hypoallergenic dog food philippines

Does My Dog Have a Food Allergy?

Many dog foods on the market make claims about being good for allergies, but how well do these claims hold up? How common are dog food allergies? And is hypoallergenic dog food right for your dog? To learn the truth about food allergies in dogs and what hypoallergenic dog food really means, keep reading.

Are Dog Food Allergies to Blame?

While people are often quick to blame a dog's skin problems on what he eats, the truth, says Tufts University's Cummings Veterinary Center, is that food allergies in dogs are not all that common. The most common causes of allergies in pets are environmental including fleas, dust mites, grass, pollen, and other environmental causes. If your pup's allergies tend to clear up during the winter or become worse at the height of flea season, then it's likely his allergies are environmental. But because actual food allergies can cause skin and ear problems similar to those caused by environmental allergies, it's up to your veterinarian to help you rule out other types of allergies for certain before determining whether your dog's food is to blame.

Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance

It's also important to note the difference between an allergy and an intolerance. If your dog is unable to tolerate a certain type of food, such as lactose, this means he lacks the digestive enzyme necessary to properly digest that food, and gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, may result. An allergy, on the other hand, is an immune response. When your dog comes into contact with something he's allergic to, his immune system goes into overdrive attacking the allergen, resulting in skin problems, itching, or hair loss. If your dog is suffering from a food intolerance rather than a food allergy, then hypoallergenic dog food is unlikely to help. We recommend seeing your veterinarian to get the best possible solution for your pet.

What Causes Food Allergies?

According to Tuft University, "Food allergies occur when an animal's immune system misidentifies a protein from a food as an invader rather than a food item and mounts an immune response. The end result of this response can be itchy skin or ear and skin infections in some pets, while it may cause vomiting or diarrhea in others." Once an immune response is triggered, it grows stronger every time that type of protein enters the body, which means your dog's allergy may worsen every time he eats that particular food.

Common Allergens in Dog Food

The most common foods to trigger an allergic response in dogs are animal proteins including chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs, says Tufts. Lamb, pork, and fish are less likely to cause allergies, although it is possible. While some dogs have proven to be allergic to wheat and corn, this is actually much more rare than common wisdom would have you believe. Instances of other grains, such as oats or rice, causing allergies are rare to nonexistent.

Diagnosing Dog Food Allergies

Unfortunately, there are no reliable ways to test your dog for food allergies. The only way to determine which foods your dog is allergic to is through the process of elimination. Typically, your vet will prescribe a special, limited-ingredient dog food containing types of meat and carbohydrates that aren't in your dog's usual meals and seeing how he does on it. If your dog's symptoms clear up on this special meal plan, after a period of time your vet may have you switch your dog back to his old food to see if the allergy symptoms reappear. If they do, that will confirm that you're dealing with a food allergy.

The next step is to identify the specific ingredient causing the allergic reaction in your dog. This requires changing back to the limited ingredient food. Once your dog's symptoms clear up, your vet may then have you add ingredients from his old food back to his meals one at a time and monitor the results in order to identify which ingredients trigger an allergic reaction.

During this elimination trial, it's extremely important to only feed your dog the prescribed food. The most frequently mentioned reason for failure in determining allergies in elimination tests is household sabotage. This consists of giving your dog food that was not directly recommended by your veterinarian including dog treats, table scraps, different dog foods, etc. During these trials, dogs can't have even one of these in order for the test to be effective at diagnosing the allergy. To put it in perspective, a human that is allergic to nuts cannot have even a single peanut. The same is true of your dog. To fully determine the cause of dog food allergies (if any does exis), you must be as strict as possible, and that includes everyone else in your household too. It's hard when your pup sits there with his big begging eyes, but it is worth it if you can determine if an allergy exists. These elimination tests typically take about 12-weeks after which your veterinarian will verify that your dog isn't experiencing any of the previous allergy signs.

Self-Diagnosis

It is important that if you believe your dog is experiencing allergies of any sort, food or environmental, that you check with your veterinarian to help you best diagnose your pup. Self-diagnosis can be unhelpful or even dangerous in certain cases. Because food allergies and environmental issues present some of the same signs, it is hard to know which is the cause without proper testing. Unlike in humans, dog allergy tests are much less reliable, which is why your veterinarian will likely give you specific instructions on what to expose your dog to and how to monitor his health over time to determine the specific cause for his health issues.

