Hypoallergenic dog food is the best diet for your pet if he suffers from a food allergy. Dogs may develop various types of allergies and breeds such as Rottweilers, Boxers, Dalmatians, Pugs and Bulldogs are most susceptible to food allergies. Dogs in the wild are used to a raw meat diet but pet dogs are fed cooked home meals or commercial dog food products.
Food allergies are caused by the cooking and the processing of meat. The addition of preservatives to commercial dog food is another causative factor for food allergies. A homemade elimination diet, also known as a hypoallergenic diet, is the best way to combat food allergies in canines.
Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs:
- Dry skin
- Excessive licking or grooming of the skin
- Vomiting
- Loss of sleep
- Persistent ear infections
Common Causes of Food Allergy:
- Corn
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Soy
- Wheat
- Yeast
- Spices and additives
Homemade Hypoallergenic Food
Feeding your pet a hypoallergenic diet instead of commercially prepared foods can help your pet lead a normal, healthy and allergy free life. Raw food has been shown to provide numerous health benefits. A dog on a raw meat diet has a shinier coat, smaller stools, cleaner teeth and improved digestion.
Feeding raw food is slightly more difficult than simply pouring out formula food, but if you take the necessary precautions such as only feeding fresh foods to your pet, you can increase your dog’s overall health. The digestive system of a dog is equipped to digest raw food, and a general rule of thumb to follow is to feed your pet 80 percent meat, 10 percent organ meats and 10 percent bone.
The Transition
The above rule of thumb will minimize any digestive problems that might afflict your pet especially if he’s been raised on kibble. Ideally, the meat intake should be 2 to 4 percent of your pet’s weight. When transitioning a puppy, it’s advisable to offer three to four portions daily for the first three months and gradually decrease the portions to once daily over a period of 12 months. An adult dog should be given 2 meals daily and eventually one meal a day.
Elimination Diet
It’s advisable to start with one protein source, preferably chicken, for three months. Chicken is mild and suited for dogs with food allergies. After three months, a new protein source such as pork should be introduced. After a few weeks of this diet, beef and duck should be added.
It’s advisable not to add the bones of large animals to the pet’s food as they could break your pet’s teeth. Organs such as liver, spleen and kidneys and raw meaty bones make an excellent homemade hypoallergenic diet. Bones help keep the teeth clean and prevent build up of plaque. Besides this sardines and anchovies are excellent sources of fatty acid and provide relief from inflammation caused by allergies.
Homemade hypoallergenic food is ideal if your pet has frequent food allergies as it can help him lead a healthy life.