What is the best source of protein for dogs with allergies

Types of Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them

Have you heard someone tell you that their dog has allergies? Has your veterinarian suggested that allergies could be a problem for your dog? Do you suspect that your dog has allergies? If so, then youve probably realized that allergies in dogs are not quite as simple as we might wish. For starters, there are several different types of allergies that could be causing your dogs symptoms.

Allergies are a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the bodys immune system, which, of course, people and pets can suffer from. There are quite a few different types of allergies in dogs. Skin allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergens all pose challenges for dogs and their owners, and to make things more complicated, the symptoms of all these different types of allergies can overlap.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.

In general, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.

• Itchiness
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
• Red, inflamed skin
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Itchy ears
• Chronic ear infections
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Constant licking

Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of another condition. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice changes in their behavior to get an accurate diagnosis.

Types of Allergic Reactions in Dogs

Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Skin allergies in dogs, known as allergic dermatitis, is the most common type of allergic reaction in dogs. Skin allergies in dogs are mainly caused by one of three things: fleas, food allergies, and atopicor environmentalallergies.Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites, and some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, which can cause their skin to become red, inflamed, or scabbed because their skin will feel extremely itchy. Its the easiest type of allergic dermatitis to treat, since you can apply flea medication for dogs to help heal their skin.

Another cause of skin allergy in dogs is from food allergies and sensitivities. Just like humans can be allergic to certain foods or ingredients, dogs can be allergic, which can cause itchy skin. Dogs with food allergies usually have itchy ears or paws, sometimes along with gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, says that food allergies are not as common as you might think. True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from hives, facial swelling, and itchiness to gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea or a combination of both.

Environmental allergens can also affect the skin and be the cause of allergic dermatitis. Things like dust, pollen, fungus, and mold can cause these reactions, but in most cases, these allergies are seasonal. As with food allergies that affect the skin, the most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears (but also include the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, and in between the toes).

All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment.

Urticaria, or Hives, in Dogs

Also known as urticaria, hives on dogs are very itchy but are not life-threatening. Hives appear as a reaction anywhere from 6 to 24 hours after exposure to allergens. This consists of itchy, swelled skin, that usually looks like a red rash. Its easiest to spot hives on dogs that are hairless or have short coats. Dogs with longer hair can get them too, but its more likely that youd be able to fee the hives rather than see them. Your vet will prescribe an antihistamine in order to treat urticaria in dogs.

Edema of Face or Throat

Swelling of the throat or face looks severe, but its actually almost never fatal. This area of swelling, which can also include swelling of the eyelids or ear flaps, is known as angioneurotic edema. Its actually pretty easily treated, and despite how it looks, its a good sign in terms of allergic reactions.

If your dog has edema of any of these areas, the time for a fatal allergic reaction has most likely passed, and they arent in as much danger. Angioneurotic edema occurs anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours after exposure to an allergen, and can also come with hives.A veterinarian will often give dogs with this reaction an antihistamine injection. Untreated, it may take a day or two for the swelling to subside.

Anaphylactic Shock

Perhaps the most alarming of all the types of allergic reactions in dogs is anaphylactic shock. Like people, dogs can go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. This happens when antibodies produced by the host react negatively to the allergen, dropping your dogs blood pressure rapidly and sending them into shock. This can be fatal if not treated, but luckily, anaphylactic reactions are rare in dogs.

This can be a response to any allergen, most commonly bee or wasp stings, or vaccine reactions. Because of this, your vet will always recommend keeping a close eye on your dog after theyve been given any new vaccine, drug, or food item, as they might be allergic.

If a dog has had a past incident and survived, the owner may carry an epipen, but sometimes the first occurrence can lead to death. Fortunately these reactions are very rare in dogs.

In some rare cases, a severe food allergy reaction resulting in anaphylaxis can occur, similar to severe peanut allergies in humans. The best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy is to work with your veterinarian to manage your dogs symptoms and discover the ingredient causing the reaction.

