The best dog food for allergies is actually available in one of 2 general styles: limited ingredient diets and whole foods. In a limited ingredient diet, the food contains a very limited number of allergens or irritants. In a whole foods diet, all ingredients are included, but the allergens are removed or reduced in size. This type of dog food for allergies is best suited for dogs that have frequent allergies. If your dog has one or several allergies, this type of diet would be best for him or her.
To find this type of dog food for allergies, you will first have to decide which type you want to feed. In a limited ingredient diet, you are able to choose from meat, vegetables, fruits, and even grains. A whole foods dog food contains a wide variety of different nutrients. In addition to choosing a limited or whole grain dog food, you will also have to select a protein source. Common protein sources include: beans, rice, fish, and eggs.
If you decide on a whole foods dog food style of feeding, you should avoid dry dog food. Dry food contains a high level of moisture because it is almost completely water. When dogs dry out, they can have problems with digestion and other internal issues that can lead to joint inflammation and other health problems. Therefore, it is best to always feed your dogs, even though they may have allergies to certain ingredients in the dry dog food.
If your dog has a more common food allergy, like wheat, wheat free dog food may help alleviate the symptoms. Common wheat allergies in dogs include: Crohn’s disease, rashes, dermatitis, and dermatitis herpes. There are wheat-free options available that vary in taste and texture. If you do not like the taste of wheat, you can choose another common food intolerance.
An elimination-challenge diet may also help your dog with his food allergies. An elimination-challenge diet consists of certain foods that you start each meal with and then eliminate one at a time from your dog’s diet. The elimination challenge diet was created by a dog fanatic with years of experience as a professional veterinarian. After creating this diet, it began to receive rave reviews from pet owners all over the world. The success of the elimination-challenge diet is due to the elimination of certain foods that dogs are sensitive to; therefore, there are no additives, preservatives, or unhealthy fillers added to these foods that make them bad for your dog’s health.
Natural supplements are also available to treat dogs with allergies. Although commercially made dog foods contain all natural ingredients, you can still give your dog a full, nutritious diet by making homemade meals for him. If you decide to make homemade meals for your dogs, remember to alternate the proteins in your recipes. This will prevent your dog from being overwhelmed by the different ingredients in his meals.
Allergies can be life threatening if not treated quickly. If your dog has food allergies, it is very important to visit a vet to diagnose and treat your dog. Commercial dog foods are usually very expensive, and your vet should be able to provide you with a list of good foods that will keep your dog healthy. Some vets even offer specialized diets for those dogs that have food allergies.
Dogs with allergies need a special diet to stay healthy. Natural dog foods and supplements will help your dog’s immune system stay strong. These are effective methods for treating dog allergies and will keep him happy and healthy for many years to come.