Feeding Your Furry Friend: The Top Dog Foods for Managing Autoimmune Disease
If your dog has been diagnosed with autoimmune disease, it’s important to find the best dog food for autoimmune disease. This way, you can ensure that your furry friend is getting the nutrients he needs while also avoiding any potential triggers.
Best 10 Best Dog Food For Autoimmune Disease
What is the best dog food for Autoimmune Disease?
The best dog food for autoimmune disease is a high-quality diet that contains beneficial ingredients and does not contain ingredients that may trigger an immune response. While many pet owners assume all food sold in grocery stores are safe for pets to consume, it may contain ingredients that are not safe for dogs. Some of the most common signs of autoimmune disease in dogs are:
1. Diarrhea or constipation
2. Weight loss and weight gain
3. Lethargy
4. Difficulty eating or drinking
5. Frequent urination or thirst
6. Hair loss
7. Scaly skin
8. Itchy skin
9. Sores
10. Red, itchy or swollen skin
Dogs that do not receive the proper nutrition may suffer from allergies or other autoimmune diseases due to a lack of vitamins or other ingredients that help to fight viruses, bacteria and other health problems. Some of the best dog food for autoimmune disease include:
1. Hill’s® Prescription Diet®: i/d Canine
Hill’s Prescription Diet: i/d Canine contains a limited number of ingredients, making it easy to digest and a good choice for dogs with allergies or autoimmune diseases. The food contains omega-6 fatty acids that helps to support the immune system.
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet: Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Canine Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet: Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Canine Dry Dog Food is designed to help prevent allergies and autoimmune diseases in dogs that may be prone to those problems. The food contains a low amount of fat, which helps to reduce inflammation in the dog’s body.
3. Natural Balance® L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance LID Dry Dog Food is designed to help dogs with different food allergies and autoimmune diseases. The food only contains one protein source per blend, making it easy for dogs to digest.
4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Basics is a limited-ingredient diet that is easy for dogs to digest. The food is made with a single source of protein and contains fewer ingredients to help provide a well-balanced diet for dogs with food allergies or autoimmune diseases.
5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Canine Formula
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet HA Hydrolyzed Canine Formula is designed for dogs that have food allergies or autoimmune diseases. The food is made with a single source of protein, which helps to reduce the risk of an immune response in dogs.
6. Iams ProActive Health Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Iams ProActive Health Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed to help prevent allergies and autoimmune diseases in small breeds. The food contains a limited number of ingredients, and it is also easy to digest.
7. Wellness Simple Pure Lamb & Oatmeal Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Dog Food
Wellness Simple Pure Lamb & Oatmeal Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Dog Food is made with a single source of protein that is easy for dogs to digest. The food is easy to digest, and it contains a limited number of ingredients.
8. Blue Buffalo
How does Autoimmune Disease affect dogs?
Just like people, dogs can develop a variety of autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system attacks normal health cells. There are several different types of autoimmune diseases, but they all have one thing in common. The immune system attacks otherwise healthy parts of the body.
The body’s immune system is supposed to attack and destroy invading bacteria, viruses, and fungi to keep the body healthy. However, when the immune system fails to recognize the difference between healthy cells and foreign invaders, the body turns on itself and damages its own tissues. This is an autoimmune condition.
Autoimmune conditions are common in humans, but they are also common in dogs. The diseases usually develop between the ages of two and six and dogs of breeds such as poodles, cocker spaniels, retrievers, and terriers are more susceptible.
Reasons for the autoimmune response are unknown but certain factors make some dogs more prone to developing an autoimmune disease, such as genetics, bacteria, viruses, toxins, drugs, or cancer.
The autoimmune disease may affect one or more parts of the dog’s body. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) affects the skin, kidneys, nervous system, blood, and joints. SLE is a common cause of kidney failure. Addison’s disease causes the adrenal glands to stop producing the hormones adrenaline and cortisone, which regulate metabolism and blood pressure. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys a dog’s own platelets.
The symptoms of autoimmune disease vary depending on the part of the body that is under attack. Common symptoms of autoimmune disease are a sudden appearance of a rash. The skin may look dry, itchy, scaly, or thickened. Hair loss is also common, and it may result in the formation of small bumps on the skin. Dogs that have an autoimmune disease may develop unusual lumps and bumps that come and go.
What causes and risk factors are there?
When it comes to autoimmune diseases, your dog is a lot like you. In an autoimmune disease (like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), the body attacks itself, causing inflammation and gradual destruction of the affected joints. Another type of autoimmune disease, most common in young dogs, is a thyroid condition called hyperthyroidism.
Researchers aren’t sure what causes autoimmune diseases in dogs. But they do know that the immune system is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders, and that it can at times get confused, creating autoimmunity. And they know that some breeds are predisposed to autoimmunity, including German shepherds, golden retrievers, and Irish setters.
Symptoms and Signs to look out for
Many autoimmune diseases share similar symptoms. The main characteristics of autoimmune diseases are inflammation, tissue injury, and a variety of possible symptoms. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases may be invisible to others, and many of these diseases are difficult to diagnose. If your dog has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it can be helpful to know what to look for so you can spot it early.
Some of the symptoms of autoimmune diseases in dogs include:
1. Swollen paws
2. Swollen abdomen
3. Sudden weight loss
4. Lethargy
5. Low appetite
6. Diarrhea
7. Constipation
8. Skin rash or bumps
9. Hair thinning
10. Loose stool
11. Lameness
12. Stunted growth
13. Frequent ear infections
If you notice your dog has any of these symptoms, they may have an autoimmune disease related to their diet. It is common for autoimmune diseases to appear after a high-protein diet or treats. It is usually best to switch your dog to a low-protein diet to help avoid these conditions.
How to treat Autoimmune Disease in dogs
Canine autoimmune diseases can be extremely challenging to diagnose. As a result, many pet owners suspect that their dog has a food allergy or food sensitivity. If you feel that your dog is suffering from a food-related issue, the best thing to do is to work closely with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist as well as a veterinarian to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
