According to research, allergies may affect up to half of all American dogs.
Allergies occur when our pups' immune system overreact to usually safe things such as food or their environment (allergens). The major allergen culprits include fleas, environmental elements, such as pollen, mould, grass and dust, and certain foods.
Watching our four-legged friends suffer from allergy discomfort and worrying about their symptoms can be heart-wrenching and stand in the way of our pups living their best lives.Â
A healthy, natural diet can play a key role in helping pups with allergies. There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to managing our pet's allergies and sensitivities; it very much depends on the individual dog, its personal health needs, and any medical conditions.Â
We asked Katie Coach, our certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, to share some expert tips that can be applied to most dogs when combating allergies.Â
Â
Katie's Top Allergy Tips
1. Find the root cause
Various factors, such as certain foods or the environment, can trigger allergies, and even things like fleas, grooming products, mould, and dust can cause a reaction.Â
Common symptoms to look for include skin irritation and itching, infections, digestive issues, behavioural changes, and respiratory problems. When trying to get to the root cause of an allergy, I always suggest keeping a journal, for example, to log which foods a dog can tolerate and which foods it reacts to.
2. Feed them fresh
A fresh, balanced, raw diet is easily digestible and great for dogs who suffer from allergies. Opt for high-quality protein and whole foods and avoid ultra-processed food such as kibble, which is full of artificial preservatives, chemicals, and additives.Â
3. Work on the gut
Great health starts in the gut. Looking after your dog's microbiome and keeping good bacteria in check supports your pup's immune system and overall health. A natural, raw diet is nutrient-rich and can help restore gut health and support the digestive system.
Usually, dogs with sensitivities need some extra gut support, as they may be dealing with a leaky gut. Things like prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial, and in some cases, digestive enzymes too.
4. Consider a supplement
Providing high-quality immune-supporting supplements and herbs like medicinal mushrooms, colostrum, nettles, quercetin, etc, can be beneficial. When introducing supplements, it's important to start low and slow and work up to the recommended dosages to see how your pup tolerates the ingredients.
5. Provide omega-3 fatty acidsÂ
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that must come through the diet. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, they can be a game-changer when it comes to allergies. Whole fish like salmon and sardines would be my first choice as long as the dog can tolerate them.
Always consult your vet.
We want to see every pup thrive through a natural, species-appropriate diet that meets all their nutrition and health needs, but managing allergies can be a complex process that goes beyond diet alone. Please speak with your veterinarian team for specific health advice on managing your pet's allergies and sensitivities, and always consult with them before introducing any dietary changes.
For more information on Katie and her work, visit her website, The Primal Companion, or follow her on Instagram @theprimalcompanion.
