I think for dogs with food intolerance - How to choose the best?

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Hypoallergenic feed for your dog

Like us, our dogs are also born or develop intolerances to some foods. That is why specific feeds have been created hypoallergenic For us dogs. Today we tell you when to use them, what they contain and where to find them.

There are genetic factors that come into play when the dog has a allergy. But the animal can even develop, unexpectedly, intolerances to diet ingredients that you have ingested for years.

This type of allergy It can appear at any age, although it is true that they usually appear between the first and third year of the animal. In a matter of races this alteration appears more frequently in terriers, scottishs, cairns, setters, retrievers and in Dalmatians.

Discard feed

If your dog develops dermatitis, diarrhea, itching or vomiting and your veterinarian has diagnosed a food allergy it is time to change his diet. It is not an easy task but it is time to switch to a I think hypoallergenic To end all the symptoms. These diets usually include a source of hydrolyzed proteins and carbohydrates to which the pet has had little or no previous exposure, as they have on the Consumer website.

If your animal visibly improves in the period in which it consumes this food we must return to the original diet to confirm that this is the cause of the allergic reaction and to detect which specific ingredient is allergic. You need patience and your animal also because it will be a trial-error process.

What is the right hypoallergenic feed for my dog?

· For puppies. The Wolfsblut Gray Peak Puppy, composed of fresh goat meat, potatoes and wild herbs, is the right food for your little one if he has intolerance to other meat or cereals. Acana Puppy & Junior is a hypoallergenic puppy feed whose ingredients include chicken, eggs, wild sole, fruits and vegetables and a minimum percentage of crushed oats. Cereal free

· Without cereals. The Maxima Optima Grain Free Chicken Monoproteic Cotécnica is created for adult dogs that suffer from cereal intolerance. Its formula is based on a single source of protein (chicken meat) and has prebiotics FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) and MOS (mananooligosaccharides) that regulate intestinal flora. Legend Feed Natural Feed Tuna and Potato Without Cereals, in addition to avoiding allergic symptoms, includes prebiotic ingredients that promote digestion and natural components that increase joint health, urinary tract and the health of your skin and hair pet.

· Against dermatitis. It is the most prominent symptom of allergy, that's why hypoallergenic feeds like the Forza 10 Active line Dermo Active have been created with which to keep track of symptoms such as skin redness

· With fish. The Specific COD-HY Allergy management Plus. For dogs with digestive disorders due to food intolerances or allergies. Also, if you suffer from immunodependent inflammatory disorders such as atopic dermatitis, then this complete food, based on fish with a high percentage of omega 3 fatty acids, which comes from fish oil and bojarra oil.

These are just a few examples, you have many more brands and varieties in our hypoallergenic feed and food section.

Differences between food intolerance and allergy

Sometimes dogs react to food components as if they were pathogens. It is what is known as adverse reaction to food. Among those that produce more problems are the proteins of milk, beef, wheat, eggs, soybeans or corn. Are the trophoallergens, that is, allergens that are part of the food itself.

If the adverse reaction is mediated by the immune system, specifically by IgE, it will be called Food Allergy. Otherwise, it will be known as intolerancefood which, in turn, is classified according to the type of substance that generates it. Thus, this may be metabolic, pharmacological, toxicological or idiopathic, when it is unknown why it is caused.

The symptoms of allergy and intolerance are the same, as we will see. Generally, these disorders cannot be cured but the treatment can make the dog lead a normal life. The key is in establish an elimination diet, as we will explain in the following sections, where the feed for dogs with food intolerance will be essential.

Symptoms of food intolerance in dogs

Among the clinical signs that show dogs with food intolerance we can highlight the following:

Skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, usually manifested by non-seasonal itching.
Otitis, related to the previous point, it is an ear infection.
Digestive disorders such as intermittent vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools or an increase in digestive noises known as borborigmos.
Respiratory signs characterized by sneezing, rhinitis or asthma.

This clinical picture can appear in dogs of all ages, although it is more common in younger animals, from puppies to children under 3 years. In addition to treating these symptoms, the adverse reaction to food requires a feed for dogs with specific food intolerance.

Elimination diet for dogs with food intolerance

When we suspect that our dog has an adverse reaction to food, the treatment of choice is to prescribe an elimination diet, usually based on a feed for dogs with food intolerance. It is about offering the dog an elaborate meal based on protein and carbohydrates that you have not consumed in advance Therefore, to choose the best I think we must make an exhaustive story taking note of absolutely all the food the dog has eaten throughout its life. If it is not possible to make this list we can choose a I think hydrolyzed, which is one in which proteins undergo a hydrolysis process by which they break down into fragments so small that it is not possible to generate any adverse reactions. In this sense, NFNatcane stands out as one of the most recommended brands of feed for dogs. It uses natural ingredients to manufacture its products and has a wide range of feeds called hypoallergenic, highly digestible and assimilable. Likewise, its Gourmet range stands out for containing 100% of hydrolyzed meat and fish, a fact that also reduces the risks of intolerance.

