Hypoallergenic dog food: review of the best foods and their manufacturers

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Allergies are a common problem in dogs. Most often it occurs due to food that is not tolerated by the pet. Therefore, the question of selecting food that solves this issue, as well as maintaining the dog’s strength and health, becomes relevant.

Why does a dog become allergic to food?

Food allergies in dogs are a manifestation of the body’s protective response to elements to which the dog has hypersensitivity or complete intolerance. This means that if there are components in a pet’s food for the breakdown of which it does not have the necessary enzymes or has insufficient quantities, the body exhibits a strong inadequate reaction.

Such provoking products are:

• Cereals;
• Corn;
• Soybeans
• Beef meat;
• Chicken;
• Egg;
• Yeast;
• Various dyes;
• Flavor enhancers;
• Preservatives
• Aromatic substances;
• Sometimes fish;
• Fruits.

Allergies can appear from an early age or after prolonged exposure to a particular food element. More often it affects dachshunds, pugs, Chinese crested dogs, Labradors, Yorkies, bulldogs, and boxers.

Features of hypoallergenic food

Hypoallergenic dog foods are prepared taking into account the absence of typical allergens. The animal protein dogs need is not presented in the form of beef and chicken, but in components that usually do not provoke a reaction, for example, lamb or rabbit.

Often animal protein is hydrolyzed, i.e. break down whole elements into small ones with low molecular weight, which in this state are less active . Carbohydrates are not soy and wheat, but rice and other well-tolerated foods. Vegetables and probiotics are also included to normalize digestion.

Hypoallergenic food options contain minimal or no artificial ingredients and keep the total number of ingredients to a basic minimum. The quality of the feed is high, all the constituent elements are nutritious, but easily digestible.

Symptoms of allergies to conventional food

External indicators of an allergic reaction are:

1. Skin problems - itching, redness, blisters, rashes, eczema (usually localized on the face, between the ears, toes, stomach, groin);
2. Deterioration of coat quality, hair loss;
3. Edema;
4. Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea);
5. Discharge from the nose, eyes, ears;
6. Cramps or spasms;
7. Low activity, lethargy.

In each specific case, the manifestations are individual; all symptoms or only some of them may be present.

Primary requirements

In order to choose the right food for allergic dogs, you need to know the requirements for them. Firstly, they cannot have a low price. Secondly, only natural and high-quality components are used in their production.

This is interesting: Feeding standards for large and small breed puppy

Manufacturers of cheap products save on this by using low-quality raw materials, as well as flavorings that make the dog enjoy eating. But such food only harms the pet’s body. Irritation begins to appear on the skin, hair falls out, and digestive upset occurs.

There is a strict list of what should and should not be included in hypoallergenic food. Gluten, corn, soy, and other hard-to-digest components are prohibited. Exotic fruits and vegetables, chicken, lamb and beef, grains, cabbage and tomatoes, and much more are highly allergenic.

Hypoallergenic dry dog ​​food necessarily includes all the necessary nutrients, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and prebiotics that have a beneficial effect on the animal’s gastrointestinal tract. Characterized by the absence of unsaturated fats, proteins, and gluten. Amino acids and medicinal herbs, on the contrary, will only benefit the dog.

How to choose a good hypoallergenic food

• When choosing a suitable diet, you should focus on the absence of the main allergen in the composition . If the dog does not tolerate wheat, then dry food with rice should be selected, while other typical triggers (for example, chicken) may be present.
• As a rule, a line for allergy sufferers is available only in products of the premium and super-premium categories, or in holistic products . It is not advisable to use budget options, because... they include low-quality elements, a large number of grains, as well as artificial additives.
• When choosing the right brand, you also need to take into account the pet's age and level of activity . There are special hypoallergenic food options for certain breeds, pregnant and neutered pets.

Often it is not possible to choose the best option on the first try, so it is better to first buy a small package of food/canned food.

Feeding principles

The new product is given in minimal portions with a gradual increase. A sharp transition can have an ambiguous effect on the functioning of the pet’s digestive system. Do not be nervous about possible malnutrition, since good quality food is filling and your pet will not suffer from hunger.

The health of the animal depends on a properly selected daily menu, so the choice of food must be taken seriously. Before purchasing a new pack, you need to study all available information and refuse options that contain obvious allergens.

The best food, according to customers

There is no perfect brand that suits all allergy sufferers, but there are some quality food options that are better than others for dogs with this problem, and also have many positive reviews from owners.

1st Choice Sensitive Skin&Coat Adult Lamb&Fish

Super premium product. Energy value – 387 kcal/100 g. Protein – 22%, fats – 12%, fiber – 2.6%.

