Food allergies have become increasingly common in dogs in recent years. More and more four-legged friends are affected and suffer from the unpleasant symptoms that accompany their allergy. In order to get the symptoms under control, it is first necessary to recognize the food allergy and then consistently take appropriate countermeasures.
How does a food allergy occur?
If a dog suffers from a food allergy, it means that it cannot tolerate certain components of its food. Just like with other allergies, the animal's immune system classifies these so-called allergens as a potential threat and tries to fight them. This overreaction of the immune system then triggers the actual symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, animal protein sources in the food are responsible for the allergic reactions. Beef in particular is known for its high allergy potential.
Typical symptoms of a food allergy
Food allergies manifest themselves through various symptoms. In addition to digestive problems, affected dogs suffer in particular from skin and coat problems.
Typical symptoms that can indicate a food allergy in your dog include, for example:
- Allergic skin inflammation
- Hair loss
- Itching on the body and ears
- Inflamed paws and ears
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence
- Watery eyes
- Loss of appetite
The symptoms do not have to occur equally in all dogs. Depending on the severity of the allergy, the actual symptoms can vary considerably. However, it is not uncommon for the symptoms to worsen over time.
Diagnosing and treating food allergies
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a food allergy, a visit to your trusted veterinarian is advisable. This is because the symptoms mentioned can be triggered by far more than just food allergies. It is therefore important that the veterinarian first rules out other conceivable causes, such as an infestation with intestinal parasites.
Only when it has been established that it is indeed a food allergy is it possible to take appropriate treatment measures. These basically consist simply of switching to an allergen-free dog food.
Identifying and avoiding responsible allergens
To ensure that no further allergic reactions occur in the future, it is necessary to identify the responsible allergens and consistently avoid them when feeding. For this purpose, an elimination diet can be carried out. However, this proves to be extremely time-consuming.
Many dog owners therefore rely on so-called hydrolyzed dog food when feeding their allergic four-legged friend. The protein it contains has been broken down into smaller components. This is intended to ensure that the immune system no longer recognizes any allergens that may be present, and with a bit of luck, allergic reactions will not occur.
However, this does not always work reliably in practice. In addition, the quality of the protein sources used leaves something to be desired in some products. Long-term feeding with hydrolyzed dog food is therefore usually not an ideal solution.
Hypoallergenic insect protein as an alternative
The dog food manufacturer Bellfor relies on an unusual alternative for its products for allergic and nutritionally sensitive dogs. Instead of hydrolyzed protein or exotic types of meat, which are out of the question for the company for environmental reasons, Bellfor uses the larvae of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) as a protein source.
Since these have hardly been used as an ingredient for dog food so far, their allergy potential is very low, which makes them an excellent alternative for the production of hypoallergenic dog food. Even animals that normally suffer from massive allergic reactions usually tolerate insect-based dog food very well.
Insects are a full-fledged meat substitute
Of course, it is not enough if the allergy symptoms can be brought under control by changing the food. Apart from that, it is just as important that the dog is supplied with animal proteins and other important nutrients according to its needs.
Since insect protein contains all the essential amino acids for dogs and has a high biological value, you don't have to worry about this. The digestibility of the "hypoallergenic dog food from Bellfor" is comparable to that of varieties with normal meat, such as chicken.The insect larvae are therefore a full-fledged meat substitute with which you can easily feed your dog a healthy diet in the long term while reliably avoiding allergic reactions.Food and treats for nutritionally sensitive dogs
Bellfor has been offering hypoallergenic dog food with insects since 2016. What was initially limited to two types of dry food has now developed into an extensive range.
In addition to dry food, wet food and healthy insect-based dog treats are also available. Furthermore, Bellfor, with its expert team of nutritionists and veterinarians, has also developed various nutritional supplements with hypoallergenic insect protein.
You can therefore feed your allergic or generally nutritionally sensitive dog completely with the easily digestible insect-based products without any problems. Carefully selected, natural ingredients and gentle production ensure that your four-legged friend will not lack anything and that a needs-based supply of nutrients is guaranteed in the long term.
Food allergies have become increasingly common in dogs in recent years. More and more four-legged friends are affected and suffer from the unpleasant symptoms that accompany their allergy. In order to get the symptoms under control, it is first necessary to recognize the food allergy and then consistently take appropriate countermeasures. How does a
Sie können Ihren allergischen oder allgemein ernährungssensiblen Hund somit ohne Probleme vollständig mit den gut bekömmlichen Produkten auf Insektenbasis ernähren. Sorgfältig ausgewählte, natürliche Zutaten und eine schonende Herstellung sorgen dafür, dass es Ihrem Vierbeiner an nichts fehlen wird und eine bedarfsgerechte Nährstoffversorgung dauerhaft gewährleistet ist.
