Best Dog Food For Skin Allergies 2020

Solid Gold Holistique Blendz Fish Dry Dog Food

Allergy-Friendly Ingredients: Oatmeal, pearled barley, peas, ocean fish meal, dried eggs, chicken fat, dried tomato pomace, carrots, pumpkin, salmon oil, blueberries, cranberries, vitamin e supplement, niacin.

Price: A 28-lb. bag costs about $50.

Overall Value: Solid Gold takes its ingredients very seriously, holding them to a gold standard youll love. Youll notice a difference in your dogs health from the Omega-3s, vitamin E, and other great nutrients included in this blend.

Best For Seniors: Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Dog Limited Ingredient

The Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Dog Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Food is our top pick for older dogs with allergies. Many seniors prefer wet food since it is easier to chew and digest. This limited ingredient food offers turkey as its single protein source to help with identifying allergies or finding the right food for a dog suffering from multiple allergies.

The food is also grain-free to accommodate the needs of seniors with allergies or sensitivities to grains. Common allergens, such as chicken, corn, wheat, eggs, dairy, soy, and wheat, are left out of this food. Blue Buffalo chose only safe and natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals when formulating this food.

To support an aging dogs mobility and overall joint health, this formula is also enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin. This wet food can be fed to seniors as a meal on its own, or you can choose to mix it in with your dogs dry food.

Elimination Diet For Dogs With Food Allergies

If an elimination diet is recommended for your dog, a specially formulated hypoallergenic food will be prescribed. For 8-10 weeks you will only feed your dog the prescribed food, completely eliminating all other food sources from your pet’s diet.

If one or more of the ingredients in your dog’s regular food is the source of the symptoms, the elimination of the regular dog food should help to improve your dog’s condition.

It’s important to note that, for the elimination diet to work you must stop giving your dog treats during this period as well as their regular food. Only the hypoallergenic food should be fed to your dog while they are on the elimination diet.

Being on the elimination diet for 10 weeks will allow your dog’s body to adjust to the new prescription food, and give your vet the opportunity to assess your dog’s overall health.

If the allergy symptoms clear up while your dog is on the elimination diet, your vet may request that you return to feeding your dog their original diet to see if the allergy symptoms reappear.

While an elimination diet can be helpful in determining food allergies in dogs, other tests can also be useful, and provide quick results. Here at Germantown Parkway Animal Hospital our in-house lab allows our vets to test for the root of your pets problem and offer a customized treatment plan to start the healing process.

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Q: What Is The Difference Between A Food Allergy And Food Intolerance

A: Food intolerances and food allergies are different.

An allergy can cause severe reactions in your dogs immune system, which can sometimes lead to death.

From skin irritation to coughing, wheezing, and even anaphylactic shock, allergies can be deadly!

A food intolerance, on the other hand, is confined to the digestive system and does not involve the same immune response as an allergy, which can be remedied by eliminating that ingredient.

Spot The Signs Of Your Dogs Allergies

Dry itchy skin is just one of the many symptoms that may indicate your dog is experiencing a bigger problem brought on by environmental allergies. In rare cases, these may also be signs of food allergies in dogs. When your dog experiences abnormal reactions such as these in response to a certain allergen, they may feel discomfort that causes them to scratch. Unfortunately, this often only further agitates the skin, increasing their discomfort.

Here are a few signs to look out for if you are wondering if your dog might be experiencing allergies:

• Red patches, spots or pimples
• Flaky or scaly patches
• Digestive issues
• Watery eyes and runny nose

Understanding how to help dogs with dry skin and other derm issues can feel frustrating, and treatment can vary on a case-by-case basis depending on your dogs diagnosis. But in general, a combination of therapeutic nutrition that can help alleviate their signs and provide long-term care, plus veterinarian prescribed medication, can help prevent future flare-ups of skin allergies.

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Signs & Symptoms Of Food Allergies In Dogs

Food allergies and sensitivities often don’t appear until the dog reaches their first birthday, although they can develop in dogs of any age.

If your dog is displaying any of the following symptoms they may be suffering from a food allergy and should be examined by your vet to determine the root cause of the symptom:

• Rashes on the ears and feet

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro plan recipe is AAFCO approved and offers full & balanced nutrition for the welfare of dogs with a sensitive stomach.

Unlike other dog foods, this recipe has undergone feeding trials, which is considered to be the best testing method.

