best hypoallergenic dog food for ear infections
Best Dog Foods for Allergies
Farmers Pork is one of 3 fresh recipes included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog pork recipe gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breed puppies Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes studied in our review of the Nom Nom cooked-then-frozen product line.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
If youve ever wished you could feed your dog a fresh, home-cooked meal but you didnt know how to make sure it was nutritionally complete and balanced then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
The first time you visit Nom Noms website, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed and suspected allergies. Nom Nom will then create a customized, single protein diet designed to keep your dog at optimal weight.
Expertly designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
An excellent limited ingredient recipe and a solid place to start an at-home elimination diet. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adults + puppies (including large breeds) Turkey and Potato Formula is one of 6 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient dry product line.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
An excellent limited ingredient option for adult dogs with food and skin sensitivities. Easily recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
See all 11 available recipes
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Turkey Patties is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs."
Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is one of 10 formulas included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure dry product line.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A high-quality recipe ideal for adult dogs.
See all 10 available recipes
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Angus Beef Recipe is one of 3 dry formulas included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient product line.
Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef receives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat, natural flavor Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies Chicken Flavor is one of 2 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food dry product line.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor gets most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein isolate. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 20% protein, 11% fat and 61% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
An exceptional selection for sensitive dogs. Highly recommended.
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Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, coconut oil, powdered cellulose Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 20% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Real Turkey and Brown Rice is one of 4 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet wet product line.
This Merrick Limited Ingredient formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh deboned turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
A balanced, wet alternative to dry kibble. A practical option for those seeking to pin down a possible offending ingredient. Plus its available in 4 other featured proteins. Highly recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein dry product line.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 21% protein, 19% fat and 52% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 89%.
A solid all life stages option for dogs with allergies.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp Type Grain-inclusive (brewers rice) Protein Percentage 21% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + small or medium breed puppies Z/D is one of 2 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Prescription Skin Food Sensitivities product line.
This product gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 19% protein, 14% fat and 59% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
Hills Z/D is made with hydrolyzed protein derived from chicken to help avoid adverse food reactions and promote healthy skin.
A time-proven, hypoallergenic formula thats been recommended by veterinary professionals nationwide for years. Ideal for dogs diagnosed with food and skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Canine Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, powdered cellulose, soybean oil, calcium carbonate Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 19% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only, including seniors (not for puppies) This Salmon and Brown Rice Formula is one of 26 recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets dry product line.
This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 26 available recipes
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, brewers rice) Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sensitive Skin Salmon and Rice is one of 19 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan dry product line.
This Purina Pro Plan formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note the inclusion of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from sunflower and fish oils designed to help support dry, itchy skin.
An exceptional over-the-counter, non-prescription dog food that may provide symptomatic relief from chronic skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal Type Includes grain (barley, rice, oat meal) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Zignature Turkey is one of 13 wet dog food recipes included in our review of the Zignature canned product line.
Zignature Salmon extracts the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 52% protein, 23% fat and 17% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
An exceptional, simple ingredient formula. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 52% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies 15. Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
7 Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
Did you know that food allergies may cause itchy ears? Dogs who develop chronic ear infections may be experiencing an allergic reaction to an ingredient in their food, such as chicken, beef, or grains. Certain breeds such as cocker spaniels are more genetically predisposed to ear infections than others. There are also a variety of possible causes1 not related to diet, such as bacteria, fungi, or a trapped foreign object. However, diet is the easiest variable in your dogs life to tweak and see if they can get some relief.
We picked seven allergen-friendly foods to review for dogs who need some extra anti-inflammatory support. Note: you dont necessarily have to buy an expensive diet thats marketed for dogs with allergies. You really just need to know what ingredients to avoid (check out our buyers guide) and pick the best choice according to your budget and your dogs taste.
Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pets individual case.
