While shopping for your dog’s food, you may have come across the label and wondered what hypoallergenic dog food is?Hypoallergenic dog food is a type of specialised diet that has been formulated to minimise food-related allergic reactions. This is achieved by using different sources of carbohydrates and proteins, rather than what is usually used in commercial recipes.
For dogs with food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities, hypoallergenic dog food is a way for them to avoid common allergens that are in regular dog food, as well as digestive and skin issues that can be caused by the allergies. It helps your dog enjoy their meals without managing other problems afterwards.
What does ‘hypoallergenic’ mean in dog food?
In dog food, hypoallergenic foodmeans it has been specially designed to be easier to digest for dogs with food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities. Hypoallergenic dog food is a way to reduce the risk of allergic reactions by removing common allergens from its recipes. These foods often avoid beef, pork, eggs, dairy, soya and wheat, since these ingredients are known to be triggering. A food-elimination diet can help dog parents learn what is affecting dogs, but hypoallergenic dog food means you can avoid common allergens altogether.
Hypoallergenic dog food may also mean that it’s grain-free, and may include alternative sources of carbohydrates and proteins. There may be more niche ingredients, such as duck or salmon, with peas or sweet potatoes instead, as these aren’t as aggravating. It’s also common for hypoallergenic food to avoid artificial additives, colourings, flavourings or preservatives in its recipes for the same reason. Oftentimes, hypoallergenic dog food means it’s a healthy and high-quality diet. It’s formulated to support your dog’s overall health and well-being, including their digestion, immune system and skin and coat health.
When should dogs eat hypoallergenic food?
Any dog can eat hypoallergenic dog food, but your veterinarian is likely to recommend this diet to help ease any symptoms that your dog may have from ingredients commonly used in petfoods. Here are some situations in which you might need to consider a vet consultation to determine if your dog has a food allergy:
Frequently suffers from skin issues, for instance if your dog is itching a lot
Experiences chronic ear infections which keep recurring
Often has digestive issues, including diarrhoea and vomiting
Shows signs of a food intolerance, like loose stools or gas
If your dog shows any of the signs and symptoms above, it’s important to make a veterinarian appointment to investigate if it is a food-related allergy. Then, follow their advice on any dietary changes; they may recommend a food elimination diet to determine an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity. This will help find the cause, if your dog’s condition improves. JWB hypoallergenic dog food is great for intolerances and sensitivities, but it’s always best to consult a veterinarian with any concerns.
Can puppies eat hypoallergenic food?
Yes, puppies can eat hypoallergenic dog food, but the recipe will need to be tailored to their age group. Puppies have different dietary requirements to adult dogs, as the early stages of their lives are crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. They need a balanced diet that supports their rapid growth and development, as well as their immune health which is still sensitive at this age. Puppy dog food provides extra nutrition for them to mature into strong adult dogs.
By choosing James Wellbeloved™ hypoallergenic puppy food, not only can you provide them with a healthy start, but you can also avoid digestive and skin issues associated with common allergens from the beginning. This will help your puppy thrive, rather than struggle with their diet. However, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to confirm any food allergies before making changes to a puppy’s diet to make sure you are meeting their nutritional needs. Always observe your dog closely when introducing new foods to monitor any reactions.
How long can a dog stay on hypoallergenic food? (PAA)
Dogs can stay on hypoallergenic food for a long time; in fact, their whole lives, if need be! From when they’re a puppy up to when they’re a senior dog, your dog can keep eating hypoallergenic dog food safely. As long as the product recipe is specific to their life stage and meets their nutritional requirements at different points of their lives, it can certainly be a suitable choice of diet. For when your dog gets older, you can offer James Wellbeloved™ hypoallergenic senior dog food instead. Senior dogs need certain nutrition to help support health problems that can arise in old age. Hypoallergenic in senior dog food means you can continue to manage their food sensitivities, while also supporting healthy hearts and joints.
What is the difference between grain-free and hypoallergenic dog food?
Grain-free and hypoallergenic dog food are both great options to help manage dietary issues in dogs, however they are tailored for different problems. Grain-free dog food avoids common grains such as barley, corn and wheat, so it works well for dogs that specifically have grain sensitivities. Instead, it uses other sources of fibre for dogs, such as peas and potatoes, to support their digestive health. Check out James Wellbeloved™ grain free food if this is what your dog needs.
On the other hand, hypoallergenic dog food means your dog can avoid all common allergens such as beef, dairy and soy, as well as grains. This is ideal for dogs with certain food-related allergies. There are also other qualities that make dog food hypoallergenic too, such as a limited recipe with less common ingredients, and without additional additives and preservatives that can be triggering.
Both diets can support your dog’s nutrition, however what you choose will depend on your dog’s allergies, which your veterinarian can advise you on.
What can a dog on a hypoallergenic diet eat?
A dog on a hypoallergenic diet can eat a range of allergy-safe foods. We’ve listed some examples below on what makes dog food hypoallergenic:
Alternative protein sources, including duck, rabbit, salmon and venison
Simple recipes with just a single carbohydrate and protein source
Alternatives to grains, such as peas, potatoes and sweet potatoes
Vegetables that are good for digestion, like carrots or pumpkin
Food that doesn’t contain artificial additives or preservatives
Remember to consult a veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog, and monitor closely for any reactions afterwards. Human foods need to be prepared properly and served plainly, as well as in moderation. It’s important that any other foods don’t replace a complete and well-balanced diet for your dog. It’s also better to offer a hypoallergenic diet rather than a raw diet or human foods, as they’ll lack the correct amount and ratio of vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to thrive.
What should dogs on a hypoallergenic diet avoid?
Dogs on a hypoallergenic diet should generally avoid any common ingredients that are not safe for allergic dogs to eat. Here’s a list of some examples:
Certain proteins, like beef, pork and eggs
Dairy products such as cheese, milk and yoghurt
Common grains including barley, rye and wheat
Other allergens like soy
Artificial additives, preservatives, colourings and flavourings
These ingredients are common allergens which can lead to allergic reactions in dogs. Make sure you’re checking ingredients and consulting your veterinarian if you’re not sure. For baked goods, learn more about whether dogs can eat bread, and consider whether it contains any allergens or other harmful ingredients.
Hypoallergenic dog food can mean a relief to many dogs with dietary issues. By eliminating common allergens and avoiding unnatural ingredients in dog food, you can support your dog’s overall well-being. You can relieve your dog of many symptoms by switching to James Wellbeloved™ hypoallergenic dog food. Our recipes use high-quality ingredients and include vitamins and minerals for your dog to thrive. This will help ensure your dog is growing and developing healthily, while avoiding allergic reactions, digestive issues and skin problems - this is what makes dog food hypoallergenic. If you have any concerns, please consult a veterinarian first before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
