Solving Dog Food Allergies: A Natural Approach

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
7 min read

Switch to Freeze-Dried Raw Food: Minimally processed, nutrient-rich, and made with simple ingredients to avoid allergens.
Use Novel Proteins: Options like rabbit, duck, or venison are less likely to trigger reactions.
Try Supplements: Omega-3s reduce inflammation, probiotics aid digestion, and quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine.
Follow an Elimination Diet: Identify triggers by removing common allergens like beef, chicken, and dairy for 90 days.

Quick Comparison:

Food Type	Freeze-Dried Raw	Traditional Kibble
Processing	Low-temperature, minimal	High-heat, heavily processed
Preservatives	Natural (e.g., Vitamin E)	Often artificial
Allergen Risk	Lower	Higher
Protein Quality	Retains natural enzymes	Often denatured

How To Transition From Kibble to Raw Food Diet for Allergy Dogs

Why Choose Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Freeze-dried raw dog food offers a great option for dogs with allergies, thanks to its minimal processing and carefully selected ingredients. Let’s break down how this approach helps preserve nutrients and minimizes allergens.

How Minimal Processing Retains Nutrients

Unlike traditional kibble, which is processed at high temperatures, freeze-dried raw food uses a gentle method that keeps nutrients intact. This technique ensures that essential enzymes and proteins remain in their natural form, making them easier for dogs to digest and absorb.

The freeze-drying process achieves the following:

Maintains the structure of proteins
Protects natural enzymes
Keeps nutrients bioavailable
Removes moisture without damaging cell structure

"Freeze-dried dog foods equal kibble for convenience. They need no refrigeration. They're unsurpassed for taste and nutrition. But they sell at a premium. Optimum nutrition comes from freeze-dried." - Richard S Patton PhD

Simple Ingredients Reduce Allergen Risks

Another advantage is the use of limited, straightforward ingredients, which reduces the likelihood of triggering allergies. Many brands also include novel proteins - less common protein sources that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Here's a quick comparison of traditional and novel protein options:

Traditional Proteins	Novel Protein Alternatives
Chicken	Duck
Beef	Rabbit
Dairy	Venison
Wheat	Pork

For example, Stella & Chewy's offers recipes tailored for dogs with sensitivities:

Absolutely Rabbit: Features rabbit protein, which is gentle on digestion.
Simply Venison: Includes omega-3s to support skin health and reduce inflammation.
Dandy Lamb: A flavorful choice, especially for dogs new to freeze-dried diets.

Comparing Freeze-Dried Raw Food to Kibble

To better understand the benefits, let’s compare freeze-dried raw food to traditional kibble:

| Feature | Freeze-Dried Raw | Traditional Kibble | | --- | --- | | Processing Method | Low-temperature, minimal processing | High-heat cooking and extrusion | | Preservatives | Natural options (e.g., Vitamin E, rosemary extract) | Often includes artificial preservatives | | Ingredient Count | Limited ingredients | Multiple ingredients | | Protein Quality | Maintains natural enzyme structure | Proteins often denatured | | Allergen Risk | Lower due to simpler recipes | Higher due to diverse ingredients | | Digestibility | Highly bioavailable | Less bioavailable |

Freeze-dried raw food relies on natural preservation methods, such as Vitamin E and rosemary extract, instead of artificial additives, reducing the risk of negative reactions. Plus, the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids supports healthy skin and helps manage inflammation.

Switching to Allergy-Safe Dog Food

Switching your dog to allergy-safe food can help pinpoint food-related allergies while maintaining proper nutrition. If you're moving to a freeze-dried raw diet, it's important to follow a careful, step-by-step process to ensure a smooth transition.

4 Steps to Change Dog Food Safely

Make the switch gradually over 7–10 days using the schedule below:

Day Range	Old Food	New Food
Days 1–2	75%	25%
Days 3–4	50%	50%
Days 5–7	25%	75%
Days 8–10	0%	100%

If your dog experiences digestive issues, slow down the transition. Some dogs may need up to two weeks to fully adjust.

How to Test for Food Allergies

To identify food allergies, you'll need to follow an elimination diet for 90 days. Here's how:

Start With a New ProteinPick a protein source your dog has never had before, and stick to it for six weeks. This helps reset their system and reduce histamine levels.
Avoid Common AllergensRemove well-known triggers like beef, chicken, and grains from their diet.
Reintroduce Ingredients SlowlyIntroduce one new ingredient every 2–4 weeks, keeping an eye out for any reactions. This approach helps identify specific problem foods.

Keep a close watch on your dog's reactions to track any improvements or issues.

Measuring Your Dog's Progress

Pay attention to your dog's response during the transition and elimination phases. Look for changes in these areas:

Skin and Coat: Check for redness, flakiness, unusual odors, hair loss, or darkened skin patches.
Digestive Health: Monitor stool consistency, bowel movement frequency, and any signs of gas or stomach noise.
Behavior: Watch for changes in energy, scratching habits, and overall mood.

Keep a daily symptom log to share with your vet. If you notice concerning changes in appetite or behavior, reach out to your veterinarian promptly.

