What are the benefits of feeding limited ingredient dry dog food?
The benefits of feeding limited ingredient dry dog food include less exposure to potential "problem" ingredients that may trigger an allergy or sensitivity. Limited ingredient diets may also be used to identify ingredients to which your dog may be sensitive or allergic. Many limited ingredient diets are made with a single protein and a single carbohydrate source in order to remove common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy and wheat from the diet. Dogs with sensitivities may experience less digestive upset, itching and skin discomfort and better overall health on the right limited ingredient diet.
What are the benefits of feeding limited ingredient dry dog food?
Many vets do recommend feeding limited ingredient dry dog food to dogs with allergies or sensitivities. A limited ingredient dry dog food may also be the first step your veterinarian recommends to determine whether your dog's symptoms are the result of a food sensitivity. If you suspect your dog may have a food allergy or intolerance, talk to your vet for expert guidance on diagnosing and treating the issue.
Are limited ingredient dry dog foods grain-free?
Limited ingredient dry dog foods may be grain-free or grain-inclusive. While many limited ingredient dry dog foods substitute a non-grain carbohydrate source for grain, many do contain grains, so read the product label to be sure.
Should I choose a grain-free or grain-inclusive limited ingredient dry dog food?
Either choice can be right because limited ingredient refers to the number of components, not whether grains are included. If grains are not a trigger for your dog, a recipe with one simple grain can still keep things streamlined, while grain-free options usually rely on a single non-grain starch like sweet potato or potato.
Are peas or lentils OK in a limited ingredient dry dog food?
They can be, and some limited ingredient recipes use a single legume like peas, lentils, or chickpeas as the main carbohydrate. If you prefer to avoid legumes, look for pea-free callouts and choose a formula that relies on a single starch such as potatoes or sweet potatoes instead.