Chances are, you know someone with allergies. Allergies are the body’s reaction, specifically, the immune system’s reaction, to normally harmless substances. Usually, people who are allergic to something avoid these allergens because the adverse effects can be mild or irritating, or worse, deadly and life-threatening. You may be shocked to know that our dogs aren’t exempt from allergies - even in their food. This is where hypoallergenic dog food comes in.
Food allergies usually manifest in dogs after a prolonged period of exposure or consumption of certain food. When it comes to food allergies, the immune system of our pets produces antibodies against a part of the food, likely a chemical, a protein, or some kind of carbohydrate. Our dogs may itch a lot more than usual - they might have itchy skin, paws, and/or ears. Their stomach might be more sensitive, and they might vomit or have diarrhea. They could also become more hyperactive or have less energy, lose weight, or even become aggressive. Whatever the case, one has to be vigilant and ensure that they’re not allergic to the food they’re eating. If you suspect your dog may have an allergy, check with your veterinarian.
To solve this, you could feed your dog hypoallergenic dog food instead. Of course, check first with a veterinarian if you are needed to do so for your dog. The term “hypoallergenic” means that it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Hypoallergenic dog food is made from nutritious ingredients that aren’t usually in standard bags of dog food. Generally, this kind of dog food does not have any preservatives, chemicals, or artificial coloring. Because of its usage of unique proteins and other substances that aren’t recognized by your dog’s antibodies as antigens, hypoallergenic dog food removes or minimizes the risk of allergic reactions in your dog.
