Today there are lots of brands of dog food on the market with hypoallergenic claims but the definitions and logic behind them vary and they can cause a lot of confusion for pet owners. In this blog post we will discuss what foods could be naturally described as hypoallergenic, which ones are processed to make them so and we will also look at some alternative approaches to food allergies in dogs that do not require hypoallergenic to be printed on the packaging at all. If you are interested in speaking with a certified canine nutritionist about your dog’s suspected food allergies or intolerances (or any other dog nutrition topics!) reach out to us at Dognutrition.ie
Naturally Hypoallergenic Foods for Dogs
Some foods are very unlikely to trigger an allergic response in our dogs and could be deemed as naturally hypoallergenic - this could be because dogs’ immune systems don’t build responses to the particles contained in these foods. It is however seen more and more that dog food manufacturers decide to add hypoallergenic to their description because they have short ingredient lists and therefore less chances of causing a reaction - this becomes more difficult to justify (and some try) when the majority ingredient is something like chicken, the number one most common food allergen found in dogs. If the ingredients included in these dog foods are of high nutritional value, these foods may be a good option once an allergen has already been identified through an elimination diet and food trial, which we can gladly guide you through. We explain here why allergen tests for dogs are not recommended.
Hypoallergenic after Processing
Sometimes dog food manufacturers process animal proteins using hydrolysis to break down the proteins into particles the allergic dog’s immune system can no longer recognise. This process can be effective, at least some of the time, at stopping a dog’s body having an allergic reaction to the food. If effective for a specific dog, it can be used as one method to eliminate allergens in an exclusion diet process. Typically we don’t want dogs on highly processed feeds for long periods, especially if the formulations are nutritionally weak. Getting to the root of the problem with an elimination diet can see most dogs back enjoying a huge variety of foods and ingredients in just a few weeks.
Alternatives to Foods Marketed as Hypoallergenic
Dogs with food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities do not need to be eating a diet that is marketed as hypoallergenic - yes, we may have to avoid some foods forever, but in most cases this is a short list or maybe even a single ingredient. We understand that sticking to an elimination diet is tough, but we do them all the time with our clients and have done with our own dog and they usually take just a few weeks. Once completed you are likely to have a whole world of food and ingredient choice for your dog and just a short list of allergens to avoid - in our opinion, this level of freedom and choice is really worth the few weeks of work! If you would like to speak with a certified canine nutritionist about your options, reach out to us Dognutrition.ie
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