Diagnosing Allergies in Dogs

Flea allergy dermatitis is typically the easiest allergy to diagnose. It is usually diagnosed by identifying fleas on your dogs body and applying a product that kills fleas before they can bite to see if that solves the issues.

The first thing your veterinarian will do in allergy testing is rule out any other condition that could be causing your dogs symptoms. If your veterinarian feels that an allergy is a likely cause, they may propose allergy testing to try and determine the cause of the allergen that is causing the reaction. However, keep in mind it may not always be possible to determine the cause of an allergy with testing.

If you have ever undergone allergy testing, then you know that diagnosing allergies is often complicated. Its the same for dogs, but its worth it to understand what to stay away from when it comes to your dog.Food allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet. A food trial consists of feeding a dog one source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks.

Treating Allergies in Dogs

The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen, which may not always be possible. They type of treatment depends on the type of allergy your dog has. For example, the best way to treat flea allergy dermatitis is to kill the fleas, whereas the best way to treat a food allergy or food intolerance is a change in diet.

Depending on the cause and severity of your dogs allergic reaction, your veterinarian will prescribe different things. For hives, they might suggest antihistamines, cortisones, medicated shampoos, whereas with food allergies they might suggest fish oil or other Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. For skin allergies, they might prescribe dog-safe anti-inflammatory wipes or shampoo on skin to provide irritation relief.

In addition to any lifestyle changes that might be necessary, your veterinarian may also prescribe an allergy relief medication for your dog that will help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction, such as itching and any secondary skin infections that might have developed as a result of the irritant.

If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, your best course of action is to get them to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible.

Best Protein For Dogs With Allergies

Treatment Of Protein Allergies

Best Dog Food for Dogs With Allergies: Jiminys Cricket Crave

The main aim of the treatment is to avoid giving the pet any food products that he is allergic to. Although the vet will prescribe anti-histamine medications and steroids to control the symptoms of the allergic reaction, these medicines arent ideal for long term use. Dogs that are suffering from hives and itching of the skin should be bathed with hypoallergenic shampoos that contain oatmeal or aloe vera that soothe the skin.

Some pet owners may prefer to feed their pets home cooked meals in place of commercially available dog food. Since there are many advantages and disadvantages of feeding your dog home cooked meals, itsbest to establish an appropriate diet and nutrition plan after discussing the same with the vet.

Food allergies cause your pet a lot of discomfort. You should make sure that you diagnose and treat the problem in time.

Best Dog Food For Skin Allergies In Puppies Dogs And Seniors

The best dog food for skin allergies is catered towards your pups specific dietary and nutritional needs. The right hypoallergenic dog food will stop your dog from being sore and itchy, improving their coat quality as well as their skin. They can also help with sensitive stomaches and poop problems! Today we check out the top grain free, sensitive stomach, sensitive skin and limited ingredient dog foods available from several different online and in person retailers. Along with your veterinarian, we will help you to pick the best dog food for your pets allergies, and give them and you a better quality of life as a result.

Myth: Meat Is More Nutritious Than Meat Meal

If youre comparing ingredient lists, should you choose the one with meat or with meat meal listed first? If your goal is to have the most meat nutrients, choose meat meal. Ingredients appear in descending order of their weight that weight includes any water in the ingredient.

When you see chicken listed as an ingredient, it means unprocessed chicken, complete with water. Chicken meal means chicken with the water and fat removed. It weighs less than chicken but actually can contain a higher percentage of protein.

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Why Would My Dog Need To Eat The Best Dog Food For Dogs With Allergies

There are a few reasons. First, if your dog has allergies, he may have sensitivities to certain ingredients in his food. Second, the best dog food for dogs with allergies will be free of any potential allergens.

And third, the best dog food for dogs with allergies will be packed with nutrients that can help to support your dogs immune system.

