Is your pup constantly itching their skin, experiencing gastrointestinal issues, or acting lethargic? Many of these symptoms can be linked to allergies. A large percentage of dog’s experience food allergies or intolerances, but sometimes it can be hard to spot. With a simple change to their diet, you can eliminate these symptoms and give your dog a path to a healthier and happier life. With many brands on the market claiming to have the best formulation, how do you find the best allergy-free dog food? Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction.
Find Your Dog’s Triggers
Grain, like wheat or gluten, is the most common cause of food allergies in dogs. A dog’s digestive system isn’t suited for a high-grain diet. High-grain diets in dogs can cause inflammation, not only in the G.I. tract but they can also cause or exacerbate joint pain and other health issues. There are many grain-free options on the market today, but you want to ensure that the other ingredients are nutritionally-dense and from high-quality sources. The best allergy-free dog food does not contain unnatural or unfamiliar fillers.
Pick a High-Quality Food that Avoids Triggers
The next logical step is to choose a food that doesn’t contain the ingredients your dog may be reacting to. Slowly incorporate it into your dog’s existing diet. Keep a list of what is included in the food and make a note of how your dog reacts. The best allergy-free dog food has simple recipes that contain real ingredients. With complex formulations, it can be hard to narrow down what foods are causing your dog distress. If you don’t see a reduction in allergy symptoms, try another formulation. Some dogs are sensitive to certain protein-sources, like lentils, eggs, or potatoes.
As one of the best allergy-free dog food choices, Zignature Pet Food believes in a single-source philosophy. All of our meat or fish meals begin with one primary source of protein, like duck, lamb, turkey, salmon, and more. When you choose a single-sourced based dog food, you can be sure that it contains only that type of protein. It makes it easy to avoid protein sources that may not be compatible with your dog’s dietary needs. If you keep noticing that your dog isn’t feeling well, you should consult with your veterinarian about other possible causes.
