Dog Allergies

FAQ

Food allergies in dogs can cause persistent itching, skin redness, paw licking, recurring ear infections, diarrhea, or vomiting. Symptoms may develop gradually and worsen over time. To determine the diagnosis, an elimination diet is often recommended. The elimination diet can be carried out with special food in which the protein sources are hydrolyzed (such as Royal Canin Anallergenic), or with food containing carefully selected ingredients the dog has not previously eaten – and therefore cannot have developed an allergy to.

Hypoallergenic dog food is designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. It often contains hydrolyzed protein, which is broken down into such small parts that the body no longer recognizes them as allergens. Such foods are used, for example, in elimination diets to identify allergies or as long-term nutrition for allergic dogs. Popular options include Royal Canin Anallergenic, Purina Hypoallergenic wet food, and selected Brit allergy foods.

Treats for allergic dogs should contain a limited number of ingredients and exclude substances the dog is allergic to. Good options are hypoallergenic treats or products made from hydrolyzed protein. In our range, you’ll find several suitable treats for allergic dogs.

The most common allergens for dogs are chicken, beef, dairy products, wheat, corn, and soy. These are often found in regular dog food and can cause symptoms like itching, skin problems, and digestive issues. For an allergic dog's diet, special food with hydrolyzed protein sources that do not trigger allergies or food with carefully selected ingredients the dog has not been previously exposed to is preferred.

Feeding an Allergic Dog

An allergic dog may suffer from skin problems and digestive issues. When the dog’s allergy leads to gastrointestinal or skin symptoms, the right food can be the solution. The best hypoallergenic food is often found through trial and an elimination diet – choose carefully and monitor the dog’s symptoms.

Hydrolyzed Dog Food as Part of the Elimination Diet

An elimination diet for dogs is often carried out with a special veterinary food in which the ingredients have been processed so they do not trigger an immunological allergic reaction (hydrolyzed protein and purified carbohydrate sources). Alternatively, a hypoallergenic food with a single protein source and a carbohydrate source the dog has not previously eaten can be chosen. The elimination diet typically lasts at least 8 weeks according to the veterinarian’s instructions.

One example is Royal Canin Anallergenic, a dog food specifically developed for elimination diets, suitable for both the diagnostic phase and long-term use.

How to Choose the Best Food for an Allergic Dog

Hypoallergenic dog food is designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Such food often contains a limited number of ingredients and excludes common allergens. Alternatively, the protein in the food may be hydrolyzed so it doesn’t trigger allergies. When looking for the best hypoallergenic food, it’s important to choose a high-quality and well-documented product, such as Royal Canin Anallergenic, Brit Hypoallergenic dog food, or Purina Hypoallergenic wet food.

How to Feed an Allergic Dog:

- Follow the veterinarian’s instructions during the elimination diet- Choose a quality food tailored for allergic dogs- Do not give treats that may contain allergens- Monitor the dog’s condition and document any changes- Gradually return to a regular diet according to the veterinarian’s instructions