There are 2 varieties of this food: for all breeds and for small dogs. The diet includes:

• Lamb meat;
• Herring;
• Rice;
• Potato;
• Pearl barley and oatmeal;
• Dried vegetables;
• Vegetable oil;
• Mussels;
• Vitamins and microelements.

The advantages of 1st Choice include:

1. Positive effect on the functioning of the stomach;
2. Maintain healthy sensitive skin, reduce itching and redness;
3. Restoration of microflora;
4. Getting rid of hair problems;
5. Availability of an option for small breeds;
6. Presence of chondoprotectors;
7. Affordable price.

The disadvantages are:

• The presence of cereals, fish, potatoes, which are typical allergens;
• High calorie content;
• There is no variety in the line for puppies, older, active dogs, food is designed for ages from 10 months to 7 years;
• The presence of fish is not suitable for daily feeding of castrated animals.

Acana

A popular representative of the holistic class . Calorie content, protein, fat, carbohydrate content depends on the type of food. The range includes about 20 options, including: food for babies, seniors, highly active dogs, large and small breeds.

Composition includes:

• Animal protein, which is represented by one of the following products: lamb, sea fish, turkey, chicken, duck, beef, elk, wild boar, kangaroo or offal;
• Legumes (lentils, peas, beans) - replaces grain crops;
• Various herbs;
• Apples;
• Pumpkin.

Pros of Akana:

1. No artificial ingredients;
2. Easily found in the store;
3. No grains, potatoes,
4. Possibility of using food for gluten intolerant dogs;
5. There are a large number of varieties, you can choose the right option for an animal of any size and age.

Negative aspects include the presence of poultry and beef in some types of Akana, which can be potential allergens.

Biofood

Biofood is a super-premium food category, eco-diet. All products are grown in environmentally friendly areas.

Calorie content, protein content, fats, carbohydrates depend on the type of food. The line has an option for puppies, older and active dogs, and large breeds.

The diet contains:

• Lamb with rice or chicken, lamb, beef with corn or wheat;
• By-products;
• Salmon oil;
• Seaweed;
• Vegetable extracts;
• Phytoelements;
• Vitamins and minerals.

The advantages of Biofood include:

1. Ecological purity of products;
2. Affordable price;
3. Quality of components;
4. Wide product range;
5. Presence of animal fat.

The disadvantages are:

• Difficult to find on sale;
• Many components are typical allergens for dogs (fish, chicken, beef, corn, wheat).

Brit

Popular line of super-premium food category. The energy value, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content varies depending on the type of feed.

The Brit line includes options for adults, older pets, those with problem joints, puppies, large and small breeds.

Composition includes:

• Animal protein (lamb, venison, chicken or salmon).
• Rice or potatoes;
• Dried vegetables and fruits;
• Vitamin supplements;
• Minerals.

The positive aspects of the food include:

1. Affordable price;
2. A large number of varieties for all categories of pets;
3. Availability of a line with chondoprotectors.

The presence of chicken, fish, and potatoes in the diet is considered a disadvantage, because... They are not tolerated by all allergic pets.

Bosch Sensitive Lamb & Rice

Super premium food. Energy value – 374 kcal/100 g. Amount of protein – 22.5%, fat – 14%, fiber – 2.5%. The line includes options for large or small breeds.

The diet includes:

• Rice;
• Lamb;
• Potato;
• Egg;
• Mussels;
• Flax seeds;
• Dried vegetables;
• Yeast;
• Fish fat;
• Vitamins.

Pros of food:

1. Does not contain allergenic wheat and corn;
2. Chemical additives are excluded;
3. Using only high quality components;
4. Reduced animal protein content;
5. Presence of animal fat.

Cons of food:

• The presence of potatoes, yeast and eggs, which may not be digested by all canines;
• Difficult to find in the store;
• Only 2 varieties, both for animals from 10 months to 7 years, no options for puppies, aging, active, sick, etc.

Eukanuba Dermatosis FP Response

High-quality medicinal food for animals with allergies, especially those with skin reactions. Belongs to the super-premium class. Calorie content – ​​408.2 kcal/100 g. Protein – 23%, fat – 14%, fiber – 3% . There is only 1 food option in the line.

The diet includes the following products:

• Different types of fish (meat replacement);
• Potatoes (cereal alternative);
• Dry beets;
• Animal fat;
• Vitamins;
• Minerals.

Advantages of Eukanuba Dermatosis:

1. Grain-free feed;
2. Does not contain allergenic meats;
3. The quality of the components is high.

The disadvantages of the food are as follows:

• High calorie content;
• There is no product line, only 1 option;
• The presence of fish and potatoes, so the food is not recommended for pets with intolerance to the elements, neutered dogs;
• Difficult to find on sale;
• Noticeable fishy smell.