What Is Best For Dog Allergies

1. Antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec. ANTI-histamines, such as diphenhydramine , certirizine , and hydroxyzine, are commonly taken by humans to treat allergy symptoms and can be used for dogs as well. These medications work by preventing histamine from binding to cells and exerting its effects

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Ollie Subscription Dog Food

Ollie is a great option for pet parents looking for fresh dog food with limited ingredients. Their recipes feature single animal proteins and are free of common allergens such as corn, soy, or wheat. The foods are formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. And all ingredients are clearly listed on their site, revealing a balance of vitamins, minerals, and fibers for digestion. You can even let them know about your dogs allergies in their onboarding quiz before trying out a recipe.

Ollie Subscription Dog Food

With recipes formulated by veterinary nutritionists, Ollie dog food is a good option for pet parents considering hypoallergenic diets, as well as fresh dog food delivery.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin And Stomach

Image courtesy Purina

Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Rice Formula is a high-protein dry food for adult dogs thats designed to heal your companions sensitive skin and stomach.

The first ingredient in this high-quality, hypoallergenic dog food is real, nutrient-dense salmon. Its also extremely digestible with rice and oatmeal as the first two ingredients. This dry dog food is supplemented with live probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support your pet companions digestive and immune health.

It also has omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A to help nourish your embraceable companions skin and coat, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to promote joint health and mobility.

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The Best Protein Options For Dogs With Allergies

If your dog is struggling to digest their food, you may want to switch them to a single-protein diet or go through the process of an elimination diet. You will want to select their protein carefully. By choosing an uncommon protein, youre more likely to help your dog get over their symptoms more quickly. Where should you start? Here are some of the best proteins for dogs with allergies:

Whats The Difference Between A Food Allergy And A Food Intolerance

What is the Best Food to Feed My Dog With Allergies [3 BEST Diets]

A food allergy occurs when a dogs immune system identifies a particular ingredient as harmful.

And then creates defensive antibodies to fight the invading enemy .

On the other hand

A food intolerance is a digestive problem rather than an immune response.

An intolerance occurs when a dogs digestive system is unable to digest a specific ingredient.

For example, lactose intolerance is a common condition in which a dog is unable to digest lactose .

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What Is The Best Food For Dogs With Allergies

It is important to work with a veterinarian to determine the best food for dogs with allergies. Novel protein and hydrolyzed diets that are available by prescription only are superior to those that can be bought over the counter because the latter often contain trace amounts of common allergens, even if they are not listed on the label. Randomly eliminating ingredients from your dogs diet without the input of a veterinary nutritionist is also a bad idea, as it can result in nutritional imbalances and is unlikely to identify the underlying problem.

Save yourself the worry and speak with your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has a food allergy.

What Is The Best Dog Food For Boston Terriers With Allergies

The best dog food for boston terriers with allergies is one that contains no grains or soy products. Dogs can develop allergies to these things because they are often used by manufacturers in their kibble recipes. Because of this, many companies make special foods just for dogs with food allergies so that they can enjoy their favorite treats without worrying about whether or not they will have an allergic reaction later on down the road!

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Diagnosis Of Protein Allergies

Since the symptoms of food allergies are similar to other allergies in pets, its important to pinpoint the real cause of the allergic reaction. The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination and rule out the possibility of mange, atopy or other skin infections. If the allergic reaction is associated with diarrhea, the vet will initiate prompt treatment to stabilize the pet.

What Foods Should Dogs With Allergies Avoid

Certain foods should not be found on the ingredient list of the best dog food for allergies. Here is a list of those ingredients:

• Common Proteins. Protein sources from beef, chicken, and eggs are very common allergens. A hypoallergenic food may still have these ingredients, however, so it is important to either know what your dog is allergic to or know what they are not allergic to in order to give them the proper nutrition.
• Cheap Fillers. Ingredients such as corn, wheat, gluten meal, and poultry by-product meals are all examples of cheap fillers. These are inexpensive but highly processed foods that are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than whole foods.
• Artificial Ingredients. This includes things like added colors and unnamed natural flavors. If ingredients are not specifically named and identified, they must be avoided.
• Multiple Protein Sources: Protein causes allergic reactions. Having multiple protein sources increases the risk of a reaction as it causes exposure to more varied proteins.

