Managing Dog Allergies Through Nutrition: A Balanced Approach

In my world, it feels like an epidemic of dogs with food intolerances or allergies. I recognize that my work would attract clients with dogs with intolerance but for me... a dog without any intolerance is close to having unicorn status.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend among dog owners towards incorporating a wide range of proteins and rotating them more frequently than in the past. Does anyone else believe that it might be time to reconsider this approach to prevent food intolerances? Clearly, the current method is ineffective! It is important to strike a balance between offering some variety and trying every available protein option!

I can't magically create new foods when a dog shows sensitivity to every protein available. So what are these dogs supposed to eat? Trying to work on gut health while a dog is in a high state of inflammation is unlikely to be successful. If it was a simple matter of feeding a novel protein, people would've seen some progress before connecting with me. Introducing novel proteins during a time of high reactivity increases the odds that you are sacrificing a protein to try later.

People are hesitant to use medications like apoquel that could provide much-needed relief for their suffering dog. In some cases, medications are necessary as a short-term solution, whether it be for seasonal issues or during a severe outbreak.

If dogs can't fully enjoy their walks, meals, favorite activities, and struggle to sleep due to intense itching, why not think about using medication? We would surely do the same for ourselves! Once the inflammation subsides, create a plan that focuses on supporting their gut health.

The new unicorn- dogs without food intolerances

No quantity of bone broth and probiotics will be sufficient to assist severely affected dogs with such a high level of food reactivity. This is the point at which hydrolyzed foods, another beneficial method that is often overlooked, may be a viable option to explore. If you have exhausted all options with various proteins and elimination diets without success, hydrolyzed food could provide relief for many dogs. While fresh foods remain my top choice, there are occasions when we must adopt a different approach for the well-being of the dog. I view this as a temporary solution aimed at eventually reintroducing fresh foods, the timing of which will depend on the specific needs of each dog.

By shaming and instilling fear in people about their dog potentially developing cancer from certain medications or by criticizing those who opt for hydrolyzed foods, dogs with a significantly reduced quality of life are left to incessantly scratch themselves, leading to bacterial infections and a perpetual cycle of needing more medication.

Understanding the potential side effects, both short-term and long-term, of any medication is crucial. It is essential to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages. Not all dogs may be suitable candidates - it is advisable to explore all possibilities with your veterinarian and even contemplate seeking advice from a dermatologist.

Providing a drug, temporarily, to give your dog some relief is humane.

I believe it's unethical to suggest supplements are the easy cure. I wish it was easy, but the reality is there's a process to go through if you want long-term success and every dog is going to respond differently.