Made with salmon as the first ingredient, Omega-3 fatty acids support the good health of your dogs joints and flexibility for an enjoyable and active life.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula contains prebiotic fiber and easily digestible rice and oatmeal, making it great for dogs with skin and/or stomach sensitivity.

The protein-rich and highly-digestible formula nourish the beneficial bacteria found in your dogs intestine, making it great for sensitive tummies.

Omega 6 fatty acids and zinc nourish the skin of your dog and keep his coat shiny and beautiful.

With no wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meal, Purina Pro Plan offers a super balanced premium food for dogs with skin allergies.

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The Best Dog Food According To Experts And Veterinarians

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Dogs provide humans with unconditional love and emotional support, which pet owners might be especially thankful for during the stressful times we are living through. Feeding your dog a nutritious diet is just one way to show them how much you care, in addition to providing them with the right dog bed, toys to play with and the occasional dog treat. Simply put, dogs deserve to eat well in fact, appropriate food is fourth in the American Veterinary Medical Associations Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership.

SKIP AHEAD How to shop for dog food

Aiming for the best food for dogs gives them distinct health advantages, too, said Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian and pet care expert at PetSmart. Premium dog food will include meat for protein, vitamin-packed vegetables and fruit, and omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, Freeman said, adding its also likely to have fewer fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy.

Blue Buffalo Natural Adult Salmon

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal

Because protein is a usual suspect when it comes to allergies in your dog, many pet parents worry about it. But you dont have to worry about proteins when it comes to this recipe. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Salmon Dog Food is an amazing high-protein recipe that will keep allergies at bay. Deboned salmon and chicken meal satisfy the high protein needs of all breeds, including the large and giant ones. There is also a menhaden fish meal in the first five ingredients. It adds a tasty punch of protein and other nutrients. And then you have pea proteins as well.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon recipe also contains the patented LifeSource bits. Add it all up, and that makes this offering from Blue Buffalo, a good choice for your allergy-sensitive dog.

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Our Backstory: Common Food Allergies For Dogs

After Rascal turned a year old or so, he started developing really strange eating habits. He wasnt finishing his food, had loud intense stomachaches and frequently threw up. We went through a number of blood tests. He had been diagnosed with things like pancreatitis, anxiety and one vet even thought he had parvo. We were stressed and at a loss at how to move forward. That is until we did an allergy test.

We uncovered that Rascal was allergic to a dozen different food items, one being beef, the main ingredient in his traditional dry dog food. Our vet introduced us to an all-natural human-grade dog food company called Just Food for Dogs. The company sells premade food and teaches people how to make a homemade dog food recipe at home. Once we started this all-natural diet, the stomach aches subsided and he was the happiest we had ever seen him.

Most Vets Recommend An Elimination Diet For Dog Food Allergies Or Intolerances

An elimination diet is often the only way to diagnose a dog with a food allergy and to determine what your dog is allergic to . As the name suggests, you must eliminate your dogs current food over the course of a week. Slowly replace their current food with a recipe that doesnt contain the suspected allergen.

Its a good idea to examine your dogs current food, whether you feed homemade dry food or prepared meals for any of the most common allergens and common intolerance ingredients listed above and start by eliminating those.

Choosing a new food with a single protein and limited ingredients can help. Your dog will have to remain on their new diet for several weeks to determine if symptoms clear up. Make sure your dog doesn’t eat dry food containing the suspected allergen. Some dogs need up to 12 weeks for their systems to rebuild in strength and health.

If your dogs allergy symptoms continue, you will need to move on to a new food with a different protein and other ingredients. And repeat until your dogs symptoms disappear.

Your vet can guide you through a stricter elimination diet if needed.

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Natural Balance Lid Lamb & Brown Rice Formula

First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran

Known for its limited ingredient dog foods, Natural Balance offers a superb but easy-on-the-pocket option for sensitive skin dogs lamb and brown rice formula.

Made with real lamb as the first ingredient, this limited ingredient dog food formula also features lamb meal for the extra amino acids mass, and brown rice for the rich fibers to support the digestive system.

This lamb and brown rice recipe is enriched with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support skin, coat, joint, as well as many other aspects of dogs health.

Close to 500 customers reviewed this brand, giving it an average 4.6 out of 5 stars grade, with a 94% acceptance rate. The great majority of reviews were very encouraging, with several mentions of allergy relief in their pups, as well as healthier weight and poop.

There were a few mentions of an alleged formula change, and that the kibble was too large for small-breed dogs.