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Wild Earth Dog Food For Allergies Vegan Dry Dog Food High Protein Plant Based Kibble Vegetarian Veterinarian

• COMPLETE NUTRITION: This kibble has no fillers just real ingredients like chickpeas, oats, spinach, pumpkin, sweet potato and more for a junk-free, holistic and nutritious canine diet
• VETERINARY RECIPE: Backed by science, this healthy dog food formula provides a complete diet for any adult dog
• CLEAN PLANT PROTEIN: Plant based dog food made with high quality, sustainable plant proteins that offer more protein by weight than traditional dog foods
• TOTAL BODY BENEFITS: This formula is perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs and allergies. It provides optimal digestive support, healthy fats for skin and coat, and includes DHA, Taurine, and L-Carnitine to support brain development and heart health!
• SUSTAINABLY SOURCED: With every bag of Wild Earth, you help reduce the impact of the pet food industry Our food requires less water and emits less CO2 than meat-based kibble!

Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult Hp

Image courtesy Royal Chewy

The top commercial dog foods on the market, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food is a highly palatable diet for adult dogs and pups. Its got hydrolyzed proteins, which are made up of low molecular weight peptides that can be absorbed in the stomach with less risk of producing an immune response.

The combination of B vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids helps to strengthen your dogs skin barrier. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA aid in the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. In dogs prone to digestive upset, an exclusive mix of fibers aids in the maintenance of a healthy digestive system by promoting good bowel movement.

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The Most Common Food Allergens For Dogs

There are a few common allergens that tend to affect dogs. The most common food allergens for dogs are beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat. Specifically, in a study that was performed to identify potential allergens for dogs, beef was the leading protein allergen with 34% of all dogs with food reactions having a known sensitivity to beef. Dairy was 17%, chicken was 15% and wheat was 13%.

While there are many different types of foods on the market that cater to dogs with allergies, limited ingredient foods and hydrolyzed protein foods are two of the best options.

What Protein Is Best For Dogs With Itchy Skin

Whats the best diet for dog allergies?

There are a few different types of proteins that are commonly used in dog food for dogs with itchy skin. These include chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb. Each protein has its own unique benefits that can help to soothe your dogs skin.

Chicken is a great source of protein for dogs with itchy skin. It is a lean protein that is easy to digest and is packed with nutrients that can help to soothe your dogs skin.

Turkey is another great source of protein for dogs with itchy skin. It is a lean protein that is high in omega fatty acids, which are beneficial for the health of your dogs skin.

Fish is a great source of protein for dogs with itchy skin. It is a lean protein that is high in omega-fatty acids, which are beneficial for the health of your dogs skin.

Lamb is a great source of protein for dogs with itchy skin. It is a rich source of nutrients that can help to soothe your dogs skin.

While there are a few different types of proteins that can be beneficial for dogs with itchy skin, it is important to choose a protein that your dog will tolerate. If your dog has a history of allergies, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into their diet.

The second thing to consider is the ingredients list. When choosing a food for your dog, you should always look for a food that has simple ingredients that you can easily pronounce. The fewer ingredients, the better.

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Grubs Aka Black Soldier Flies Larvae

Black soldier flies are a form of insect protein, and BSF-based foods and snacks have become a favorite among dogs with digestive issues. Because this protein source is so new, theres little-to-no chance that your dog has eaten it before unless theyre already enjoying Vroomies. Grub protein is also highly palatable to our canine companions and the scent is similar to a dogs favorite treat: peanut butter. So, dont be surprised if you switch your best friend to grubs, and they lick their bowl clean!

Plus, grub protein is packed with benefits! For example, its rich in essential amino acids to keep your dog healthy and energetic!

And grub protein is by far the most sustainable, ethical protein on the market. If youre curious about this option, you can anticipate this protein becoming more widely available in dog foods over the next few years.

Natural Balance Lid Chicken And Sweet Potato Formula

This dog food that is hypoallergenic includes a single source of animal protein as well as the carbohydrate powerhouse otherwise, its grain-free. Formulated to provide complete, balanced nutrition for adult dogs, the limited ingredients here make it easy to control your pups sources of protein and carbohydrates.

