What Causes Allergies in Dogs?

Just like humans, pups of all ages and breeds are susceptible to seasonal allergies. Symptoms can be triggered by exposure to dust, pollen, mold, or other environmental allergens. When pollen counts peak from February to August, it’s no surprise that our dogs are itching, sneezing, and scratching. 

Dogs can also be born with allergies or develop them over time. Food allergies, for example, are most common in puppies or senior dogs. Although food allergies in dogs are rare, they do exist and can make life difficult for pet parents searching how to help dogs with allergies. 

The symptoms of both food and seasonal allergies are quite similar – so it can be hard to tell the difference. Seasonal allergies in dogs usually flare up in the spring and summer months. But if your dog exhibits symptoms year-round, it may be a sign that they’re allergic to their food. 

Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has allergies. They will help you determine the cause and create a treatment plan to ease your pup’s symptoms. 

How to Help Dogs with Allergies

A solution to easing both seasonal and food allergy symptoms is feeding your pup the best protein for dogs with allergies. Proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soy tend to be the most common food allergens in dogs – so picking the right protein is key! Plus a dog food made in the USA that is free from synthetcis and has only natural ingredients can also help. 

The best food for dogs with allergies typically includes a novel protein. Novel proteins are meats that dogs aren’t often exposed to – such as pork, fish, venison, or duck. It’s less likely that dogs are allergic to novel proteins that aren’t in their normal diets. That’s why you can find novel proteins like lamb, rabbit, or turkey in the best food for dogs with allergies. 

Top 4 Novel Proteins for Dogs

Turkey 

Is turkey good for dogs? The answer is a resounding yes. Turkey is a novel protein with numerous natural health benefits. It’s also a sustainable dog food ingredient – it has a lower carbon footprint in manufacturing compared to more common proteins. 

Turkey may be the best protein for dogs with allergies because it’s so rich in natural vitamins and minerals. Because it’s so nutrient dense, dog food made with turkey doesn’t need as many ingredients to meet your pup’s nutritional needs. 

Take Sundays’ new All-Natural Turkey recipe as an example. It’s made with only 21 clean ingredients to rule out food allergens and provide dogs of all life stages with complete and balanced nutrition. Opting for novel proteins and limited ingredient diets like Sundays are how to help dogs with allergies. 

Fish

Another key protein in the best food for dogs with allergies is fish. Salmon, whitefish, herring, cod, and other types of fish are all novel proteins that are safe choices for dogs with allergies.

The natural source of fatty acids in fish can ease allergens that irritate your dog’s skin. Fish is considered the best protein for dogs with allergies that experience symptoms such as dry, red, flakey, or infected skin. The high Omega-3 levels found in fish can soothe your dog’s skin irritation and improve their coat health, as well. 

Although Sundays doesn’t have a fish recipe yet, you’ll find fish oil in all three of our recipes. Wild salmon oil is included to help your dog’s coat shine and improve their cognitive function. 

Lamb

How to help dogs with allergies to fish and turkey? Lamb-based food is another best protein for dogs with allergies. It is high in protein and natural amino acids to support your pup’s overall health. Dogs also love the taste of lamb, so there’s no need to fret if your pup is a picky eater. 

The downside of this novel protein is that it can be hard to find. Many brands sell lamb dog food that’s actually made with lamb meal instead of real lamb meat. For dogs with allergies, real meat offers more nutritional value and digestibility than meal meals. Remember to look for novel proteins as the first ingredient on dog food labels. 

Rabbit

Rabbit is another best protein for dogs with allergies – especially if you have a picky eater. Dogs adore the taste of rabbit meat. The craving for this novel protein is in their DNA. 

Historically, dogs would hunt rabbits and other vermin. Rabbits are actually one of the reasons dogs love squeaky toys so much. The squeaks mimic an injured rabbit and it activates your dog’s prey drive and desire to play. 

Besides the delicious taste, rabbit meat is rich in vitamin B12 to support your pup’s energy and nervous system. It’s also extremely high in protein compared to other meats. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Food for Dogs with Allergies 

Dog food isn’t automatically allergy-friendly just because it’s made with a novel protein. Other ingredients commonly found in dog food can flare up your dog’s allergies. Here are more guidelines you can follow to find the best food for dogs with allergies. 

Meat Should Be The First Ingredient

The most crucial rule in choosing any dog food is to look at the first ingredient. Real meat should always be the first ingredient on the label because it’s the most important. Meat provides dogs with the hefty amount of protein they need to stay active and healthy. That’s why all Sundays recipes are made with 90% real meat, organs, and bones. 

Avoid Allergen Ingredients

Even with novel protein-based recipes, there are other ingredients commonly found in dog food that can trigger allergic reactions. The best food for dogs with allergies is free of soy and corn. Soy is a main ingredient in highly-processed dog food formulas that can cause symptoms like itching or gastrointestinal distress. 

Corn isn’t good for dogs in general – but is especially harmful for dogs with allergies. This ingredient can cause your dog to have an upset stomach. Corn has hardly any nutritional value and can cause your dog’s blood sugar to spike. It’s best to avoid dog food formulas with corn even if your dog doesn’t have allergies. 

Keep an eye out for dog food ingredients that you don’t recognize. Your dog’s food should not include any artificial or synthetic ingredients – especially if your pup has allergies. The best food for dogs with allergies doesn’t need artificial colors, flavors, or additives. Choose dog food recipes like Sundays for Dogs that are made with clean, whole ingredients and nothing artificial.

Lots of Fruits & Vegetables

Help your dog avoid allergy symptoms by choosing food with plenty of fruits and veggies. There are natural antioxidants in fruits and vegetables that can boost your dog’s immune system and improve their overall health. 

Blueberries are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants along with vitamins C and K. You’ll find this fruit in a lot of dog food and treat recipes because pups happen to adore the taste of them, too! The natural nutrients and delicious taste of blueberries is why they are included in all three Sundays air-dried dog food recipes. 

Is your dog sensitive in the way of their stomach too? Check out these 7 foods that can help gassy dogs.