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If your dog struggles with itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive upset, the culprit could be an allergy. A well-balanced diet is often one of the most effective tools for relief. While medication can mask symptoms, food can help address the root cause by calming the immune system and restoring balance from the inside out. Try focusing on real foods for your dog’s allergy relief.
Identify and Remove Triggers
The first step is identifying allergens and or food sensitivities. Testing your dog for potential food sensitivities will help us decide which foods you should exclude from the rotation elimination diet. I suggest using the Glacier Peaks Pet Intolerance Test as a simple way to uncover food and environmental stressors that affect your dog.
Common culprits include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn. I always start with an elimination diet that includes foods your dog has not consumed in the last 6 months. Rotating new foods helps pinpoint which ingredients trigger an immune response, and we adjust accordingly.
This is a great time to keep a food diary for your dog. Keeping track of the foods you feed and recording any negative reactions will help me develop recipes tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Supplements
Certain foods naturally reduce inflammation. Omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, sardines, or anchovies help reduce itching and support skin health. Adding flaxseed or chia seeds can provide plant-based omega-3s for extra support, although for dogs, I prefer a sustainable, high-quality fish oil.
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice. I suggest starting with small amounts to avoid stomach upset and gradually increasing the amount added to your dog’s food. Combining turmeric with coconut oil can enhance curcumin absorption. Try making this Golden Paste and add a small amount to your dog’s food.
Organic leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, collards, and spinach provide a nutrient-dense boost to your dog’s meals. Vegetables should be lightly cooked or steamed to support digestion. The long, slow cooking method of the CrockPet Diet is the perfect way to focus on real foods for your dog’s allergy relief.
Support the Gut for Allergy Relief
Many allergies are linked to gut imbalance. The lining of the gut is made up of the same type of cells as skin. If there is skin inflammation, there is likely gut inflammation. Focus on real food and make a point of prioritizing probiotic-rich foods. Homemade bone broth or raw goat milk are options your dog will love. Both will soothe the gut lining and provide healthy bacteria for the GI tract. Adding prebiotic fiber from pumpkin or cooked asparagus can strengthen gut health and improve immune function.
Choose Whole, Fresh Foods
Minimally processed, fresh foods retain more nutrients and contain fewer additives, which can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats create a nutrient-dense base for healing.
Lightly cooking vegetables for your dog will ease digestion. Cooking them on low heat for the CrockPet Diet is a convenient way to batch cook for your dog. Pick a day and cook your dog’s meals for the entire week.
Work with a Professional
Every dog’s immune system is unique. Partnering with me ensures your dog’s diet is balanced and tailored to their needs. I’ve been certified by Dr. Ruth Roberts as a Holistic Pet Health Coach, providing guidance on real, whole-food nutrition and natural supplements. Feeding real food is the best thing you can do for your dog’s health and comfort.
With patience and a little trial and error, the right food can do more than just ease your dog’s allergy symptoms. It can help restore their health from the inside out, so they can live itch-free, energized, and most importantly, free of medications. Book your consult today!
Wag on my friends!