Picked the feed, feed the dog with it for about 8-12 weeks. In the case of gastrointestinal symptoms it can be treated for 3-4 weeks. For the assessment of this treatment it is essential that the animal is given absolutely nothing more to eat, not even prizes, and even if the dog is one of those who eat remains on the street, it will be necessary to put a muzzle during the walks. We should also stop using toothpaste, if that is the case.

If the symptoms disappear, you have to subject the dog to provocation which is to give him his old food again. If it relapses, we can confirm the diagnosis of adverse reaction to food. It may be the case of dogs that respond positively to the elimination diet but do not relapse when they are offered their old food. They are considered to benefit from the characteristics that elimination diets provide, which are usually more digestive.

Feed composition for dogs with food intolerance

For a feed for dogs with food intolerance to succeed must bemonoproteic, that is, it must have a single source of protein and, in addition, it must be uncommon because it will be less likely that the dog has already consumed it. Among those that can be used include the rabbit, the pig, the horse, the tuna or any other blue fish, the duck or the deer, always depending on what the dog has previously consumed. In addition, the protein must be of quality and specified in the list of feed ingredients, as well as carbohydrates. These can also be uncommon, such as potatoes, peas or barley.

On the other hand, include Omega-3 fatty acids They help control the inflammation that intolerance can cause. Some feeds also add prebiotic fiber, such as those produced by NFNatcane.

Advantages of choosing a feed for dogs with lime food intolerance>

It is recommended to use feed for dogs with quality intolerance because it has clear advantages over those whose composition is not detailed, their manufacturing processes are not specified or their ingredients are not the most appropriate. Likewise, if you do not have the right knowledge to establish an adequate homemade diet for dogs with food intolerance, the best option is also to opt for a specific feed. Here are the most notable advantages of this type of food:

We guarantee that the feeding is complete and balanced, which includes the possibility of supplying feed for specific phases of the dog's life, as would be the case with a growing puppy.
Its handling is easier in terms of administration, accessibility, transport, storage, conservation, etc.
The only small disadvantage is the presence of additives, although these are not usually responsible for adverse reactions.
We provide the animal with fatty acids, the vitamins, the minerals and the carbohydrates that you need through a single food and, in addition, in its right measure.
Depending on the type of intolerance the animal suffers, the price may be more accessible than that of a homemade diet.

In relation to the price of feed, it should be noted that not being higher is better than the rest, since we are currently in the market food brands with very competitive prices and natural ingredients, which make their products high quality feed. To learn to recognize them, we recommend consulting the article "The best feed for dogs in value for money". However, when in doubt, your trusted veterinarian will guide you and help you choose food for your dog with food intolerance.

If you want to read more articles similar to I think for dogs with food intolerance - How to choose the best?, we recommend that you enter our section on feeding problems.

What should be considered when choosing a DAC dog food?

Alter the dog's diet with atopic dermatitis It has three distinct objectives: to help restore damaged skin tissue, reduce itching and promote fur growth.

For that it is important check food composition and choose a diet designed for atopic skin, which helps reduce itching and restore skin health. It also contains alternative proteins They reduce the risk of allergic reactions and give it a good taste.

Rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids

The omega 3 fatty acid deficiency and 6 not only favor the development of canine atopic dermatitis, but also aggravates the dog's dermis and damages the health of your fur.

The use of these substances, therefore, helps relieve symptoms such as irritation and itching, and helps repair the injuries caused. The choice of one diet rich in omega 3 and 6 It is more than recommended for both atopic dogs and dogs without this skin condition.

The Omega-3 fatty acids They are found mainly in blue fish such as salmon or trout, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables. He Omega 6 It is also found mainly in vegetable oils.

With aloe vera

Aloe Vera is one of the most popular plants worldwide for its healing properties, has the ability to maintain lipid balance of the patient's epidermis and in general, of keep the skin barrier in perfect condition. In this way, it favors the healing of scratched lesions and the correct regeneration of the skin.

On the other hand, the Aloe Vera is antibacterial, resulting in the prevention of possible topical wound infections. Also has important moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, so important to relieve the itching and irritations associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Rich in biotin and collagen

Biotin, also known as vitamin B8, B7 or vitamin H, is a fundamental type of vitamin in the hemoglobin creation process, the regeneration of skin tissue cells, hair and nails, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids.

Therefore, it is not surprising that a diet suitable for dogs with atopic dermatitis contain biotin in its composition, since a biotin deficiency can increase the hair loss of the affected dog and worsen the state of skin lesions. Where can we find it? In whole grain legumes, brewer's yeast, nuts and other products such as carrots, potatoes or salmon liver.

