What is hypoallergenic dog food?

At Riverwood, we get more and more questions about which foods are appropriate for dogs with food allergies or intolerances. The solution? Hypoallergenic dog food. But what exactly is hypoallergenic dog food?

Definitions of hypoallergenic dog food

Fine, the term hypoallergenic does not really have one established definition. The term has the following three meanings:

• Hypoallergenic dog food formulated with unique protein sources. These are protein sources to which only a small percentage of dogs (2%) are allergic.
• Hypoallergenic dog food that is formulated with 1 animal protein source. This significantly reduces the chance of an allergic reaction.

Hypoallergenic dog food that is formulated with hydrolyzed proteins. Another tricky word! Simply put, it means that the proteins have been cut into very small pieces, so the body no longer recognizes them. This makes it unlikely that your dog will have an allergic reaction.

A simple meaning

The above definitions of hypoallergenic dog food have one thing in common: the food is formulated to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. As you read above, they can do that in several ways. Hypoallergenic food is specially formulated for dogs with an allergy or intolerance to certain nutrients. Therefore, this food is low in allergens so that the chances of an adverse reaction are reduced.

A dog with food allergy or intolerance? 

Want to know what the symptoms of food allergy are and what food is best to give when you have an allergy? Then read our article Help my dog has an allergy!

However, we can reveal that Riverwood has hypoallergenic food. For example, Riverwood's dog food is formulated with three unique sources of protein and is completely grain and gluten free. This makes it unlikely that a dog will have an allergic reaction to the food.

Would you prefer a food with only 1 protein source? Then try Riverwood's Mono-Protein canned food. This canned food is formulated with 1 animal protein source and is also completely grain-free.

Lots of dogs already enjoy Riverwood every day. Would you also like your dog to feast on our delicious foods and are you curious which variety would suit your dog best? Then answer a few questions here and order an inexpensive sample pack right away.