If your pet is experiencing constant itching, vomiting, or diarrhea, it may be an indication of a food allergy. A food allergy occurs when a dog’s immune system overreacts to an ingredient that is not actually harmful. Beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat gluten are the most prevalent food allergies in dogs.

To determine which foods your puppy is allergic to, the most precise and cost-effective approach is to conduct an elimination trial. In this trial, you remove a specific ingredient from their diet for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. If your dog’s allergy symptoms cease during this trial, then you have identified the cause. If the symptoms persist, you should repeat the process with a different ingredient.

After determining what foods your dog should avoid, the subsequent step is to select hypoallergenic dog food to prevent the recurrence of their symptoms. A hypoallergenic diet may include:

• A hydrolyzed protein diet, where the protein molecules are broken down to a size so small it becomes invisible to your dog’s immune system.
• A novel protein diet, which includes an uncommon protein source that your dog hasn’t consumed before, such as duck, rabbit, or bison.
• A limited ingredient diet, which contains a minimal number of ingredients and often a novel protein.

We will examine some of the top hypoallergenic dog foods available on the market, including recommendations from Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, a pet nutrition expert.

Canidae PURE Dog Food

Canidae’s PURE line is dedicated to offering “clean recipes with premium proteins.” The line consists of over twelve dry food options for adult dogs, which cover a range of needs such as weight management and senior dogs.

All Canidae PURE products, including wet food for adult dogs, dry and wet food for puppies, as well as toppers and treats, consist of 10 key ingredients or less and have real meat listed as the primary ingredient.

“According to Dr. Jeremiah, Canidae dog food contains top-notch animal protein sources, ensuring the presence of vital amino acids, while also being devoid of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that have the potential to cause allergies.”

• Offers a diverse range of flavors • Sources antibiotic-free meat • Features sustainable packaging • Developed by a team of experts, including a veterinary nutritionist • The Salmon and Sweet Potato variant can be found at Kibble Refill Stations

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food

The Limited Ingredient line of Natural Balance consists of 18 types of dry food specially designed for adult dogs, including six small breed recipes that are shaped to cater to small jaws and teeth.

The Limited Ingredient line offers wet and freeze-dried raw food options for adults, as well as dry food for puppies. With the exception of a few recipes, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient products prioritize listing meat as the primary ingredient and only contain one source of animal protein.

Why Wag! Loves It

• Offers a diverse range of flavors • Presents varying kibble sizes • Enhanced with omega-3 and taurine • Both new and old formulas are listed on the website • Safety and quality test results can be requested by customers

Zignature Original Dog Food

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food

According to Dr. Jeremiah, Merrick products are created using ingredients that are of high quality and made from whole foods, without the inclusion of any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Merrick’s Limited Ingredient Diet collection includes both wet and dry forms of grain-free and grain-inclusive varieties, comprising of eight recipes specifically formulated for adult dogs.

Each recipe is designed to have no more than 10 key ingredients in order to facilitate digestion, with deboned meat, fish, or poultry always being the first ingredient.

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet products are characterized by the presence of only one animal protein source and the absence of chickpeas or lentils.

• Includes only one protein source • Incorporates real whole food ingredients • Promotes proper digestion • Enriched with taurine and DL-methionine (dry recipes) • Receives approval from numerous pet parents

Best Grain-Free Dog Food & Is It Bad For Your Pup?

It is likely that you are acquainted with someone who has adopted a gluten or grain-free diet, advocating for the benefits of the Paleo Diet or referencing popular books such as Wheat Belly and Grain Brain. Retail stores have allocated shelf space for gluten-free products like pasta, crackers, cereals, cookies, and cake mixes, while eateries provide grain-free customers with options such as gluten-free pizza and beer.

What about our beloved pets who have four legs and fur? Find out about the advantages of a grain-free diet and how it can be beneficial for your dog. Additionally, we have listed our top choices for grain-free dog foods in case you and your veterinarian agree that it is the most suitable choice for your furry friend.

Is Grain Free Bad For Dogs?

After reviewing over 500 recent cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified a possible connection between consuming specific “grain-free” pet foods and the development of this condition. According to the FDA report, the majority of these cases involved dogs that consistently consumed a diet primarily free of grains.

The majority of these products were sourced from brands such as 4Health, Acana, Blue Buffalo, California Natural, Fromm, Earthborn Holistic, Merrick, Natural Balance, Nature’s Domain, Nature’s Variety, NutriSource, Nutro, Orijen, Rachael Ray Nutrish, Taste of the Wild, and Zignature.

These products have a substantial amount of peas, lentils, and other legume seeds (pulses), along with potatoes in different forms (whole, flour, protein, etc.), listed as one of the primary ingredients within the top 10 ingredients in the ingredient list, before vitamins and minerals.

