Feeding times are when a dog's eyes light up, they’ve been waiting for this moment the whole day and you can hear and see their excitement. That accompanied with a good old walk, dogs are very simple to please!
Your dog is starting to go off their food entirely, which may be linked to health issues. Potential signs of this could be a sensitive stomach, an unusual rash or more itching than normal.
This is where Hypoallergenic dog food becomes the best option for your dog.
Hypoallergenic homemade dog food is a healthy option for your dog, it’s free from allergens and ingredients that might cause irritation or reactions in your dog’s tummy.
How to Know if Your Dog is Allergic to Its Food?
The first thing to note here is that pet allergies can often be caused by environmental issues or fleas, so it is always worth checking for these first.
When a dog shows signs of an allergy (like an itchy patch of skin), food is often thought of as the root cause, but more often than not, it is not the real problem. With this in mind, it is always worth checking with your vet.
We often lump food intolerances and allergies in the same boat. An intolerance is your dog's digestive system unable to digest certain foods, whilst allergies are actually an immune reaction to a substance.
Saying that, the net effect for the dog owner is very much the same, to try and avoid feeding your dog the offending food!
Common Foods Dogs Can Be Allergic to
When it comes to allergies, these are the most common problem foods for dogs:
- Wheat
- Dairy
- Soya
- Beef
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Soy
These common dog allergies and ingredients have been known to cause irritation or reactions in your dog’s tummy. Raw dog food is a popular choice amongst many dog owners because of its high nutritional content.
However, this has its pitfalls for dogs themselves as it can be more difficult for them to digest the food leading to certain health issues. We recommend gently cooking the food at a low temperature, to ensure it keeps its natural goodness but will be easily digestible for dogs with the most sensitive stomachs. Some owners also look for dog food for sensitive stomach to support easier digestion alongside hypoallergenic options.
Signs & Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
Food allergies and intolerances can show up in different ways, and they’re not always obvious. You might notice your dog going off their food, scratching more than usual, or having an unsettled stomach.
Other common signs include red or irritated skin, frequent itching, recurring ear problems, loose stools, or changes in energy levels. Sometimes, it’s just a feeling that your dog isn’t quite themselves anymore.
If mealtimes no longer bring the usual excitement, or your dog seems uncomfortable after eating, their diet could be a contributing factor. Dogs with sensitive stomachs often do better on simpler, easily digestible food that avoids common allergens and unnecessary ingredients.
What to Do if Your Dog Has Allergies?
It’s important to consult your veterinarian once you spot signs in your dog. They’ll be the point of contact to find the root cause of the issue, whether that’s to do with their diet or something else.
There is no specific test to measure or determine if your dog is allergic to a specific, but a method that is wildly popular is the elimination diet which we discuss further down the article.
What is a Hypoallergenic Diet for Dogs
A hypoallergenic diet is designed to reduce the risk of food-related reactions in dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. It focuses on simple recipes made with carefully selected ingredients that are less likely to trigger irritation or digestive upset.
Most hypoallergenic diets use a limited number of ingredients, often with a single protein source, and avoid common allergens such as wheat, dairy, soya and artificial additives. This makes it easier to identify and avoid ingredients that don’t agree with your dog.
For dogs showing signs of allergies or food intolerance, a hypoallergenic diet can help support digestion, improve skin and coat health, and make mealtimes comfortable again, without compromising on balanced nutrition.
How To Start Your Dog on a Hypoallergenic Diet
The first way to start switching your dog to a hypoallergenic diet is to start by commencing an elimination diet.
- Take the dog off all the foods it’s eating and then put him on food that he’s never had before.
- Once the dog has improved, start reintroducing the old foods that you suspect caused the problems in the first place.
- If the dog has a reaction, which usually takes a few days to a few weeks, then you will know he has a food allergy.
There 3 potential options available that could help with this process:
- Speak to your vet and get a prescription for a specialist food.
- Make your own food from scratch. This way you have 100% control over what you are feeding your dog.
- Purchase a limited ingredient food that you think avoids the foods causing the flare ups.
You may want to do some combination of the above, just be sure to give any changes enough time to work through your dog's system.
For example if you introduce a new food, give it at least two weeks before introducing others to be sure that it is safe.
Is Raw Food Hypoallergenic?
Raw dog food isn’t automatically hypoallergenic. It can still contain ingredients that trigger allergies and may be harder for some dogs to digest, especially those with sensitive stomachs.
For dogs with food allergies or intolerances, the key is choosing simple, limited ingredients that are easy to digest. In many cases, gently cooked food offers a more consistent and digestible alternative while still providing balanced nutrition.
Benefits of Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Switching to a Hypoallergenic dog food provides many benefits to your dog’s diet and overall well being. Below, you can find some of the reasons to switch:
- Reduces the chances of your dog developing various allergies.
- Limits your dog's chances of catching specific health issues
- Fewer visits to the vet which is a bonus for you and your dog!
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Pet’s Love Fresh has developed a hypoallergenic dog food option that has been specifically formulated to avoid the most common dog allergies and to ensure easy digestion for your pet’s stomach.
We use a single protein (chicken: chicken meat 70% and chicken liver 3%) and have mixed it with the perfect blend of organic brown rice flour (for all the gluten free dogs) and natural nutrients (including seaweed and cranberries) and vitamins.
Contact us now for a starter park and see how your dog reacts to the fresh goodness!
