Choose hypoallergenic dog food
Every dog scratches, licks, or bites their coat sometimes, but it shouldn’t get out of hand. If your four-legged friend is constantly scratching, there’s a good chance it’s due to a food allergy or intolerance.
It’s time to do something about it! Note: don’t immediately look for hypoallergenic dog food, but first have a reliable allergy test done.
Are there allergies?
If the results show that there is indeed a food allergy or intolerance, only then start looking for
hypoallergenic dog food.
Fortunately, the allergy test immediately indicates which (animal) protein sources your dog is allergic to. This saves you a long search for the troublesome culprit(s).
What do we mean by hypoallergenic dog food?
To give a clear picture of hypoallergenic food, we distinguish three different types below:
Food based on hydrolyzed proteins
You may have noticed, but hypoallergenic dog food often contains hydrolyzed (animal) proteins. Sounds complicated, but what does it actually mean? Essentially, the term ‘hydrolyzed’ means ‘cut into small pieces.’ As a result, your dog’s body does not recognize the cut-up proteins as an (animal) protein source. In short, this means your dog cannot have an allergic reaction to hydrolyzed proteins.
Food made with unique protein sources
Is the hypoallergenic dog food made with unique protein sources? Then the chance that your dog will react to it is quite small.
Regular dog food mainly contains chicken, beef, and pork. Therefore, other meat or fish types automatically fall into the category of ‘unique protein source.’ In other words, animal proteins that rarely or never appear in dog food and/or snacks. In short, with food made from unique protein sources, your four-legged friend has less chance of an allergic reaction.
Food with a single animal protein source
We conclude the list with hypoallergenic food that contains a single animal protein source. By using only one type of meat or fish, the chance of an allergic reaction decreases even more.
This type of food is also very suitable for an elimination diet; with it, you eliminate the meat or fish types your dog is allergic to.
What indicates a food allergy?
By being alert to the symptoms, you can address the food allergy or intolerance more quickly. To help you, we list the signs that indicate a food allergy or intolerance:
Digestive and stomach problems
Excessive vomiting and/or loose stools are not good signs. There’s a strong chance of a food allergy or intolerance. Additionally, smelly dog farts are also a real red flag!
An unhealthy skin and coat
Did you know that your dog’s immune system automatically tries to counteract the substance causing the allergy? Unfortunately, this releases inflammatory products — such as histamine. The result? Itching in the groin, paws, and armpits. No wonder your four-legged friend scratches for some relief. Of course, as a dog owner, you want to prevent this as much as possible, since it often causes skin infections, hair loss, and rashes.
A recurring ear infection
Does your dog scratch their ears a lot? Or shake their head frequently? Then there is very likely an ear infection involved. For this reason, your dog may whine when you touch their ears. Moreover, unwanted odors or redness can also be signs of a food allergy or intolerance.
Choose from hypoallergenic dog food and snacks
To relieve your dog’s food allergy, hypoallergenic dog food is a must! Fortunately, you don’t have to look any further for hypoallergenic snacks either; the assortment from
Prima Diervoeding offers
dried dog snacks for every allergic foodie.