In 2020, the FDA verified that no causal connection had been discovered between the increase of DCM and grain-free diets.

Grain-Free Dog Food History

Before the era of dog food being served in personalized bowls, dogs relied on hunting for their meals, which consisted of raw, protein-rich food. This is because wolves, being carnivores, do not peacefully graze on flowers. Similar to the concept of the Paleo Diet for humans, grain-free dog foods that are high in protein closely resemble a canine’s natural or “ancestral” diet. However, with the advent of mass-produced dog kibble during World War II, cheap ingredients such as corn, wheat, and barley were added to increase volume and reduce costs. Today, the majority of commercial dog foods still contain corn or wheat as one of their main components.

Despite dogs evolving from wild animals to Internet celebrities, their digestive system remains relatively primitive. Dogs do not possess sufficient natural digestive support to effectively break down and metabolize complex carbohydrates and cereal grains. As a result, these fibers and grains that are hard to digest remain undigested in the body. Fermentation becomes the primary process used to break them down. This prolonged reliance on fermentation can harm the lining of the digestive system, leading to various bowel inflammation disorders, food sensitivities, food allergies, leaky gut, and obesity.

Does My Dog Have A Food Allergy?

If your dog is showing these symptoms, communicate with your veterinarian. It is possible that a food allergy is the cause.

• Excessive flatulence
• Loose stool/diarrhea
• Rash and skin irritations
• Chronic licking, chewing, or biting to relieve itch
• Vomiting
• Frequent ear infections

Breeds At Higher Risk For Food Allergies

Additionally, certain dog breeds may exhibit a higher likelihood of developing food allergies, as indicated by certain studies.

• Retriever
• Boxer
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• Cocker Spaniel
• Collie,
• Dachshund
• Dalmatian
• Lhasa Apso
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
• Springer Spaniel
• West Highland White Terrier

What Are The Benefits Of Grain-Free Dog Food?

Why should dogs eat grain-free diets, and why is it considered better for them? Most vets now advise that carbohydrates and grains should only make up a small portion of a dog’s diet, with the recommended proportions being 50% vegetables, 40% meat protein, and 10% grains (as stated by Dogster). Grain-free dog foods, particularly moist and freeze-dried varieties, typically contain higher levels of protein and animal fats, while having fewer carbohydrates compared to grain-based alternatives. Due to these factors, grain-free options are generally easier to digest for dogs.

Additionally, there are other advantages.

• Helps keep dogs fuller longer resulting in eating less frequently (good news because grain-free/high-protein foods can be more expensive)
• May reduce canine food allergies
• More energy
• Fewer and smaller stools
• Healthier skin
• Shinier coat
• Less shedding
• Better breath
• Reduced flatulence

Is Grain-Free Food Good For Dogs?

If your dog is completely content and in good health, you might not have to modify their diet. Remember: it’s always advisable to seek advice from your veterinarian before implementing any significant alterations to your pet’s food consumption.

If your dog’s food or the brand’s website lists corn, wheat, or soy as the primary ingredients, it might be worth considering a gradual transition to a formula that primarily includes protein, such as chicken. Meanwhile, you can review the ingredients label on your dog’s food or visit the brand’s website.

Best Grain-Free Dog Food

These are a few recommendations we suggest, taking into consideration their reviews and nutritional value.

The Farmer’s Dog

The Farmer’s Dog stands out as a top choice for grain-free dog food due to its use of the freshest ingredients that are suitable for human consumption, ensuring the optimal health of your furry companion. Their subscription service is specifically designed to cater to your dog’s needs by providing the appropriate portion size and a balanced blend of essential nutrients. Additionally, the food is flash-frozen, allowing you to conveniently store it in the freezer for extended periods without compromising its quality.

Wellness CORE

If your puppy has allergies or struggles with digesting grains, Wellness CORE’s kibble is an excellent option as it contains 34% protein (from deboned turkey, turkey, and chicken meal), 16% fat, and 4% fiber. Additionally, this kibble provides omega fatty acids sourced from salmon oil and flaxseed to promote a healthy coat and skin. It also includes antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine to support overall body health.

Diamond Naturals

Diamond Naturals grain-free foods offer the perfect balance of protein, fat, and amino acids. Their comprehensive formula promotes joint health with the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin, while also prioritizing digestive health with probiotics. Furthermore, the addition of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids derived from superfoods helps to support a lustrous coat and nourished skin. The sourcing of ingredients aligns with sustainability standards, utilizing cage-free chicken, and the exclusion of corn, wheat, fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors ensures a wholesome product.