Recognizing dog allergies and feeding them correctly - solutions in Switzerland

If your dog is constantly scratching, suffers from itching or has recurring gastrointestinal problems, an allergy or food intolerance may be the cause. More and more dogs in Switzerland are reacting sensitively to certain ingredients in their food or to environmental factors. As a responsible dog owner, the question quickly arises: What can my dog still eat - and what is better not to eat? What food solutions are available in Switzerland?

This article provides you with an in-depth overview of the topic of nutrition for dogs with allergies. We show you how to recognize symptoms, which forms of allergy are common in Swiss dogs and which foods you can use to counteract them. You will also find out where you can find high-quality hypoallergenic food in Switzerland and how you can gain more control over your dog's health with elimination diets or home-cooked food.

Whether you have a suspected or confirmed diagnosis - with the right allergy management, you can noticeably improve your four-legged friend's well-being. Let's go!

Recognizing and understanding allergies in dogs

Allergies are caused by an excessive reaction of the immune system to substances that are actually harmless. In dogs, these are often proteins in food, pollen, mites or molds. In Switzerland, food allergies and environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis) are among the most common forms of allergy in dogs.

Typical symptoms of a dog allergy

Allergies can manifest themselves in different ways. Pay particular attention to:

• Intense itching, especially on the ears, paws and belly
• Constant licking, nibbling or scratching
• Redness, inflammation or skin rashes
• Hair loss, flaky skin or increased shedding
• Flatulence, soft stools, vomiting or chronic diarrhea
• Recurrent ear or paw infections

These symptoms can also have other causes - e.g. parasites, fungi or hormonal disorders. Therefore, always have a veterinarian in Switzerland make a diagnosis before adjusting the diet.

What types of allergies do dogs suffer from?

In the case of allergic reactions, a distinction is made between

• Food allergies: Immune reaction to certain proteins, often from beef, chicken, milk, wheat or soy.
• Food intolerances: Reactions without involvement of the immune system - e.g. to preservatives or poorly digestible ingredients.
• Environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis): Triggered by pollen, mites, house dust - usually manifested by skin problems.

The transitions are fluid. Allergy tests and an elimination diet are often essential for a reliable assessment.

How the right dog diet can alleviate allergy symptoms

The right diet is a key measure in the treatment of allergies in dogs. Especially in Switzerland, where high-quality special food is available, it can provide long-term relief and minimize symptoms.

Important nutrients for an allergic dog

To ensure that your dog remains resistant, it needs the following every day

• Proteins: High-quality proteins (e.g. from horse or fish), serve as a building block for tissue and the immune system.
• Fats: Provides energy and supports the skin and coat - omega-3 fatty acids also help against inflammation.
• Carbohydrates: Easily digestible sources such as potatoes or amaranth are suitable for elimination diets.
• Vitamins & minerals: Essential for immune defense and regeneration.
• Dietary fiber: Supports intestinal health - a stable intestine reduces susceptibility to allergies.

Tailor-made feeding, adapted to age, weight and symptoms, is particularly useful for allergy sufferers. There are competent nutrition experts for dogs in Switzerland.

How food has a targeted effect on allergies

The diet works on various levels:

• Avoidance of allergens: The body can only learn to react by excluding the trigger - an elimination diet often achieves this within a few weeks.
• Strengthen the skin barrier: Healthy fats and micronutrients promote a stable skin structure and reduce itching.
• Build up the gut: Pro- and prebiotics and easily digestible ingredients soothe sensitive digestive systems.

If possible, avoid synthetic additives, flavorings or cheap fillers - these put additional strain on the immune system.

Suitable dog food for allergies in Switzerland

Swiss dog owners can now find a wide range of hypoallergenic foods - in veterinary practices, online stores and specialist stores. The important thing is: Only if your dog consistently eats compatible ingredients can his health improve.

Food solutions for sensitive dogs

• Hydrolysed diet food: Specially treated proteins that have been broken down so much that the immune system no longer recognizes them - ideal for dogs with severe food allergies.
• Monoprotein food: Uses only one animal protein source (e.g. kangaroo or insects) - well suited as an exclusion diet in combination with certain carbohydrates.
• Grain-free special food: Free from typical allergen sources such as wheat, corn or soy.
• BARF (raw): Only advisable with strict professional supervision - especially in the case of combined intolerances.

