Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food The Same As Grain Free

What is the Difference Between Grain Free and Hypoallergenic?

The ingredients distinguish grain-free dog food from hypoallergenic dog food. Hypoallergenic dog food is made with fewer ingredients and contains novel proteins not found in commercial dog foods. The ingredient list is short but includes duck, venison, and kangaroo meats. While a grain-free diet is mostly free of grains, it is still a good option for dogs who have food allergies.

Because their dogs have skin problems caused by certain plant ingredients, some pet owners have switched to grain-free dog food. These allergies affect less than 1% of dogs, so you should consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is allergic to any plant ingredients. It is not always the grain itself that causes an allergic reaction; it could be the protein source or another external factor.

High-quality hypoallergenic dog food will include a novel protein source that is unlikely to cause your dog an allergic reaction. In addition to the novel protein source, it will include a carbohydrate source derived from plants. Apart from peas and sweet potatoes, these foods are high in protein and can help the immune system. Unfortunately, the limited ingredient diets found in most hypoallergenic dog foods pose far more health risks than they do nutritionally.

What Constitutes Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

The key to finding a food that will not cause an allergic reaction in your dog is to select a protein source that is unlikely to activate the immune system. Novel proteins and hydrolyzed proteins are included in hypoallergenic dog foods. Novel proteins contain less common protein variants that are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in your dog. Hydrolyzed proteins contain smaller protein fragments that are not recognized by a typical dog's immune system.

Some hypoallergenic dog foods contain real ingredients and are allergen-free. Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free Natural Hypoallergenic Recipe is a meat-based grain-free diet with only six ingredients: natural chicken flavor, dried brown kelp, and broccoli. It also does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is another food option that contains hydrolyzed soy protein.

Should I Feed Hypoallergenic Food to My Dog?

There are numerous advantages to feeding your dog a hypoallergenic diet. The first step is to determine what is causing your dog's allergies. Your dog could be scratching excessively, have oily skin, or have dandruff. Ears may also be clogged with debris. All of these symptoms could point to your dog having allergies. Before drastically altering your dog's diet, seek the advice of a veterinarian.

Commercial dog food may be labeled as hypoallergenic, but it is not. Food that is "hypoallergenic" contains as few allergens as possible. 

What is the Difference Between Grain Free and Hypoallergenic?

The ingredients distinguish grain-free dog food from hypoallergenic dog food. Hypoallergenic dog food is made with fewer ingredients and contains novel proteins not found in commercial dog foods. The ingredient list is short but includes duck, venison, and kangaroo meats. While a grain-free diet is mostly free of grains, it is still a good option for dogs who have food allergies.

Because their dogs have skin problems caused by certain plant ingredients, some pet owners have switched to grain-free dog food. These allergies affect less than 1% of dogs, so you should consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is allergic to any plant ingredients. It is not always the grain itself that causes an allergic reaction; it could be the protein source or another external factor.

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Beneficial for Allergic Dogs?

Grain allergies can cause excessive scratching and pawing in your dog. Grain allergies can cause skin irritation as well. Your dog's face may be itching and scratching, especially around the ears. If your dog is constantly scratching, you should consider switching to grain-free dog food. If you notice your dog scratching his or her ears on a regular basis, he or she may have a grain allergy.

While grains aren't the most common cause of allergies, they are frequently found in traditional pet foods. Grain allergies are most commonly associated with meat or dairy products, but grains are also prevalent. Grain-free dog foods frequently do not contain corn, soy, or wheat. Rice and sorghum are less common allergy triggers in dogs. Grain allergy sufferers can easily identify the food that triggers their symptoms in addition to grain-free dog food.