Did you know dogs can suffer from food allergies and sensitivities like humans? Your furry friend’s unique dietary needs can make a big difference in their health and happiness. And that’s where hypoallergenic dog treats and dog food come into play! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of hypoallergenic treats and provide practical tips to keep your pup happy and healthy.
Understanding Food Allergies and Sensitivities in Dogs
For a dog’s optimum well-being, taking preventative measures against allergies and maintaining healthy skin is critical. Food sensitivities and skin reactions can arise around your pup’s first birthday. This can lead to itching and scratching, as well as digestion issues. To combat these issues and promote healthy skin, consult your vet and figure out the ideal diet for your dog. One that avoids allergens, strengthens immunity levels, and supports their skin!
Food Allergy vs. Sensitivity
Food allergies and sensitivities can present differently in dogs, but they’re closely related. Issues and environmental allergies can arise from both dog food and treats. Food allergies occur when the pet’s immune system sees a particular ingredient as an invader it must combat. Symptoms include itchy skin, paws, or ears, and digestive issues (we’ll discuss this more below).
Common food allergens for pups include wheat, corn, soybeans, dairy products, and eggs. On the other hand, signs of dog food allergies or sensitivity to common allergens typically appear as digestive problems like gas, diarrhea, or even vomiting.
Common Signs of an Allergic Reaction to Food
Signs that a dog may have a food allergy or an immune reaction in response to its food can include persistent scratching, gastrointestinal issues, skin irritations, as well as recurrent ear infections or inflammation. If you spot any of these symptoms in your pet, discuss the issues with your vet to pinpoint the cause and change their dietary habits. With prompt recognition and appropriate action against a treat or dog food allergy, your furry friend can get back on track with better health and happiness! But once you pinpoint the dog’s allergies or sensitivities, what treats should you look for?
Hypoallergenic Treats for Dogs: What to Look For
Hypoallergenic snacks for dogs with allergies can reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. For example, single-source proteins like duck or fish, and grain-free/gluten-free treats are often great options for dogs with allergies. As always, consult your veterinarian first to determine if these hypoallergenic items meet your pup’s needs.
Ingredients to Avoid
If you know what your pup is allergic to, you can avoid those things. No problem. But if not, here are some general guidelines. When you shop for dog treats, do your best to avoid typical canine food allergens found in some pet foods. That includes wheat, corn, soybeans, dairy products, and eggs. Watch out for artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives in dog food or treats, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs.
Choosing the Right Protein Source
When selecting the right type of protein for your pup’s treats, there are a few alternatives to consider. Proteins such as venison, duck, or salmon may be less likely to spark an allergic reaction, and high protein treats with only a few ingredients are typically a great choice (because they eliminate so many of the likely culprits). Our salmon dog treats are a good example. (And is it ever a bad idea to add some lean, tasty Chicken Tenders?)
Varying these sources can be another way to help maintain your dog’s immune system, avoiding the overstimulation that could cause allergies down the line.
Tips for Introducing Hypoallergenic Treats to Your Dog’s Diet
Changing your pup’s diet or adding new snacks can be tricky. Always get guidance from a vet or nutritionist before including new hypoallergenic treats into the elimination diet. Taking preventive measures when dealing with food allergies in dogs should be overseen by an experienced professional who can monitor the dietary treatment plan appropriately.
With your vet’s guidance, you can slowly and gradually increase the servings of these hypoallergenic offerings for your pooch. All while watching for any signs of allergy symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hives, etc. If you do this, vets generally recommend to do the following. As soon as you see adverse reactions, stop feeding them whatever caused the issues and consult with your vet immediately.
Treat Options from Blue Ridge Naturals
Of course, you can head to your kitchen and whip up a tray of homemade hypoallergenic dog treats. But that takes a lot of work and a lot of time. For those searching for the best dog treats for dogs with food sensitivities or food allergies, Blue Ridge Naturals offers an impressive selection of treats that can be hypoallergenic treats. And ordering them is easy!
One of our most popular items is our Sweet Potato Fries, which feature only one single ingredient: sweet potatoes. Our Premium Chicken Tenders are also worth considering. These treats are lean, premium human-grade USDA-approved chicken. And then there’s our Alaskan Salmon Jerky. If you need a hypoallergenic ingredient made with animal protein, this may be a good fit. But check out all of our options! You’re sure to find something suitable for your four-legged friend’s dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What treats can a dog have on a hypoallergenic diet?
The best way to answer this question is to discuss it with your vet and let them lead you through the process we discussed earlier. That said, it’s very likely that many of our treats will be great options for pet parents. Because many (if not most) of them meet the typical requirements for hypoallergenic treats. Give your dog something new they’ll love and enjoy while receiving top-quality nutrition!
How do I know if my dog treats are hypoallergenic?
Look for grain-free dog food and treats with a single protein source and natural ingredients – no added sugar or sweeteners. (And avoid unhealthy additives and artificial elements.) These dog foods are usually considered hypoallergenic.
Can dogs with food allergies eat peanut butter?
It depends on what their allergies are. For most, giving dogs peanut butter as a treat occasionally can be both tasty and healthy, but consult it with your vet first to make sure. And be sure to hold them to a good limit – your pup will likely eat the whole jar if you let them!
Are milk bones hypoallergenic?
Milk Bones dog treats can lead to an allergic reaction in some pooches. They have wheat, milk, and preservatives among their ingredients. These components are identified as common food allergens for canines so it is likely these snacks won’t be hypoallergenic.
What are the common signs of food allergies in dogs?
Skin troubles, scratching and itching, digestive difficulty, persistent ear inflammation as well as infection of the ears are all common indications that a dog might suffer from food allergies.
