The term “hypoallergenic” isn’t scientifically regulated, making it primarily a marketing tool in the dog food industry. However, it can still be useful for identifying foods less likely to cause allergic reactions, especially when rare or hydrolyzed proteins and ingredients are used.
Some dogs (not all) are diagnosed with intolerances or allergies to specific ingredients, when in reality, they’re allergic to poor quality ingredients, additives, processing methods, and often even treats from pet stores that severely disrupt intestinal flora. True ingredient intolerance or allergy exists but is often used as a default explanation.
Nevertheless, products labeled as “hypoallergenic” or “sensitive” have certain advantages over others: they force simplicity!
The ingredient list is often reduced, single-protein, and only essential ingredients are included. There are also generally good supplements and more interesting omega-3 levels than in other kibbles.
The downside is that most fail to achieve satisfactory levels of constituents. The challenge is to find those that maintain good levels despite everything.
Always consult your veterinarian before any dietary change and for informed medical advice.
Symptoms of Allergies or Intolerances
- Itching (pruritus)
- Redness
- Skin rashes
- Hair loss
- Dry or scaly skin
- Recurrent skin infections
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Other signs:
- Recurrent ear infections
- Excessive licking or chewing of paws
- Eye infections or tearing
These symptoms can mask other problems, so if in doubt about the dietary origin of intolerance or allergy: consult your veterinarian!
Common Sources of Allergies or Intolerances
Although your dog can be allergic to any ingredient, common sources of allergies include:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Milk
- Wheat
- Gluten
- Soy
- Corn
- Artificial colors
- Artificial flavors
- Chemical preservatives (BHA, BHT)
- Yeasts
- Low-quality animal fats
- Compounds generated by high-temperature cooking
What to Do?
Here’s a protocol for managing food allergies in dogs, including supplements and dietary strategies:
Prefer hypoallergenic kibble
Choose kibble containing rare protein and carbohydrate sources (e.g., duck, rabbit, venison, sweet potato, or peas). Hydrolyzed proteins can also be a good option, as they’re broken down into small molecules less likely to cause reactions. White fish is generally also less likely to trigger allergies and intolerances (especially if it’s high quality), as is salmon. To help you, here’s a list of kibbles that combine several factors: quality, effectiveness (validated and tested by group members), and their hypoallergenic aspect.
Incorporate appropriate dietary supplements
- Probiotics: Support intestinal health and help restore intestinal flora.
- Omega-3 (fish oil): Reduces inflammation and supports skin health. Choose a quality oil (e.g., high-quality salmon oil, krill oil).
- Quercetin: A natural antihistamine that reduces inflammation and allergic reactions (consult with your vet).
Change diet
- Transition to a more natural diet long-term (if possible and if you have the budget): This allows precise control of ingredients, avoids potentially allergenic additives, residues from high-temperature cooking of kibble, and hydrates the body.
- Avoid commercial treats: too many additives and generally poor quality. Instead, give a piece of meat that the dog tolerates as a “treat”.
Skin and coat management
- Regular baths with hypoallergenic shampoo (for dogs): This helps soothe the skin and remove external allergens.
- Skin hydration: Apply oils rich in fatty acids, such as coconut oil, to dry or irritated areas.
Veterinary follow-up
Regularly follow up with a veterinarian specializing in animal dermatology to adjust the protocol if necessary and check progress.
This protocol helps reduce symptoms and improve your pet’s quality of life while respecting their nutritional needs.
Why Are Your Dogs Allergic or Intolerant?
Overexposure to certain ingredients
Pet foods often contain the same protein sources (chicken, beef, lamb, fish) repeatedly. Over long periods, this can lead to sensitization of the organism and allergic reactions. Additionally, ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy are frequently used in the food industry. Continuous exposure to these ingredients can also lead to intolerances or allergies. Moreover, the use of pesticides in these crops can trigger reactions in your pet, in addition to their other harmful effects.
Ingredient quality
Low-quality proteins and other raw materials of dubious origin may contain contaminants or residues that increase the risk of allergies. Furthermore, the high-temperature cooking process of kibble (heated up to 4 times) can alter the structure of proteins, making some more likely to cause allergic reactions.
Additives and preservatives
Colorings, artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin) are still present in some pet food brands, often in supermarket dog kibbles. They can cause allergic reactions and affect health.
Digestive problems or intestinal health issues
Infections, antibiotics, and poor diet can make the intestinal wall of dogs are more permeable. This allows larger protein fragments to cross the intestinal barrier, triggering an allergic reaction. This is why good nutrition and the addition of beneficial bacteria in the intestine via probiotics are important.
Genetic predisposition
Some breeds of dogs are more predisposed to food allergies due to their genetic heritage.
Modern environment and dietary changes
Unlike their ancestors, today’s dogs often eat the same food every day. This dietary monotony can increase the risk of developing allergies or intolerances to these specific ingredients. Moreover, simultaneous exposure to other environmental allergens (such as dust mites, pollen, or mold) can further sensitize the animal, making it more likely to react to food allergens.
Conclusion
Sources of allergies and intolerances are numerous, but treats and kibble with catch-all formulas (extremely long) and high-temperature cooking are the main causes when food allergies are of dietary origin.
Curiously, we often see cases where a dog suspected of being allergic to a protein no longer shows symptoms as soon as they switch to a natural diet containing the same protein. Similarly, stopping treats more often than one might think results in a disappearance of symptoms.
