Hypoallergenic dog food – particularly suitable for dogs with intolerances

Which kinds of dogs is our hypoallergenic range suitable for?

The menus in our hypoallergenic range are suitable for all dogs that suffer from a food allergy. These menus are also suitable for carrying out an exclusion diet to diagnose a suspected food allergy. However, as our hypoallergenic dog food is balanced and designed as a complete food, it can also be fed to any healthy adult dog without allergy symptoms.

What does “hypoallergenic dog food” mean?

A hypoallergenic diet for dogs is based on the principle of a hypoallergenic recipe with a limited number of ingredients and one single, exotic protein source (type of meat), which is also categorised as hypoallergenic from a veterinary point of view.

The basic idea of an elimination diet is to avoid all potential allergens that are known to the immune system. If meat is used that the animal has never eaten before, there are no antibodies against it. Consequently, it cannot trigger an immune reaction. Exotic meat types such as kangaroo, ostrich or buffalo, which are considered hypoallergenic in veterinary medicine as they are rarely processed into animal feed, are always chosen for allergic animals as they have a low potential for triggering allergies.

At the beginning of the exclusion diet, you have to opt for one of these rare protein sources. This is then fed continuously for 10-12 weeks and only supplemented with a single vegetable component, selected oil and a nutrient mix to cover the daily requirement. It must be ensured that the animal cannot eat any other animal proteins (rubbish bin, neighbour’s food bowl, other dog food). If the symptoms improve, it can be assumed that the meat on offer is good for the dog. The exclusion diet based on a hypoallergenic recipe is therefore considered a diagnostic and treatment option for dogs with allergies.

How do you diagnose a food allergy?

The diagnosis and treatment of a food allergy is carried out by means of a so-called exclusion or elimination diet. If a food allergy is suspected, a menu consisting of just one exotic type of meat (which has never been fed before) and a single type of vegetable is fed. The hypoallergenic food from our range is suitable for this and must be fed exclusively and consistently for at least eight weeks. No other protein sources or other ingredients may be administered during this time. Feeding should only be interrupted if the allergy symptoms worsen, e.g., if the itching gets worse or there is an onset of severe diarrhoea.

Skin problems and ear infections take a long time to respond to a change of food – even if it is the right protein source. It is absolutely essential to treat the ears (clean, treat secondary bacterial infections, etc.) alongside changing the food to ensure that the healing process continues. It can take up to 14 weeks for the itching to disappear.

Do I need to add anything to the hypoallergenic food to make it balanced?

Nothing more should be added to the hypoallergenic menu, as each additional component is a potential allergen and can trigger symptoms. Terra Canis’ hypoallergenic menus have been developed by vets as a complete food.

Can my dog have treats as well as the hypoallergenic food?

Dogs with a food allergy may be given treats that do not contain any known allergens. The type of meat that is also contained in the selected menu/hypoallergenic wet food is suitable for this. The right type of meat should also be used for chewy treats. As soon as symptoms appear, the type of treat must be changed.

Which food is suitable for digestive problems?

Depending on the cause of the digestive problems, different types of food can be the reason. If these are caused by a food allergy, the Terra Canis hypoallergenic range is the right choice to provide nutritional support for digestive problems and allergy symptoms.

If a food allergy is not the cause, a choice can be made depending on the cause, because Terra Canis has the right light food, feed or diet for digestive problems, sensitive dog stomachs or diseases of the digestive tract at any stage in life.

Sensitive – for dogs with sensitive stomachs

First Aid – emergency assistance for acute cases

Alimentum Veterinarium Intestinal – the vet diet for the stomach & intestine