Finding a safe and delicious food for your dog can be challenging if your dog has food allergies. Many store-bought options contain hidden allergens, preservatives, or fillers that can trigger reactions in sensitive dogs. But the good news is that you can control it by making homemade treats tailored specifically for your pup’s need
In this guide, we’ll explore the best homemade treats for dogs and allergies, share some helpful vet-approved homemade dog food recipes for skin allergies and provide you with several tips to help you manage your dog’s allergies. This updated 2024 guide will cover everything you need to know to ensure your furry friend stays healthy, happy, and itch-free.
Why Homemade Treats for Dogs with Allergies Are Essential
Food allergies in dogs often manifest as skin irritations, digestive issues, or chronic ear infections. Dogs can be allergic to common ingredients like chicken, wheat, dairy, and soy, making it difficult to find safe treats. That’s where homemade options come in handy.
By making your own treats, you gain full control over the ingredients, ensuring that no allergens sneak into your dog’s diet. Homemade treats are also healthier since you can avoid artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers that often appear in commercial products.
Benefits of Homemade Treats for Allergic Dogs
- Customizable Ingredients: You can tailor recipes to exclude allergens specific to your dog.
- Healthier Choices: Fresh, whole ingredients contribute to better digestion and skin health.
- Cost-Effective: When you make your dog food at home, some of the ingredients are already at your home and some you have to bring, but still you spend less money on homemade food comparatively. Buy them from Upstore
- Freshness: Homemade treats don’t contain preservatives, ensuring your dog eats fresh, nutritious food.
Common Allergens to Avoid in Dog Treats
Before diving into recipes, it’s important to know which ingredients are common culprits for allergic reactions in dogs. Here’s a list of frequent allergens you’ll want to avoid when preparing treats:
- Chicken: One of the most common food allergies in dogs.
- Wheat and Gluten: Often found in commercial dog treats, wheat can trigger skin and digestive issues in some dogs.
- Dairy: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, making dairy a common allergen.
- Soy: Used as a filler in many dog foods, soy can cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
- Beef: While not as common as chicken, some dogs are allergic to beef.
- Corn: Another frequent filler ingredient that may cause skin irritation or digestive upset.
Tip: Always consult your vet if your dog shows symptoms of allergies like itching, redness, or upset stomach. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to identify the specific allergen.
Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Skin Allergies
If your dog suffers from skin allergies, switching to homemade food can help alleviate symptoms. Here are a few vet-approved homemade dog food recipes designed to promote healthy skin while avoiding common allergens.
1. Salmon and Sweet Potato Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked sweet potatoes (mashed)
- 1 can salmon (boneless and skinless)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, salmon, and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into small patties.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Let the patties cool before serving.
Why It’s Good: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin, while sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins.
2. Turkey & Quinoa Energy Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the turkey, quinoa, and olive oil in a large bowl.
- Shape into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cooked through.
Why It’s Good: Turkey is a lean protein that’s less likely to trigger allergic reactions, and quinoa is a gluten-free grain packed with nutrients.
3. Lamb and Brown Rice Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 egg (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix the ground lamb, cooked brown rice, and egg in a bowl.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Bake for 30 minutes until firm.
Why It’s Good: Lamb is often recommended for dogs with protein allergies, and brown rice is a hypoallergenic grain that provides energy without irritating the skin.
Best Homemade Treats for Dogs with Allergies
Let’s focus on the fun part—treats! These homemade treats for dogs with allergies are simple to make, allergen-free, and sure to make your dog’s tail wag.
1. Pumpkin & Oatmeal Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 ½ cups oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients together to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Why It’s Good: Pumpkin is great for digestion, and oats provide a gluten-free base that won’t trigger allergies.
2. Coconut & Banana Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Combine all ingredients and shape into small balls.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Why It’s Good: Coconut flour is a grain-free alternative, and bananas are packed with potassium and fiber.
3. Duck & Sweet Potato Chews
Ingredients:
- 1-pound ground duck
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Mix all ingredients and shape into thin strips.
- Bake for 3 hours until dried.
Why It’s Good: Duck is a novel protein that’s perfect for dogs with allergies to more common meats like chicken or beef.
Best Human Foods for Dogs with Allergies
If you are wondering what human food is safe for dogs with allergies, the answer is some human foods are safe for them, but some are allergic to them. Here are some of them
Safe Human Foods for Dogs with Allergies:
- Carrots: Great for snacking, carrots are low in calories and high in fiber.
- Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich and a delicious treat for dogs.
- Cucumbers: Low-calorie and hydrating, perfect for a crunchy snack.
- Apples (without seeds): Provide fiber and vitamins, but be sure to remove the seeds.
- Coconut oil: Supports skin health and can be mixed into food or treats.
How to Safely Introduce New Foods to Dogs with Allergies
Introducing new foods to a dog with allergies should be done carefully to avoid triggering reactions.
Steps for Introducing New Foods:
- Start Small: Offer a small amount of the new food and observe your dog for any reactions.
- Monitor for 24-48 Hours: Look for symptoms such as itching, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Consult Your Vet: If any symptoms occur, stop feeding the new food and consult your vet.
Tip: When adding new proteins or grains to your dog’s diet, introduce only one new food at a time to easily identify potential allergens.
Storing Homemade Dog Treats for Freshness
Since homemade treats lack preservatives, proper storage is crucial to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Refrigeration: Most homemade treats should be refrigerated and will last up to 7 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze treats for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before serving.
- Room Temperature: If the treats are completely dried (like jerky), they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Allergic Dog Healthy with Homemade Treats
Making Homemade Treats for Dogs with Allergies is a simple and effective way to feed your dog a delicious treat that avoids ingredients that our dog is allergic to and contains ingredients that Our dog needs and keep him healthy. Some of these are sweet potatoes, salmon,and oatmeal, etc. You can keep your dog happy and healthy. Before giving new ingredients to your dog introduce it slowly. Whether you’re making daily meals or special treats, homemade is always the best way to go for dogs with allergies.
FAQs
1. Can homemade treats help with my dog’s allergies?
Yes, homemade treats allow you to add ingredients that your dog needs specifically to avoid allergic issues. use hypoallergenic ingredients, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
2. What are common signs of food allergies in dogs?
Common signs include excessive itching, chronic ear infections, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea, and inflamed skin.
3. Is oatmeal safe for dogs with allergies?
Yes, oatmeal is a gluten-free grain and is safe for dogs if they are allergic, if your dog doesn’t like wheat, you can substitute it.
4. Can I use coconut oil in homemade dog treats?
Yes, coconut oil is safe for your dog and it also helps your dog’s skin and shiny coat.
5. How do I know if my dog has a food allergy?
A vet can diagnose food allergies through elimination diets or allergy tests. If your dog shows signs like itching, redness, or gastrointestinal distress, consult your vet.