Finding the right food for your dog can be tricky sometimes if they suffer from allergies or sensitive stomachs. Limited ingredient dog foods reduce the number of ingredients in diets. About 15-20 % of allergic symptoms in dogs are related to food allergies.
In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of limited-ingredient diets, tips for choosing the best option, and top trusted brands for sensitive dogs. If you’re looking for a single protein, grain-free, or vet-approved option.
What Are Limited Ingredient Dog Foods?
According to Petco, a limited-ingredient diet reduces the potential allergens in dog’s diets. It contains high-quality proteins and easily digestible carbohydrates.
Limited ingredient dog foods often include novel proteins, because they’re less likely to trigger common food sensitivities in dogs—beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat account for 79% of dog food allergies.
Finding food without the ingredients that cause sensitivities or allergies is essential. Most limited ingredients dog foods eliminated these ingredients from a recipe as well.
Limited-ingredient dog foods must adhere to AAFCO’s standards for a complete and balanced diet.
Signs Your Dog May Benefit From Limited Ingredient Dog Foods
Limited Ingredient Dog Foods (LID) can be helpful for dogs with specific dietary needs, allergies, or sensitivities. Here are signs that your dog may benefit from switching to a limited-ingredient diet.
- Frequent digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, or bloating,
- Poor skin quality and persistent itching,
- Recurrent ear infection,
- Constant scratching and chewing of their feet,
- Weight gain or loss
- Dull body coat or hair loss
If your dog exhibits any of the above symptoms, consult a veterinarian for health issues. They can recommend a limited-ingredient diet to improve health and well-being.
What Types of Proteins are Used in Limited Ingredient Dog Food?
Limited ingredient diets include proteins such as,
- Rabbit
- Fish (salmon, trout, whitefish, herring)
- Fish (salmon, trout, whitefish, herring)
- Alligator
- Kangaroo
- Venison
- Bison
- Duck
- Pork
- Turkey
- Lamb
- chicken
Ingredients like lamb, turkey, and chicken are commonly used in regular dog food. Therefore, most dogs have been exposed to them.
What Types of Carbohydrates Are Used in Limited Ingredient Dog Foods?
Carbohydrate sources commonly used in limited-ingredient diets,
- Potatoes
- Rice
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
- Brown rice
- Lentils
- Oatmeal
FAQ
1. What is the difference between grain-free and limited ingredients?
Limited-ingredient foods include single protein and carbohydrate sources, e.g., chicken and brown rice. Grain-free dog foods use non-grain-free sources of carbohydrates e.g. green peas, oatmeal, and potato. Grain-free diets are often cooked foods, dog parents prefer these foods to avoid fillers.
2. Which Ingredients Are Most Common Allergens in Dogs?
Beef, dairy, soya, chicken, eggs, and wheat gluten are common dog allergens. Identifying potential allergens is crucial to ensure dogs remain safe and comfortable.
3. What Should the Top 3 Ingredients in Dog Food?
The top 3 ingredients in dog foods include,
High-quality proteins– Chicken, beef, fish and lamb
Natural carbohydrates– Whole fruits and vegetable
healthy fats– animal fats or plant-based oil.