You may be tempted to do a limited-ingredient diet (LID) on your own as well. This is also not recommended for a couple of reasons. The first being the difference between intolerance and allergies. Without proper testing, it is hard to know the real cause. The second reason why LIDs aren't always great in self diagnosing your dog's condition is that even limited-ingredient foods can be subject to allergen contamination. For instance, if you suspect that your dog is allergic to chicken, and you switch him over to something like lamb or venison, he might start feeling better, but because many food companies will use the same machinery to make their chicken product dog foods and their lamb-filled food there is a chance that some of the chicken allergens make it into your dog's lamb food. Like mentioned before, any introduction of an allergen, even a small amount, can affect your dog overall. This is why it is best to follow your veterinarian's strict instructions when asking about allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dog Food

If food allergies are determined, your veterinarian may recommend hypoallergenic dog food and treats for your dog to eat. These types of foods take special precautions to avoid being cross-contaminated. Hypoallergenic dog foods may also be hydrolyzed, meaning that they go through a process of breaking down proteins on a molecular level so that they are too small for the dog's body to recognize them as allergens. This is often a prescription dog food, so you will need to talk to your veterinarian about this as an option for your dog.

While some companies sell over-the-counter foods that claim to be good for allergiesand some may contain supplements that can be helpful in controlling environmental allergiesthese foods are not ideal for treating food allergies. As with limited ingredient foods, there is nothing to guarantee that your dog won't become allergic to them in the future. These dog foods are also less regulated than prescription dog food and as such, might contain other contaminants that trigger an allergic response. It's also best to be wary of any hypoallergenic claims made by over-the-counter grain-free dog foods. Remember, it's animal proteins, not grains, that are most likely causing food allergies in dogs.

Dog food allergies are tricky business. Fortunately, they're also the type of allergy your dog is least likely to suffer from. If your dog is showing signs of allergies, talk to your vet before making any changes to his food. Even if it turns out that he does have a food allergy, changing his food without a vet's supervision could make it more difficult to diagnose.

Contributor Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies.

Royal Canin Dog Food Prices in the Philippines in April, 2024

10 Best Dog Food in the Philippines [2024]

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Dog Food Philippines

If youre a dog owner in the Philippines, you know that it can be tough to find a good food for your furry friend. The pet food industry is growing rapidly here, but it can still be hard to determine which foods are best for your dog. In this blog post, we will discuss the Best Dog Food in the Philippines 2024!

Before we show you the list, here are some of consideration factors when choosing a Dog Food Philippines.

Consideration Factors When Choosing a Dog Food Philippines

• The age and size of your dog

Puppies need food that is high in protein and calories to help them grow, while adult dogs need a diet that is balanced and contains enough nutrients to keep them healthy.

Some breeds of dogs are prone to specific health problems, so you will want to choose a food that is formulated to help prevent or treat those problems. For example, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, so youll want to find a food that includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which can help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

• The ingredients in the food

The ingredients in the food are also important to consider. Look for a dog food that is made with high-quality ingredients and doesnt include any artificial additives or fillers. Its also important to find a food that is low in sodium, as too much salt can be harmful to dogs.

1. Holistic Recipe Dog Food

Greeb tea, lamb meal, and brewers rice are all high quality components in the Holistic Recipe Dog Food, which provides a healthy, balanced diet for pups up to 12 months of age or 18 months for large breeds, as well as for pregnant or lactating dogs. It is one of the most popular and best dog food brands in the Philippines for all life stages that is suitable for dog for it contains vitamins and minerals that promotes healthy skin and, strengthens immune system and balanced nutrition.

Key Differentiators:

• Prevent allergic reaction
• Prevent formation of free radicals
• Improve the immune system

2. Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Wet Dog Food

Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Wet Dog Diet features a Hydrolyzed protein with low molecular weight to ensure the food is hypoallergenic. This dog food is designed to boost the skins natural defense mechanism for the best possible skin health.

Key Differentiators:

• Hydrolysed Protein
• For optimal skin health
• Support the skins natural protective barrier

3. Orijen Original Dog Food

Orijen Original Dog Food contains 85% quality fresh or raw+ animal components, including wild-caught fish and free-range chicken and turkey. In order to provide the nourishment that dogs require, ORIJEN dog food is produced with the most nutrient-dense, succulent sections of the prey. The end result is a diet that is unmatched for your dogs buddy.

