A Complete Guide to Hypoallergenic Dog Food

As a dog owner, there’s nothing worse than watching your furry friend suffer from food allergies, especially when they are looking up at you with those “help me” puppy dog eyes. From nonstop scratching to digestive disasters (we’re talking ear infections, hair loss and more), food allergies and sensitivities can wreak havoc on your dog’s life. But don’t panic! We’ve been in the dog food trenches ourselves and have come out the other side with a revolutionary solution – our hypoallergenic dog food. It’s not only kind to your pup’s tummy but also to the planet! Ready to learn more about hypoallergenic diets and how they can give your dog the relief they deserve? Then read on…

Why Do Dogs Get Allergies or Sensitivities to Their Food?

Just like their humans, dogs can develop food sensitivities or allergies with the usual culprits being proteins, grains and wheat. But what causes their body to throw such a hissy fit? It’s all about the immune system. For some unlucky pooches, their immune system misreads a harmless ingredient as an enemy invader leading to a histamine release which is quickly followed by allergic reactions such as itchy skin, upset stomachs and sad doggos all around. Think of it like your dog’s body yelling, “Stranger danger!” to their food.

Popular Ingredients That Dogs Are Allergic To

It may really surprise you to learn that some of the ingredients we’ve always thought were nutritionally good for our pups can actually be the hidden troublemakers. Let’s take a look at the most common offenders:

• Beef – Yep, even though it’s the main event in so many dog foods, beef is a leading allergen. Long-term exposure can turn your dog into an itching machine.
• Dairy – Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which leads to bloating, diarrhoea and other less-than-pleasant outcomes.
• Chicken – A very common ingredient in dog food, but some dogs develop allergies to it over time. Expect itchy skin and ear infections to pop up if this is the case.
• Wheat – For the gluten-sensitive pooches out there, wheat can be a major irritant, causing tummy troubles and itchy skin.
• Eggs – Allergy to egg proteins? Yep, it’s a thing, and it can cause digestive issues and skin problems.
• Soy – Some dogs can’t handle this plant-based protein, leading to everything from tummy upset to some seriously strange mood swings (thanks to hormone changes).
• Lamb – Surprisingly, even this go-to option for food-sensitive dogs can sometimes cause allergies.
• Corn – Often used as a filler in dog food, corn can trigger allergic reactions and inflammation in sensitive pups.
• Fish – Though it’s generally healthy, some dogs develop allergies to fish proteins. Sorry, salmon lovers.
• Pork – Less common but still a possibility, pork can cause digestive distress and skin irritation.

What Are the Different Types of Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

When it comes to hypoallergenic dog food, the goal is simple: keep the allergens out! This is done by removing the common troublemakers or breaking proteins down into itty-bitty pieces so your dog’s immune system doesn’t recognise them as a threat. Here are the main players in the hypoallergenic food game:

Hydrolysed Diets

Hydrolysed diets involve breaking down proteins into smaller pieces, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. This process alters the protein structure so the immune system doesn’t identify it as an allergen.

Pros:

• Highly effective for severe allergies
• Available through veterinary prescription

Cons:

• Pricey
• Some dogs find them less tasty (food is only good if your dog actually eats it, right?)

Prescription Diets

Prescription hypoallergenic diets are available only through a vet and are formulated specifically for dogs with known allergies or severe sensitivities.

Pros:

• Tailored to your dog’s exact needs
• Backed by scientific research

Cons:

• A little on the expensive side
• Requires a vet’s approval to purchase

Vegan Diets

Vegan dog food removes animal proteins altogether and relies on plant-based proteins. This can be helpful for dogs allergic to multiple animal proteins like beef, chicken and dairy.

Pros:

• Great for dogs with allergies to multiple animal proteins
• Planet-friendly and ethical

Cons:

• Not all dogs will thrive on plant-based diets (they’re still carnivores at heart)
• Requires careful balancing to ensure all nutritional needs are met

Novel Protein Diets

Ever heard of dogs dining on rabbit, venison, duck or even kangaroo? It may sound fancy or even crazy but these less common proteins are perfect for dogs that have developed allergies to the usual suspects like beef or chicken.

Pros:

• Effective for dogs with protein-specific allergies
• Provides variety beyond the usual kibble

Cons:

• Can be a bit pricier
• Limited availability in some areas (not every grocery store stocks kangaroo, after all)

Insect-Based Dog Food

This is where things get really cool. Insect protein (yes, bugs!) is a rising star in the hypoallergenic dog food world. Not only is it sustainable, but it’s also highly nutritious and brilliant for combatting sensitivity issues.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic due to its novel protein source
• Packed with essential nutrients, amino acids and omega-3s!
• Gut health benefits thanks to prebiotics
• Ultra-sustainable and eco-friendly

Cons:

• Less familiar to dog owners… But we are working on that!!

Does My Dog Need Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

If your dog is showing signs of food allergies such as itchy skin, chronic ear infections and/or gastrointestinal issues you might want to consider a hypoallergenic diet. However, before making any drastic changes always consult with your vet first to check for any other possible health issues and to gain advice. They will most probably recommend that you carry out an elimination diet to pinpoint the root cause of the allergy which involves the systematic removal of potential allergens from their diet, replacing them with novel, hypoallergenic ingredients. For more information on this process, you can read our ultimate guide on elimination diets here.

How to Switch to a Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Switching to a new diet shouldn’t be a sudden change. Think of it as introducing your dog to a new food group slowly, instead of inviting them to the buffet all at once. Here’s how to make the transition smooth:

• 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 Dog Food

At Grub Club, we’re all about helping your dog live their best life without allergies getting in the way. That’s why we’ve created a range of insect-based, hypoallergenic dog food and treats that are not only gentle on your dog’s tummy but also packed with nutritional benefits. Plus, they’re kind to the planet (bonus points for being sustainable!)

Here’s what you get with Grub Club’s hypoallergenic insect-based dog food:

• Packed with essential nutrients: Highly digestible proteins, amino acids, omega-3s – everything your dog needs to stay healthy.
• Sustainable ingredients: Our insect protein dramatically reduces your pet’s environmental pawprint.
• Skin & coat support: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids to promote shiny coats and healthy skin.

So, what do you think? Ready to give your dog some well-deserved relief from food allergies? Shop our range of hypoallergenic insect-based dog food today.

Your pup (and the planet) will thank you!

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