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What are Food Allergy and Food Intolerance?

A food allergy is an immune reaction to a specific protein in the food, while a food intolerance is a non-immune mediated reaction (e.g. due to digestive problems). The symptoms are often similar and include:

• **Skin problems:** Intense itching, redness, rashes, hair loss, and recurring ear infections. We also offer special food for skin health dogs .
• **Gastrointestinal problems:** Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain. For more specific stomach problems, see our food for gastrointestinal diseases in dogs .
• **Other symptoms:** In rare cases, breathing problems or behavioral changes.

Diagnosis is best made through a strict elimination diet in consultation with a veterinarian, where a hypoallergenic food is used.

How Does Hypoallergenic Food Work?

Hypoallergenic food is designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions through two main strategies:

1. **Hydrolyzed Proteins:** The proteins are broken down into fragments so small that the dog's immune system does not recognize them as allergens. This is the most effective method and often the standard in veterinary food for allergies.
2. **Novel Proteins:** Foods with unusual protein sources that your dog has probably never eaten before (e.g. duck, game, insects).

In addition, these feeds often contain:

• Simple, easily digestible carbohydrate source (rice, potatoes).
• Added Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) to reduce inflammation and support skin and coat.
• Prebiotics and probiotics to promote healthy gut flora.
• Limited number of ingredients to reduce allergen exposure.

Who Needs Hypoallergenic Food?

Hypoallergenic food is suitable for dogs with:

• Suspected or confirmed food allergy/intolerance.
• Chronic skin problems such as itching, redness and recurring ear infections.
• Chronic gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Remember to always consult a veterinarian before starting an elimination diet or switching to a hypoallergenic food .

Supplementary Measures for Allergic Dogs

To give your dog the best possible relief and quality of life, supplement the food change with:

1. **Strict Diet Compliance:** No exceptions! Avoid all foods, treats, and chews that are not part of the hypoallergenic diet. Inform everyone who interacts with the dog.
2. **Treatment of Secondary Infections:** If the skin is damaged by itching, bacterial or yeast infections can occur. These often require veterinary treatment with medications and medicated shampoos.
3. **Skin and Coat Care:** Use mild, hypoallergenic shampoos and consider supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids to support the skin's barrier function.
4. **Environmental Control:** If the dog also suffers from atopy (allergy to environmental allergens such as pollen or mites), reduce exposure through regular cleaning and bathing.
5. **Regular Vet Visits:** Important for monitoring and adjusting the treatment plan. The vet can also help manage other related health issues such as weight management , joint problems , diabetes , kidney disease , liver disease , urinary tract problems , stress/nervousness , dental health , and heart disease .

At Zoostar.se we have selected the best hypoallergenic foods to help your dog live a symptom-free and happy life. Discover our full range of hypoallergenic dog food today!

Frequently Asked Questions about Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Here we answer some of the most frequent questions we receive regarding hypoallergenic dog food.

What is food allergy/food intolerance in dogs and how does it manifest itself?

Food allergies and food intolerances are common problems in dogs that can cause great discomfort and significantly affect their quality of life. Although the symptoms may be similar, the mechanisms behind them are different. What is a food allergy? A food allergy is an immune-mediated reaction to a specific protein in the food. The dog's immune system misinterprets an otherwise harmless protein as a threat, triggering an allergic reaction. This can develop at any time in life, even if the dog has been eating the same food for a long time. The most common allergens are proteins from beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, soy, lamb and fish. What is a food intolerance? Food intolerance, unlike an allergy, is not immune-mediated. It is a non-allergic reaction to an ingredient in the food that is due to problems with digestion or a hypersensitivity to certain substances (e.g. lactose intolerance). Food intolerance is often dose-dependent, which means that a small amount of the triggering ingredient may not cause symptoms, while a larger amount does. How does a food allergy/food intolerance manifest itself in dogs? Symptoms can vary greatly between individuals and can be difficult to distinguish from other medical conditions. Therefore, a veterinary examination is always necessary. The most common symptoms include: 1. Skin problems: This is by far the most common type of symptom. - Itching (pruritus): Intense itching all over the body, but especially around the ears, paws, groin and armpits. The dog bites, licks and scratches constantly. - Skin inflammations: Redness, rashes, crusts and pimples. - Secondary infections: Due to the itching and damage to the skin, bacterial (pyoderma) and yeast infections (Malassezia) can occur. - Hair loss: As a result of persistent itching and licking. - Recurrent ear infections: Inflammation and itching in the ears is a very common sign of food allergy. 2. Gastrointestinal problems: These symptoms are also common, but usually occur together with skin problems. - Vomiting: Frequent or recurrent vomiting. - Diarrhea: Chronic or recurrent diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or blood. - Flatulence (gas): Increased gas production. - Abdominal pain: The dog may show signs of abdominal discomfort. - Decreased appetite or weight loss: In more severe cases. 3. Other, less common symptoms: - Respiratory problems: In rare cases, food allergies can lead to breathing difficulties. - Behavioral changes: The dog may become anxious, irritable or depressed due to the constant discomfort. Diagnosis of food allergy/intolerance: The only reliable method for diagnosing food allergy is a strict elimination diet. This means that for a period (often 8-12 weeks) the dog is only allowed to eat a strictly hypoallergenic food containing hydrolyzed proteins or a completely new protein source that the dog has never eaten before (exotic proteins). Everything else, including treats, leftovers and chew bones, must be excluded. If the symptoms improve during the diet, and then return when the original food is reintroduced, the diagnosis has been made. It is important to always carry this out in consultation with a veterinarian. At Zoostar.se you will find a wide range of hypoallergenic dog food, including veterinary food that is adapted for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.

What is a hypoallergenic food and how does it work?