Grandorf Duck & Potato Adult All Breeds

Grandorf - holistic nutrition. Calorie content – ​​412 kcal/100 g. Protein content – ​​26%, fat – 16%, fiber – 3.5% . Only 1 type in the line. Feed includes:

• Duck;
• Turkey;
• Sweet potato;
• Sea krill;
• Medicinal herbs;
• Extract from grapefruit, orange;
• Apples;
• Vitamins.

The following advantages of this power option are noted:

1. High protein content;
2. Grain-free diet and no meat in the composition;
3. Quality of components.

Disadvantages of the Grandorf brand:

• Seafood, as well as exotic fruits and herbs, can become a source of allergies;
• Availability of an option only for adult dogs;
• High calorie content;
• Difficulty in purchasing;
• High price

GO! Daily Defense Lamb Meal Recipe

Gou is a holistic type. Energy value – 410 kcal/100 g. Protein – 22%, fat (including the presence of Omega 3, 6) – 16.4%, fiber – 3%. The food comes in one variety.

Contains:

• Lamb,
• Oatmeal;
• Unpolished brown rice;
• Seaweed;
• Vegetables;
• Oil;
• Flax seeds;
• Rice bran;
• Various herbs.

Positive aspects of the brand:

1. Lack of wheat and corn;
2. Using non-allergenic meats;
3. Low price.

The disadvantages are:

• Lack of animal fat;
• Large amount of carbohydrates;
• High calorie content;
• Lack of product line for different categories of dogs.

Hills Prescription Diet Canine Allergen-Free

Hills belongs to the super-premium type of therapeutic and preventive nutrition. Amount of calories – 349 kcal/100 g. Protein contains 19.6%, fat – 13.3%, fiber – 2.9% . There is only 1 option in the assortment, without division into animal categories. Both dry and canned types are produced.

Contains:

• Hydrolyzed chicken liver;
• Potato;
• Corn flour;
• Soybean oil;
• Animal fat.

Advantages of Hills:

1. No chemical ingredients;
2. Hydrolysates are well tolerated by dogs with allergies;
3. Affordable price;
4. Ease of purchase;
5. The presence of animal fat;
6. Low calorie content.

Disadvantages of the brand:

• The presence of corn and potatoes can trigger the development of an allergic reaction;
• Lack of a line for different categories of dogs.

Acana Lamb&Okanagan Apple

Holistic nutrition. The calorie norm is 329 kcal/100 g. Protein in the diet is 27%, fat – 15%, fiber – 6.5%. One food option designed for all breeds and ages.

In the diet:

• Lamb;
• By-products;
• Pumpkin;
• Apples;
• Lentils;
• Peas;
• Phytocomponents to prevent fermentation;
• Minerals.

Advantages of this Canadian brand:

1. Does not contain cereals, potatoes, sweet potatoes;
2. Fish, which can be a source of allergies, has been replaced with seaweed;
3. Low calorie content;
4. Good protein content;
5. No artificial ingredients;
6. Quality components;
7. Ease of purchase.

The disadvantages are:

• Price is above average;
• Lack of options for animals of different ages and activity levels.

Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed

Grain-free holistic food. Energy value – 374 kcal/100 g. Crude protein – 27%, fat, including Omega 3 and 6 – 20%, fiber – 4%. Only 1 option - for small breeds.

Contains:

• Turkey meat;
• Potato;
• Egg;
• Peas;
• Lentils;
• Vegetables;
• Fruits;
• Seaweed;
• Yeast;
• Herbs;
• Duck;
• Vitamins.

Positive sides:

1. Lack of meat, wheat, corn, which often provoke allergies;
2. Affordable price.

Disadvantages of the brand:

• Contains a lot of potatoes and eggs, which are allergenic products;
• No animal fats;
• A large number of exotic fruits can provoke a defensive reaction, that is, cause allergies;
• Designed for small breeds only;
• The “natural taste” ingredient in the composition is impossible to decipher.

Proseries Holistic hypoallergenic

Holistic food. Energy efficiency potential – 380 kcal/100 g. Protein – 21%, fat – 12-14%, fiber – 4%. There is 1 type of food, without division into categories.

Compound:

• Herring and anchovies (as a replacement for animal protein);
• Oats;
• Barley;
• Rice;
• Yeast;
• Fat;
• Seaweed;
• Vitamin supplements;
• Chondoprotectors.

Advantages of Prosiries Holistic:

1. Low price;
2. Lack of animal protein, wheat, corn;
3. Presence of chondoprotectors.

Disadvantages of the brand:

• Not intended for individuals with intolerance to oats, barley, yeast and fish, castrated animals;
• Difficult to find in stores;
• There are no options for puppies, seniors;
• Strong smell.

