Here’s what to feed your dog with allergies

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 13: Shelia Nunez, 40, cools her dog with ice while sitting under a shaded bus stop on July 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. "I've tried everything to get off the streets. There's too many people already like me to get the help that I need and the heat just makes everything harder... I just keep eating ice and don't allow it to get to me, but sometimes it does because I feel like 'man, there's no help out here, i'm gonna die.' I've tried everything. I've tried to get help at churches, school facilities and even rehab, but the system won't allow me to escape... I can't get off the streets. I've thought about leaving the state because I can't make it here," said Nunez. Today marks the Phoenix area's 14th consecutive day of temperatures exceeding 110 degrees. Record-breaking temperatures continue soaring as prolonged heatwaves sweep across the Southwest. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 13: Shelia Nunez, 40, cools her dog with ice while sitting under a shaded bus stop on July 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. "I've tried everything to get off the streets. There's too many people already like me to get the help that I need and the heat just makes everything harder... I just keep eating ice and don't allow it to get to me, but sometimes it does because I feel like 'man, there's no help out here, i'm gonna die.' I've tried everything. I've tried to get help at churches, school facilities and even rehab, but the system won't allow me to escape... I can't get off the streets. I've thought about leaving the state because I can't make it here," said Nunez. Today marks the Phoenix area's 14th consecutive day of temperatures exceeding 110 degrees. Record-breaking temperatures continue soaring as prolonged heatwaves sweep across the Southwest. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Are you looking for what to feed a dog with allergies? As a responsible dog owner, you must make sure your pet eats a diet that’s balanced and nourishing. Finding proper food options, however, can be difficult if your dog has limits to the foods they can eat.

Before changing your pet’s diet, visit your veterinarian. You can take these options to them so the two of you can collaborate on a meal plan for your furry friend’s special needs.

1. Limited Ingredient Diets for Dogs With Allergies

Choose limited ingredient diets (LID), which are created especially for dogs with allergies. LID dog diets often only have a few high-quality ingredients, which makes it simpler to recognize and stay away from potential allergens. Look for dishes that combine exotic protein ingredients like deer, duck, or salmon with simple carbs like sweet potatoes or peas.

2. Grain-Free Options

Many dogs are sensitive to grains. Think about grain-free dog food options that use legumes, tapioca, or other forms of alternative carbohydrates in place of grains. These provide dogs with energy without making you sneeze. To promote your dog’s general health, look for premium grain-free formulas high in protein and beneficial fats.

3. Novel Protein Sources

Try introducing novel protein options if your dog is allergic to popular protein sources like chicken or beef. Novel proteins lower the possibility of an allergic reaction in your dog because they haven’t been exposed to them previously. Examples include bison and ostrich, as well as rare meats like kangaroo. Just be sure to gently introduce new proteins and watch for any negative responses in your dog.

4. Homemade Diets

Making your dog’s food from scratch can give you more control over their diet and help you eliminate potential allergens. Develop a balanced homemade food that satisfies your dog’s nutritional needs while avoiding allergens with the help of your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. Lean meats like turkey and duck are common homemade solutions for dogs with allergies.

5. Hydrolyzed Protein Diets

If you’re wondering what to feed a dog with allergies, provide a diet with hydrolyzed proteins to reduce allergic responses. This is because these diets break down into minute pieces, and an immunological reaction to them is less likely. For dogs with severe allergies or those who didn’t respond well to other dietary adjustments, these diets may be helpful. To find out if a hydrolyzed protein diet is appropriate for your dog’s particular requirements, speak with your veterinarian.

6. Limited Treat Options

Treats may include unidentified allergies, so it’s important to make informed decisions. Search hypoallergenic treats for dogs with allergies. As an alternative, you can prepare your own sweets at home with components free of allergens, such as pureed pumpkin, coconut flour or dehydrated meats. Always carefully read labels and steer clear of foods containing common allergens, such as wheat, corn or soy.

Scout & Zoe has prepared goodies to meet your dog’s allergies or sensitivities, guaranteeing nutrition and flavor. Try its Carp Viddles, which came from the iron- and Omega-3-rich dried hearts and livers of Asian carp. Other options include their sustainable kangaroo jerky and venison full of protein and iron, with no gluten and little fat. CEO Cindy started the company for her fur baby with dietary restrictions and wanted to make treats with human-grade ingredients in USDA-inspected facilities so her pets — and yours — could have the very best.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Include omega-3 fatty acids in your dog’s diet to promote the health of their skin and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory characteristics that may help reduce itching and inflammation brought on by allergies. You can give your dog natural sources like fish oil, salmon or sardines in their meals or buy omega-3 pills created especially for canines. However, based on your dog’s size and demands, visit your veterinarian for the right dosage.

8. Allergy Testing and Prescription Diets

In some situations, allergy testing may be necessary to pinpoint the precise allergen causing your dog’s symptoms. Once your veterinarian identifies the allergens, he may suggest prescription diets to avoid those triggers. These diets guarantee that your dog gets a balanced diet while avoiding allergens. Obey the advice of your veterinarian on what to feed a dog with allergies.

9. Raw Food Diet

Some dog owners discover giving their allergic dogs a diet of raw food will help them recover from allergies. This includes fresh meats, bones, organs, fruits and vegetables. However, before switching to a raw food diet, it’s essential to speak with a veterinarian, as it involves careful planning to guarantee balanced nutrition and prevent any food safety issues.

10. Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

Adding probiotics and digestive enzymes to your dog’s diet can improve digestive health and boost their immune system. By introducing healthy bacteria to the gut, probiotics can aid digestion and lower the likelihood of allergic reactions. Digestive enzymes help break down food, increasing nutrient accessibility and easing digestive system stress.

Feed Your Fur Baby Right by Learning What to Feed a Dog With Allergies

Each dog is different, so remember to work with your veterinarian to choose the best diet regimen for your pet’s needs. Maintaining a balanced diet is essential to lowering the chance of allergic reactions, and keeping your canine friend happy and healthy for years to come. Learning what to feed a dog with allergies can provide them with the love they need and the attention their allergies deserve.