What to know when choosing the best dog food for allergies

Dogs, like humans, can experience allergies that manifest as itchy skin, watery eyes, and runny noses. These symptoms shouldn't be ignored, as they can potentially develop into serious skin infections or breathing problems. For dogs with allergies, finding the right food is crucial to managing their condition.

Limited ingredient dog foods are formulated with fewer components, which helps identify problem ingredients more easily. In contrast, hypoallergenic foods contain hydrolyzed proteins - proteins that have been broken down into smaller particles that typically don't trigger allergic responses.

What is a food allergy?

Canine food allergies, also known as cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR), occur when a dog's immune system overreacts to certain ingredients in their food, typically proteins or carbohydrates. While these allergies commonly emerge in younger dogs, they can develop at any stage of life. One particularly challenging aspect of food allergies is that they can manifest after years of eating the same food without any previous issues.

Studies indicate that approximately 25% of dogs showing allergic skin conditions are diagnosed with food allergies. This increasing prevalence could be attributed to either improved diagnostic awareness among veterinarians and pet owners, or the introduction of novel ingredients in modern commercial dog foods that weren't traditionally used in pet food formulations.

What to consider when buying dog food for dogs with allergies

• Identify the allergy source: While food allergies in dogs are less common, environmental factors like pollen, grass, and fleas are frequent triggers. Understanding the allergy type helps determine whether a commercial or prescription diet is most appropriate.

• Veterinary guidance: Consulting with your veterinarian is crucial before changing your dog's diet. They can determine if your pet needs a prescription diet through an elimination trial or if a non-prescription food would suffice for managing symptoms.

• Quality assurance: Look for foods that meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional standards to ensure your dog receives complete and balanced nutrition.

• Life stage appropriateness: Select food formulated for your dog's age - puppies need growth-supporting nutrients, while senior dogs benefit from formulas targeting age-related health concerns.

• Size-appropriate formula: Consider your dog's size when choosing food. Small breeds need smaller kibble sizes, while larger breeds have different metabolic requirements.

• Symptom management: Choose formulas specifically designed to address your dog's allergy symptoms, whether they're skin-related or digestive issues.

• Cost considerations: Since this will be an ongoing expense, ensure the food fits within your long-term budget while meeting your dog's nutritional needs.

What if my dog is allergic to his food?

Food allergies in dogs require careful management through diet elimination. Since there is no cure, identifying and removing the allergen from the dog's diet is essential for successful treatment.

Two approaches to elimination diets exist. The first is a novel protein diet, which consists of a single protein source and one carbohydrate source, with minimal additives. These diets specifically avoid ingredients found in the dog's previous food and must not contain proteins that could cross-react with previous diet components. The second approach uses hydrolyzed protein, where proteins are broken down into smaller, more digestible pieces. However, dogs may still have allergic reactions to hydrolyzed proteins.

Novel protein diets have improved significantly in palatability over time. Many veterinarians advocate for single-protein diets as they make it easier to track what your dog is consuming. It's crucial for pet owners to understand both the brand and specific protein content of their dog's food. However, be aware that cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing, and some ingredients may not be listed on the label.