If your pup has allergies, you've probably been through your fair share of trial-and-error with their diet. It can feel frustrating when no matter what, their itchy skin or tummy troubles inevitably start to flare up again. Before you throw in the towel and accept that your dog will be on lifelong allergy meds, consider this: According to a study conducted in 2016 by Ralf Mueller, animal protein allergies are highly prevalent in dogs, meat & dairy are the top allergens for dogs. A fully plant-based diet may be the ticket to allergy relief for your pup.
Understanding Dog Allergies: Food allergies in dogs occur when the immune system identifies a specific food ingredient as a threat, leading to an allergic reaction. While food intolerances involve the digestive system's inability to process certain foods, food allergies involve an immune response. Symptoms of food allergies in dogs can include itchy skin, ear infections, licking and chewing of paws, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more subtle signs like lethargy or hyperactivity.
Vegan Dog Food for Dog Allergies: In recent years, veterinarians and pet nutritionists have increasingly turned to vegan diets as a potential solution for dogs with allergies. Mueller’s 2016 study found that Meat & Dairy were the top three food allergens among a population of 297 dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFRs). These findings suggest that a diet free from common animal proteins could significantly reduce allergic symptoms in sensitive dogs.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Vegan Diets: A growing body of research supports the use of vegan diets for managing canine allergies. Studies have shown that dogs on plant-based diets experience improvements in allergic symptoms and overall health. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice found that dogs with food allergies showed significant improvement in pruritus (itchiness) and gastrointestinal symptoms after transitioning to a vegan diet free from common allergens.
Nutritional Adequacy of Vegan Diets: Research has shown that properly formulated vegan diets can meet all of a dog's essential nutrient requirements. Plant based ingredients can have ample protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for optimal canine health plus powerful health enhancers like antioxidants and phytonutrients. Additionally, Certain non animal ingredients like yeast, algae are packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, Taurine, Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA, DHA and EPA.
The Advantages of vegan diet for dogs with allergies: Plant-based, vegan dog foods offer a real advantage in solving food allergies since there are no animal ingredients. By removing meat from the diet, you remove the most likely allergens. The commercial plant-based dog foods of today are nothing like those of years past. What was once nothing more than bags of corn, wheat and rice fractions has evolved into some of the highest quality dog foods on the market, made with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients like whole grains, lentils, Fruits & veggies, berries, herbs, pseudo-grains , and even costly & premium ingredients like Nutritional Yeast and Marine Algae. Since vegan dog foods do not contain any animal ingredients, they are an ideal hypoallergenic choice. High quality vegan dog foods are not only nutritionally balanced, they are also highly palatable and enjoyed by millions of dogs all over the world.
Transitioning to a Vegan Diet: Transitioning a dog to vegan food should be done gradually and slowly, just like introducing any other new diet. Start by introducing small amounts of vegan food alongside the dog's current diet, gradually increasing the proportion over several weeks. Additionally, consider incorporating hypoallergenic plant-based treats like homemade beetroot and carrot chips to provide variety and enrichment.
How Long to See Results: Seeing results on a new hypoallergenic diet takes time. When you begin feeding a vegan dog food, make sure that you also eliminate all other animal sources from their diet, including treats, table scraps, and all other consumables. Instead, substitute those items for hypoallergenic, plant-based alternatives. Dogs with food allergies can still have treats and snacks as long as they do not contain any animal ingredients. Once your dog is on their new vegan diet, give it 6-8 weeks to see improvements in their symptoms. Remedying food allergies in dogs takes time, patience, and planning. Monitor your dog for improvements in their symptoms, and don’t forget to record all foods in your log as this information will help you identify food ingredients to avoid in the future.
Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not carnivores and do not require meat in their diet to live healthy lives. Dogs are considered omnivores and have the capacity to obtain the nutrients they need from nutrient-dense, plant-based sources. Studies prove that plant-based diets are not only perfectly suitable for dogs, they also have many added health benefits that can improve a dog’s overall quality of life. From their hypoallergenic benefits to the reduction in carbon footprint, there are many reasons to consider a vegan diet for your dog with allergies.
At Freshwoof, we are committed to providing high-quality nutritious veg dog food that put your dog’s health above all.
- Formulated by Veterinary Nutritionists - Freshwoof Plant Power is formulated by a team of experienced Veterinary Nutritionists to contain all the essential nutrients in right amounts and perfect ratios to support your dog’s overall vitality & health.
- Premium Plant-Based Ingredient - Our recipes are crafted with a variety of wholesome & human Grade plant-based ingredients. We use fresh vegetables, grains, berries, fruits, and herbs to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients.
- Supports Strong Bones & Immunity - Freshwoof is enriched with bone health supporting nutrients like calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin E, Phosphorous, magnesium & manganese.
- Enhanced Digestive Health - Packed with fiber, stomach-soothing herbs and natural prebiotics, our veg dog food supports a healthy digestive system, helping to prevent common gut issues like constipation and diarrhea.
- Immune System Support - Our formulas are rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins that boost your dog’s immune system, keeping them healthy and vibrant supported with Turmeric, Blueberries, Cranberries, Ashwagandha, Thyme, Ginger, Chamomile and more!
- Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat - Our veg dog food includes essential omega fatty acids including DHA, Zinc, Biotin, Selenium and more, promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Delicious and Appetizing - Dogs love the taste of Freshwoof Plant Power! Our recipes are crafted to be flavorful and satisfying, even for the pickiest eaters.
