Delicious hypoallergenic snacks for your dog
If your dog scratches once in a while, it’s really not the end of the world; however, it shouldn’t get out of hand. A dog that constantly scratches can indicate a food allergy or intolerance.
But don’t suddenly change your dog’s diet based on assumptions. So keep the hypoallergenic food and the
hypoallergenic snacks for your dog in the (online) store for now.
Visit the veterinarian
As we mentioned above, don’t make a hasty decision and instead go to the vet. They can quickly and easily perform an allergy test on your dog. The result will not only show whether there really is a food allergy or intolerance; you will also find out which animal proteins your dog is allergic to.
Fortunately, after that, you can specifically look for hypoallergenic food and hypoallergenic snacks that your dog can enjoy.
What does hypoallergenic mean?
The word ‘hypoallergenic’ doesn’t come out of nowhere; it is a combination of the two terms ‘hypo’ and ‘allergenic’.
The word ‘hypo’ comes from the Greek language, meaning ‘less than normal’. Then there is allergen; a substance that can cause an allergic reaction in both humans and animals.
By combining these two words, the term ‘hypoallergenic’ was created. The literal translation is therefore ‘less chance of an allergic reaction’.
What hypoallergenic dog snacks are there?
Hypoallergenic snacks for your dog can be composed in three different ways. We explain these below for you.
Snacks based on unique protein sources
The vast majority of allergic reactions are caused by three animal protein sources: beef, chicken, and pork. You will therefore not find these three types of meat in hypoallergenic food and hypoallergenic snacks for your dog.
Instead, ingredients are used that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Dog snacks based on a single animal protein source
Because these dog snacks are made with only one type of meat, your dog cannot react to other animal proteins. For this reason, there is even less chance of an allergic reaction.
By using these snacks in an elimination diet, you can find out much faster which animal protein source(s) your dog is allergic to.
Dog snacks made with hydrolyzed proteins
Hydrolyzed proteins are nothing more than proteins cut into small pieces. Because the body does not recognize the pieces as the protein your dog is allergic to, your dog is unlikely to react to them.
How do you recognize a food allergy?
As we all know, a food allergy or intolerance causes unpleasant symptoms in your furry foodie. And we want to prevent these as much as possible.
To relieve—or even free—your dog from allergic symptoms, you need to be alert to the symptoms we have listed below.
Skin and coat problems
When a food allergy or intolerance is involved, an allergic reaction occurs. As soon as this happens, your dog’s immune system tries to fight off the substance that triggers the allergy. This causes inflammatory products—such as histamine—in the skin. These cause your dog unpleasant symptoms, such as itching in the groin, armpits, and paws. As a logical reaction, your furry friend will scratch or bite, which of course worsens the symptoms. Common complaints are rashes, skin inflammations, and hair loss.
Stomach and intestinal problems
Do you notice your dog vomiting for no apparent reason? Or is your little rascal’s stool much thinner than usual? Then it is very possible that your dog has a food allergy or intolerance. Also, if you are frequently treated to dog farts, there is a good chance your dog suffers from a food allergy or intolerance.
Recurring ear infections
With itching and pain in the ears, your dog will often scratch his/her ears or shake the head. If your dog also squeaks when the ears are touched, there is very likely a (painful) ear infection involved. Red spots and unpleasant odors also indicate an ear infection.
If your dog increasingly suffers from a (recurring) ear infection, this may indicate a food allergy or intolerance.
Choose from our hypoallergenic snacks for your dog
The Prima Diervoeding range offers various hypoallergenic snacks for your dog; plenty of choice to provide your allergic foodie with a feast.
Curious about which hypoallergenic dog snacks we have in stock? Don’t forget to take a look at our webshop. From
turkey wings,
catfish skin to
lamb lung trainers; something for every allergic four-legged friend!
