Dog Food for Allergic Dogs
Alternative Healthy Diets and Foods for Dogs with Allergies
With 1 in 3 dogs in the US suffering from allergies, it might be time to look for alternatives to the antihistamines and steroids prescribed by vets.
Commercial dog foods are the leading cause of allergies. If your dog is showing allergic symptoms: scratching, rubbing, chewing at his skin, developing bald or hot spots, irritable behaviour and low energy or discharge from his eyes or ears, look to his food as a way to help. See also Dog Allergies.
A Dog’s Diet
It is generally agreed a dog’s diet should contain 22% protein, 6% fat and 4% fiber. The rest should be an equal mix of vegetables and starches. Supplement with a multi-vitamin and rotate ingredients regularly to ensure a balanced diet.
Switching Diet
Most dogs will relish fresh homemade foods after eating commercially prepared diets. However some will need to be gradually switched: substitute half of the old food for the new for a week or until the dog has accepted his new diet.
What to Feed
Protein: Chicken, turkey, fish, organ meat and eggs supply more readily available protein than beef, pork or lamb which can prove too rich for everyday food. A once or twice weekly ham or beef bone will supplement the diet with extra protein, minerals and calcium and provide great exercise for teeth and gums. Proteins can be sourced elsewhere: rice and beans combined form a complete protein, nuts provide both fat and protein, yogurt (watch for lactose sensitivity); check labels for protein levels in pulses and whole grains.
Fats: If feeding meat or fish daily, there will be enough fat provided. Additional fats can be found in nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut and by adding oil to the food. A tablespoon of fish, flax or coconut oil daily will improve the overall health and result in a beautiful shiny coat and clear eyes.
Fiber: Whole grains and pulses provide good sources of fiber and are rich in minerals and vitamins.
Starches: Brown rice, pasta (watch for wheat allergies), potatoes, whole grains and pulses all work well in a homemade diet.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, yam, spinach, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts; rotate root and leafy vegetables to ensure balance. Do not use onion as this can be dangerous to dogs; raw or spoiled garlic should never be fed.
Fruits: Many dogs enjoy fruit. Make banana, apple, melon or papaya a regular addition. Many tropical fruits have anti-parasite properties. Coconut in the shell is a good source of fat and a great exercise for teeth and jaws. Make sure your dog has access to fresh grass which is free from chemical sprays, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
How Much to Feed
This depends on the size, breed, age and activity of the dog. A general guideline is feed what the dog will eat in twenty minutes; any leftover food should be removed. However, many dogs will eat everything before them. Another guideline when first switching is to soak the amount of dry kibble for one portion and substitute this volume with homemade food. If the dog is still hungry and looking for more, give more.
Cooked or Raw
Both are viable, however for ease of preparation and digestibility cooked diets are more common. Starches must be cooked and most dogs prefer cooked vegetables. Many pet owners who feed a homemade diet prepare a weeks’ food in advance and freeze portions. Investing in a pressure cooker or a crockpot also helps with preparation.
Switching to a homemade diet is a commitment in time and energy, but enjoying a happy dog is worth the added preparation and planning.
