Pet Got Allergies? Then Try Hypoallergenic Dog Food

With more people becoming aware that much commercially available dog food is made up of additives and by products, hypoallergenic dog food is becoming a lot more popular.  However, be careful when choosing a bag of pet food that claims to be hypoallergenic.  It’s important to look deeper than just a marketing buzzword on the outside of the package.  Read carefully to find out exactly what’s in your potential hypoallergenic dog food, and in what ratio.

If you see wheat or corn listed on the label, and especially if they’re listed early, put the dog food away.  Corn and wheat are known for causing ill effects in even dogs that don’t suffer from allergies, and are some of the most common food allergens.  Look for foods that use rice, barley, or potatoes as their carbohydrate instead.  You may pay more for these foods, but it’s worth it to have a pet that’s not constantly ill or suffering from an allergic reaction.

Hypoallergenic dog food is an excellent choice if your dog is allergic to particular ingredients, or to some of the additives and preservatives used in pet foods.  There are a lot of flavorings, binders, colors and more used in processing kibble, and many dogs are sensitive to these substances.

It’s important to always read the fine print on any dog food package, even if it claims to be hypoallergenic.  Additives are used to keep food fresh, preserve color and consistency, and maintain shape.  Most of these additives are included so that owners will find the food aesthetically pleasing, but they’re not good for our dogs.  If you stop using food that includes these additives, you’ll probably see a difference.  High sodium foods should also be avoided, since excess salt isn’t any better for pets than it is for humans.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, and he or she seems to be suffering from an allergic reaction, it might be the food.  If you see any unusual behavior, such as listlessness or hyperactivity, or your dog develops a rash or digestive upset, see you vet immediately.  He or she can tell you if it’s likely to be caused by the food your dog is eating, and help you take steps to correct the problem.  Your vet can even recommend and supply a good brand of hypoallergenic dog food.  Just remember to check the ingredients before you feed.