Dog allergies are a common issue among pet parents, and they can range from mild to severe. While drugs like Apoquel and Cytopoint may provide temporary relief, they don't address the underlying causes of allergies. That's why more and more pet parents are turning to holistic approaches to managing dog allergies. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the role of the microbiome, raw food, kibble, fresh food, and all-natural supplements in managing dog allergies.
First, let's talk about the microbiome. The microbiome is the ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in and on our dogs' bodies. It plays a crucial role in their overall health, including their immune system and digestion. A healthy microbiome (in dogs and humans) can help prevent and manage allergies by strengthening the immune system and promoting a healthy gut.
Microbiome health can be effectively managed through diet and nutrition. Read on to find out more!
Many canine nutritionists believe that the key to managing dog allergies is to provide them with a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet. This is due to the fact that an imbalanced microbiome can present itself in the form of allergy like symptoms, so the idea is to effectively use diet to balance the microbiome.
What are the different diets available for dogs?
- Raw food is often praised for being the most natural and biologically appropriate diet for dogs. It's also said to be high in protein and beneficial enzymes. However, it can also be high in bacteria and parasites if not handled or stored properly. It can also be expensive and time-consuming to prepare.
- Kibble, also known as dry food, is a type of dog food that's made by cooking, baking, or extruding a mixture of ingredients. It's the most convenient and budget-friendly option for pet parents. However, it can be low in moisture and high in carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and other health issues.
- Fresh food is a type of dog food that's made with human-grade ingredients and doesn't contain any preservatives or artificial additives. It's often sold frozen or refrigerated and can be cooked or served raw. It's also said to be high in moisture and beneficial nutrients. However, it can be expensive and needs to be refrigerated or frozen.
Finally, let's talk about all-natural supplements. While a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet is important, some dogs may still require additional support. This is all dependent on each dog’s ability to break down key components including fats, carbohydrates, and molecules such as chondroitin. If a dog has difficulty in breaking down any of these key compounds from their food, supplementation can compensate for this and ensure that sufficient amounts of each necessary nutritional compound are absorbed by the gut.
All-natural supplements, such as probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, can help support a healthy microbiome and immune system, promoting overall health and managing allergies.
In conclusion, managing dog allergies requires a holistic approach that includes a healthy diet and all-natural supplements where necessary, as well as taking into consideration the dog’s lifestyle, age, and breed. Providing a well-balanced diet, and using all-natural supplements, supports the all important microbiome and helps prevent and manage dog allergies, promoting overall health and well-being.