Homemade dog food for dog with alergies

[Sowhatifthatswhatisaid]

Hello

One of our dogs has been having recurring skin infections and the vet recommended allergy testing. It's come back with her being allergic to a lot - meats are ok (except lamb) but nearly all grains seemed to be an issue for example (vet will be sending through the report).

I want to explore whether homemade dog food is a possible option, primarily from a cost perspective. Can anyone direct me to a decent resource I can look at to understand what dogs need in terms of nutrition? I'm guessing I can't just feed her plain chicken for ever. Help!

We also have another dog who will realistically need to be fed the same as D(allergic)dog has appetite issues and will eat anything she finds whereas D(non allergic)dog is a snacker who eats very slowly and tends to leave and come back!

Making your own has got to be a major hassle surely? I'd just look for a grain free one there have got to be loads.

I'd also keep this in mind from Animal trust:
A cat or dog allergy test can be very effective in identifying the underlying cause of allergy symptoms and helping to diagnose atopic dermatitis (a skin condition typically caused by inhalation of pollen, mould spores, dust and other allergens) but is less reliable for food allergies.

We had a similar result from blood tests and were strongly advised to not sort out our own food (DDog was raw fed at the time). We ended up putting him on a hypoallergenic kibble, which I was absolutely sad about at the time. Fast forward several years and he has loved it since day 1, rarely has an upset tummy and very few ear/skin related issues. We buy in the biggest bags and that helps to keep the cost down. He doesn't have treats etc so that also keeps the costs down.

Thanks. Prompt responses really appreciated!

The problem is every hypoallergenic product I've looked at has ingredients she can't have (potatoes are on the list as well as rice and a lot of grains) so I suspect it's going to be something vet sourced and super expensive. That said, if we have to we have to. If it's going to be more of a nightmare making our own, then we won't. Making sure both dogs get the nutrition they need is the priority.

Point on the accuracy of the testing also noted. Will bear that in mind. I'll see what the actual report says and just do some googling.

Raw feeding is pretty "easy" for dogs with allergies (But do understand it is not for everyone0.

You can get complete feeds and chuck it in the freezer and just need to remember to take it out.

Nutriment has a just range which would cover the protein and then you could just chuck in veg (if you wanted) that was ok for your dog

Have you looked at "Different Dog" in case you don't want to feed raw? It's cooked grain free food and unlike Butternut Box it doesn't contain seeds like flax seed which many allergic dogs can't tolerate. I've never tried either brand so don't know how it would work out cost wise but foods like that might be worth looking into if you don't want to cook yourself.

If you do want to prepare your own take a look at Vetchef or the Canine Nutritionist, you'll get advice on recipes and supplements to add to balance the food.

I make a stew for my dogs every week, it's not difficult. There's recipes online but basically it's percentage weight protein, carbs, veg. I add oats as 1 of mine gets itchy. I always mix it with a hand blender so they can't spit the veg out. I add complete biscuits when I feed them to ensure they're getting all the essentials. Liver stew is v popular with them if not me
Their coats are much better now. I do still feed tinned stuff when I've not had chance to cook

Thanks again. Unfortunately I'm not in the UK so my options are limited - some of the links look great.

I don't mind feeding raw, I'm just looking to understand how much to give. Dog would eat her body weight in chicken quite happily!

The vet has a bit of a vested interest in selling me products the vet stocks...

https://instagram.com/thedogg_nutritionist?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The dog nutritionist seems to know his stuff and really simplifies stuff.

OP, I'm not sure if you realise, but the hypoallergenic kibble is able to have the ingredients that your dog is allergic to, because it's been processed in such a way that the allergens no longer trigger (non technical explanation!) the reaction. Our dog is allergic to pretty much every meat, corn you name it, but is fine on a hypo kibble with most of those included.

It needs to be a veterinary hypoallergenic one though, not just a 'sensitive stomach' one.