Natural Dog Food of Allergies: Top 5 Brands of 2024

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The sight of your dog itching and scratching is like watching a tornado rip through a field.

What could be the cause?

Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust, and even their owners. They can also have food allergies, which are common and typically cause itching, digestive issues, and skin irritation.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from a food allergy, a visit to the vet is the best course of action. In the meantime, you may want to try switching to a natural dog food brand that is tailored for dogs with allergies.

Here are the top five brands:

[BRAND LIST GOES HERE]

Natural Allergy Relief for Dogs

If your furry friend is suffering from allergies, there are natural remedies you can try to bring them relief. Dog food allergies can be a real pain, but there are ways to help your pup feel better.

One option is to explore hypoallergenic dog food, which often features novel protein diets or limited ingredient diets that avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, and wheat. These natural dog foods for allergies can help pinpoint and eliminate triggers.

Additionally, you can try herbal supplements, acupuncture therapy, or massage techniques to soothe your dog’s discomfort. Essential oils may also provide some relief when used safely and appropriately. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment, especially when using essential oils, to guarantee your dog’s safety.

Why Food Allergies Are So Common

Food allergies in dogs are complex and influenced by a variety of factors.

Environmental triggers, such as pollen and grass, can initiate an allergic response, especially with frequent exposure.

Breed susceptibility and genetic predisposition play a role, too; certain breeds like terriers and retrievers are more prone to developing allergies.

The processing of commercial dog food is another factor, as high temperatures and pressures used in manufacturing can alter proteins, potentially turning them into allergens.

Gut health is key. An imbalanced gut microbiome can compromise the intestinal barrier, allowing undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream and trigger allergic reactions.

Understanding these factors is essential for effectively managing food allergies in dogs, in collaboration with your veterinarian.

Antibiotics and Allergies: Friends or Foes?

Now, let’s address the question of whether antibiotics are allies or adversaries when it comes to your dog’s allergies. It’s a complex topic, and it’s crucial to consider the benefits and drawbacks.

While antibiotics can provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms, there are uncertainties surrounding their long-term effects. Some evidence even suggests that overuse of antibiotics may disrupt the balance of microorganisms in your dog’s body and possibly contribute to the development of allergies.

Alternatives to antibiotics include exploring novel protein sources such as kangaroo or venison, which are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Another option is hydrolyzed protein formulas, which contain broken-down proteins that are less recognizable by your dog’s immune system.

Additionally, a raw food diet can be advantageous for skin allergies as it provides essential nutrients and reduces inflammation.

Understanding Elimination-Challenge Diets

Understanding elimination-challenge diets is key to tackling your dog’s food allergies or intolerances. These diets are a methodical way to identify and manage your dog’s specific triggers.

First, you’ll eliminate potential allergens by switching to a novel protein source like kangaroo or bison and keeping additives to a minimum. This helps calm any allergic reactions and gives your dog’s body a break.

After 12 weeks of this strict diet, you’ll slowly reintroduce suspected allergens, one at a time. This helps you pinpoint exactly what causes reactions. It’s like a detective process to uncover the unique needs of your dog’s health.

Elimination-challenge diets are a careful, thoughtful approach to managing your dog’s allergies and finding the right hypoallergenic foods.

Step 1: Eliminate Potential Allergens

The first step in treating your dog’s food allergies is to eliminate potential allergens from their diet. This means saying goodbye to common allergy triggers and embracing a more restricted menu for your furry friend. Here’s what you need to do:

• Eliminate Dairy: Say cheese, but not to your dog. dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are common allergens for dogs and can trigger an immune response.
• Go for Beef-Free Diets: beef is another common allergen for dogs, so it’s time to explore chicken alternatives or lamb replacements.
• Choose Chicken Alternatives: If your dog is allergic to chicken, there are plenty of other protein sources to choose from. Rabbit, turkey, or even exotic meats like kangaroo can be great substitutes.
• Opt for Fish or Lamb: Fish and lamb are excellent sources of protein that are less likely to trigger allergies. They can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.

Step 2: Reintroduce and Identify

Once you’ve eliminated potential allergens from your pup’s diet, the next step is to reintroduce them—carefully and gradually. This is how you’ll identify which foods are causing your dog’s allergies.

Start by reintroducing one potential allergen at a time. For example, you might add a small amount of chicken back into their diet for a week, while keeping everything else the same. Monitor your dog carefully during this time. If their skin allergies or other symptoms return, you’ll know that chicken is a trigger food for them.

Take your time with this process, and be sure to keep a close eye on your dog’s reaction to each new food. It’s a bit like detective work, but it’s worth it to help your furry friend feel their best!

Top 5 Best Dog Foods for Allergies:

When choosing natural dog food for allergies, opt for brands like Diamond Care Sen Skin Dog and Natural Balance Large Breed Lamb Meal Rice, which are known for their limited ingredients and high-quality nutrients. Each product on this list provides unique benefits, making them excellent options for dogs with specific dietary needs and allergy sensitivities.

1. Diamond Care Sen Skin Dog

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If your furry friend has sensitive skin, Diamond CARE Sensitive Skin Formula for Adult Dogs might be the solution.

This dry dog food is made with hydrolyzed salmon, which provides high-quality protein that is easy for your pup’s body to process.

It’s also packed with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics, which support your dog’s overall health. This includes keeping their skin and coat looking healthy and shiny.

Rest assured, this food is free from common allergens. This includes gluten, corn, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. With a limited ingredient list and access to veterinarians, Diamond CARE has your dog’s best interests at heart.

Best For: Dogs with sensitive skin and allergies

2. Natural Balance Large Breed Lamb Meal Rice

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If you’re looking for a natural dog food that caters to large breeds, Natural Balance Large Breed Lamb Meal Rice is a great option.

