Dietary Food for Dogs

Veterinary diets are formulated specifically for dogs suffering from certain health problems, such as allergies, intolerances, digestive issues, urinary problems, skin conditions, ear problems, and more.

What are veterinary diets used for?

Veterinary diets are of course in no way a substitute for a veterinarian and are not intended to treat your dog! They are used as support during treatment or for maintenance. Before feeding a veterinary diet, always consult your veterinarian and follow their advice and instructions!

What are allergies and what causes them?

Allergic reactions or intolerances can be caused by a wide range of different factors; they also manifest in many different ways.

Common triggers include, for example:

• Flea bites and other external parasites
• Food allergies: cause sensitivity to one or more ingredients in food (beef, poultry, grains, gluten, dairy products, …)
• Airborne allergens: similar to humans, particles in inhaled air such as pollen, mould and similar can also cause allergic reactions in dogs.
• Contact allergies: direct contact with an allergen on the skin causes reactions – pesticides, chemicals, materials…

How do allergies manifest?

Allergies manifest in various ways, including:

• Chronic ear inflammation
• Digestive problems
• Itching, scratching, red skin
• Licking and biting of paws
• Anal gland problems

If we notice one or more of the above symptoms in our dog, we should visit the vet as soon as possible and try to find the cause. The most effective solution is to completely remove the allergen from the dog's environment, though this is sometimes not so easy.

When it comes to food allergies or intolerances, veterinary diets can help.

What types of diets are there?

There are a whole range of different veterinary diets targeting different health problems in our dogs:

• Sensitive skin: allergies very often manifest on the skin; we may notice redness, itching, hair loss, skin damage and scabs, and similar problems.
• Sensitive digestion: dogs often have digestive problems that manifest as diarrhoea, flatulence or constipation.
• Overweight: obesity is an increasingly common problem in dogs too, which directly affects their health and quality of life, as it puts strain on the joints, skeleton and organs.
• Urinary problems: dogs can develop urinary stones or kidney problems that require a special diet.
• Allergies: sensitivity to one or more dietary ingredients requires a thorough knowledge of canine nutrition.
• Dental problems: some dogs are genetically predisposed to faster tartar build-up, which leads to serious dental problems.
• Joint problems: these particularly affect larger breed dogs, whose joints are under great strain, and some breeds are unfortunately already genetically prone to joint problems.
• Diabetes: diabetes can also occur in dogs and requires carefully formulated food!

Dry or wet food?

We recommend that the main food for a dog requiring a veterinary diet be dry food, as this ensures that the dog definitely gets all the necessary nutrients in each meal. Kibble can of course be supplemented or varied with the addition of wet food, but make sure that it too is a dietary food designed for the specific problem!

What about treats?

Although we may feel sorry for a dog on a veterinary diet and want to cheer up their day with treats, we must be very careful, as even one wrong bite can negate the effect of the veterinary diet or prescribed therapy. We must thoroughly check with the vet what dietary restrictions our dog has and which treats, if any, we can offer them!