As a veterinarian, I see it all the time in clinic: the search for a diet to calm your dog’s skin and gut issues. It can feel like a never-ending struggle.
But here's the good news: you're not in this alone. This guide will help you break down the essentials of hypoallergenic dog food, explaining why Lyka's Hypoallergenic Pro Goat could be a game changer for your dog.
Ready to discover a life-changing solution? Let’s get started.
A simple definition of hypoallergenic dog food
A hypoallergenic diet is formulated to be free from common food allergens like chicken, beef, egg, wheat, soy, and corn: making it less likely to cause an allergic response.
There are two types of hypoallergenic diets: those that use hydrolysed proteins, and those that feature a highly novel protein (like Australian rangeland goat in Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro):
Hydrolysed protein diets use protein sources broken down into tiny pieces, so they're less likely to cause allergies.
Novel protein diets use proteins and ingredients the body hasn't seen before. This reduces the likelihood of an immune response.
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Signs your dog may need hypoallergenic dog food
An allergy is an immune reaction to an ingredient or additive. Your dog’s body mistakes specific allergens to be threats (like pathogens), triggering rapid production of histamines and other chemicals in the body. Histamines fight allergens, but they also cause inflammation in the skin, gut, or both.
An intolerance is a dog's inability to digest certain ingredients or additives, but unlike allergies, this does not result in an immune response.
The role of hypoallergenic diets for dogs with unknown food allergies or intolerances
Common symptoms of a food allergy include:
Acute or chronic itching
Biting or licking the skin
Redness or swelling
Hives or raised bumps
Recurrent skin and ear infections
Chronic vomiting
Chronic diarrhoea or loose stools
Mucus in the stool
If you think your dog may have a food allergy, or they have been experiencing skin or gut issues, speak to your veterinarian. They can help you assess the best options for your dog’s individual needs.
Your veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet trial — this involves feeding a highly novel protein (like goat) for a set period of 8-12 weeks, to help determine whether food could be the source of your dog’s problem.
How to undertake an elimination diet
Over 10 days, gradually transition your dog from their current food to Hypoallergenic Pro.
For 8-12 weeks, only feed your dog Hypoallergenic Pro. Remove all other foods from their diet, including treats and supplements.
If your dog's condition improves after 8-12 weeks, systematically reintroduce one protein at a time in 2 week increments to identify any food sensitivities.
If your dog experiences any skin or gut symptoms during the trial, record the signs via Lyka's Elimination Diet Tracker or in consultation with your vet.
Avoid all known food triggers in the future.
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If your dog's condition doesn't improve while following this diet, please consult with your vet. You can also contact Lyka’s Customer Care team, with in-house veterinary experts, ready to provide support via chat, email, or phone.
Choosing a long-term diet for your dog with known food allergies and intolerances
For those whose dogs have completed an elimination diet and identified food allergens, the next step is finding a suitable long-term diet.
Tips for finding the best hypoallergenic diet for your dog
Several hypoallergenic dog foods are on the market — there’s a great deal of difference between the various options, in a few key areas to weigh up with the support of your veterinarian.
Digestibility: is your dog having difficulty digesting their food, keeping it down, or doing healthy poos?
Palatability: will your dog eat this food on a regular basis, and not turn their nose up at dinnertime?
Life stage suitability: is the food suitable for your dog’s age, whether they’re a puppy, adult, or senior?
Ingredients: is the food made without common allergens, like chicken, beef, egg, wheat, dairy, soy, and corn?
How Lyka Hypoallergenic Pro Goat stacks up against other hypoallergenic diets
Digestibility: Hypoallergenic Pro is gently cooked for improved digestibility. It’s formulated with low GI carbohydrates like purple sweet potato, which are easier to digest, and human-grade protein. Kibble can be difficult for some dogs to digest, due to its high cooking temperatures and high-GI ingredients. Raw food may not be suitable for all dogs: especially for those with sensitive tummies.
Palatability: hypoallergenic doesn’t have to mean bland, beige pellets. Hypoallergenic Pro is made with tasty goat and real food ingredients — it’s a fresh new choice for dogs with known food allergies or intolerances. For dogs doing an elimination diet, unpalatable foods may increase the temptation to give treats, which can affect the success of this process.
Life stage suitability: many hypoallergenic dog food options are only suitable for adults. Hypoallergenic Pro is formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages, including growing puppies.
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic Pro is formulated with high-quality goat protein, low-GI carbohydrates like purple sweet potato for steady energy release, and carrots which contain beta-carotene to aid healthy skin. Our board-certified veterinary nutritionists have opted for algae oil derived from seaweed oil, rather than fish oil used in Lyka meals to remain hypoallergenic, while still helping to minimise inflammation.
