What is hypoallergenic dog food
Hypoallergenic dog food is made in a way that common food allergens are mostly eliminated from your dog's diet. Hypoallergenic dog food is made for dogs with a food allergy or a food intolerance. Food allergies and food intolerances can present themselves via a few different symptoms such as excessive itching, skin rashes or infections, ear infections, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Hypoallergenic dog foods typically have some common features:
- Limited Ingredients - often comes with fewer and very limited number of ingredients, limiting the possibility of ingredients causing allergy
- Novel Proteins - most hypoallergenic dog food uses novel protein such has duck, venison, kangaroo, or rabbit, proteins that your dog likely hasn't been exposed too.
- Hydrolysed Proteins - the proteins are broken up into very small components to reduce the ability of the body to activate a immune reaction.
- Grain Free (sometimes) - generally grain free, although grains are not the culprit in all instances of food intolerance.
- No Common Allergens - Avoids common allergens such as beef, chicken, dairy, soy, wheat and corn.
Is a prescription needed
There are two types of hypoallergenic food for dogs: Prescription diets - available by-veterinarians only and will likely contain either hydrolysed proteins or novel proteins and over-the-counter (OTC) food - uses novel, limited ingredient formulas, but may not be strictly formulated like prescription diets.
When to use hypoallergenic dog food
The decision to utilize hypoallergenic dog food depends on the specific symptoms and health history of your dog. Here's how to decide:
✅ Consider Hypoallergenic Food If Your Dog Has:
Chronic itching or skin infections
Chronic ear infections
Digestive symptoms, such as chronic diarrhoea, vomiting, or gas
Poor coat condition (dry, flaky, or irritated skin)
Food allergies or suspected food sensitivities (the suspected ingredient is often a protein, such as chicken, beef, or dairy).
These signs can be a possible indicator of a food allergy.
❌ You Probably Don't Need Hypoallergenic Food If Your Dog:
Is healthy, with no signs of food sensitivities.
Has seasonal allergies — like Pollen but no food allergies.
Their symptoms are a reaction to fleas or parasites, or environmental allergens, rather than diet.
Best Approach is always to speak with your veterinarian before switching food. Your pet may be complaining of or exhibiting signs associated with a possible food allergy, but there are many potential other causes of these signs (environmental allergy, infections, parasites, etc.).
If you decide to try a hypoallergenic food to rule out food allergies, it's best to try a vet-supervised elimination diet. This requires feeding only hypoallergenic food for eight to twelve weeks, and monitoring for improvement.
Do not adjust the food again during this time, or introduce any treats, which can lead to confusing or misinterpretation of the results of the elimination phase.
Common brands of hypoallergenic dog food
Royal Canin Hypoallergenic https://amzn.to/3FR327A
Hill's Prescription Diet https://amzn.to/4mLm4ND
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA https://amzn.to/4kxhpx8
Natural Balance L.I.D. (limited ingredient diet)