Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Rottweilers are one of the breeds that tend to suffer from dog allergies, others include Boxers, Bulldogs, Dalmations and Pugs.

If your pup or dog seems to scratch/bite/lick at himself excessively, has red/itchy/irritated skin or 'hot spots', or has recurrent ear infections, he/she may be suffering from canine allergies

Research shows that dog food allergies account for at least 10% of all canine allergy symptoms, and feeding an 'allergy free' dog food is one of the best ways of eliminating your dogs' uncomfortable and distressing symptoms.

Dog Food Allergies - What Is Your Dog Reacting To?

Some dogs with dog food allergies are reacting to just one ingredient, others may be allergic or sensitive to several of them. The most common allergy 'triggers' in NON hypoallergenic dog food include (but aren't limited to)..

• Beef
• Pork
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Dairy Products
• Wheat
• Soy
• Whey
• Yeast

In addition, many dogs are sensitive or allergic to the chemicals and artificial additives, preservatives, colorings and flavorings contained in many popular foods, and that's why hypoallergenic dog foods contain only natural ingredients.

Hypoallergenic foods are formulated so that they contain proteins that break down easily, making them highly digestible. This is because it's thought that the quicker and more complete the protein-breakdown, the less likely it is to trigger an allergic response.

Many owners mistakenly believe that a dog normally has an allergic reaction only to a new, and unfamiliar, food - this isn't true! In fact, dog food allergies are more likely to develop in response to ingredients in a food that the dog has been eating for some time. Don't think that just because your Rottie has been happily eating a particular food for years that he can't develop an allergic response to it.

Of course, this doesn't mean that your dog can't be allergic to a new food because of course he can, but don't rule out a familiar diet as the 'trigger' if canine allergies appear!

Hypoallergenic Dog Food - Your Choices

An elimination diet is the best way to figure that out, and switching your dog over to a diet that contains ingredients he's never eaten before is the best way to start.

You'll need to choose a hypoallergenic food that contains one protein source and one carbohydrate source that are unfamiliar to your dog. Many regular dog foods contain multiple popular meat/grain ingredients, so allergy free dog food tends to use more 'exotic' ingredients such as duck, bison, salmon (even kangaroo!) and so on.

Here are some of what I believe to be the best allergy free dog food choices on the market...

Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dry Dog Food 15 lb. Bag

Grain-free formula for dogs with dog food allergies.

Unique single source protein and single source carbohydrate blend. Made specifically for dogs and puppies prone to allergies. No artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, or bleached ingredients.

also available in these varieties.....

Natural Balance Potato & Duck Dog Food Allergy Formula

Natural Balance Fish & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food Fish & Sweet Potato




California Natural Herring & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food 30 lb. Bag

A highly digestible hypoallergenic dog food which has herring as the only animal protein source.

Carbohydrate source is sweet potato which is not only a good source of energy, but also supplies important nutrients and is a natural source of dietary fiber.

Formulated to meet the special dietary needs of dogs that cannot tolerate typical pet food ingredients.




Solid Gold Holistique Blendz Fish Dry Dog Food 33 lb. Bag

This allergy gree dog food is made with Oatmeal, Rye, Menhaden Herring and Potatoes.

It's ideal for less active adult or senior dogs, and helps to maintain total health. Perfect for dogs who require less protein and fat.

This is a versatile food which can be used as a nutritionally balanced base, to which you add additional raw (or cooked) meat, vegetables, or canned food of your choice.

It's suitable for very allergic dogs, because you have total control over the protein source and you can adapt it to suit your dog's specific intolerances/allergies.




Solid Gold WolfKing Bison Dry Dog Food 33 lb. Bag

If your dog is a Rottweiler (or another large/giant breed) with dog food allergies, this hypoallergenic dog food formula could be the perfect fit, as it's been especially developed for large breed dogs.

Formulated to enhance total health, boost the immune system and protect against disease. It provides a complete and balanced diet.

Ingredients include bison, salmon meal, brown rice, millet, and barley plus host of other nutrients.

Hypoallergenic Dog Food - Vegetarian Dog Food Options

If your dog has severe allergies to meat-based ingredients, or you want to add only your own home-prepared meat ingredients, then you may want to consider the following allergy free dog food choices.

Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food Preference 7 lb. Box

This is a quality, meat-free and grain-free recipe that you can use with added raw meat, meaty bones or cooked meat/fish of your choice.

Ideal for dogs who are sensitive to more popular meats, and for dog owners who want to get closer to a home-made dog food diet.

Eco-friendly packaging.




Monzies Organics Organic Muesli for Dogs 20 lb.

Contains a wholesome blend of organic ingredients including grains, nuts, herbs, and vegetables.

Wheat, corn, and soy free. Just add the protein source that you prefer and you have a well-balanced, semi home-made dog food.





Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food Allergy Formula 30 lb. Bag

Best hypoallergenic dog food is most suitable for adult dogs with allergies (all breeds).

It provides the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the protein source. It combines special non-meat proteins along with effective natural ingredients to help rebuild your dog's immune system.

Free of soy, wheat, rice, eggs and dairy products.

Other vegetarian variations of hypoallergenic dog food choices include....

AvoDerm Natural Vegetarian Adult Dry Dog Food

Acana Provincial Pacifica Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Nature's Variety Instinct Grain Free Rabbit Meal Dry Dog Food

Hypoallergenic Dog Food - Final Thoughts

Don't forget, that if it's an additive, coloring or other ingredient that your dog is reacting to, they are also often found in treats, and even 'edible' toys such as bones, treat balls etc. So avoid those too.

Also, realize that even if the food you choose is the right one (and doesn't contain any 'trigger ingredients'), you won't see instant results! It can take between 3 and 4 months (although depending on how severe, or prolonged the reaction has been it can happen sooner), before the symptoms are relieved.

If you have a puppy or adolescent dog (Rottweilers and other large breeds often don't mature until they're 18 months - 2 years old, or more), never change his diet without checking talking to your veterinarian first.

Large and giant breed pups have very specific nutritional requirements (see my Feeding Puppies page to learn all about this), and many hypoallergenic dog food choices aren't suitable or need to be modified in this situation.

Canine allergies of any sort can make your dog itchy, irritable and downright miserable and while changing to a hypoallergenic dog food should help with dog food allergies, you'll probably want to try to alleviate his symptoms while you wait for them to diminish.

The products featured further up in the column to your right are all natural remedies which help to soothe your dogs itchy skin or irritated ears, and will make him feel a lot more comfortable. If you have a dog with allergies, they're definitely worth a look!

Search here for more information on Rottweilers or anything else you want to know about this breed........

Canine Allergies

Canine Health Issues

Your Rottweiler Puppy

Taking Care Of A Puppy

Feeding Puppies

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