Seek advice from your vet before making the switch. Many hypoallergenic diets require a prescription and are only available from trained specialists.

Where to buy hypoallergenic dog food in Switzerland

In Switzerland, you can buy hypoallergenic dog food from, for example

• Pet stores: Leading suppliers such as Qualipet, Meiko or Fressnapf also stock special medical lines.
• Online stores: Platforms such as Zooplus.ch, Sanafino.ch or Petsgourmet.ch offer a wide range of products for special nutritional needs.
• Vets & pharmacies: Here you can buy special veterinary food such as Hill's z/d or VetConcept hypoallergenic.

Look out for Swiss quality seals and clear declarations - the shorter the list of ingredients, the better for sensitive dogs.

Individual allergy control through targeted feeding

No two allergy sufferers are the same - which is why feeding often needs to be adapted precisely. Creating an individual feeding plan helps to avoid relapses and reliably alleviate symptoms.

How to carry out a structured feed analysis

These steps will help you find suitable nutritional options for your dog:

• Record feeding history: write down exactly what your dog has eaten in the last few weeks - including snacks and chews.
• Introduce an exclusion diet: Feed a new protein-carbohydrate combination exclusively for 6-8 weeks - e.g. horse & parsnip.
• Document symptoms: Record changes in writing - skin appearance, fecal consistency, behavior.
• Carry out a provocation test: After the stable phase, slowly introduce back individual old ingredients - several days apart each time.

This method is considered the gold standard and should be supervised by an experienced specialist in Switzerland.

Home-cooked food - useful for allergies?

If you want to offer your dog maximum transparency, you can rely on specially prepared rations. Advantages and disadvantages at a glance:

• Advantages: Full control, no hidden additives, can be customized.
• Disadvantages: Requires time, knowledge and regular nutrient supplementation - otherwise risk of deficiency symptoms.

Recommended for multiple allergies or failed diet attempts - but only with a veterinarian-led diet plan. Specialists such as the nutritionists at BARF.ch or Futtermed.ch provide professional support in Switzerland.

Everyday feeding and legal basis in Switzerland

Success comes from consistency: only if feeding mistakes are avoided will your dog remain symptom-free in the long term. Everyday life poses a number of challenges - especially when several people are involved.

What dogs with allergies are not allowed to eat

• No leftover food or treats "by mistake" - even small amounts can trigger reactions.
• Clear agreement with family, friends and pet carers: What exactly is your dog allowed to eat - and what not?
• Check every ingredient - hidden allergens can often be found behind unspecific terms on packaging.

Food should also be clearly labeled and allergy-relevant information should be visible outside the home - at the vacation resort or at dog sitters.

What applies legally in Switzerland

The Swiss Feedstuffs Ordinance (FMV) clearly regulates the requirements for the composition and declaration of animal feed. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) recommends animal-friendly, hygienic nutrition.

According to Art. 2 of the Animal Welfare Act, owners must ensure the welfare of their animals - systematic malnutrition can result in charges being brought. You can find tips on admin.ch.

Conclusion: The right diet makes all the difference

If your dog has an allergic reaction, the right food is an effective lever against discomfort. Whether with specialized feed solutions from Switzerland, individually cooked rations or a targeted elimination diet - consistent implementation usually brings rapid success.

In the long term, you will not only save on veterinary costs, but also give your dog a better quality of life, vitality and zest for life. If necessary, get professional support - for example from certified nutritionists or competent vets you trust.

Would you like to find out more or start an individual analysis? Contact us for a personal consultation or download our free feeding plan template.

Frequently asked questions about allergies and feeding

How do I know if my dog has a food allergy?

A genuine food allergy can only be diagnosed with certainty by means of an elimination diet followed by a provocation test.

Which is better: dry food or wet food for allergies?

Both can be suitable - the composition and compatibility of the ingredients are decisive. Monoprotein and a clear declaration are more important than the type of food.

Does BARF help with allergies?

Yes, if individually adapted and professionally supervised. Make sure that the food is sourced from clean sources and has a complete supply of nutrients.

My dog often has diarrhea - is this due to an allergy?

Diarrhea can be a symptom - but it can also be caused by other things such as parasites or intolerances. Have your dog checked by a vet.

How long does it take for the right food to have a positive effect?

With the correct elimination diet, the first improvements are usually seen after 3 to 6 weeks - but complete success requires patience and discipline.