If your dog is constantly scratching, has digestive issues, or suffers from recurring ear infections, food allergies might be the cause. In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about hypoallergenic dog food, from what it is to how it can help your pup live a healthier, happier life.
What is Hypoallergenic Dog Food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is specially formulated to minimise or eliminate allergic reactions in dogs with food sensitivities or diagnosed allergies. Unlike standard kibble, which often includes common ingredients like beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat (known triggers for many canine food allergies) hypoallergenic diets are carefully designed to reduce the immune system's exposure to these allergens.
At Calibra, we pride ourselves on being transparent with our product ingredients. Our compositions are always clearly labelled, with no hidden products or fats.
How Does Hypoallergenic Dog Food Work?
Some hypoallergenic formulas use proteins your dog’s immune system hasn’t encountered before, while others break proteins down into small particles that don’t trigger an immune response.
These specialised diets typically incorporate novel proteins, such as duck, insect, venison, and rabbit, which are less likely to have been encountered by your dog’s immune system, reducing the likelihood of a reaction. Some formulations go a step further by using hydrolysed proteins, which are proteins that have been broken down into smaller molecules through a process called hydrolysis, making them virtually unrecognisable to the immune system.
These carefully selected components help reduce dog food allergy symptoms such as:
· Itchy skin
· Chronic ear infections
· Diarrhoea or vomiting
· Excessive licking or paw chewing
How Do I Know if My Dog Needs Hypoallergenic Food?
Food allergies or intolerances in dogs can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms often overlap with other common health issues. However, there are some telltale signs that your dog may be reacting negatively to something in their diet. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually over time. Watch for signs such as:
Persistent itching or skin irritation – If your dog is constantly scratching, rubbing their face, or has red, inflamed skin, it could be a sign of a food allergy. Unlike environmental allergies, food-related itching often affects areas like the ears, paws, and rear.
Recurring ear infections – Recurring ear infections, particularly those that don’t respond well to treatment or return soon after being resolved, may be linked to an allergic response to food.
Gastrointestinal upset – Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive gas, or a gurgling stomach can all point to a food intolerance or allergy. These digestive issues can be intermittent or persistent.
Excessive licking, biting, or chewing – Dogs often lick or chew at their paws or other parts of their body in response to irritation or discomfort caused by allergies. This behaviour can lead to secondary infections or sores if left untreated.
If your veterinarian suspects that your dog may be suffering from a food allergy, the first step is often to conduct an elimination diet trial. During this process, your dog is fed a hypoallergenic diet that contains a limited number of ingredients, typically novel or hydrolysed proteins and a single carbohydrate source, for 8 to 12 weeks. It’s critical that your dog eats only this diet during the trial, meaning no treats, table scraps, flavoured medications, or chews that could interfere with the results.
If symptoms improve or disappear during this period, it strongly suggests that a food ingredient was the cause of the issues. To confirm, your vet may recommend a challenge phase, where original ingredients are slowly reintroduced one at a time to identify the specific allergen.
Early identification and dietary management are key to preventing long-term health problems and improving your dog’s comfort and quality of life. If you're seeing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian to determine whether a hypoallergenic diet is appropriate.
We’ve also written a blog on ‘How do I Know if My Dog Has a Food Allergy?’ to help with any further queries; however, we would always recommend seeing a vet if you suspect any allergies, for a formal diagnosis.
Which Hypoallergenic Dog Food is Best for My Dog?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but options fall into three main categories:
Limited Ingredient Diets (LID) – Use one protein and one carbohydrate source (e.g., salmon and potato starch).
Novel Protein Diets – Contain meats like rabbit, duck, or kangaroo.
Hydrolysed Protein Diets – Require a prescription and are ideal for dogs with severe allergies.
Your veterinarian can help you choose the best option based on your dog’s symptoms and health history.
Our range of hypoallergenic dog food at Calibra is carefully designed to assist with a range of allergies and health issues.
How Do I Switch to Hypoallergenic Dog Food?
Switching your dog to a hypoallergenic diet should be done gradually and carefully to minimise digestive upset and help your dog adjust to the new ingredients. Sudden changes in food can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite, even if the new formula is ultimately better for your dog. A slow transition gives your dog’s digestive system time to adapt and makes it easier to spot any reactions to the new food.
Here’s a recommended transition schedule:
· Days 1–3: Mix 25% hypoallergenic food with 75% of your dog’s current food. This small change introduces the new formula without overwhelming the digestive system.
· Days 4–6: Mix the foods 50/50. At this stage, your dog is starting to adjust to the new ingredients while still getting the comfort of familiar food.
· Days 7–9: Increase to 75% new food and 25% old food. Your dog should now be mostly acclimated to the hypoallergenic formula.
· Day 10 and beyond: Feed 100% hypoallergenic food. Continue monitoring your dog for any changes in behaviour, digestion, or skin condition.
Final Thoughts
Switching to hypoallergenic dog food can be a game-changer for pets with allergies or sensitivities. With the right approach and guidance from your vet, you can pinpoint the problem and give your dog lasting relief.