🐐 Get Hypoallergenic Pro for your dog →
How real food goes beyond avoiding allergens
Have you tried multiple hypoallergenic diets, only to face fussiness or recurring health issues? It’s common to feel frustrated when your dog doesn’t respond to hypoallergenic diets.
If a diet is vet-approved and free of allergens, why is your dog still experiencing gut or skin issues? Here’s what the research says:
The role of the gut microbiome is being shown to play an increasing role in the development of chronic skin and gut issues in dogs. Diets which promote a healthy microbiome do so through prebiotics and other bioactive ingredients. Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro Goat contains ingredients like prebiotic fibre, nutritional yeast, and beta-glucans to support the gut microbiome.
Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a problem for ongoing skin and gut conditions. Evidence suggests that in humans, diets rich in higher GI carbohydrates can contribute to further inflammation. Lyka's Hypoallergenic Pro uses only low glycaemic index carbohydrates such as purple sweet potato for slow and steady energy release.
Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in the process of inflammation, especially in skin disease. A low omega 6:3 ratio is desirable for attenuating inflammation, such as in Hypoallergenic Pro. Highly processed diets like kibble often have an omega 6:3 ratio that could be considered pro-inflammatory.
Many hypoallergenic dog foods overlook a critical factor: high levels of processing, which can diminish even the best quality ingredients. Other options support the relief of symptoms, but it’s at the sacrifice of your dog’s mealtime joy.
🐐 Get Hypoallergenic Pro for your dog →
Hypoallergenic Pro transitioning tips
Any tips for a successful transition to Hypoallergenic Pro?
Some ingredients in Hypoallergenic Pro may be new to your dog, so Lyka recommends a 10-day transition, increasing their new food by 10% each day.
A few tips for success:
Watch for any upset tummies as your dog adjusts and slow down the transition if this occurs.
Mix Lyka’s Go-To Gut Helper supplement into your dog’s meal to help make the transition smoother.
If your dog is hesitant, warm up the meal to bring out all the tasty smells and flavours.
Do dogs that are picky eaters enjoy Hypoallergenic Pro?
If you have a picky eater who has food allergies, skin conditions, or gut sensitivities, Hypoallergenic Pro could be a great option for you. We’ve tested Hypoallergenic Pro in-house with some of our fussiest eaters and they love it! When transitioning to any new diet, it’s important to take it slow as some ingredients may be new to your dog. We recommend a 10-day transition to set them up for success.
Can dogs continue to eat Hypoallergenic Pro after the elimination diet trial?
In short, yes! Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro is complete and balanced for all life stages, from puppy, to adult, to senior. If your dog is doing well on this diet, they can continue to eat it for the rest of their life.
However, if their condition improves, it may be worth talking to your vet about re-introducing other proteins. A diet full of diverse, real food ingredients can be great for your dog! Check out Lyka’s range of single-protein meals.
Hypoallergenic Pro FAQs
Is Hypoallergenic Pro recommended by vets?
Yes! All Lyka meals are formulated and recommended by vets. Lyka’s in-house Integrative Veterinarian, Dr Matthew Muir, designs each meal alongside a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to have an optimal mix of high protein, moderate fat, and low GI carbohydrates.
This diet goes above and beyond the nutritional standards for dogs, with a targeted formula containing evidence-backed ingredients to support your dog’s overall skin and digestion.
Is Hypoallergenic Pro hydrolysed?
Nope! A hydrolysed diet use proteins that have been broken down into smaller molecules, making them less likely to be detected by the immune system. This often results in a less palatable, highly processed, dog food. Lyka’s hypoallergenic diet is non-hydrolyzed and made from minimally processed novel ingredients that reduce the chance of an allergic reaction. It is also gently cooked, making it highly palatable and digestible.
After starting an elimination diet with Hypoallergenic Pro, how long will it take for symptoms to improve?
It depends on the severity of your dog’s condition, but you could see an improvement in their symptoms as soon as 3 weeks. However, to rule out all dietary allergies and intolerances, it’s important to complete a full and strict elimination diet trial of 8-12 weeks – that means no other food, flavoured medications, or treats! Speak to your veterinarian if you're feeling unsure about balancing your dog's medication with their need for an elimination diet.
Navigating your dog’s health issues can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Lyka's Hypoallergenic Pro Goat is made from carefully selected real food ingredients that your dog will love: while supporting healthy skin and digestion.
Make the best diet decision with confidence by speaking to your vet or a Lyka Customer Care specialist. Lyka’s vet expert support is available by chat, email, or phone.
Want to learn more about my experience? Check out my author bio.
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