It’s a limited-ingredient diet with a single animal protein source: lamb, which can help alleviate skin problems and allergies.

This food is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of large-breed dogs, and the larger kibble size encourages proper chewing and slower eating, reducing the risk of bloat.

While it may be on the expensive side, it’s a high-quality, healthy choice for your furry friend.

Best For: Large breed dogs with skin problems or allergies.

3. Natural Balance Puppy Dry Dog Food

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Natural Balance Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies with allergies. It’s a grain-inclusive food with a single animal protein source—salmon—which is also the first ingredient. This food is packed with brown rice, a healthy source of fiber, and DHA for brain development. You won’t find any added soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors in this bag.

The kibble size is small, perfect for puppies, but some dogs may not prefer it. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s complete and balanced for growing puppies and backed by Natural Balance’s Buy With Confidence promise.

Best For: Puppies with allergies.

4. Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Grain-Free Dog Food

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If you want a natural way to help relieve your senior dog’s allergy symptoms, Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Grain-Free Dog Food is an excellent solution. This food is formulated to promote healthy skin and digestion, which often become problem areas for older dogs. With real turkey as the first ingredient and a grain-free recipe, it’s gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Blue Buffalo Basics also contains Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin. Its limited-ingredient formula, with carefully selected natural ingredients, helps minimize potential allergens. This food comes in a 24-lb bag, and the feeding amount is tailored to your dog’s weight. For a small dog up to 15 lbs, you’d feed them 1/2 to 1 1/4 cups per day. Larger dogs over 100 lbs would require 5 1/2 cups, plus an extra 1/2 cup for every additional 20 lbs. Remember to tweak the feeding amount to keep your dog in good shape, and always consult your vet if you have any doubts.

Best For: Senior dogs with allergies.

5. Royal Canin HP Hypoallergenic

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Royal Canin HP Hypoallergenic is a highly palatable and digestible dog food option, perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. It’s a complete and balanced hydrolyzed protein diet, ideal for short-term elimination feeding and long-term nutrition for dogs with food sensitivities.

This food is designed to boost your dog’s immune system and provide them with energy, while also protecting their skin and gastrointestinal health. It contains chelated minerals for easy absorption, vitamin B12 for gut function, and beet pulp to support nutrient absorption.

The formula is naturally preserved and includes taurine for heart health, as well as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids for a healthy skin and coat. However, it may be on the pricier side and requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

Best For: Dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.

What Exactly is Hypoallergenic Food?

Now that you know the top dog foods for allergies, let’s explore what hypoallergenic food actually means. Hypoallergenic foods are designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions by eliminating common allergens like chicken, dairy, wheat, corn, and soy. They typically feature novel protein sources, such as venison, rabbit, or duck, and may also contain hydrolyzed proteins, which are broken down into smaller components to lessen the chance of triggering allergies. These diets are carefully formulated to provide complete nutrition while addressing your dog’s specific allergy symptoms.

It’s important to remember that while hypoallergenic foods aim to minimize allergy risks, they don’t guarantee complete pet safety. Allergy symptoms can vary, and some dogs may still react to hydrolyzed proteins or specific ingredients in prescription diets. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect food allergies, and they can guide you in selecting the most suitable hypoallergenic diet for your furry friend.

Raw Food for Allergies: is It Effective?

Raw food diets for dogs with allergies are a contentious issue. Some believe that raw food can help reduce allergies due to its natural state, containing essential enzymes that support digestion. Proponents of raw food also emphasize the presence of beneficial bacteria, which can support gut health and immunity. Additionally, the high antioxidant content in raw food may reduce inflammation associated with allergies.

However, others contend that raw food may not be considerably more effective than high-quality commercial dog food. The benefits of raw food for allergies may be attributed to the exclusion of common allergens and the inclusion of fresh, whole-food ingredients.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of a raw food diet depends on your dog’s specific allergies and overall health. While raw food can be a healthy option, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog’s individual needs.

Buying Guide: Key Considerations

When buying natural dog food for allergies, it’s essential to prioritize key ingredients, ensuring they’re of high quality and devoid of common allergens. Seek out AAFCO-approved formulas that are hypoallergenic to effectively alleviate your dog’s symptoms.

Key Ingredients

When choosing dog food for your furry friend with allergies, it’s important to acknowledge the key ingredients that will support their health and well-being. Here are some essential components to look for:

• Digestible protein sources: Opt for alternative proteins like fish or lamb if your dog is allergic to common options like beef or chicken. These alternative sources provide essential amino acids for muscle development and overall health.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats promote heart health and a shiny coat. Look for ingredients rich in omega-3s, such as fish oil or flaxseed.
• Vitamin-rich vegetables: Vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, supporting your dog’s immune system and overall health.

AAFCO Approval

When it comes to buying dog food, especially for allergies, it’s essential to verify that the product adheres to certain standards and regulations. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes these standards for pet food, and their approval is a reliable indicator of quality. Here are some key considerations:

	Wheat Allergy	Unspecified Ingredients
Brand Reputability	Consider brands with a strong reputation and positive feedback.	Be wary of brands with unclear ingredient lists.
Regulations	Verify AAFCO-approved formulas.	Confirm basic quality and safety.
Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy	Select brands with safe formulas.	Be aware of past issues.

Hypoallergenic Foods

When shopping for hypoallergenic dog food, keep an eye out for limited, high-quality ingredients that are AAFCO-approved. You want to avoid cheap fillers and artificial additives that may aggravate your dog’s health.

Look for novel protein sources like kangaroo, bison, or pheasant, and grain-free carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes or quinoa. These foods can help pinpoint and avoid specific allergens, improving your dog’s overall health and diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)