Evie Randall
30 January 2024
As our furry companions age, their nutritional needs evolve, and for some senior dogs, allergies can become a concern. Choosing the right dog food is crucial to ensure their well-being and address any allergy-related issues. In this article, we will explore the top choices for the best senior dog food for allergies, catering to the specific dietary requirements of our aging canine friends.
If there’s one thing we know for certain it’s that dogs love their food. Isn’t that right, pooch?
“Woof! Just watching the bowl getting filled up makes me excited!”
As owners, we love watching our four-legged companions get happy with a healthy and nutritious bowl of goodness in front of them.
However, like humans, dogs can also be allergic to certain foods. Therefore, you should keep this in mind when choosing their food.
While there are some obvious foods that dogs should avoid at all costs, like onions and chocolate, there are certain random foods that your dog can be allergic to.
For some pet owners, this can be particularly worrying. However, there are tons of allergy-friendly dog food options that your pooch is sure to love.
When feeding your senior dog new food, it is essential to watch how they react and make a note to talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned.
Today, Honey and her lovely pet parent will be explaining everything you need to know about the best dog food for senior dogs with allergies.
Below, we have outlined the most common symptoms to look out for when selecting the best senior dog food for allergies. These include:
Unfortunately, there are a lot of potential allergens in commercial dog food, which can make it difficult to pinpoint what exactly your dog is allergic to. Some of the things dogs can develop allergic reactions to might surprise you!
“Interesting… I think I’m allergic to bath time and the vet!”
Nice try, Honey. Now, let’s take a look at some things senior dogs can actually be allergic to.
A common type of allergen is meat. Some of the main culprits include chicken and beef – which can be found in a wide range of dog food.
“What?! Does that mean it’s not safe for me to eat meat anymore?”
No, Honey, don’t panic. We know you love your chicken! Not all dogs are allergic to meat, and determining whether your dog is allergic to chicken or beef is easy: simply remove it from their diet for 3 weeks and see if there is any difference.
If there is no reaction, this means the allergic response is gone. When your dog’s digestive system doesn’t tolerate chicken, beef, or pork, there are other options like rabbit or venison.
An allergy to dairy products is frequently the result of lactose being present in these foods.
Dogs with this allergy should avoid sour cream, milk, cheese, and yogurt. This shouldn’t be a problem since these foods aren’t necessary in your dog’s diet.
“Woof! But I love a bowl of milk!”
Unfortunately, your stomach doesn’t love it quite as much as you do, Honey! To all our readers, if your four-legged friend is anything like ours, you can opt for lactose-free milk for them to enjoy.
For some dogs, bread and other pastries can cause an allergic reaction.
Many commercial foods contain significant amounts of fillers, such as wheat. If your dog exhibits allergic symptoms to your chosen dog food, it could be down to the wheat products within.
In these circumstances, be sure to carefully review your dog’s food label, since some foods contain traces of wheat flour – which is enough to cause an allergic reaction.
Another allergen is fish. Some commercial foods are known to contain fish. Bear in mind, your dog could be allergic to one type of fish or all types.
Likewise, soy and soy products can be another allergen in dogs. Make sure to carefully read the labels to avoid any dog food containing soy.
Despite dogs not needing eggs in their diet, some owners include them anyway. If you do choose to introduce eggs to your pet’s diet, be aware dogs can develop an allergy over time.
You have several things to consider when finding the best dog food for senior dogs with skin allergies. In particular, look for:
Before purchasing a new type of dog food, it is crucial to scan the entire ingredients list carefully – this can be found on the back of the product.
You’ll want to opt for food that features limited ingredients. Instead of being packed with chemicals and preservatives, the food should contain easy-to-distinguish ingredients.
Sometimes, dog food can focus on a particular ingredient or attribute in its marketing. However, the formulation includes protein by-products and other unnatural ingredients.
These can sometimes be the culprit when it comes to allergens in dog food.
Some grains commonly found in dog food include corn, barley, rice, oats, rye, sorghum, and wheat… to name a few.
For grain-free foods, you’ll often find legumes (e.g. lentils and peas) and starches (e.g. sweet potatoes and potatoes) in their place.
Novel protein includes foods such as venison, rabbit, duck, and kangaroo. These are considered novel since they are rarely used commercially.
