Is your pup suffering from a pet food allergy or intolerance? We’ve reviewed the 4 best hypoallergenic food options that will help ease their symptoms.
We started with the users — We scoured review sites to understand the full product landscape. Then we dug through customer reviews and product details to bring you the best options on the market today.
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Hypoallergenic dog foods are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in dogs with food allergies or food intolerances. There are a few different types of hypoallergenic dog foods, including ‘novel, single protein’ options and ‘hydrolyzed protein’ options.
Your dog only needs hypoallergenic dog food if they’re suffering from suspected dog food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances. You might think your dog needs hypoallergenic dog food if they’re displaying symptoms of food allergies (see below). However, you should always consult your vet before switching them to hypoallergenic dog food. These diets aren’t suitable for all pups.
Allergies and intolerances (or food sensitivities) are similar but not quite the same. While allergies tend to cause more symptoms, including sensitive skin and itchiness, intolerances usually only lead to upset tummies. However, there’s no definitive way to tell them apart. Whichever issue you suspect your pooch to be suffering with though, the right dog food with quality ingredients can fix the problem.
👉 Dogs can also suffer from environmental allergies too. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, and grass.
Just as we can be allergic to certain foods, so can our four-legged friends. And some breeds are more prone to food allergies than others, especially if they’re purebred.
However, while humans can be allergic to anything from peanuts to strawberries, dogs tend to develop allergies to the proteins found in their food. In fact, some of the most common allergens for dogs include chicken, pork, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy products.
👉 In rare cases, your pup might even be allergic to grain but it’s far less common than you’d think. Grain-free dog food isn’t necessary, and can be dangerous, unless your dog has a confirmed allergy.
👉 While some breeds are more likely to develop food allergies, any pup can suffer with allergies, regardless of their breed.
Before you can begin to treat canine food allergies you have to figure out what’s causing the reaction. As Dr. Erica Irish, DVM, notes, “The only “test” for food allergies is a food elimination trial.” Food elimination diets involve swapping your dog’s current diet for one which contains a novel (new) protein or one containing hydrolyzed proteins designed to avoid an allergic response.
After a few weeks, you can begin to add different proteins back to their diet and see which (if any) provokes an allergic response. Got that figured out? Then it’s time to switch up your dog’s diet and there are several ways to do so.
👉 Keep in mind that some dog food brands may cross-contaminate foods. As a result, therapeutic vet-recommended elimination diets may be the only way to entirely cut allergens from your dog’s diet.
No. Hypoallergenic dog foods are only suited to dogs with allergies and sensitivities. Plus, most hypoallergenic dog foods have to be prescribed by your vet, unlike standard non-hypoallergenic dog food brand options such as Blue Buffalo, Canidae, and Natural Balance.
Yes. You should always consult your vet before altering your dog’s diet in a drastic way, especially if you plan on feeding them homemade meals. In that case, you need to have your recipes approved by a canine nutritionist.
The most important thing to look out for is that the food doesn’t contain the thing your dog is allergic to. It might sound obvious, but commercial dog foods often have many ingredients and you’ll have to check the label closely. Keep your eyes peeled for byproducts of the protein source that causes your dog’s allergic reaction.
Food allergies are passed on genetically, which is why purebreds tend to be more prone to them. The allergic reaction is triggered when they’re exposed to the allergen.