Best Allergy-Safe Dog Foods

When managing a dog's food sensitivities, choosing the right product is crucial. Below are some top options for allergy-safe dog foods, focusing on simple, high-quality formulas designed to reduce potential irritants.

Loyal Saints Premium Freeze-Dried Raw

Loyal Saints provides freeze-dried raw dog food that has been approved by veterinarians, earning a perfect 5.0-star rating from 42 verified customers.

"At Loyal Saints, we believe that healthy ingredients lead to happy, vibrant lives for our beloved pets." – Loyal Saints Pets

Key features of their freeze-dried raw food include:

Human-grade ingredients for optimal nutrition
Single-source proteins to minimize allergens
No artificial additives, ensuring clean formulations
Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables for balanced health
AAFCO-compliant recipes, meeting safety and nutritional standards

Other Allergy-Safe Food Options

To choose the right food for sensitive dogs, it helps to focus on specific criteria. Here's what to look for:

Feature	What to Check For
Protein Source	Single-source proteins are ideal
Ingredient List	Limited, clearly identified components
Processing	Minimal processing for better quality
Certification	Veterinarian-approved and AAFCO-certified
Allergen Control	Avoid common triggers like soy or wheat

Understanding these details can help narrow down safe and effective options for your pet.

What to Look for on Labels

When reviewing labels, keep an eye out for these features to ensure the food is suitable for dogs with sensitivities:

Protein Quality: Look for single-source proteins listed first.
Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances of triggering allergies.
Natural Preservatives: Stick to options using Vitamin E or rosemary extract.
Clear Labeling: Ensure the label specifies a single protein source and avoids unnecessary additives.

"Thoughtfully formulated with natural, wholesome ingredients to minimize common allergens and sensitivities." – Loyal Saints Pets

Natural Allergy Relief Supplements

Natural supplements can help ease allergy symptoms in dogs while promoting overall well-being. Studies indicate that about 70% of skin issues in dogs are linked to allergies.

Omega-3s for Skin Health

Fish oil supplements, rich in EPA and DHA, are known to reduce inflammation in dogs with allergies. Research from 2011 revealed that essential fatty acids improved skin fat content in allergic dogs. Another study in 2004 found that dogs taking fish oil needed less prednisone to manage itching.

Here’s a quick guide to daily EPA+DHA dosage based on your dog's weight:

Dog Weight (lbs)	Daily EPA+DHA (mg)
20	650
40	1,100
60	1,500
80	1,850
100	2,190

When selecting fish oil supplements, look for IFOS-certified products. One popular option is TerraMax Pro Premium Omega-3 Fish Oil Dog Supplement, which holds a 4.3-star rating on Chewy.com. Many users report improved coat health and reduced shedding after use.

Probiotics for Better Digestion

Probiotics play a key role in supporting digestion and strengthening the immune system. These friendly bacteria help maintain a healthy gut barrier, which is crucial for preventing allergic reactions to certain food proteins.

VetriScience's Allergy Plus Immune Supplement combines probiotics with other helpful ingredients. According to the company:

"Our Pet's Sake Promise™ is our pledge - to always think of your pet as our own and provide them with the innovative supplements to help them feel their best." - VetriScience

This supplement includes Lactobacillus sakei Probio 65, chosen for its immune-supporting qualities, and QRILL™ Pet (krill meal) for added omega-3 benefits.

Plant-Based Relief Options

In addition to fatty acids and probiotics, certain plant-based compounds can offer natural allergy relief. Quercetin, often referred to as "Nature's Benadryl", acts as a natural antihistamine. The suggested dose is 50 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily.

Here are a few plant-based ingredients that may help with allergy symptoms:

Quercetin: Helps stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine production.
Nettle Leaf: Acts as a natural antihistamine.
Turmeric Root: Reduces inflammation caused by allergic reactions.

Start with small doses and gradually increase them while observing your dog's reaction. AllerEaze, which combines quercetin and nettle leaf, is a popular choice for natural allergy relief.

Conclusion: Managing Dog Food Allergies

Food allergies in dogs are uncommon, but addressing them properly involves a natural and focused approach. The goal is to pinpoint and remove problematic ingredients while boosting your dog's immune system through quality nutrition and supplements. This approach lays the groundwork for a diet plan that minimizes allergens effectively.

Collaborate with your veterinarian. As Dr. Alex Miller explains, an 8-12 week elimination trial is critical for managing food allergies, though it won't cure them. Freeze-dried raw diets, like those from Loyal Saints, are an option that retains nutrients while reducing allergen exposure.

"Our freeze-dried dog food preserves essential nutrients, enzymes, and proteins for optimal canine health. Made with high-quality, natural ingredients and no artificial additives, it's easy to digest and great for dogs with sensitivities".

Dana Scott of Dogs Naturally Magazine highlights a potential downside of conventional treatments, noting that they can suppress the immune system, which reinforces the benefits of a natural approach.

Pairing a carefully selected diet with omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics can limit allergen exposure while promoting a healthier immune system. Since up to 30% of dogs with food allergies also react to environmental factors, professional advice is crucial for a well-rounded plan. With the right diet, supplements, and veterinary care, many dogs with food allergies can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life.