Dogs can suffer from all the same complications that humans can and they can be extremely problematic if you’re trying to find a high-quality dog food that won’t upset them. If your dog has a protein intolerance or suffers from dog food allergies, it can be really difficult to figure out how to feed them healthy food that doesn’t upset their stomach at the same time. Luckily, there are plenty of great hypoallergenic products out there that you can give them to make sure they have the right balance of nutrients without all the protein. Normally, this means going with a single protein source that your dog has probably never tried before.
Quick List
- Hill’s Prescription Diet
- Acana Single Protein Formula
- Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet
- Just 6 by Rachael Ray Nutrish
- AvoDerm Natural Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
Difference Between Intolerance and Allergy
Although often used interchangably when talking about canine dietary requirements, food intolerance and food allergies have neither the same cause nor the same effect. An intolerance is a much less severe issue caused by the inability of the dog’s digestive system to use any nutrients from the food given. While this may have a serious impact on the health of the animal if not addressed on time, the biggest symptoms of an intolerance are weight loss and an occasional digestive problem such as diarrhea.
Allergies, on the other hand, are a severe immune system response to any particle that is otherwise benign. There could be many reasons for an allergy, ranging from underexposure to genetic problems, and the reaction to an allergen can be anything from an upset stomach to anaphylactic shock. You should consult with your vet and test your dog for allergies several times during the canines lifetime, as they can develop these allergies due to environmental circumstances.
As for the dog’s diet, both issues would require a limited ingredients diet as well as some supplements as to provide the dog with all the nutrients they need while avoiding any ingredients that are either useless or downright toxic to your four-legged friend.
What is a Hypoallergenic Dog Food?
To deal with canine allergies and assist the health of your furry friend, you’ll need to find out the ingredient that is causing the problem by eliminating ingredients one by one from their diet. Once specified, the allergen must be avoided when you are doing your dog food shopping. This will stop allergic reactions and provide your pet with some much-needed respite. Sadly, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the exact ingredient that triggers the reaction and for that, you will need to use hypoallergenic food that is specifically made with a smaller number of ingredients or with specially refined protein that is meant not to induce the same reaction as their counterpart found in nature.
Limited Ingredient Diets
The common ingredients that dogs are allergic to are quite similar to the allergens afflicting humans and can include things like chicken, dairy, eggs, and fish. Additionally, dogs can be allergic to some products to which humans are usually immune to, as is the case with wheat, soy, or corn. Finally, some allergies can develop due to overexposure, which is a common case with beef in the US, as it is the most common source of animal protein sound in dog food domestically.
Limited ingredient diets (abbreviated as LIDs) are usually made without these foods and are generally made with only a few ingredients in the first place. These products are special in the sense that they often include a novel protein, which is just a term for an unusual source of protein that your dog isn’t familiar with and which would not launch a reaction. Additionally, they will include a low-risk source of carbs like rice, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes, that are very rarely an allergen, as well as a limited amount of fruit and vegetables as to provide a valuable vitamin and mineral source that is essential for the dog’s health.
Hydrolyzed Proteins
As the name implies, hydrolyzed protein is a type of animal protein that has gone through the process of hydrolysis where a molecule was broken down by using ionized water. This is the only real type of hypoallergenic food as it technically doesn’t include any naturally found animal protein. Due to the highly artificial type of manufacturing and the high requirements of control, this sort of dog food is not only highly expensive but also requires a note from the vet to even be purchased. While in some cases this becomes the only viable option, it is something neither needed nor possible for most dog owners.
What to Look for in Hypoallergenic Dog Food?
Before venturing to buy a hypoallergenic dog food brand you should consult your vet and check out if there is a way to know exactly to which ingredient your dog is allergic to. If this is possible then the task should be fairly easy and you should just select a product that doesn’t include such a protein. If you are uncertain of the allergen you need to avoid, there are a few steps that you can take as to ensure that you are getting something that your furry friend could actually eat.
Limited Number of Ingredients
The fewer protein types are included in a product the smaller the chances that your dog will be allergic to one of them. Specialized hypoallergenic dog food usually only contains one type of animal protein source, without any traces of other sources, as well as additional beneficial supplements such as vitamins or omega 3 fatty acids.
Novel Protein
”Novel protein” is a generic term used fora protein that your dog is not used to. Thankfully, on the current market you will be able to find various novel sources, from something that is common is a human diet but uncommon in dog food, such as salmon, to ingredients that are rare even for us, such as venison or bison.
No Unnecessary Additives
Although it isn’t terribly common, some dogs suffer allergic reactions when exposed to artificial additives, such as colors, flavors or preservatives. Accordingly, most high-quality hypoallergenic dog foods are made without these types of items. Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid foods that contain anything unnecessary.
