You may have heard the term ‘hypoallergenic’ thrown around when it comes to pet food but are you truly aware of what hypoallergenic treats truly are and how they can be brilliantly beneficial to our furry friends.
Hypoallergenic refers to ingredients that are specially selected as they reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction an suited to stomachs more sensitive than others. From common meats to white grains, our dogs can suffer from allergies and intolerances and may require a change to their basic diet to ensure they live happier and healthier than before. So, if you are new to hypoallergenic foods and treats and want to know a little more, read on to find out just how beneficial hypoallergenic treats can be.
Understanding Dog Allergies and Digestive Sensitivities
Understanding your dog’s digestive sensitivities is vital to learning what sensitivities your dog has. Whether it be meat, grains or gluten, identify the ingredients responsible for your dog's discomfort is key to making them happier and healthier.
If you have noticed extra sensitivity in their skin or unusual gastrointestinal upset, then your dog might be showing signs of an intolerance to a specific ingredient in their diet. Excessive scratching, even after checks for fleas or ticks, can be a key indicator of histamines being released into the skin and that your dog really doesn’t agree with what they have digested. Secondly, gastrointestinal upset, like bloating, increased flatulence and loose stools, can also highlight an intolerance to something your dog has eaten.
Conducting elimination tests can help identify the ingredient responsible for dog’s sensitivities. If you believe foods incorporating rice, wheat or barley in their recipe are to blame, try and opt for grain-free alternatives to see if your dog still suffers from the sensitivity. From chicken and beef to grains and gluten, identifying the right allergen is key to supporting your dog’s health and wellbeing in the most positive way.
Common Allergen Sources in Dog Treats
When it comes to allergens, our dogs tend to suffer just like we do. With foods creating similar reactions in our dogs as they do to us, it is no surprise that common allergens create digestive upset and leave us feeling a little under the weather. The most common type of allergens found in your dog’s food and treats are:
- Wheat
- Soy
- Dairy
- Artificial Preservatives
- Common and overconsumed meats such as chicken and beef.
Hypoallergenic Treat Options for Sensitive Pups
No matter what the variety or flavour, choosing treats for your furry friend can be a tricky task. However, when it comes to hypoallergenic varieties, it is good to know that brands brilliantly label their treats as hypoallergenic meaning you don’t have to trawl through lists and lists of ingredients to ensure the treat you select is suitable for your pup. For dogs who are intolerant to grains or gluten, treats will often be labelled as gluten or grain-free (sometimes even both) meaning you can spot them immediately on the shelf.
For common meat intolerances, such as chicken and beef, hypoallergenic treats aren’t about the label but about the protein source you select. Opt for single-source proteins such as rabbit, duck, goat and even ostrich to offer your dog a treat that is far superior to any they have consumed before.
But, if you truly want a treat with a difference, and one that is beneficial to both the pets and the planet, choose a treat created with plant-based proteins. Even with the absence of meat, dogs can still get protein from sources such as tofu, quinoa and nuts which is vital for growing pups and those who may need a little extra TLC in their diets. All-natural and plant-based treats are both nutritional beneficial and hypoallergenic so an ideal treat for dogs with a range of sensitivities.
Whether it be a dental chew, their daily kibble, or simple rewards that you provide on a regular basis, when it comes to hypoallergenic happiness, plant-based power is the way to go.
Tips for Choosing the Right Treats for Your Dog
Before changing any element to your dog’s diet, it is important to consult with your pup’s veterinarian to ensure a hypoallergenic diet is the best option for your furry friend. Informing the vet of your pup’s symptoms will help eradicate any other potential problems and identify the true culprit in your dog’s discomfort. Once a specific ingredient or substance is identified, your vet can recommend the perfect treatment for your pet.
When on the hunt for hypoallergenic treats, reading the label is the pawfect way of selecting the most suitable treat for your dog. Reading both hypoallergenic labels whilst studying ingredients listing on the back is the best way of ensuring your dog is not consuming anything they shouldn’t that might be hidden behind other key ingredients.
Monitor your pet’s reaction after consuming any new food and treats and expect a few days of adjustment period whilst your dog’s digestion calms to new ingredients. If the treats are causing longer than 24 hours of digestive upset, remove from their diet and return to their regular treats.
Happy & Hypoallergenic
Dedicated to providing treats that are both tasty and brilliantly beneficial to all pups, even those with the most stubborn of sensitivities, here at Plant & Paws, we understand how different food can cause problems for our furry friends. Whether it be problems with grains or intolerances to common meats, our range of tasty treats are the ideal snack for any pooch. Made with 100% natural ingredients with nothing more than the best of what mother nature has to offer, when it comes to hypoallergenic treats, look no further than Plant & Paws.