Pros:

Best Foods For Dogs With Allergies

Here is a list of some of the foods we recommend if your pup suffers from food allergies. There are lots of options available and it may take some trial and error before you find a food that works for you and your dog. It is always best to check in with your vet before you make any major changes to your dog’s diet.

1. Nom Nom Fresh

Nom Nom sells made-to-order, pre-portioned fresh dog food through a subscription service. Their food contains no chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavors. You can choose from a range of flavors that suit your dog’s needs. They use simple, quality ingredients that are suitable for many dogs with food allergies.

2. Wellness Simple

The Wellness Simple line of dry dog food keeps things simple with a single protein source and carbohydrates that are easy to digest. They have a variety of flavor options and their food contains no fillers or additives.

3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein

Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein kibble draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein which may make it suitable for dogs who suffer allergic reactions related to certain meats. They have a few different options based on the size and dietary needs of your dog. This food requires a prescription from your vet.

4. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet

5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets

If you believe your dog could be suffering from a food allergy, contact our Newtown vets to book an examination for your pet.

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Best For Small Breeds

General description

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food With Grains is a healthy dog food that is safe for your canine friend. The ingredients used to formulate it are free from gluten. In addition, the lamb content of the dog food helps to develop strong muscles in your pup, while the whole grain ensures your dog has no digestion issues.

It also contains minerals and vitamins that make it a balanced meal. The vitamins are Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, Folic acid, to name a few. The minerals are Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, among others.

Features

• Provides amino acids that aid in the growth of muscles.
• Contains the finest ingredients in the world.

Form

It comes as dry food.

Flavor

General description

The Hills Prescription Diet contains proteins that will prevent your dog from getting allergic reactions. Veterinarians recommend it you only need a prescription issued by a vet before purchasing and using it. It also contains vitamins such as Vitamin A, l-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin D3 supplement. Minerals include Dicalcium phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, and Choline Chloride.

Features

• Has limited ingredients, e.g., one animal protein.
• No grains, gluten, and soy protein.
• Antioxidants are present to help in keeping the skin healthy.
• The potato and venison ingredients are suitable for food sensitivities and the dogs skin.

Form

It comes as dry dog food.

Flavor

Now Let’s Break Down The Recipe For My Easy Homemade Dog Food Shall We

The recipe box below contains a printable version of my go-to recipe for homemade dog food, which consist of lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard boiled eggs, parsley, and a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omega’s. But sometimes, especially since social distancing, I’ve found that it is helpful to have a list of easy substitutes for when ingredients run low. Plug in or swap out any of the items below based on what foods your pup likes/needs and what you have on hand to create your pup’s ideal dog food flavor profile.

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Homemade Dog Food For Allergies

If neither of these products sound like theyd work well enough for your pups specific needs , then consider making homemade

Hypoallergenic dog food is a great option for dogs with itchy skin, allergies and yeast infections. Royal Canin Hypoallergenic dog food is a high quality food that has been clinically proven to help reduce the symptoms of these conditions.

This is good news for you, as it means your dog will be able to enjoy an improved quality of life without the need for medications.

Natures Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe Natural Dog Food

The Instinct caters to dogs with food sensitivities and allergies by limiting the amount of ingredients used. The recipe comprises mainly of a single source of protein and one vegetable, but still contains easily digestible protein for healthy muscle growth as well as the essential amino acids necessary for a healthy skin and coat. Each piece of kibble is covered in a freeze dried raw coat, which seals in nutrients whilst retaining a delicious taste that dogs prefer. It is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Ingredients & Nutritional Benefits

The Instinct capitalises on the power of raw ingredients, including real meat and whole foods that are protein packed and minimally processed, in order to provide maximum nutrition and benefits for your dog. The main ingredient features grass-fed lamb, which is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, whilst being rich in protein and amino acids. In place of grain, the Instinct sources carbs from peas and tapioca as well as pea protein. Also contained within are lamb meal, canola oil, coconut oil, freeze dried lamb, pumpkin seeds, various freeze dried lamb offal, rosemary extract and added vitamins such as A, B12, D3, biotin and riboflavin. The Instinct has added salt, so not the best choice for senior dogs or dogs with renal issues.It is free from dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy and artificial colours or preservatives.

Safety & Quality

Value & Convenience

Pros

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Whats The Difference Between A Food Allergy And A Food Intolerance

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 .