Natural Balance LID Chicken and Sweet Potato Formula

This hypoallergenic dog food features chicken and sweet potatoes in its limited ingredient recipe.

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Not All Hypoallergenic Foods Are Created Equal

First off, selling and marketing prescription diets are not in the interest of your veterinarian. With that, your veterinarian will recommend only feeding veterinary prescribed foods for dogs with allergies because the quality standards can be trusted. The diets that are sold over-the-counter are not recommended for dogs who have food allergies because there might be unlabeled ingredients or contaminants in the food that could cause an allergic reaction. For example, a store-bought duck and pea diet can have traces of beef protein, which could potentially cause an allergic reaction in a dog that is allergic to beef.

Additionally, foods that are sold over-the-counter are not required to go through the same level of testing as veterinary diets. This means that they might not be as effective in treating food allergies. Veterinary prescribed foods have been tested and proven to be effective in the management of food allergies.

Surprisingly, in a recent study, the presence of ingredients not declared on the label was detected in 10 out of 11 over-the-counter commercial limited-antigens diets designed for diagnosing canine food reactions and allergies.

If you think your dog has a food allergy, talk to your veterinarian about the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment.

Zignature Duck Lid Formula Grain

This grain-free formula is made with a limited list of ingredients, including a novel source of high-quality animal protein: duck. Packed with nutritious ingredients and supplemented for balanced nutrition, this recipe is highly digestible and completely free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives.

Zignature Duck LID Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

This duck-based dog food is grain-free and made with a limited-ingredient hypoallergenic formula.

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Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey And Rice Dog Food

Image courtesy Merrick

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Healthy Grains Wet Dog Food Real Turkey Recipe is a nutritious combination of carefully chosen materials that will keep your sensitive companion happy.

The first ingredient on the list is real deboned turkey, which provides a single source of protein with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that your dog will require to thrive. A unique combination of whole grains ensures comprehensive digestive health for you and your companion.

This hearty, delicious dinner is also gluten-free and dairy-free, so you can enjoy it without worrying about allergic reactions or other common irritants like chickpeas, lentils, peas, soybeans, cornmeal, potatoes, dairy products, or eggs.

What Is The Best Dog Food For Allergies

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What Else Can Dog Owners Do

Using limited ingredient recipes for your dogs food, snacks, and treats is one of the best ways to keep track of your dogs diet. Be sure to choose healthy dog snacks that contain the same protein as your dogs primary diet. This makes the most of your dogs single-protein diet. Additionally, check your dogs medications and toothpaste for protein-based flavorings that could cause your dog to have a flare-up.

If you notice no changes in your dogs allergy symptoms three weeks after switching their protein, they may be allergic to another ingredient. After proteins, carbohydrates are the next most common culprit. Opting for an elimination diet can help you better identify the allergen.

How Is A Food Allergy Diagnosed In Dogs

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A food trial using a hypoallergenic dog food is the only reliable way to diagnose food allergies in dogs. There are two ways to do this using a novel protein source or hydrolyzed protein.

A novel protein source is one that is completely new to the dog, thereby reducing the chance of an immune response. In addition, the diet should contain a novel, single source of carbohydrates since plants also contain protein. Hypoallergenic dog food options include venison and potato, duck and pea, salmon and potato or even kangaroo, as long as the dog hasnt been exposed to these ingredients in the past. Lamb used to be considered hypoallergenic but is now in so many commercial dog foods that it is no longer novel.

Hydrolyzed diets are made when intact animal proteins are broken down into very small molecules that the immune system should not be able to recognize as allergens, virtually eliminating the possibility of an adverse food reaction. Starch or rice are typically used as carbohydrate sources because they are very infrequently associated with allergic reactions.

Once the food allergy has been diagnosed using a hypoallergenic dog food, a challenge should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. When the original diet is fed, the symptoms should return within two weeks. Following confirmation of the food allergy, single source ingredients may be added to the hypoallergenic dog food to determine exactly which ingredients must be avoided in the future.

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