What’s the Best Dog Food for Pups with Skin Allergies? – LIFE WITH DOGS

An allergy is an immune response to something that has found its way into your dog’s system as an irritant. Your pups body knows that this allergen is foreign, and their immune system jumps into action to get rid of it leading to an allergic reaction. When compared to their human counterparts, animals are more efficient at combating environmental and food allergens but this doesn’t mean they aren’t bothered in some way. A pup may inhale, eat, or touch an allergen which will then put their immune system into overdrive. This can lead to a minor skin irritation that works its way up to serious. Allergies typically, but not always, become noticeable after a dog is two years old and can be caused by the following:

• Pollen from plants, grass, and trees
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Feathers
• Dander
• Smoke
• Perfumes
• Cleaning products
• Fabrics
• Rubber or plastic
• Tick and flea medicines
• Pet shampoos

Around 10% of dog reactions can be triggered by food ingredients as well. The commonest allergens for dogs are regular meat products, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, and wheat. Getting these out of your dog’s diet is the start to a less irritated pup. There are other ingredients will help calm the skin allergies that should be included as well when you are looking for a good product for your allergic dog. This can quickly be worked out through an elimination diet where you remove ingredients or snacks from the dog’s diet over a given time until the symptoms of common food allergens disappear.

What Brand of Dog Food Is Best for Dogs with Skin Allergies?

Whether you prefer to buy dry dog food, grain-free dog food, commercial dog food, wet food or freeze-dried food, there are lots of dog food products on the market that have been created for dogs with skin allergies. Before purchasing one and feeding it to your favorite up, find out what he needs by having your dog assessed by their veterinarian (this could also include an elimination diet). If it is determined that your pup has allergies, then talk to your vet about dog foods they think will lessen the skin irritation. They may suggest starting with a limited ingredient diet (LID) as it has a simple list of ingredients that lessen the chance of a food reaction. By eliminating potential allergens and looking for added ingredients to help your itchy friend you can then purchase food that benefits your pup. By looking for new sources of protein and carbohydrates you will be able to give your dog a menu that will hopefully alleviate their allergy driven skin reactions and improve your dog’s health.

Best Foods for Skin Allergy