Pet Digest

  What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food? Walk down any pet food aisle and you’ll see the word “hypoallergenic” on many labels. But what does it really mean? If your dog has itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive issues, your vet may recommend trying a hypoallergenic diet. However, the term can be a little misleading — especially when you notice that some so-called hypoallergenic foods are chicken-based, even though chicken is one of the most common food allergens in dogs. What Does “Hypoallergenic” Mean? Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean allergy-free. It simply means the food is formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions . In veterinary medicine, this usually falls into two categories: Novel protein diets – Using less common proteins such as venison, duck, rabbit, or kangaroo, which your dog’s immune system is less likely to react to. Hydrolyzed protein diets – Proteins (often chicken, soy, or fish) that are chemically broken down into tiny fragments (peptides) so the imm...