I start these dog supplement articles the same way every single time. Dietary change, to a specific fresh raw or cooked dog food diet, is the most effective way to manage any health issue, especially allergy problems.
Think about it, a supplement vs. a whole diet…. Obviously diet is going to be more effective, it’s 99% of the food intake over the 1% supplement. However, supplements can be extremely beneficial and increase the efficacy of the overall dietary change.
For those dog’s suffering from strong allergy issues, please feel free to email me for help if this is the case: cam@thedognutritionist.com
Here are The Dog Nutritionist’s best supplements for dogs with allergies.
(Some dogs may even be allergic to the supplements, it’s very possible).
Quercetin – Best Dog Supplements for Allergies
If your dog’s skin is being effected, Quercetin is definitely a supplement I’d recommend.
Quercetin exerts an anti-allergy effect by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells, acting as a natural antihistamine and effectively decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine release. (1)
A natural antihistamine, which is definitely recommended prior to trying more chemical based products.
Histamine release from mast cell degeneration are often the cause of the redness you see on your dog’s skin.
Digestive Enzymes – Best Dog Supplements for Allergies
The reason I recommend digestive enzymes for most dogs suffering from allergies, is because food hypersensitivity is so often confused with an allergy. An allergy is an immune reaction to a substance, could be a food or loads of other things. (2)
A food intolerance, which just to confuse you has very similar symptoms, is an inability to digest a certain protein/ food compound.
Digestive enzymes provide support to a digestive system which has a reduced ability to digest, helping it to breakdown the foods it struggles to do will minimise sensitivity.
I recommend a getting a vegan brand, because it’s suitable for dogs with all allergies.
Fish Oil – Best Dog Supplements for Allergies
Inflammation is at the heart of all allergy symptoms. Fish oil has been shown to increase skin hydration and reduces clinical severity of skin inflammation and scratching behaviour.
Fish oil is abundant in fats and fatty acids, which can contain, depending on the quality, a whole host of contributors to healthy skin. Vitamin A, vitamin D, cholesterol, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, free fatty acids…lots.
However not all fish oil is the same or as effective as the next. The efficacy of the fish oil is again, dependent on the quality of the source and the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids percentage (PUFAs). (3)
Low quality fish oils can be rancid and high extremely high in toxins.
All-Round by The Dog Nutritionist – Best Dog Supplements for Allergies
A nourished gut that’s free of pathogens will build up the immune system’s strength. (4)
That’s exactly why I made this supplement, designed with natural herbs that kill off invading pathogens, whilst also providing ingredients to build up the immune system (reishi mushrooms) and improve digestion (cranberry and papaya).
It’s for gut health and immune strength. A little a day keeps the Vet away.
The Dog Nutritionist’s Natural Shampoo
A natural shampoo/ body wash which I recommend apply topically to affected areas, at least 3 times a week. You can either bathe your dog and apply it, or put it into a spray. Applying probiotics to inflammed areas can help regulate the levels of bacteria and reduce redness.
(900ml water – 100ml ACV).
Get Cam’s help:
If you’d like a bespoke Allergy Recipe Plan, please click here.
If you’d like to organise a Consultation, please click here.
References:
- David, A.V.A., Arulmoli, R. and Parasuraman, S., 2016. Overviews of biological importance of quercetin: A bioactive flavonoid. Pharmacognosy reviews, 10(20), p.84.
- Bhagat, R., Sheikh, A.A., Wazir, V.S., Mishra, A. and Maibam, U., 2017. Food allergy in canines: A review. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 5(6), pp.1522-1525.
- Sawada, Y., Saito-Sasaki, N., Mashima, E. and Nakamura, M., 2021. Daily Lifestyle and Inflammatory Skin Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(10), p.5204.
- Wu, H.J. and Wu, E., 2012. The role of gut microbiota in immune homeostasis and autoimmunity. Gut microbes, 3(1), pp.4-14.