Key Differentiators:

• Biologically appropriate
• All life stages
• Enhanced flavor and palatability naturally

Customer Testimonial:

Five stars.

Alisa

4. GO! SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient

GO! SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient is especially made to support dogs with sensitive dietary demands. This dog food is suitable for all life stages. The sole source of fish protein in the solutions limited Ingredient recipe is premium-quality salmon, which also contains prebiotic fiber to help sensitive stomachs.

Key Differentiators:

• All life stages
• Dry food
• Digestive health

5. Eukanuba Senior Dog Food

For senior dogs over 7 years old weighing between 24 and 54 pounds, Eukanuba Senior Dog Food provides comprehensive and balanced nourishment. You might have trouble getting some products in the upcoming months due to increased demand.

Key Differentiators:

• Food for muscle and joint support
• Supports active dogs
• Maintains natural defenses

Customer Testimonial:

I received a free bag of Eukanuba for small breeds from Eukanuba a few months ago. My min pin loved it. She has a shinier coat and no more yucky dog breath. I bought her another bag and will continue to buy this food for her. So glad to have found her a food that she loves and that helps with her stinky breath.

VREED369

6. Aozi Natural Organic Canned Wet Dog Food

When compared to dry dog food, Aozi Natural Organic Canned Wet Dog Food stands out thanks to its superior balance of human ecological and animal nutrition. All breeds of dogs over the age of two months can use this product. Give this product to adult dogs weighing above 2 kg and to puppies when they are weaned in one can. It is also the right grain free dry food for dogs. It contains vitamins and minerals that gives your dog a healthy skin and coat. It is one of the best because it is suitable for all dog types. This dog food is suitable for all life phases.

Key Differentiators:

• Special wet food formula
• Suitable for dogs of all breeds
• Improve immunity

7. Acana Prairie Poultry Dry Dog Food

Acana Prairie Poultry Dry Dog Food is packed with the nutrients your dog needs to keep healthy, happy, and powerful. It contains fresh chicken and turkey in WholePrey ratios.

Key Differentiators:

• Protein-rich and nutrient-dense
• Superfood for dogs
• Slow-release energy and packed with Fibre

8. Purina Alpo Beef & Vegetables with Milk Essentials Dog Food

With Purina Alpo Beef & Vegetables with Milk Essentials Dog Food, meals will be a real treat for your dog. This gives your dog a delicious morsel of meaty flavor as well as complete nutrients with every meal. It has calcium and DHA to support your puppys development of strong bones and teeth. Additionally, brimming with high-quality nutrients to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Key Differentiators:

• Packed with quality nutrients
• Great deals
• Excellent choice

9. Pedigree Puppy Wet Dog Food

Pedigree Puppy Wet Dog Food was created in collaboration with nutritionists from WALTHAMTM, the foremost authority on pet nutrition and care from the UK. It offers a complete and balanced diet with antioxidants to boost your dogs immune system and keep him healthy and content. This dog food is suitable for all life phases.

Key Differentiators:

• Variety of flavors
• For both puppy and adult
• Complete and balanced nutrition

10. Good Boy Dog Food

Up to a year old, Good Boy Dog Food provides comprehensive puppy nourishment. Puppies should have their own particular diet to satisfy their unique nutritional needs during the first 18 months of life, just like infants do. There are various types of dog food but this dog food brand is the brand that you can trust for It delivers concentrated nourishment with all the extra protein, vitamins, and other elements an active puppy needs, as well as more calcium for his growing bones and teeth. It is also a great source of protein.

Key Differentiators:

• Concentrated nutrition
• For excellent chewing
• For puppy nutrition up to 1 year old

Customer Testimonial:

Excellent quality. Very useful. Very accommodating seller. Well-packaged. Shipped out asap. Will order again. Thank you, seller!

S***

Dog Food Philippines

Choosing the right dog food is important for your pets health. We listed down the best dog foods brands in the Philippines to help you find a quality product that your pup will love. Order one today!

Since you have made it to the end, it would be great if you could check out the awesome articles that we have written for you! Maybe, it will help you add more fun to your daily lifestyle.