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Raw Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies Edmonton
Jun 24, 2024
Raw feeding can make it easier to manage food sensitivities in dogs thanks to short, readable ingredient lists. Here is what Edmonton dog owners should know.
Food sensitivities in dogs are a common reason owners start exploring raw feeding. When a dog reacts to something in their food, having a short, readable ingredient list makes it much easier to identify the cause.
True food allergies in dogs are less common than food intolerances, though both can cause similar symptoms such as skin irritation, digestive upset, or recurring ear issues. The most commonly implicated ingredients in commercial pet food sensitivities include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and eggs.
If your dog has been showing signs of a food sensitivity, working with your veterinarian to identify the trigger is an important first step. An elimination diet, where you feed a single novel protein your dog has not eaten before, is often used to identify the problematic ingredient. Our guide on how to read raw dog food labels in Canada explains how to evaluate ingredient lists for potential triggers.
The appeal of raw feeding for dogs with sensitivities comes largely from the simplicity of the ingredient list. A single-protein raw blend, such as the Pork Blend Tube or Turkey Blend Tube from Hound and Bone, contains a short list of whole food ingredients that is easy to evaluate. See our post on raw dog food for sensitive stomachs for related guidance.
This makes raw food a practical format for an elimination diet, as long as the protein you choose is genuinely novel for your dog.
If your dog has been eating chicken-based kibble and showing signs of sensitivity, switching to a chicken raw blend will not help identify whether chicken is the issue. Choose a protein your dog has not eaten recently, such as pork, bison, or salmon. Our post on how to rotate proteins covers novel protein selection in more detail.
Switching to raw food is not a guaranteed solution for food sensitivities, and it does not replace a veterinary diagnosis. If your dog has significant symptoms, speak with your vet before making dietary changes. When you are ready to explore single-protein options, browse our range to find the right starting blend.
This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Individual results may vary.