Hypoallergenic dog food: what is it and what are its benefits?
Discover what hypoallergenic dog food is and how it improves your pet’s health by preventing allergies and promoting a well-balanced diet.
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What is hypoallergenic feed and why is it important?
Food allergies and intolerances are becoming increasingly common, not only among people, but also in our dogs. In this context, hypoallergenic dog food plays a crucial role. But what exactly is hypoallergenic dog food? It’s a type of food formulated with natural ingredients, free from gluten, grains, preservatives, colourings, and artificial flavourings, designed to minimise the risk of intolerances or allergies in our pets.
While an intolerance is related to the digestive system and is caused by adverse reactions to bacteria, additives, drugs or metabolic deficiencies, allergies affect the immune system. They can be caused by contact with certain substances, environmental pollution or even dietary changes.
How to identify allergy symptoms in your dog
Allergies in dogs present some easily identifiable symptoms. One of the most common is pruritus, commonly known as itching. However, dogs don’t always scratch; other warning signs include frequent licking, rubbing against surfaces or nibbling at their skin.
In addition to these behaviours, there are other signs to watch out for:
- Excessive hair loss or shedding.
- Redness or irritation of the skin.
- Recurrent skin infections.
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhoea.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and determine the best form of treatment.
Steps to transition your dog to a hypoallergenic diet
When a pet shows signs of allergies or food intolerance, they cannot eat just any type of food. A hypoallergenic diet for dogs is an excellent option, as these foods use less common protein sources, such as fish, or hydrolysed proteins, which are broken down into particles so small that they minimise the risk of allergic reactions. This formula helps restore your pet’s health and allows for gradual symptom management.
Hypoallergenic dog food doesn’t include chicken or grains, which significantly reduces the likelihood of your dog suffering from allergies or food intolerances. It also improves the assimilation of nutrients and helps prevent gastrointestinal problems and other related conditions.
Transitioning your dog to this type of diet can be a gradual process, but it is essential to do so carefully to ensure a smooth change without side effects. A slow transition from their previous diet to the new one is recommended to avoid digestive problems, and it is important to completely exclude any foods outside this new regimen.
When it comes to the best hypoallergenic dog food, there are several popular and well-regarded brands such as Lenda Puppy, Nature’s Variety, Acana and Ownat, which all offer interesting alternatives for your pet’s hypoallergenic diet.
