What is hypoallergenic wet dog food?

Ever noticed your dog itching like mad or, ahem, “digestively distressed” after mealtime? You’re not alone. Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs than others and an increasing number are now displaying full-blown food allergies, but don’t fret, we promise there ARE answers and our hypoallergenic wet dog food is here to save the day (and your carpet). But what exactly does hypoallergenic mean? And why wet food? Let’s dive into that dog food bowl and find out.

Why Do Dogs Get Allergies or Sensitivities to Their Food?

Ah, food allergies, the ultimate plot twist for dogs who just want to enjoy their dinner. When a dog’s immune system decides that something in their kibble or wet food is the enemy, it sends out an alert, histamine is released and allergic reactions are triggered. Think of it like their body yelling, “This beef means war!”

Common symptoms of a food allergy include:

• Itchy skin (cue the endless scratching and licking)
• Recurring ear infections (poor pups)
• Digestive issues (we’re talking vomiting, diarrhoea and some seriously upset tummies)
• Excessive paw licking or face rubbing (like they’re constantly washing their hands but they’re just not getting clean)

Popular Ingredients That Dogs Are Allergic To

Dogs can develop allergies to some of the most common ingredients found in traditional dog food. Here’s a quick rundown of the usual suspects:

• Beef: It’s the No. 1 allergen for dogs. Who knew steak could be so scandalous?
• Chicken: Another common protein that can turn mealtime into an itch-fest.
• Dairy: Some dogs, like people, are lactose intolerant. Cue the bloating and belly rumbles.
• Wheat: A culprit in many grain-sensitive pups.
• Eggs: Yep, even those breakfast favourites can cause trouble for sensitive dogs due to the proteins found within them.

What Are the Different Types of Hypoallergenic Wet Dog Food?

Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is hypoallergenic dog food? Well, it’s not a magic potion (though it might feel like one for allergy-prone pups!) Hypoallergenic dog food is designed to avoid triggering allergies by removing or altering ingredients that tend to cause reactions. The goal is to give your dog a meal that their immune system doesn’t mistake for an enemy, leading to fewer flare-ups, less itching and a much happier pooch. 

Now, when it comes to wet hypoallergenic dog food, there are a few varieties to choose from, each designed to cater to different sensitivities and dietary needs:

1. Hydrolysed Protein Wet Food

In this fancy-sounding option, proteins are broken down into tiny bits that are too small for your dog’s immune system to notice. It’s like the food is wearing a disguise, so it doesn’t set off allergic reactions.

• Pros: Great for severe allergies since the proteins are so thoroughly disguised.
• Cons: A bit on the pricier side and may not have the most appealing taste.

2. Novel Protein Wet Food

Here’s a tasty alternative that offers less common proteins, like venison, rabbit, duck or (our favourite) insect protein. Because these proteins aren’t part of your dog’s usual diet, they’re less likely to cause a reaction.

• Pros: Effective for dogs with protein allergies.
• Cons: Might be a little harder to find depending on the protein and could cost a bit more than regular dog food.

3. Limited Ingredient Wet Food

As the name suggests, this type keeps things simple. Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential allergens, so you can keep a closer eye on what’s going into your dog’s tummy.

• Pros: Minimises exposure to allergens and is great for pups with sensitive systems.
• Cons: Limited ingredients sometimes mean fewer flavours and your dog could get bored.

What Are the Benefits of Hypoallergenic Wet Dog Food?

So, why go wet when choosing hypoallergenic dog food? Let’s break down the benefits:

1. Easier on Sensitive Stomachs

Wet dog food tends to be gentler on your dog’s digestive system compared to kibble. The higher moisture content helps with digestion and hydration, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

2. More Palatable

If your dog is a picky eater or has lost their appetite due to allergies, wet food might be just what they need. The richer taste and texture can tempt even the fussiest of pups (trust us, we know!)

3. Higher Moisture Content

Some dogs don’t willingly drink enough water. Wet food provides extra hydration, which is especially important for dogs prone to urinary issues or those living in warmer climates.

4. Better Skin and Coat Health

Thanks to its high-fat content and hypoallergenic ingredients, wet food can work wonders for dogs with allergies. You’ll likely see an improvement in their coat, less itching and fewer ear infections.

5. Tailored Nutrition

Hypoallergenic wet dog food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition without the allergens. This means your dog can enjoy all the goodness without the nasty side effects.

6. Variety of Formulations

Whether you go for hydrolysed proteins, novel proteins or insect-based food, hypoallergenic wet options offer a wide range of choices that allow you to cater to your dog’s specific needs.

 

Insect-Based Wet Dog Food

Here’s where things get really interesting. As we mentioned above, hypoallergenic diets can also include some rather unconventional proteins, like insects and these are the super-heroes in tackling allergy-related issues. The benefits include:

• Sustainability: Insects use far fewer resources to farm than traditional livestock. Hello, eco-friendly dog food!
• Highly digestible: Insect protein is easy on your dog’s tummy and great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Gut health: Packed with anti-microbial peptides and other good stuff, insect protein can help improve your dog’s digestive and immune systems.
• Nutritional powerhouse: Insects are loaded with protein, healthy fats and essential amino acids – everything your dog needs to stay strong and happy.

Does My Dog Need Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

Wondering if your pup really needs to make the switch to hypoallergenic food? If they’re showing signs of food allergies (itching, ear infections, tummy troubles), it’s definitely worth considering. Before making any changes, though, it’s smart to consult with your vet. They will most probably recommend trying an elimination diet to pinpoint the problem ingredient.

How to Switch to a Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Switching your dog’s food needs to be taken slow and steady. We always recommend that you:

• Do: Transition over 7–10 days by slowly mixing the new food with their old food.
• Don’t: Introduce new treats or snacks during this time.
• Do: Monitor your dog for improvements or any signs of discomfort.
• Don’t: Rush it! A slow transition will help prevent upset tummies.

Grub Club’s Hypoallergenic Insect-Based Wet Dog Food

Ready to give your dog the best hypoallergenic wet food on the market? Grub Club’s got you covered with our insect-based wet dog food, designed to be gentle on sensitive tummies while packing a nutritional punch. Here’s why our food stands out:

• Hypoallergenic: Perfect for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities.
• Sustainable: Our insect protein is eco-friendly and a great alternative to traditional meat sources.
• Nutrient-rich: Packed with all the essential nutrients your dog needs.
• Delicious: we've used high quality and delicious ingredients to ensure dogs absolutely wolf down our wet food recipes - whether they're enjoyed alone or combined with All-Day Buffet, our hypoallergenic dry dog food.

Plus, we offer both dry and wet hypoallergenic dog food, so there’s something for every dog’s taste and dietary needs. Shop our range of hypoallergenic insect-based dog food today.

Our wet food launches in late 2024 - join the waitlist here  for exclusive early access.

Your dog (and the planet) will thank you!

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