A Quick Glance at Our Winners of 2024
The 7 Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections
1. JustFoodForDogs Turkey Whole Wheat Macaroni Recipe Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Ground turkey, whole wheat macaroni, broccoli, zucchini, carrots |
| Protein content: | 10% |
| Fat content: | 4% |
| Calories: | 1,741 kcal ME/kg |
JustFoodForDogs Turkey Whole Wheat Macaroni is our overall best dog food for ear infections because its a human-grade formula that uses turkey as the single meat source instead of a common protein allergen such as chicken or beef. It also manages to be grain-inclusive, which is relatively rare for fresh dog food, and its the cheapest recipe by JustFoodForDogs.
Fish oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory ingredient to boost your dogs immune system and nourish their skin and coat. The nutrient blend provides some extra anti-inflammatory support by including beneficial vitamins such as vitamin B12, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
This recipe is certified by the AAFCO to meet the dietary standards for maintenance, meaning this food shouldnt be given to puppies under one years old. While it wont hurt them, it also wont provide all the nutrients they need to grow. The description on JustFoodForDogs labels this formula as perfect for large breeds, but any adult dog can eat this food. Some reviewers note how their chihuahua adores this recipe!
Although this food is more pricey than dry food, its relatively cheap for a fresh food subscription service, which is one of the main reasons its our overall favorite. You can buy Turkey Whole Wheat Macaroni on the website for JustFoodForDogs or on Chewy. Both websites have a one-time purchase or AutoShip option if you decide to make this your pups main fare.
Pros
- Turkey is the single protein source
- Grain-inclusive
- One of the cheapest fresh food recipes
- Beneficial blend of vitamins and minerals
- Available on Chewy or the website for JustFoodForDogs
Cons
- Not formulated for puppies
- More expensive than dry food
2. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin + Stomach Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal |
| Protein content: | 26% min |
| Fat content: | 16% min |
| Calories: | 4,049 kcal ME/kg |
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice is the best dog food for ear infections for the money because its a high-quality kibble for a low cost. Salmon is the main ingredient, which is a good choice for pups with allergies, but be aware that this recipe does contain beef fat. Thankfully, it is chicken-free.
Oats and barley are healthy grains that provide your pet with beneficial fiber. Fish oil is included further down the ingredients list, adding even more omega oils. We like how Purinas Fortiflora probiotic blend is included in this food because probiotics can help your pet fight inflammation and bad bacteria that cause ear infections from the inside. It even includes prebiotic fiber, which helps probiotics to form naturally in your dogs gut. This formula does an excellent job of eliminating allergies while strengthening your dogs immune system with probiotics and vitamin supplements.
This food is formulated for adults only, so youll need to find another option if your pup is under a year old. It also packs on quite a lot of calories and fats compared to the other foods we reviewed, so it might not be a great choice for senior dogs or canines who struggle to maintain an appropriate weight.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach is available on Chewy and might even be in your local pet store since its made by a popular brand. We enthusiastically recommend this food as our best value choice.
Pros
- Salmon is the main protein source
- Features Purina Fortiflora probiotics
- Contains prebiotic fibers
- Available on Chewy
- Inexpensive, high-quality dry kibble
Cons
- Not formulated for all life stages
- High calorie
- Contains beef fat, which isnt good for dogs who might be allergic to beef
3. JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato Recipe Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, broccoli |
| Protein content: | 7% min |
| Fat content: | 2% min |
| Calories: | 922 kcal ME/kg |
Fish & Sweet Potato is another great recipe by JustFoodForDogs thats an excellent choice for pups with allergies. Featuring cod as the single protein source, this formula is a limited ingredient diet that gives your dog the delicious nutrition they need to thrive without possible allergens such as chicken or grains.
We also like how this is one of two recipes by JustFoodForDogs thats AAFCO-certified for all life stages. Unlike Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni, which was just certified for maintenance, Fish & Sweet Potato is certified for maintenance and growth, meaning you can confidently feed it to your new puppy. Both formulas are available on Chewy and the website for JustFoodForDogs.
