signs of food allergies. Two potential culprits are food sensitivities and seasonal allergies.

Food Allergy vs. Sensitivity

Understanding the distinction between a food allergy and a sensitivity is crucial for your dog’s well-being. While both conditions can manifest similar symptoms, they arise from different underlying causes. Allergies stem from the immune system’s response to specific ingredients, while sensitivities primarily affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms like gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and discomfort.

Food vs. Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Differentiating between food allergies and seasonal allergies can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. However, seasonal allergies tend to manifest more in skin problems rather than digestive issues, as dogs absorb seasonal allergens through their skin and paw pads. One notable difference is that food allergies lack a specific schedule. If your dog consistently exhibits symptoms during a particular season, it’s likely seasonal allergies. Conversely, persistent symptoms are more indicative of a food allergy or underlying health issue.

Seasonal allergies in dogs can be triggered by various environmental factors, including dust mites, flea saliva, grass, mold, pollen, and trees. These allergens can lead to symptoms such as itching, scratching, skin irritation, and respiratory issues, particularly during specific times of the year when these allergens are prevalent.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies, there are several steps you can take to alleviate their symptoms. Regular bathing during allergy season can help remove allergens from your dog’s skin and coat, reducing irritation. Additionally, incorporating more omega-3 sources into their diet can support their skin and coat health, potentially reducing the severity of allergic reactions.

What’s the Best Way to Determine Food Allergies in Dogs?

Identifying your dog’s food allergies can be a complex task, but one effective method is the elimination diet. This approach entails eliminating common allergens from your dog’s diet to pinpoint which ingredients may be causing adverse reactions.

How Does the Elimination Diet Work?

Implementing an elimination diet involves removing potential allergens from your dog’s food completely. For instance, if you suspect preservatives are causing issues, switch your dog to meals completely free of these additives. It typically takes about two to three weeks for your dog to show signs of improvement on this diet, as it takes time for allergens to exit their system and for healing to begin.

Consistency is crucial during the elimination diet, meaning you’ll need to be mindful of all ingredients, including treats and supplements. Keep detailed records of your dog’s behavior and any physical changes throughout the process to track their progress accurately.

When starting the elimination diet, introduce changes gradually to minimize the risk of digestive upset. This thorough and patient approach can help identify and address your dog’s food allergies effectively.

What If the Elimination Diet Doesn’t Work?

If the initial round of the elimination diet doesn’t yield noticeable improvements after a few months, you may need to investigate other potential allergens. For instance, if you initially suspected preservatives but didn’t observe any significant changes, it’s possible that another component, such as the protein source, could be the culprit.

While you can choose to target multiple allergens simultaneously, reintroducing them one at a time is necessary to pinpoint the specific trigger of the allergic reaction. This methodical approach allows for a clearer understanding of your dog’s dietary sensitivities and helps refine their diet accordingly.

Do You Have to Reintroduce Potential Allergens?

If you suspect you’ve identified the potential allergen causing your dog’s issues during the elimination diet, the next step typically involves reintroducing the allergen to confirm its role in the allergic reaction. However, some pet owners may opt to forego this step to prevent their pets from experiencing further discomfort.

Whether or not you reintroduce the potential allergen depends on your preference. If you believe you’ve identified the problem ingredient and your dog’s symptoms have improved, you can choose not to reintroduce the allergen. It’s important to recognize that by skipping this step, you may not have definitive confirmation that the ingredient is the sole cause of the issue.

Dr. Harvey’s Makes Healthy Eating Easy for Dogs and Their Parents

Finding the best dog food for allergies can indeed be a daunting task for pet parents, but Dr. Harvey’s aims to simplify the process. With a range of tasty and nutritious options, including Allergy – Food for Dogs with Allergies and base mixes like Veg-to-Bowl or Raw Vibrance, Dr. Harvey’s provides solutions for dogs dealing with allergies.

Dr. Harvey’s Allergy product is crafted with whole food ingredients and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, offering pet parents the convenience of creating homemade meals without the hassle. Available in turkey or fish variants, this food is designed to meet the dietary needs of dogs with allergies.

If you’re considering Dr. Harvey’s Allergy food for your dog and have questions, Dr. Harvey’s nutritionists are available to provide guidance. Give it a try and provide your canine companion with a healthier menu tailored to their specific needs. Dr. Harvey’s is committed to helping pet parents find solutions to support their companions’ well-being.