A hypoallergenic diet is specifically designed for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. The goal is to eliminate the ingredients that most often trigger allergic reactions and to provide a safe and nutritious diet. How does hypoallergenic diet work? There are two main strategies used in hypoallergenic diets to minimize the risk of allergic reactions: 1. Hydrolyzed proteins: This is the most advanced and effective method of managing food allergies. Proteins, which are the molecules that most often trigger allergic reactions, are broken down into such small fragments (peptides and amino acids) that the dog's immune system no longer recognizes them as allergens. The immune system is therefore not triggered, and an allergic reaction is avoided. These diets are often called 'hydrolyzed diets' and are the gold standard for elimination diets. 2. Novel proteins: These diets contain protein sources that your dog has probably never eaten before, and therefore has not had time to develop an allergy to. Examples of such protein sources include game (e.g. deer, elk), duck, insects, kangaroo or ostrich. Although these can be effective, there is always the risk that the dog has an undetected allergy to these proteins as well, or that it develops a new allergy over time. Therefore, hydrolyzed diets are often preferred for the diagnosis and long-term management of confirmed allergies. In addition to the protein source, hypoallergenic food often contains: - Simple carbohydrate source: To minimize the risk of reactions, a single, easily digestible carbohydrate source such as rice, potato or tapioca is often used. - Balanced fat composition: Often with added omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fish oil, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These are particularly important for dogs with skin problems, as inflammation of the skin is a common symptom of allergies. Omega-3 can also contribute to a healthy coat and healthy skin in dogs. - Prebiotics and probiotics: To support healthy intestinal flora and good digestion, which is crucial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal diseases. - Limited number of ingredients: The fewer ingredients, the less risk of finding an allergen. Many hypoallergenic foods are therefore so-called 'limited ingredient diets'. Who needs hypoallergenic food? - Dogs with suspected food allergy or food intolerance (to make a diagnosis through an elimination diet). - Dogs with confirmed food allergy as a lifelong diet. - Dogs with chronic skin problems (itching, redness, recurrent ear infections) where allergy is suspected. - Dogs with chronic gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea) where food sensitivity is suspected. Important to consider: - Consult a veterinarian: Never start an elimination diet without the veterinarian's guidance. They can help you choose the right food, monitor the process and rule out other medical causes of the symptoms. - Strict diet: During an elimination diet, it is absolutely forbidden to give anything other than the hypoallergenic food – no treats, leftovers, chew bones or medicines with flavors that may contain allergens. - Patience: It can take up to 8-12 weeks to see the full effect of an elimination diet. At Zoostar.se we offer a wide selection of hypoallergenic food for dogs, including many veterinary foods that are developed to meet the strictest requirements for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. We also have special foods such as food for joint and movement health in dogs and weight control for dogs, as these conditions can sometimes be related to or aggravated by food allergies.

What other measures can support my dog with food allergies/sensitivities?

While a hypoallergenic diet is essential for managing food allergies and sensitivities, it is often necessary to supplement with other measures to achieve the best possible results and improve your dog’s quality of life. Here are some important complementary measures: 1. Strict adherence to the diet: This is absolutely crucial. A single small piece of the wrong food can trigger a reaction and sabotage the entire dietary investigation. - No exceptions: Everything your dog eats must be certified hypoallergenic. This includes treats, chews, leftovers, table food, and even flavored medications or supplements. - Inform everyone: Make sure everyone in the household, family and friends who interact with your dog, is aware of the strict diet and follows it closely. - Clean food bowls: Wash food and water bowls regularly to avoid residue from previous food. 2. Manage secondary infections: Food allergies often lead to skin damage and chronic inflammation, making the dog susceptible to secondary bacterial infections (pyoderma) and yeast infections (Malassezia). - Veterinary treatment: These infections must be treated by a veterinarian with antibiotics and/or antifungals, often in combination with medicated shampoos. - Regular hygiene: Regular bathing with mild, hypoallergenic shampoos can relieve itching and contribute to healthy skin health. 3. Supplements that support skin and coat: Although hypoallergenic foods often contain certain nutrients for skin health, additional supplements may be beneficial: - Omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA, from fish oil, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve itching and support the skin's barrier function. - Fatty acids from Borage Oil or Evening Primrose Oil: Can also contribute to skin elasticity and reduce inflammation. - Biotin and Zinc: Important for healthy skin and coat. 4. Environmental control (in case of atopy/atopic dermatitis): If your dog has both food allergies and atopic dermatitis (allergy to substances in the environment such as pollen, mites), it is important to also manage the environmental allergens. - Frequent vacuuming and washing of bedding. - Bathing to rinse allergens from the fur. - Use of air purifiers. - Veterinarian may prescribe medications to control atopy. 5. Drug treatment if necessary: In some cases, especially during the investigation period or in case of severe symptoms, the veterinarian may prescribe medications to quickly relieve itching and inflammation. - Cortisone: Effective but with side effects with long-term use. - Cyclosporine or Oclacitinib (Apoquel): Specific immunomodulatory drugs for itching. - Local treatments: Ointments, sprays or ear cleaners for specific problem areas. 6. Manage related health problems: Dogs with allergies may have other underlying or related problems. - Stomach and intestinal diseases: Can be aggravated by allergies. - Joint and movement health: Some allergic reactions can indirectly affect movement. - Weight control: A healthy weight is important for overall well-being. 7. Regular veterinary visits: Continuous follow-up with the veterinarian is crucial to ensure that the treatment plan is effective and that adjustments are made as needed. They can also recommend veterinary foods that are adapted to multiple health conditions. By combining a suitable hypoallergenic food with these complementary measures, you give your dog the best conditions for a comfortable and symptom-free life. Remember that Zoostar.se also has food for other specific needs such as diabetes control, kidney disease, liver disease, urinary tract problems, stress/nervousness, dental health and heart disease.