Suspect your furry friend has a food allergy- you're not alone. The most common food allergens that mainly affect dogs are from animal proteins and grains. Proteins from dairy products, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy or wheat gluten can negatively impact your pup. Each time an allergic dog eats food with an offending ingredient, their immune system reacts to the antigens present, and symptoms of allergies begin to occur.
One of the most serious types of reaction is anaphylaxis, which would require immediate medical attention from a vet. Signs of anaphylaxis include low blood pressure, swelling of tongue/throat, and breathing difficulties.
Symptoms of foodborne allergies in dogs include
Intolerance vs. Allergies
Food intolerance, though unfortunate, is usually not as serious as an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction triggers an immune system response, where a food intolerance does not. Many of the symptoms of a food intolerance can appear similar to those of an allergic reaction which makes identifying what your pup is experiencing tricky.
You can determine which foods your dog is allergic to, a couple of different ways. The first you can try is an elimination diet- where you remove potentially offending foods from their diet over a period of time. This process may take some time to complete, and does not take into account environmental allergies. If your pup is in discomfort now, you may want to consult with your vet. They can complete an allergy panel (similar to what humans receive) or Nutriscan test on your dog. The allergy panel may take into account environmental allergies, whereas a Nutriscan test only detects food allergies. Your vet will explain the options best suited to your situation.
Conversely, a food intolerance is when we or our dogs cannot process a certain food. Most often intolerances are associated with stomach and digestive system upset. Your dog may experience diarrhea, vomiting, increased flatulence, or unusual stools. These food intolerances cannot be defined by a vet test, but through dietary changes. Your best chance at avoiding these symptoms is to use a high-quality dog food which is hypoallergenic, meaning it does not include common ingredients known to cause problems- certain meats, some types of grains, dairy, egg and high fat meat meals.
Also consider your dog may be experiencing a simple upset stomach caused by ingesting something they should not have. Consider the possibility of a turbulent tummy and look for foods that are calming. A simple meal of chicken and rice may be just the answer.
Heavily processed commercial dog food often contains offending ingredients such as low quality chicken/beef, wheat, corn or dairy and can stop dogs with allergies in their tracks. Not to mention their heavy use of by-products and artificial ingredients- which essentially makes these foods a danger zone for allergies.
If your dog is experiencing allergic or intolerance symptoms after consuming store bought kibble, look to alternate hypoallergenic options for feeding, including human-grade fresh foods.
Relief of allergic symptoms
By controlling the foods they consume and limiting them to hypoallergenic recipes will aid in their comfort, and quality of life.
Less trips to the vet
Costs for allergy related vet visits add up! Save time, money and your dog from expensive vet visits.
Helps minimize additional health risks associated with poor nutrition.
Concerns such as obesity, joint health, heart disease, digestive issues, and other ailments can be mitigated through the use of a high-quality food.
New normal
Your dog can be their authentic doggy self without contently being plagued by food allergies or intolerances.
Fresh foods from Kabo use only whole, human-quality meats, fruits and vegetables with full ingredient transparency. If you're switching from a typical store bought kibble to weed out allergens in your pups diet, consider this- a fresh diet can aid in your dogs' longevity. According to Dr. Lippert in his report on the relation between the domestic dogs' well-being and life expectancy, dogs can live longer lives by incorporating fresh foods into their diets.
Vet/Nutritionist created, healthy recipes suitable for all dogs of any age
Use of limited ingredients in recipes
100% human grade, natural and locally sourced ingredients
Immune-boosting nutrients from fresh vegetables and meats
Human-quality supplements, including fish oil and sunflower oil
Recipes with single animal proteins
Grain free and novel protein options
Kabo’s philosophy in food may overlap your own tastes and preferences. Each and every ingredient has a functional purpose to your dog. We don't use any artificial preservatives, flavours or colours. You'll easily recognize the quality ingredients in our gently cooked food since we only use human-grade whole, healthy ingredients in each of our fresh meal options.
All of the meat proteins are human-grade, and come directly from trusted farms and suppliers. There are no by-product meals or questionable sourcing. Each fresh recipe is cooked gently to preserve the nutrients in the food.
Kabo uses fresh, premium salmon as a novel protein in the Hypoallergenic Salmon Recipe. For pups that experience an allergy or intolerance to chicken or beef, this protein is a fantastic option. It’s loaded with Alaskan salmon, squash, sweet potato, blueberries, spinach, flaxseeds and green beans, to keep your pup free of any common allergens.
My dog loves Kabo!
My dog is a very picky eater and Kabo is the first food I’ve found that she’ll eat consistently. She loves it. I love that it’s made in Canada without fillers and artificial ingredients. The staff is always very helpful and my dog no longer has itchy skin now that she eats Kabo dog food. Her allergy symptoms are gone!
—Carolanne O.
Porscha loves Kabo!!
My dog Porscha was suffering from allergies and I just didn't want a processed canned food that had been sitting on a shelf for a long time, and always seemed to pass through her so quickly and often!! Kabo's meals are freshly frozen, small quantities now and size and frequency of bowel movements are reduced. She loves her food which is very wholesome!! Her allergy was chicken, so turkey, beef or lamb are great options!! Thank you Kabo!!
—Cindy B.
Kabo food is the best!
My fuzz baby Mickey is a 13 year old Yorker who has suffered with skin allergies for years. I switched him exclusively to Kabo food a couple of months ago and I cannot believe the difference! His skin issues have disappeared, he is more energetic and happy and LOVES feeding time! I would recommend Kabo to anyone and everyone that has a dog they love!
—Dayna Y.
We have released our Salmon variety of fresh food that's hypoallergenic, and sure to please the pickiest of eaters. Sign-up today to get in on our newest recipe!