Does your dog have recurring skin problems, itching, digestive problems or ear infections and you suspect a food intolerance or allergy? In our daily consultation and therapeutic work, we encounter many four-legged friends with precisely these symptoms. An unsuitable diet is often the cause or an additional stress factor that permanently stresses the immune system and impairs your dog's quality of life.

Food changes, blanket recommendations or "hypoallergenic dog food" off the shelf are often not enough. It is much more important to find the cause and choose a special food that meets your dog's individual needs without unnecessary stress or irritants.

What is the difference between food intolerance and allergy in dogs?

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but from a medical point of view they are different:

• Intolerance (intolerance):
  Usually an enzymatic or digestive issue, e.g. too much grain or hard-to-digest protein sources. Symptoms typically occur in the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. flatulence, diarrhea).

• Allergy:
  An immunological reaction to certain substances such as protein sources or additives. Symptoms often include skin problems, itching, ear infections or recurring itching despite good care.

Both forms can overlap, which is precisely why an individualized approach is so important.

Choosing the right dog food: Basic principles

Away from standard dry food and wet food and towards tailor-made recipes

Many conventional foods contain a variety of ingredients that are not necessarily good for intestinal health or the immune system:

• Multiple animal protein sources = higher allergy potential

• Grains or fillers, wheat-free is not automatically hypoallergenic, can contribute to intolerances

• Artificial additives, colorants and preservatives put a strain on the body

Tip: A hypoallergenic diet that contains no more than one animal protein source and as few additives as possible reduces the risk of reactions - especially in the elimination phase.

Exclusion diet: the key to diagnosis

An elimination diet is the gold standard for finding out which substances your dog actually reacts to:

• Monoprotein complete food with a new protein source (e.g. duck, horse, fish, salmon, insect protein)

• Avoid known triggers (beef, poultry, soy, gluten)

• No additional fruit, vegetables or complex mixtures during the test phase

Over several weeks, observe whether symptoms improve. Only then is the diet systematically increased again in order to detect reactions.

Note: An exclusion diet only works if it is fed consistently.

Hydrolyzed proteins when all else fails

In the case of severe allergies, it may be useful to use hydrolyzed proteins. In this process, proteins are broken down into such small fragments that the immune system no longer recognizes them as "foreign substances".

These special feeds are often used in veterinary concepts - useful if genuine feed allergies are suspected.

Grain-free equals better? Yes and no.

Grain-free diets are often recommended, but they are not a panacea. It can have digestive benefits for some dogs, but not for others.

More important than the pure "grain status" is the quality and digestibility of the carbohydrate sources. Sometimes a well-processed whole grain ingredient is better tolerated than poor substitutes (e.g. excessive use of pulses).

Additives, vitamins & co.: useful or a burden?

There is no doubt that a dog needs a balanced supply of vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids. However, special attention should be paid to intolerances:

• Omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. from fish oil or salmon) support skin, coat and vitality

• Vitamin A promotes skin health and the immune system

• Probiotics / prebiotics can stabilize the intestinal flora and promote intestinal health

• Nature-based antioxidants can reduce inflammatory processes

Important: Supplements should be used in a targeted manner and not overdosed across the board.

Take individual factors into account

No two dogs are the same. Age, breed, activity level, concomitant diseases, origin and history all play a role when it comes to the right diet. A young dog with a sensitive stomach needs different components than a senior with joint problems.

A professional food analysis or veterinary advice can help to create the optimum nutrition plan - and prevent mistakes such as overfeeding or an unbalanced diet.

Conclusion: The right dog food for intolerances or allergies is not available "off the shelf"

Choosing the right hypoallergenic food for dogs with food intolerances or allergies is not a matter of chance. Rather, it is about:

• Cause analysis instead of symptom treatment

• Carefully selected, easily digestible ingredients and a suitable composition

• Individual adaptation to your four-legged friend

A structured approach including exclusion diet, evaluation of ingredients and, if necessary, veterinary diagnostics creates the basis for a permanently good dog's life and a better quality of life.

**Are you unsure whether your dog has an intolerance or allergy? Would you like professional support with an individual conversion or exclusion diet? Use our online store or our advice service to find the right special food for your friend and add it directly to your shopping cart. We will be happy to help you.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if my dog has a food intolerance or allergy?

Typical signs are recurring itching, skin irritation, digestive problems such as diarrhea or vomiting and ear infections. However, these symptoms can also indicate other illnesses, which is why a veterinary examination is important.

How long should I follow an elimination diet for my dog?

An elimination diet should be followed consistently for at least 8 to 10 weeks to determine whether the symptoms improve and which ingredients are possible triggers.

Is hypoallergenic dog food also suitable for dogs without allergies?

Yes, hypoallergenic dog food can also provide a high-quality and well-tolerated diet for healthy dogs, as it is based on few, easily digestible ingredients and often contains a high proportion of meat without unnecessary additives.

Which protein sources are particularly suitable in hypoallergenic dog food?

Exotic protein sources such as horse meat, insect protein, kangaroo or ostrich are often well tolerated, as dogs are rarely allergic to them. Hydrolyzed proteins can also be useful for dogs with severe allergies.

How do I find the right hypoallergenic dog food for my dog?

It is advisable to tailor the selection to your dog's individual needs, ideally in consultation with a vet or a professional food consultant. A gradual changeover and observation of reactions will help you to find the right product.