This formula is a little more expensive than Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni, which is why its our premium choice. While your pup may benefit from grain-free, talk to your vet to see if they really need to skip the grains before you switch their food. New studies2 reveal that grain-free diets may be harmful, so youll need to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
- Cod is an excellent protein choice
- Limited ingredients
- Formulated for all life stages
- Available on Chewy and JustFoodForDogs
Cons
- Grain-free
- More expensive than some
4. The Farmers Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription
| Main ingredients: | USDA pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower |
| Protein content: | 9% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Calories: | 1,370 kcal per kg |
While not specifically puppy food, The Farmers Dog Pork Recipe is certified by the AAFCO for all life stages so your dog can enjoy this recipe no matter how old (or young) they are. Pork is an inexpensive novel protein thats not as likely to cause an allergic reaction as chicken or beef.
Salmon oil and the nutrient blend are healthy supplements for an anti-inflammatory diet. We also appreciate how all of the ingredients are human-grade, and the food is slowly cooked and quickly frozen in a facility that also produces human food, which keeps the company accountable for the quality.
You can try a sample or start your subscription at the website for The Farmers Dog. Their food isnt available on Chewy or in stores. This food is also grain-free, which can be great if your pet is allergic to grains but may not be beneficial otherwise. Giving your dog grain-free food could result in a loss of nutrition and even be correlated to heart disease2, so talk to your vet first before switching.
Pros
- AAFCO certified for all life stages
- Pork is the main protein source
- Anti-inflammatory supplements such as salmon oil and nutrient blend
- Human-grade
Cons
- Grain-free
- Not available on Chewy or in stores
5. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription
| Main ingredients: | Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach |
| Protein content: | 10% min |
| Fat content: | 5% min |
| Calories: | 1,479 kcal/kg |
Nom Nom Fresh offers a fantastic recipe with turkey as the main ingredient. Even better, Nom Nom was super selective in the grain they chose to include, which is great for dogs with allergy concerns. The brown rice provides an excellent source of fiber for dogs with none of the gluten that may bother them. We also like how spinach is one of the main vegetables because its loaded with antioxidants.
The nutrient supplement is about as good as it gets, including fish oil and three different B vitamins. It also includes zinc, vitamin E, and several other helpful vitamins and minerals.
Like all recipes by Nom Nom, Turkey Fare is human-grade and ships to your door from their website. Its not available on Chewy or in stores and may be more expensive than some choices.
Pros
- Turkey is the main ingredient
- Brown rice provides the grain without the gluten
- Contains fish oil
- Excellent vitamin blend
Cons
- Not available on Chewy or in stores
- Generally more expensive than dry food
6. Fromm Pork & Applesauce Formula
| Main ingredients: | Pork, pork meat & bone meal, oat groats, pearled barley, pork liver |
| Protein content: | 24% min |
| Fat content: | 14% min |
| Calories: | 3,613 kcal/kg |
This is one of the highest quality dry foods we can find on a budget. Its even certified by the AAFCO for all life stages! We just wish it was on Chewy. While you might find it in certain pet stores, you might have to order it from their website if yours doesnt carry it.
Fromm Pork & Applesauce Formula takes carefully selected ingredients and crafts a top-quality food thats free from common meat protein allergens such as chicken or beef. Different cuts of pork provide protein and salmon oil gives this food some healthy fats. We appreciate that this formula is made with carefully selected ingredients that dont skimp on the grains, such as the hearty oats and barley.
While this isnt a grain-free food, it does contain some ingredients that were flagged as potentially harmful ingredients in the FDA grain-free food study, including potatoes and peas. However, this food is probably less risky than grain-free formulas because those ingredients are further down the list, with healthy meats, grains, and fats taking the lead. We also like how this food includes a probiotic3 supplement because gut health can affect overall health. Probiotics may also combat harmful bacteria that cause ear infections.