Why does food relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

Being a skin condition, feeding can help strengthen the immune system and to repair skin damage more quickly Taking into account that the DAC produces intense itching, redness of the dermis, irritation, inflammation and multiple wounds as a result of excessive scratching, improper feeding can worsen the clinical picture by causing damaged tissues to not repair properly or enhancing these reactions, in addition of producing dry skin and even peeling.

For all the above, below we expose the criteria to consider when selecting the food for a dog with atopic dermatitis and what to avoid so as not to make the situation worse.

What to consider when choosing a dog food with DAC?

Modifying the feeding of the dog with atopic dermatitis has three different objectives: to help restore damaged skin tissues, reduce itching and promote proper growth of the fur. For this, it is important to review the composition of the feed and opt for a feeding designed for atopic skin, such as Affinity Advance Veterinary Diets Atopic Care, whose formula helps reduce itching and restore skin health. In addition, it contains alternative protein that reduces the risk of allergic reactions and provides a great flavor. But what are the recommended components? How should the food be?

Rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids

The deficit of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids not only favors the development of canine atopic dermatitis, but also worsens the condition of the dog's dermis and impairs the health of its fur. Thus, the consumption of these substances It helps relieve symptoms such as irritation and itching, and to repair the injuries produced. Opting for a diet rich in omega 3 and 6 is more than recommended, both for atopic dogs and for dogs without this skin condition.

Omega 3 fatty acid is found mainly in blue fish such as salmon or trout, in vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables. Omega 6 is also found mainly in vegetable oils.

Rich in biotin and collagen

Biotin, also known as vitamin B8, B7 or vitamin H, is a fundamental type of vitamin in the hemoglobin creation process, regeneration of skin tissue cells, hair and nails, and metabolization of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids. Therefore, it is not surprising that adequate food for dogs with atopic dermatitis should contain biotin in its composition, since a deficit can increase hair loss of the affected dog and worsen the state of skin lesions. Where can we find it? In legumes, whole grains, beer yeast, nuts and other products such as carrots, potatoes or salmon liver.

For its part, collagen is a protein that is responsible for holding together the connective tissues of tendons, cartilage, joints, bones, muscles and skin, among others. Thus, it is an essential substance to maintain the proper health of the dermis and, therefore, if the dog with atopic dermatitis is fed on a feed basis, it is recommended to opt for a product that contains collagen peptides.

With vitamin E

Vitamin E plays a role fundamental in the prevention of cellular oxidation of the dog and the consequent skin care. Therefore, offering vitamin-rich feeds and diets is mandatory to keep the animal healthy and strong. Likewise, vitamin E, in addition to favoring the atopic dog's skin, reducing itching caused by dermatitis and accelerating the process of regeneration of the dermis, helps strengthen the immune system and also promotes eye health.

Foods such as green leafy vegetables, cereals such as rice or fruits such as avocado, are excellent natural sources of vitamin E.

What foods to avoid?

After reviewing the recommended compounds to relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs, it is time to mention those foods that should be avoided to prevent the occurrence of skin reactions. Because many cases of dermatitis are related to food allergies, it is logical ask the veterinarian to identify the allergen food, there is. Once found, it must be completely eliminated from the atopic dog's diet.

Food allergies usually occur after the consumption of a certain ingredient or compound of the food, not the product itself, being the most common proteins of veal, chicken meat, dairy, egg or wheat. However, this is not an exact science and, therefore, there are also dogs that are allergic to specific fish proteins or cereals. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for manufactured and quality feed to facilitate the digestion of dogs and reduce the symptoms of dermatitis. If you want to follow a homemade diet, it should be the veterinarian who develops it.

Is the change in diet enough to treat dermatitis in dogs?

Although there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, food is the main element to relieve the symptoms of the disease. However, to reinforce effectiveness, it is recommended to choose specific prizes and treats that are part of your eating routine.

Thus, it is advised to opt for food supplements designed to reinforce the natural barrier of the epidermis and improve the appearance of the skin, rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, such as the nutritional supplements DermaFortede Advance Veterinary Diets of Affinity, which help strengthen the skin barrier, as well as being tender, Tasty and effective.

Once the dog's diet with atopic dermatitis has been adapted and approved by the veterinarian, a dermoprotective shampoo such as Affinity Advance Veterinary Diets Atopic Care shampoo, with aloe vera, collagen and olive leaf extract to treat atopic skin and reduce itching, rash and skin irritation. On the other hand, because atopic dermatitis can also be caused by environmental factors and irritants such as pollen or dust, it should be analyzed whether these are the reason for the skin reaction to prevent the affected dog from coming into direct contact with these products.