Homemade Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Dogs may develop allergies for many reasons. Food allergies can cause allergic symptoms such as dry skin, licking, vomiting or asthma. Some common food allergies include grains, vegetables, beef, pork, chicken, milk, whey, eggs, soy, wheat and preservatives. Many times the dog is not allergic to the meat source itself but the cooked or byproduct (secondary) version. In addition, the additives in commercial dog food can cause allergic reactions. Preparing a hypoallergenic food at home can help eliminate allergens from the diet and is commonly referred to as an elimination diet.

1. Benefits of Raw

   • Starting a dog on a homemade hypoallergenic or elimination diet may seem overwhelming at first. However, switching from commercial dog food to homemade raw food will provide your dog with a multitude of health benefits. Aside from allergy relief, a raw-fed dog should experience cleaner teeth, shinier coat, smaller stools and improved digestion. Although slightly more complicated than pouring processed food into a bowl, raw feeding is really quite simple. A dog's digestive system contains enzymes and a pH level designed to break down and utilize raw meat. However, if the dog has been raised on kibble, a few rules will minimize digestive upset during the transition. A simple rule of thumb is 80 percent meat, 10 percent organ and 10 percent bone. This percentage can be adjusted to the needs of each individual dog.

   Making the Transition

   • Determine the weight of the dog. Feed 2 to 4 percent of the dog's ideal body weight. A 100-pound dog should consume approximately three pounds. If starting a puppy, offer portions of food three to four times per day. Once the puppy reaches three months, back down to three meals. At six months, many move to two meals and after twelve months, one meal per day. This will vary from puppy to puppy. When transitioning an adult to raw, offer food twice per day, eventually combining both feedings into one. This meal can be offered any time of day.

   Elimination

   • Start with one protein source for about twelve weeks, such as chicken. Chicken is a very mild protein and one of the best sources used for a dog with food allergies. Smaller dogs may be fed pieces as small as chicken wings. Larger dogs may be fed chicken quarters or even a whole chicken. Most dogs will take to the switch immediately with no further encouragement. If enticement is needed, try slicing into the meat or lightly searing it in the beginning. If allergy testing has revealed chicken as an allergen, start with another protein source, such as pork. In time, chicken may be re-introduced once the reaction to processed chicken has subsided.

   Protein Sources

   • Introduce a new protein source after about 12 weeks of success with chicken or other initial protein source. Pork is another easily obtainable meat source and a great second step from chicken. After a few weeks on the second type of meat, move onto beef, lamb, duck, turkey, deer, fish or any other meat you can find. Keep in mind, most weight bearing bones of large animals such as the leg bones of deer or cattle are too dense and can break teeth, therefore should not be fed.

   Organs

   • Ten percent of the diet should consist of organ meat. This includes but is not limited to liver, spleen, lung and kidney. Organ meat does not need to be fed every day or every week, as long as it makes up ten percent of the total diet. Liver can be obtained most anywhere and usually comes frozen. Liver, for some dogs, can cause loose stools and should be added carefully in small amounts. The texture of liver can be offensive to some dogs. Again, if some enticement is necessary, lightly sear the liver to encourage consumption.

   Bones

   • Feeding bones makes up the last 10 percent of the homemade raw diet. Raw meaty bones are safe and necessary in a raw diet. Uncooked bones will not splinter like cooked bones. Raw meaty bones are essential for removing plaque buildup and keeping teeth clean and healthy. Consumption of bones helps maintain a healthy stool as well. Adjust the amount of bone fed based on the individual dog. If stool is loose, add more bone. If stool seems too hard and chalky, decrease bone.

   Omega Fatty Acids

   • Fish is not mandatory but is an excellent fatty acid source. Due to high mercury levels in slow growing large fish, it is best to stay with small growing fish like sardines and anchovies. Or stay with Atlantic caught fish like Atlantic Mackerel (high in Omega 3 and B12) or Salmon. Fatty acids, such as Omega 3 can be provided with the addition of fish oil pills. These fatty acids provide natural anti-inflammatory relief from inflammation caused by allergies.