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Top Veterinary Recommended Dietary Options for Canines Suffering from Allergies

Top-tier dog foods for animals with skin allergies and recurring ear infections. Find suitable options at Chewy, Petco, Amazon, Petsmart, and additional retailers.

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Find the top-rated dog foods suitable for pets with allergies, aiming to alleviate symptoms like...
Find the top-rated dog foods suitable for pets with allergies, aiming to alleviate symptoms like itchy skin and ear infections. Discover wide options from retailers such as Chewy, Petco, Amazon, Petsmart, and additional stores.

Doggie Divas and Dudes: Dealing with Allergies? We've Got You Covered!

Let's face it, doggos with allergies can be a handful. Those itchy skin, ear infections, and bloating are no fun for Fido or his human friends! But there's no need to despair. Veterinary dermatologist and professor of veterinary dermatology and immunology at Louisiana State University, Dr. Cherie Pucheu-Haston, has some mighty fine tips to help soothe your pooch's allergy-ridden travails.

First things first, when it comes to choosing the right grub for your furry friend, diet is key. Dr. Susan Paterson, a veterinary dermatologist, suggests looking for dog foods enriched with fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and strengthen the skin barrier. If your dog is afflicted with a fish allergy, fear not—fearless foods fortified with omega fatty acid-rich plant-based ingredients, such as evening primrose, flaxseed, and black currant oil, can still get the job done.

Now that you've got the lowdown on the ingredients, it's time to focus on the recipe. Before you fork over your hard-earned cash, make sure the food has an Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional adequacy statement. For those who geek out on acronyms, if it's marked "complete," that means it has all the nutrients required for a dog's life stage, and if it's marked "balanced," it means the nutrients are present in the correct ratios for their life stage.

Rumor has it that veterinarians often recommend several types of diets to help manage allergies, like hydrolyzed diets, novel diets, and elimination diets. Hydrolyzed diet foods, such as Royal Canin Adult Ultamino Dry Dog Food, use broken-down proteins that are even tinier than amino-acid sized pieces. These recipes are designed to minimize the chances of an immune system response. Another option is prescription foods like Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities, made with hydrolyzed chicken liver that reduces immune reactions, in addition to soothing skin irritation and enhancing digestion.

For environmentally-aware pet parents, Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat is a stellar choice, brimming with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids from deboned salmon, salmon meal, and fish oil. This over-the-counter (OTC) kibble option is free of common canine allergens, such as wheat and soy. Novel protein diets can also be a game-changer for furry friends with allergies. Take Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator Dry Dog Food, for example—it uses alligator as a protein source. The recipe is fortified with fish oil and flaxseed to provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat.

For our plant-based pals, fear not, as Open Farm Kind Earth Premium Plant Kibble has got your four-legged friend covered. This recipe swaps out typical meat proteins, such as chicken and beef, for sweet potato, fava beans, and whole grain barley. Additionally, Flaxseed, sunflower, and coconut oil lend a helping hand with omega fatty acids, ensuring even dogs with fish allergies can chow down.

Remember, every dog is unique, so it's crucial to consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your pooch's diet. With this expert advice under your belt (and in Fido's bowl), you'll be well on your way to brewing up a tasty and allergy-relieving meal!

[1] Purina. (2022). Food Allergies: What Every Pet Parent Should Know. https://www.purina.com/resources/fact-sheets/dog/skin-coat-health/food-allergies[2] Hill's Pet Nutrition. (2022). Hill's Science Diet for Sensitive Stomach & Skin. https://www.hillspet.com/us/en/nutrition/dog/skin-coat-care/science-diet-sensitive-stomach-skin[3] The Honest Kitchen. (2022). Dog Food for Itchy Skin & Allergies. https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blogs/treating-itchesskin[4] PetMD. (2022). Can I Give My Dog Human Food For Itchy Skin? https://www.petmd.com/dog/dr/evans/can-i-give-my-dog-human-food-for-itchy-skin[5] VCA Hospitals. (2022). Dog Allergies. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-allergies-overview

  1. For pet parents preferring plant-based diets, Open Farm Kind Earth Premium Plant Kibble offers a suitable alternative, catering to dogs with fish allergies by using sweet potato, fava beans, and whole grain barley as essential protein sources.
  2. To ensure a balanced lifestyle for dogs with allergies, it's crucial to consider home-and-garden elements too, keeping the living space clean and free from potential allergens, such as dust mites and mold, which can exacerbate symptoms.
  3. It's essential to understand that most dogs have individual preferences and unique lifestyles, so consult a veterinarian before implementing any dietary changes to find a nutritional solution that best suits your pet's specific needs.
  4. If your dog is afflicted with multiple allergies, it might be wise to consider hybrid solutions, such as Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat, which combines the benefits of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids from deboned salmon with essential nutrients from plant-based sources like sweet potato, brown rice, and oatmeal, creating a well-rounded meal for your pet in retirement.

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