hypoallergenic dog food

[adoptapuffin]

Can anyone give me a recommendation for a good hypoallergenic dog food?

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[Bill59]

Not really. Specific recommendations for a hypoallergenic diet depend on what ingredients the dog has previously eaten, particularly proteins, and any specific dietary considerations for the individual patient, such as age, body condition and concurrent health problems. Also choice of diet is only one component of a dietary food trial.

Your veterinarian is the best person to make specific recommendations.

 

[thearsonist]

Though this is a rather late response, I will still give my opinion.

First and foremost, the pet should be examined by a veterinarian. Allergies are a broad topic, and range anywhere from FAD to mold to food allergies. If a majority of common pet allergies have been ruled out by the vet, they may want to try a food trial, introducing a novel protein to the pet's diet. Pets can become increasingly allergic to foods over time. These novel protein diets contain a protein that is new to the pet, usually potato/venison, rabbit, and duck are recommended, since the majority of average dog food is "made" with chicken, turkey, or beef.

There are three brands of dog food that would be considered the most popular (at least among my colleagues and friends.) First, Royal Canin - they have a good variety of foods, from limited ingredient (novel protein), to hypoallergenic kibble. Second, Hill's Prescription Diet - this is mainly what my clinic sells, as an overall food supply. The d/d diet is not as popular as Royal Canin's selection, but the Z/d is a fast seller, especially in the summer months. (on a side note, I can't fully remember if the hypoallergenic food is Z/d or X/d. I'm pretty sure the X/d is for Cal Ox crystals, but I am forgetful as of now. my apologies.) Last, but certainly not least, Avoderm! This is an all natural food that is mostly rice-based, but is also made with avocados. I'm not going to bother explaining the benefits of avocados, google it. But, in essence, their foods are nutritional without unnecessary fillers. With the avocado, it is naturally healthy for the coat and skin, and without the junk fillers, the food can be considered naturally hypoallergenic. (weird to say.)

Feel free to question or comment!

 

[luvgoldens482]

Is this not considered veterinary advice?

 

[thearsonist]

Luvgoldens482, this is not technically a question that would require a veterinarian's approval, to an extent.
Any one person could go into Petsmart and ask "What's a good food for my animal?" Out of common knowledge, at least among those in the field of vet med, we give basic tips to choosing a well-balanced diet, in a general sense. A pet owner is not required to double-check with their veterinarian to see if a pet's food is "acceptable", except in special cases, as noted before.

We can walk into a pet store and find twenty different brands of dog foods, all claiming to provide essential nutrients that your pet needs. It is the owner's job to either do their own research (more than just Googling) or talk to their veterinarian if they have any questions.

My previous post was not meant to seem as if I was telling the OP that they need to buy one of those products. My intent is to inform, not prescribe.

 

[NStarz]

This is a fine line in going against the TOS, but I'll give my own personal experiences, which are, in no way, meant to be taken as medical advice or advice to you personally, just what I have experienced with my two pooches.

I have two wheaten terriers and they are prone to alleriges, including, ironically, wheat. After trying a lot of different foods, some without success, my dogs are now on Fresh Pet which they LOVE and is made from only fresh ingredients (no byproduct, just "chicken", "turkey," and some other stuff). If your dog has allergies or has had a negative reaction to certain foods in the past, I would suggest going first to a veterinarian, and then, if necessary, to a veterinary nutritionist. Each dog is different in their specific needs! Good luck!

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Any one person could go into Petsmart and ask "What's a good food for my animal?"

And 9 times out of 10, that advice will be absolute crap. Just saying as a caveat. *Shrug* Because you asking a person who does not have a medical license or any knowledge - therefore, they have no accountability in terms of that. Veterinarians do.

At best, I could give you vague references about how allergies work and how general ingredients in foods exacerbate or reduce allergic reactions, but once you start naming brands (and once you become a legal vet, you'll know), you ARE essentially giving medical advice. And you cannot give personal, case-related medical advice without a valid client-patient relationship - ie not over the internet.

Say you're makin some small talk with a guy in the supermarket line, he mentioned his dog has allergies, Oh no, you may ask a few questions, then it slips in about how great whatever brand is (as a vet) for an allergic dog, this is a great bran maybe worth a try...This person is not your client and you have not personally seen and worked up this dog - perhaps, the person goes out an buys it, dog has an even worse reaction, owner sues you - and you lose, because you made a recommendation without client patient relationship. This may seem like an extreme circumstance, but anyone who has been keeping up with all the legal woes of small animal vets, this happens. It really does.

You can "inform" as a student to your heart's content. But once you are licensed, you need to be very careful about having general education spill over into recommendation - because owners WILL TAKE our info, or positive idea about a product, as recommendations, even if you don't mean it to be a recommendation, because you are the doctor.

Just be aware of that. I'm not saying never tell anyone anything, but be careful.

 

[alliecat44]

Closing thread. The moderators agree with the assessment that this is medical advice, and, as we all know (say it with me)...SDN is not for medical advice.