As a pet parent, you know that intolerance and allergies to certain foods are a problem in pets. Your pet might experience symptoms ranging from mild uneasiness to elevated agony. In allergies in dogs, for example, the immune system identifies certain food as harmful and hence activates antibodies to fight the ‘enemy’. Veterinarians define allergies as an immunological reaction to certain foods/ingredients. Some common allergies are: itchy skin and paws, sneezing, bacterial skin infections, pigmented or scaly or oily skin, discharge and redness in the eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, hair loss, ear infections, or bacterial infections in the ears. Yes, your pets could also have ‘inherited’ allergies from one of their parents.
The rise in the demand for hypoallergenic food for pets is therefore not surprising. The word hypoallergenic simply means that which is unlikely to cause allergies. We recommend reading labels and checking with your vet before ‘serving’ foods sold as ‘single protein’ dry foods. It would also help to understand the triggers for allergies in your pet. Your vet/pet nutritionists would be able to advise the best foods for your ‘sensitive’ buddy. We make the journey simpler by listing the qualities of hypoallergenic pet food.
- Meticulously prepared food with high-quality ingredients
Check labels to ascertain ‘what’s inside’ the pack – you deserve to know. Companies that use high-quality ingredients are sure to display them on the packets. If you are still unsure, your vet is the best bet for advice!
- One source of meat
Allergies are usually protein-triggered, and it is, therefore, advisable to choose foods that contain a single meat protein. A combination of meats would make it harder to identify the source of allergies (if they occur). Depending on your pet’s tolerance, you could alternate between meat proteins – your vet would be able to guide you on the best sources.
- Understanding ‘Hypoallergenic’ food labels
In some cases, considerable processing of foods is undertaken to ‘avoid allergens’ and this too can create problems. Foods in their natural state (whole foods that have nutrients intact) are best for your ‘allergic’ pet. Pet nutritionists recommend fresh and raw foods to help with clearing and keeping at bay allergies and ailments.
Your furry baby deserves the best!
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