Pro Plan ADULT MEDIUM Sensitive Skin OPTIDERMA

Premium category brand. Calculation of energy indicator – 355 kcal/100 g. Protein – 27%, fats (including Omega 3, 6) – 18.1%, carbohydrates – 38% . It is intended to be used for medium-sized breeds; there is a similar type of food of this brand for small and large breeds.

Contains:

• Marine dehydrated fish (replacement of animal protein);
• Rice;
• Animal fat;
• Corn;
• Soy;
• Dried beets;
• Aromatic additive;
• Cellulose;
• Egg powder;
• Oil;
• Vitamins.

Pros of food type:

1. Affordable price;
2. Dehydrated protein is better absorbed;
3. Ease of purchase;
4. Lack of meat, which often acts as an allergen.

The main disadvantage is that it is not suitable for dogs with body reactions to corn, soy, fish, eggs, or castrated animals.

Pro Plan Purina

Premium food . Nutritional content, amount of protein and fat depends on the variety. There are lines for puppies, adults, seniors, breeds of different sizes, options for pets with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, skin problems, and other diseases.

Contains:

• Protein source – salmon, lamb, chicken or beef (depending on the variety);
• Corn;
• Rice;
• Animal fat;
• Dry beets;
• Chicory;
• Egg powder;
• Fish fat;
• Flavoring additive;
• Vitamins;
• Minerals;
• Yeast.

The advantages of the food include:

1. A wide range suitable for all categories of animals;
2. Affordability;
3. Prevalence in stores.

Minuses:

• Corn, eggs, yeast - potential allergens, are present in all varieties of the brand;
• Some versions of Pro Plan contain fish, chicken, beef - also a possible source of an undesirable gastrointestinal reaction.

There is no ideal brand of food that solves allergy problems; each specific case requires a special option. The owner, together with the veterinarian, can select the appropriate food based on the marker causing the reaction, budget and the usefulness of the product for the pet’s needs.

Treatment methods

In veterinary medicine, there are three main principles for treating allergic reactions in dogs:

1. Eliminating contact with allergens.
2. Drug therapy aimed at suppressing symptoms (itching, swelling, redness, hair loss, gastrointestinal problems).
3. Treatment of possible complications.

Also, for the treatment of dogs, you can use such drugs as: “Kaniquantel”, “Tylosin”, “Ivermek”, “Katozal”, “Tsiprovet”, “Ivermectin”, “Roncoleukin”, “Surolan”, “Tsiperil” and “Amit”.

In most cases, owners turn to the veterinarian when their dogs already have an advanced form of the disease. At first, allergy symptoms are invisible, but over time, purulent discharge, abscesses on the skin, hair loss appear... At such a moment, the owners quickly go to a specialist who eliminates the symptoms and diagnoses. It should be noted that even in advanced cases of this disease, the outcome is generally favorable. After the veterinarian has established the true cause of the allergic reactions, treatment begins, which involves strict adherence to the three rules described above. Therapy depending on the reasons is as follows:

1. Insect allergy. In this case, to eliminate the disease, it is necessary to eliminate skin parasites. Today there are many types of antiparasitic agents. Veterinarians believe that shampoos and injections are the most effective. Collars and drops on the withers are not able to bring the desired effect. Insect allergies require careful monitoring for the presence of skin parasites. After all, if you allow them to reappear, then allergic reactions will return again. To relieve allergy symptoms initially, veterinarians may use anti-inflammatory and histamine-suppressing medications.
2. Feed allergy. With food allergies, many owners wonder what to feed their dog now. Veterinarians recommend switching to the so-called “homemade diet”. You need to start preparing your pet’s food yourself. Your veterinarian will help you create a diet. Many experts say that the main cause of food allergic reactions in dogs is dry food. Such foods contain specific types of protein, which cause an antigen reaction in the body. Veterinarians suggest using hydrolyzed proteins as food additives.
3. Contact and respiratory allergies. Treatment of this type of disease is aimed at eliminating direct contact of the animal with allergens. An attentive owner will always identify the allergen that may be hidden in cigarette smoke, pollen, dust, newsprint, and motor exhaust. Symptomatic therapy is universal.
4. Allergic reactions to drugs. Treatment is also aimed at eliminating the effect of a particular medication. If a dog is allergic to drugs for chronic diseases, then the veterinarian must quickly select an effective analogue.

Important! If allergies affect the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes, then it is advisable to use local preparations: ointments and emulsions that have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.

It is important to understand that you should not treat your pets on your own. This can lead to dire consequences due to your lack of experience in the field of veterinary medicine (unless, of course, you yourself are a specialist in the medical industry)