Allergic reactions to proteins happen when your dog’s body recognizes the protein as being ‘foreign’ and produces an immune response against it.
If the dog’s immune system does not recognize the protein, it can’t produce an allergic reaction. Therefore, introducing a new protein is a good way to identify a food allergy and reduce symptoms.
“Woof! That makes sense! You know, my ear’s suddenly feeling kind of itchy… Maybe I should try some of those novel cookies over there…”
Cookies aren’t proteins, Honey. Anyway, these products are becoming increasingly popular, which means that many retailers are now selling these specialized diets for dogs with allergies.
Hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs are the best senior dog food for allergies because the proteins are broken down into pieces that are so small that the dog’s immune system can’t detect them. This is a good option if your dog has already tried all the proteins used in novel protein diets.
However, hydrolyzed diets aren’t intended for long-term use. They’re more of a diagnostic tool to help you determine if your dog is allergic to its regular food. They also help to provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms.
A raw food dog diet refers to an uncooked diet that usually consists of these ingredients: bones (whole/ground), muscles, raw eggs, organs (including kidneys and liver), fruit, dairy, and vegetables.
This diet can be beneficial since it isn’t manufactured! In fact, Honey is on this type of diet, isn’t that right?
“Woof! Yes, it is the only diet I can tolerate!”
To help you find the best dog food for senior dogs with skin allergies, we’ve compiled a list of dog foods to keep your senior dog happy and healthy.
As pet owners, we all want our pets to live long and healthy lives.
“Woof! We do too!”
Therefore, to achieve this, you’ll want to ensure their diet matches their requirements as they age. This blend of Blue Buffalo turkey and potato is the perfect example.
Here, turkey is the main ingredient that gives your dog a protein boost while avoiding potential allergen triggers like beef and chicken.
If you notice your dog scratching, consider adjusting their diet. One of the most trusted brands is Hill’s Science Diet.
This particular blend has chicken as its main ingredient. It is also high in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, which are required for healthy skin.
This single-protein dry food is made with allergy-prone dogs in mind.
It provides them with all the nutrition they need without any ingredients that can upset their stomachs.
A lot of the best senior dog food for allergies is quite expensive. The Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet is recommended by many vets for its wholesome ingredients—and value price. Thanks to the addition of probiotics and fiber, it is designed to be easily digestible – perfect for senior dogs!
As its name suggests, this dog food contains hydrolyzed protein. Essentially, this protein has been broken down into small components to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction.
Known throughout the industry as the best dog food for senior dogs with skin allergies, it makes for a highly digestible formula that uses high-quality ingredients, like zinc, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin A to help protect your dog’s skin.
This dog food was formulated to meet the nutritional levels required by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles – offering your dog a well-rounded meal without any potentially worrying ingredients.
Choosing the best dog food for senior dogs with skin allergies involves understanding your furry friend’s specific sensitivities and selecting a high-quality, well-balanced diet. The options listed above cater to various allergy concerns, providing senior dogs with the nutrition they need for a happy and healthy life.
Consider consulting your veterinarian to determine the most suitable choice for your senior dog’s unique dietary requirements.
Remember, the key to a thriving senior dog lies in a nutritious diet tailored to their individual needs. Invest in their well-being with the best senior dog food for allergies, and watch them enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
As the founder of KnowMyDog.com, Stephanie Dowling has dedicated herself to providing senior dog owners with the knowledge and resources they need to take care of their furry friends in their golden years. Her passion for dogs and her expertise in digital marketing have enabled her to create a platform that offers comprehensive information on senior dog health and nutrition, as well as a wide range of products tailored to the needs of older dogs.
Stephanie’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by senior dog owners has been instrumental in the success of KnowMyDog.com. Through her website, she has been able to educate pet owners on the importance of regular veterinary care, exercise, and a balanced diet in ensuring the health and well-being of their aging pets. Her commitment to providing high-quality products and services has earned her a loyal following among dog owners, who trust her expertise and rely on her platform for guidance and support. Overall, Stephanie’s dedication to helping senior dogs and their owners has made a significant impact in the pet industry, and her work will undoubtedly continue to benefit countless dogs and their human companions for years to come.