Pros
- Contains healthy grains
- Inexpensive
- AAFCO certified for all life stages
- Pork and salmon are allergen-friendly
- Probiotic supplement may help prevent ear infections
Cons
- Contains potatoes and peas
- Only available on Fromms website and select pet stores
7. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Adult Dry Food
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, salmon meal, dried potatoes, lentils, chickpeas |
| Protein content: | 20% min |
| Fat content: | 14% min |
| Calories: | 3,702 kcal/kg |
This food is a truly hypoallergenic, cheap food that doesnt skimp on quality. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet doesnt include chicken, beef, corn, soy, wheat, or grainsall of which have been marked as dog allergens. In addition, Nutro promises to be non-GMO and human-grade, meaning your dog wont be eating any genetically altered kibble or inconspicuous 3-D meats. Because its a dry food, this food is cheaper than other human-grade formulas that are typically dehydrated or fresh-frozen.
We like salmon as the protein choice because its not only relatively safe for allergies but a good food staple for an anti-inflammatory diet. The rich fish oils nourish your pups skin and coat and calm their immune systems overactive response to allergens.
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet is available on Chewy and can be found in pet stores and some supermarkets. We like the multiple buying options because its easy to add to an autoship order or pick up while youre in town or traveling.
While we understand some dogs may need a grain-free diet, we dont necessarily recommend it unless medically required. A 2018 study2 by the FDA linked grain-free dietsas well as common grain-free diet ingredients such as lentils, potatoes, and peasto canine dilated cardiomyopathy, a potentially fatal disease that weakens the heart. Talk to your veterinarian to see if they think a grain-free diet outweighs the risk for your pup.
Pros
- Salmon is the single source of meat
- Non-gmo
- Cheaper than most human-grade foods
- Available on Chewy or in stores
Buyers Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Ear Infections
Since some ear infections are caused by allergy flare-ups, you might be able to reduce your dogs symptoms by buying them allergen-friendly dinners. When shopping for an allergen-friendly food, consider:
The Protein Sources
Chicken and beef are common allergens in dogs. Try to find a different protein such as turkey, pork, lamb, venison, or fish. Thoroughly read the ingredients label to make sure your turkey dinner doesnt include beef down the line.
Weigh the Costs of Grain-Free
For the last fifteen years, specialty grain-free formulas have been touted as the answer to the rising number of dog allergies. Although some dogs truly are allergic to grains, its now estimated that chicken, beef, and dairy may be more to blame. The FDA recently correlated grain-free diets to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, which means you might be taking a health risk with a grain-free diet. Keep in mind that you can find a gluten-free diet that still includes grains if your dog is allergic to wheat. Talk to your vet before you try a grain-free diet to see if they think its worth the risk.
Probiotics
These good bacteria naturally exist in your dogs gut, but a poor diet may decrease their numbers. A probiotic supplement can help replace the bad bacteria in your dogs gut with good bacteria, which improves their overall immune response and may help prevent ear infections caused by harmful bacteria. Prebiotics are even more beneficial because they give your dog the building blocks to naturally create more probiotics on their own.
Conclusion
We liked JustFoodForDogs Turkey Whole Wheat Macaroni overall because its a fresh food that uses allergy-friendly ingredients for a lower price than most fresh frozen recipes. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice scored #2 as our best value option because its a high-quality kibble that packs a prebiotic and probiotic supplement.
Another great recipe by JustFoodForDogs, the Fish & Sweet Potato Recipe, was our premium choice because its limited ingredient formula eliminates practically all known food allergies. For puppies, we like The Farmers Dog Pork Recipe because its a fresh food thats formulated for all life stages.
All of the recipes we reviewed here have 4+ stars and are considered allergen-friendly because they dont include chicken. Only one (Purina Pro Plan) contains beef, and a few of them are also grain-free.
Featured Image Credit: cottonbro, Pexels
