By: Crystal Leung, DVM
Many dogs experience allergic responses to certain proteins and carbohydrates that can be found in commercial dog foods. Symptoms of a food allergy include itching, scratching, licking or chewing paws or other body parts, hair loss, general skin irritation, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues. For pets who have food allergies, these signs usually resolve when they are switched to a strict hypoallergenic diet.
When your pet is being fed a hypoallergenic diet, he should not be fed any other dog food, dog treats, or human food, as it might contain ingredients that will make his allergies flare up. However, that doesn't mean your allergic pet doesn't deserve some extra special treats! Park East Animal Hospital recommends hypoallergenic treats, such as Purina Gentle Snackers and Hill’s Hypo Treats, that are safe to give to dogs with food allergies.
Alternatively, you can take any hypoallergenic canned food and make your own treats. Start by cutting the canned food into fun shapes that are each about 1/2 inch thick. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and bake them for 15 minutes on a cookie sheet. Flip the treats and allow them to bake for another 15 minutes, or until they appear fully baked. Allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
Please talk to any of our staff veterinarians if you think your dog may be experiencing a food allergy, and they will be happy to help you find an alternative diet that is pleasing to both you and your pet.
When your pet is being fed a hypoallergenic diet, he should not be fed any other dog food, dog treats, or human food, as it might contain ingredients that will make his allergies flare up. However, that doesn't mean your allergic pet doesn't deserve some extra special treats! Park East Animal Hospital recommends hypoallergenic treats, such as Purina Gentle Snackers and Hill’s Hypo Treats, that are safe to give to dogs with food allergies.
Alternatively, you can take any hypoallergenic canned food and make your own treats. Start by cutting the canned food into fun shapes that are each about 1/2 inch thick. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and bake them for 15 minutes on a cookie sheet. Flip the treats and allow them to bake for another 15 minutes, or until they appear fully baked. Allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
Please talk to any of our staff veterinarians if you think your dog may be experiencing a food allergy, and they will be happy to help you find an alternative diet that is pleasing to both you and your pet.
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