Allergies are one of those things that can make looking after a dog a bit complicated. So, what’s the best dog food for dachshunds with skin allergies? What does food even have to do with skin allergies? And are dachshunds in any way special in that regard compared to other dog breeds?
Doxies are indeed special when it comes to skincare but that shouldn’t worry you too much. Almost all of the possible problems they can encounter are perfectly treatable either with antihistamines and some other basic medication and/or with a diet change. Every case is different, of course, and you should always consult with your vet before you trust the internet. But, to give you a bit more insight, here are our suggestions for the best dog food for dachshunds with skin allergies as well as a bit more info.
What’s Great About The Best Dog Food For Dachshunds With Skin Allergies?
The best dog food for allergies is one that’s free of any triggers that can cause your dog’s immune system to react. As you’d imagine, this usually disqualifies most low-quality kibble and other commercial dog foods.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should personally prepare and cook your dog’s food, of course. There are good types of commercial dog food out there. Additionally, the exact type of food and ingredients also matter. Even a high-quality dog food can trigger your dog’s allergies as some dogs are simply allergic to certain types of food.
What Types Of Foods Cause Allergies In Dachshunds?
Every dog is different, but the most common dog food ingredients that can cause allergies include:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Wheat
- Corn
- Soy
- Eggs
As you can see, we’re talking about perfectly natural ingredients and not certain colorants, artificial flavors, or other chemicals. So, even if you’re making your dog’s food yourself and with only the best ingredients, there’s still a risk that your dog’s allergies may flare-up.
What Dachshund Allergies Should You Watch Out For?
There are two basic groups or types of allergies to look out for – environmental and internal allergies. People often view those as dachshund skin allergies and dachshund food allergy but that’s not exactly accurate as food and skin allergies can be the same. That’s why the wrong food will often trigger your dog’s skin’s allergic reaction.
When it comes to environmental allergies, these usually end up with skin rashes and atopic dermatitis. They are usually caused by contact with pollen or certain grasses. Indoor molds and house dust can also be triggers. Another thing to watch out for is parasites such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and others.
As for the internal allergic reactions, these are caused by foods. As we listed above, the meat proteins in chicken, beef, and eggs are a common culprit as are certain grains.
Symptoms Of Skin Allergies In Dachshunds
The first thing you’ll notice if your dog is having an allergic reaction is a dry and flaky skin. In longhaired and wirehaired dachshunds such symptoms can be harder to notice, of course. However, if you brush and groom your Doxie regularly, you should still be able to spot skin irritations and inflammations.
The most common locations for such skin symptoms are:
- Inside the ears
- Around the paws and toes
- Within the skin folds on the legs
Such places are also commonly affected by Acquired Pattern Alopecia or Malassezia Dermatitis – both quite common in Doxies.
Naturally, these are only the skin symptoms of dog allergies. In addition to them, you can also encounter:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itchy ears
- Swelling of the face
What To Do If Your Dog’s Allergies Start Flaring Up?
Obviously, the very first thing to do when you notice any of the above symptoms is to contact your vet. Every dog is different and a competent vet will be able to give you a much better and more personalized advice than any article on the internet.
This goes for food choices too. Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact cause of your dog’s food allergies usually comes down to a game of trial and error. This process is usually called a “food trial” and involves picking a certain type of food – different from what your dog has eaten so far – and sticking to it for a while to see if there are any changes. In a food trial, there are typically two types of foods/diets you can go for:
- Limited ingredient diets – these are dog foods that contain fewer ingredients. That way, the trial and error process becomes easier. If your dog has a reaction to its new diet, you’ll be more likely to figure out which ingredient is causing it.
- Hypoallergenic dog foods – these are foods that usually need to be prescribed by a vet but can be found online as well. They are typically made by having their proteins split (hydrolyzed) into their amino acid blocks. This is beneficial because it prevents the allergen in the food from triggering your pet’s immune system’s allergic response.
7 Kinds Of The Best Dog Food For Dachshunds With Skin Allergies?
So, what are some commercial foods we’d recommend? The best options tend to change over time but what seems best on the market right now is:
- Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato – Our first recommendation is grain-free. Instead, it’s made out of salmon, menhaden fish meal, salmon meal, peas, and sweet potatoes.
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Rice Dog Food – A grain-inclusive option with both oatmeal and brown rice, this Merrick Limited food also includes turkey broth, deboned turkey, and turkey liver.
- Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato – Another grain-free option, this food includes turkey meal, deboned turkey, peas, potatoes, and dried ground potatoes.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP – This classic option is grain-inclusive as it contains Brewers rice. It also has chicken fat, hydrolyzed soy protein, dried beet pulp, and other natural flavors. This works great for dogs with soy allergies.
- Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Dog Food – This option is grain-free and is made out of beef, tomato pomace, lentils, and sunflower oil. Not a good option for dogs with beef allergies.
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor – Lastly, a grain-free option. This Purina food includes hydrolyzed soy protein corn starch, hydrogenated canola oil, coconut oil, and powdered cellulose.
- Nom Nom Fresh – Nom Nom’s food is grain-free and is made with ground pork which is typically hypoallergenic. This food also includes green beans, russet potatoes, kale, and squash.
