Fresh Food for Dogs with Allergies: A Comprehensive Guide
What is the difference between food allergies and intolerances?
It is common for dogs to develop allergies, which food, environmental factors, or parasites may trigger. Symptoms like Itchy skin, redness, broken skin, hives, rash, loss of fur, waxy ears, chronic ear infections, runny eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, noisy breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling around the eyes and lips indicate that the food is causing allergies. Dogs who suffer from food allergies are immune to certain ingredients in their diets. In contrast, food intolerance does not involve the immune system and can occur at any time, whether the first exposure or over time.
How to recognize the signs of food intolerance and food allergy in dogs
There are many similarities between the symptoms of dog food allergy and food intolerance, which can include:
- Skin: Itchy skin, broken skin, rash, loss of fur, chewing feet
- Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss
- Ears: Chronic ear infection, waxy ears
- Nose: Runny nose, sneezing, coughing
- Face: Swelling around the eyes and lips
- Anaphylaxis: Facial swelling, redness, hives
What are the main allergens in dogs?
Many foods cause allergies in dogs. Some common food allergens in dog food include:
- Chicken: Some dogs can develop allergies and intolerance towards chicken over time.
- Beef: Regularly feeding beef can make dogs intolerant and cause allergies.
- Soy: A common ingredient like soy can bother dogs.
- Dairy: Although dogs are naturally lactose intolerant, some develop allergies to dairy proteins such as casein and whey.
- Eggs: Most dogs do not have a friendly immune system when it comes to eggs.
- Wheat: Wheat is a great source of energy but can also cause allergies in dogs.
- Lamb: Although lamb is a good alternative to chicken and beef, it also has some limitations when it comes to some dogs.
By identifying specific allergens, we can treat the root cause of our dog’s symptoms and ensure their long-term health.
How it Can be Done:
- Testing: Blood tests or skin tests may suggest potential allergens.
- Elimination Diets: Involves feeding dogs a hypoallergenic diet (novel protein or hydrolysed protein) for 8–12 weeks and reintroducing ingredients one at a time to identify the allergen.
- Consulting Vet: It is best to consult the vet before making changes in the dog’s diet.
Is Fresh Food Better for Dogs with Allergies?
Fresh food for dogs with allergies is highly recommended. Several studies demonstrate that puppies fed only a 20% fresh food diet or a maximum of 80% dry kibble diet have a significantly lower chance of developing allergies in later life stages. Simple changes can make a significant difference in the well-being of our beloved pets.
When preparing or choosing fresh food for dogs with allergies, it’s essential to focus on hypoallergenic and nutrient-rich ingredients. Some safe options include:
- Proteins: There are fewer allergies associated with lamb, duck, turkey, rabbit, or fish (e.g., salmon).
- Carbohydrates: Sweet potato, quinoa, pumpkin, or oatmeal offer easily digestible energy sources.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Blueberries, zucchini, carrots, and green beans provide essential vitamins without causing allergic reactions.
The Fresh Foods for Dogs with Allergies:
Fresh food for dogs with allergies should be prepared or selected based on hypoallergenic and nutrient-rich ingredients:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet – Hill’s Prescription Diet is a tasty kibble that has been specially formulated to reduce dog food and skin sensitivities. Made with hydrolysed animal protein and a single purified carbohydrate source, it is also enriched with high levels of vitamin E to alleviate dry skin conditions.
Things to consider:
The use of hydrolysed protein and purified carbohydrate sources may make the kibble less palatable for picky eaters.
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets– Pets with food allergies will benefit from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolysed Canine Formula, a vegetarian dog food that features simple proteins and low-allergen carbohydrates. It provides optimal nutrition for adult dogs or growing puppies while meeting their specific nutritional requirements.
Things to consider:
While formulated for allergies, it is still a processed kibble. Some pet owners prefer less processed or whole-food options for their dogs.
Easy homemade fresh food for dogs with allergies:
When preparing homemade fresh food for dogs with allergies, it is important to include a large number of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. The following options are available:
1. Pork and Veggie Meatballs
Few things are more difficult than getting a dog with allergies to eat when they’re a picky eater. This recipe is irresistible to even the pickiest of pups and contains Omega-3s and calcium-rich foods.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup vegetable blend of broccoli, carrots, sweet potato and zucchini
1 lb. pork
1 tsp. ground flaxseed
1.5 cup quick oats
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 tsp. fish oil
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the vegetables by cutting or grating them. In a large bowl, combine the pork, flaxseed, oats, yogurt, coconut oil, and fish oil, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-ounce meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, then allow the meatballs to cool completely before serving.
Things to consider:
While Pork and Veggie Meatballs are a healthy treat, they may lack certain essential nutrients for a complete diet, and some dogs might struggle with ingredients like oats or flaxseed, so moderation and vet consultation are advised.
2. Turkey and Sweet Potato Delight
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked and ground turkey
1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes
1/4 cup cooked peas
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
Combine the cooked and ground turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, and cooked peas in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve the meal to your dog once it has cooled to an appropriate temperature.
Things to consider:
While this meal is nutritious, it may lack certain essential nutrients, and some dogs might have sensitivities to specific ingredients like peas or sweet potatoes, so consulting a vet for supplementation is recommended.
Why is it important to keep dogs hydrated?
Hydration is essential for dogs to maintain a normal body temperature and absorb nutrients from their food. Water cushions dogs’ brain, and spinal cord and lubricates their joints.
Conclusion:
Regularly monitoring your dog’s diet can help prevent allergies and keep them healthy. While allergies may not completely go away, providing fresh food, plenty of water, and lots of love can protect your dog from various health issues. Additionally, it’s crucial to consult your vet regularly for guidance and care.