Although not all dogs will have a violent reaction to artificial colors, flavors, or any other additives sometimes present in dog food, these types of ingredients are generally not beneficial to a dog, regardless of the health. In some cases, they can trigger an allergic reaction, and as there are no benefits in adding them the best hypoallergenic food is always made without those sort of things.
Top 7 Hypoallergenic Dog Foods
It is important to emphasize that some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to multiple animal proteins where you will need to consult your vet about prescribing a hydrolyzed protein food to avoid any reactions. As these cases are relatively rare, most dog owners will want to use limited ingredient formulae for regular canine consumption. We have compiled a list of best LID hypoallergenic dog food available on the market today.
1. Hill’s Prescription Diet
Designed for dogs that have allergies, this dog food is made with potato and venison and is ideal for dogs on a hypoallergenic diet. It includes highly digestible products and because it only has one animal protein they’re getting better ingredients that they can handle. The single carb source also makes it easier to deal with food sensitivities. With high levels of omega fatty acids, they’ll be able to get the better coat and skin that they need and they get antioxidants that are designed to help with their immune system and improve skin as well. There is still plenty of protein even with the limited animal products to help relieve the itchy and scratchy skin conditions associated with allergies.
Pros:
- Single protein source
- Single carb source
- High in protein
Cons:
- High in potato
2. Acana Single Protein Formula
Want to have plenty of variety but still give your dog only a single protein product? Well, Acana’s Single Protein Formula actually comes in four different versions that include wild mackerel, pork and squash, duck and pear, and lamb and apple. That means you get plenty of options and they get plenty of protein while keeping the total to only one source per bag. It also has plenty of fruits and vegetables that are designed for added nutrients and help your dog get even healthier. It also comes from all different parts of the animal for versatility and improved health.
Pros:
- Single protein source
- Variety of protein source options
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
3. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet
Made with salmon, which is a very hypoallergenic food when it comes to allergies for dogs, this product actually does have other versions that include either turkey, lamb or duck. It has a high amount of protein and provides a range of additional ingredients that are healthy and safe for your dog. You’ll get plenty of vegetables and fruits that make sure they’re getting the vitamins and minerals that they need to have a balanced diet and to stay healthy. Overall, this product makes sure they get what they need at a lower price.
Pros:
- Easy to digest
- Ideal for food sensitivities
- Single protein source
Cons:
- Not all dogs like the taste
4. Just 6 by Rachael Ray Nutrish
If you want an option that’s going to be healthier for your dog but isn’t going to cost you a fortune then you’re definitely going to want this product. It has only six different ingredients. These include lamb meal, brown rice, ground rice, beet pulp, chicken fat, and chicken meal. Your dog is going to have far fewer ingredients to make them sick or to have any type of allergic reaction. This is going to help them overall. It also has absolutely no grain. And, by limiting the ingredients they still get the nutrients that they need but without all the other stuff that they don’t.
Pros:
- Only six ingredients
- No grains included
- High in protein
Cons:
- More than one animal product
5. AvoDerm Natural Dog Food
Here you’re going to have a completely grain-free hypoallergenic product. The product is designed to help your dog have a better immune system. It’s made with salmon and potato as to reduce your dog’s risk of allergies. Also, it has plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants will keep them feeling a whole lot better and improve their overall health. You get absolutely no corn, wheat or soy which can cause more problems with allergies. Whats also tend to be fillers that don’t provide the nutrients that your dog actually needs.
Pros:
- No fillers or additives
- Single protein source
- High in antioxidants
Cons:
- Small pieces
6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
Here you’re getting something of high quality and you’re getting something that you can definitely count on for your dog’s overall health. It’s made with turkey and potato. This will give them plenty of protein without the huge variety that can cause digestive issues. It also provides a range of fruits and vegetables. These additional ingredients are designed to improve their health and make sure they get all of the nutrients needed. There’s no chicken and there’s plenty to improve skin and coat health as well.
Pros:
- Single protein source
- No grains
- No chicken
Cons:
- Very small pieces
7. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
Here you’re going to have a grain- and potato-free dog food. It provides them with all the protein they need in the form of salmon. The formula has very simple ingredients that are designed for dogs with protein sensitivities and it’s made in the USA, so you know you’re getting quality. It has plenty of omega fatty acids but none of the gluten or grain that could cause additional allergy problems. You’re also going to have plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin that help with hips and joints.
Pros:
- Single protein source
- Great for hips and joints
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Can be expensive
Conclusion
With so many different single protein hypoallergenic options out there. It can be difficult to figure out just which one is going to be best for your dog. You want something that will help them feel great and will take away the symptoms of allergies. Hypoallergenic dog food can be easy to find but the specific one that’s going to make your pet feel great may be a little more complicated. The best thing you can do is check out the options that we have right here. Then, try out different options through an elimination diet to see what works out best for them and reduce the risk of dog food allergies.
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