Hypoallergenic dog food

A hypoallergenic diet is a diet which is less likely than the average diet to cause an allergic reaction in a dog, when that diet is eaten. The reaction is usually related to inflammation and itching in skin and ears. Hypoallergenic diets can also help dogs with a food intolerance. A food intolerance is a reaction involving the gastrointestinal tract, and most commonly results in vomiting or chronic diarrhea. Proteins, especially animal proteins including dairy, are the ingredients most likely to cause this, although wheat and corn can also cause problems Hypoallergenic diets were created to be able to present a dog with a protein that they had not been exposed to previously. Food allergies and food intolerances develop when a dog is exposed to a protein, so they will not initially show any signs when first presented with a new protein. There are 2 ways to accomplish this: Use hydrolyzed proteins, which are chemically treated to break down large protein molecules into small molecules. In July 2025 the most common proteins in hydrolyzed protein diets available in the US came from soy, chicken, chicken liver, salmon, and pork. Novel ingredient proteins, which dogs have not been exposed to previously. In July 2025 in the US, the most common novel ingredient diets had kangaroo, salmon, duck, venison as their main protein source. Adding novel protein sources, such as novel meats that a dog or its ancestors have never been exposed to is one method. Not all antigens are specific to proteins, however, and it is possible for almost anything that the body ingests to become an allergen. Providing diets with a limited amount of ingredients can be used for diagnostic purposes, as well as for dogs who are allergic to the common ingredients that are used in pet food. Vitamins A and E, and fiber. == Allergen responses and symptoms ==

. Once binding occurs, mast cell degranulation follows, releasing granules that initiate the symptoms of an allergic reaction in the body. These signs are very similar to, but should not be confused with canine atopic dermatitis, which is not caused by food allergies. == Diet types ==

Hydrolyzed protein diets One of the possible causes of food allergies in dogs is a reaction of the dog's immune system to the proteins in a diet. One method that may be used to try and combat this immunologic response in dogs with food allergies is the use of hydrolyzed proteins in the diet. Whole proteins are composed of single amino acids organized into a chain, which then interact in order to fold the protein into its final three-dimensional structure. Hydrolyzed proteins are whole proteins that have been broken down into smaller polypeptides through a process called protein hydrolysis. One method of protein hydrolysis involves the use of enzymes specific to proteins called proteases. Proteases act by cleaving or cutting whole proteins at specific amino acids within their structure in order to form multiple small polypeptides from a single whole protein. These protein sources have been proven to elicit an allergic response in dogs with food allergies. Novel protein sources include venison, kangaroo and fish, such as salmon. Limited ingredient diets Introducing a food that consists of limited ingredients is a common method of reducing the occurrence of food related allergic reactions in dogs. Limited ingredient diets are made up of fewer ingredients, typically limiting the formula to one protein, carbohydrate, and/or fat. This is an attempt to improve digestion and reduce the likelihood of a reaction ensuing in dogs with sensitivities to common ingredients found in most commercial dog foods. These diets will avoid protein and carbohydrate sources, such as beef, dairy, poultry, barley, and wheat. Studies have shown that it is possible for dogs to have symptoms caused by more than one ingredient in a given diet, this makes the use of a limited ingredient diet relevant as a result of the inclusion of single protein and carbohydrate sources. If symptoms of food allergies persist after the introduction of this type of diet, it can also be helpful for determining the new allergen that is causing the adverse reaction due to the limited number of ingredients. Although these diets consist of fewer dietary ingredients, they still provide all the necessary nutrients to meet the animal's requirements. == Nutrients included in hypoallergenic diets ==

Omega-3 fatty acids Essential n-3 fatty acids in dog food help to treat the inflammation associated with allergic reactions. Vitamin A Vitamin A is involved in cell growth and division, as well as hair growth and skin maintenance. corn oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil. Zinc Zinc supplementation in hypoallergenic dog foods aids in the maintenance of skin and coat health. Novel carbohydrates Carbohydrates are large macronutrients which supply energy to the organism consuming them, and include nutrients such as sugars, oligosaccharides, and starches. Dogs may become sensitive or allergic to certain carbohydrate sources in their diet, and novel carbohydrates may be used in an attempt to avoid this reaction. Fiber Negative digestive effects that accompany dietary food allergies can be reduced by including soluble and insoluble fibers. Insoluble fibers have a relatively low fermentability, which help to decrease the negative digestive effects such as gas and soft stools. FOS act as a prebiotic to increase the growth of beneficial bacteria and hinder the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the animal's digestive tract. Common ingredients in dog food that provide such fibers include beet pulp, cellulose and chicory root. == See also ==