Dermatitis, gastrointestinal upset, and chronic inflammation are just a few of the symptoms that your pet may be suffering from a food allergy. Common allergens in pet foods include beef, dairy, chicken, egg, grain, and fish.
Fortunately, hypoallergenic diets can help manage these allergies by steering clear of allergy-inducing ingredients. Some of these diets use hydrolyzed proteins, where proteins are broken down into particles too small to trigger an allergic reaction. Other diets use novel proteins and carbohydrates, such as venison and potato, on the assumption that your pet hasn't been exposed to these ingredients before and, thus, has not developed an allergy to them.
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before switching your pet to a hypoallergenic diet. The Hungry Puppy offers a variety of hypoallergenic pet food options, along with knowledgeable staff to guide you through the selection process.