Could a Raw Diet Help Your Itchy Dog? Exploring the Link Between Raw Food and Allergies
Is your dog constantly scratching, chewing, or dealing with skin issues? Allergies are a common problem for our canine companions, and finding relief can be a frustrating journey. While conventional wisdom often points to specialised kibble or prescription diets, an increasing number of dog owners are turning to a more natural solution: raw feeding.
But can a raw diet really help with allergies? Let's dive in and explore the potential benefits.
Understanding Allergies in Dogs
Before we get into raw feeding, it's important to understand how allergies work. When a dog has an allergy, their immune system overreacts to a certain substance (an allergen), treating it as a threat. This triggers a cascade of reactions, leading to the classic allergy symptoms we see – itching, redness, inflammation, and sometimes digestive upset.
Common allergens for dogs include:
- Proteins: Chicken, beef, dairy, and even certain grains
- Environmental Factors: Pollen, dust mites, mold
How Raw Feeding May Help
The idea that a raw diet can help with allergies is based on a few key principles:
- Novel Proteins: Many commercial dog foods rely on the same few protein sources (chicken, beef, etc.), which can be problematic if your dog is allergic to them. Raw diets allow for a wider variety of proteins – think duck, rabbit, venison, or even fish – making it easier to avoid allergens.
- Limited Ingredients: Raw diets are simpler, with fewer ingredients than processed kibble. This makes it easier to pinpoint and eliminate any potential triggers for your dog's allergies.
- Whole, Unprocessed Foods: Raw diets emphasize whole, unprocessed ingredients. This means your dog is getting nutrients in their most natural form, which can support a healthier immune system and reduce allergic reactions.
- Gut Health: A healthy gut is crucial for a strong immune system. Raw diets are rich in enzymes and probiotics, which can help promote a balanced gut microbiome and potentially reduce inflammation associated with allergies.
Success Stories
Countless dog owners have reported positive results when switching their allergic dogs to a raw diet, including many of our customers:
Eliza the Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Eliza has suffered with ongoing allergies since two years old. Through the elimination diet method, feeding only one single protein at a time for several weeks (they did this feeding Dougie's raw) Eliza's owners have managed to pinpoint her allergies, learning that she can only tolerate beef, turkey and duck.
If you would like further help and advice with helping to manage allergies, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we are happy to help tailor a diet to your dogs needs.
