What Do You Feed A Dog With Multiple Food Allergies?
When your adopted dog is allergic to some of the most common food items, it can be difficult to know what to feed your new beloved pet. With pet food generating more than $30 billion per year in retail sales, it’s essential you select the best food to allow you to manage your pooch’s food allergies effectively, just as you would if you discovered you were allergic to your pet. But, what food types are suitable for a dog with a food allergy?
Store-bought food vs homemade
Ready-made dog food comes in a vast number of brands, varieties, and prices and it can be difficult to know what you’re paying for when many of them look so similar. Once you know what products your dog is allergic to, avoid these ingredients at all costs. Steer clear of products containing animal derivatives, too, if chicken, beef, pork, turkey, fish or lamb is the source of your dog’s condition. Preparing fresh, wholesome homemade food for your pet is a great way to be sure of exactly what your pet is consuming and easily allows you to monitor his body’s response. When you adopt your dog, the fosterer will inform you of your dog’s current diet, which you should continue to feed him. Should you decide you wish to change his food, you’ll need to do so slowly to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
Try giving your pooch a hydrolyzed diet
Dogs with recurring gastrointestinal issues, which are sometimes connected to food allergies, usually benefit from switching to a hydrolyzed diet. This is where any ingredient which could be a potential allergen is broken down into the smallest size possible so as not to trigger a reaction when consumed. Hydrolyzed pet foods are hypoallergenic, making them the perfect option for a dog with a food allergy. A hound should only be switched to such food under the recommendation of a veterinarian, though.
Don’t skimp on high-quality food
One potential cause of food allergies is poor nutrition. Products packed full of grains aren’t recommended as dogs are predominantly carnivores. High-quality meat sources should be high up in the list of ingredients in your dog’s food, too. Many brands use animal derivatives which can mean any part of any animal and it may even be spoiled meat. A dog with food allergies will benefit substantially from a wholesome pet food tailored to suit his needs. Therefore, make sure you spend money on a reputable brand which has your dog’s best interests at heart. It’s worth regularly rotating the food you offer too, as constant exposure to the same food is believed to cause food allergies. And, when your dog already has multiple food allergies and is limited in food choice, the last thing you want is to add another allergen to the list.
Adopting a dog with food allergies doesn’t have to be a difficult problem to deal with. You will, however, need to ensure you feed your pooch a strict diet which is suitable to his needs and free from allergens. Thankfully, there are a number of dog food options to select from when rehoming a hound with multiple food allergies.