Dog Nutrition & Wellness Blog

Feeding a dog that’s not feeling up to snuff can be a real heart-wrencher. You know the pooch needs to chow down to keep kicking, but sometimes, those bites just seem to make things worse. What’s the deal? Does your dog have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients? Could the magic bullet be hypoallergenic dog food or a food that avoids your pup’s specific allergy triggers? Let’s dive in!
When your dog’s dinner routine goes off the rails due to allergies or food sensitivities, you’re not just dealing with a bad day – you could be looking at a long-haul scenario. Much like us humans, these issues in dogs don’t just pack up and leave. The best trick up your sleeve? Finding a food that avoids allergy triggers for your dog - a hypoallergenic diet.

What’s the Scoop on Hypoallergenic Grub?

If you’re jazzed about hypoallergenic dog food soothing your dog's allergies or sensitivities, awesome. But if you’re hungry for the nitty-gritty, stick with me. This stuff is the James Bond of dog food, slipping under the radar of your dog’s immune defenses.
Companies like Nextrition are crafty, steering clear of the usual suspects such as corn, wheat and soy that can send your dog’s system into a tailspin. They also offer a variety of recipes so you can find one that avoids other less-common triggers such as chicken, eggs, potatoes and peas.
If you’ve tried the route of finding food without your pet’s known trigger ingredients and your furry pal is still not perking up, there might be another mischief maker at play.

Allergies vs. Sensitivities: What’s Bugging Your Dog?

Let's clear the air: allergies are an all-out immune system rebellion against ingredients it deems sketchy, unleashing chaos like hives, itching, and the dreaded barf and bathroom brigade. Food sensitivities? They’re more about your dog’s belly giving the thumbs down to certain foods, leading to party crashers like gas and bloating.
FYI, sensitivities are more common than allergies in dogs. If you’re puzzled over which one is the villain, your vet can play detective to help figure it out. Either way, a hypoallergenic food for your dog might just be your sidekick in soothing your pup’s woes.

Key Intel on Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Before you switch up your dog’s menu, have a pow-wow with your vet. They’ll need to rule out any other health snags that might be complicating your dog’s saga.
Remember, a hypoallergenic dog food isn’t a silver bullet—it’s more like a stealthy move in your game plan. It’s all about identifying and dodging the ingredients that mess with your dog. And hey, every dog is different. A Nextrition feast might be a hit for some but a miss for others. You might need to test a few brands to find the crown jewel for your furry monarch.
There you have it—your crash course in hypoallergenic dog food. Ready to try Nextrition for your allergy-prone sidekick? Jump into the fray and let your dog taste-test our nutritious cold-pressed dog food!

Choosing the right feeding approach for your canine companion can be a puzzle. Both free feeding and scheduled feeding have their advocates, and each method has its own set of advantages and considerations, regardless of whether you're offering off-the-shelf kibble or an all-natural option like Nextrition cold-pressed dog food.

 

The Flexibility of Free Feeding

Free feeding involves leaving out a dish of food for your dog to graze on throughout the day, accompanied by fresh water. This approach is undeniably convenient for pet parents. There's no need to stick to strict feeding times or rush home to feed your dog.
One of the perks of free feeding is that it allows dogs to consume their food at their leisure, which some argue mirrors natural feeding habits in the wild. However, since domesticated dogs have different lifestyles, this comparison might not hold true in practice. Free feeding can be particularly beneficial for dogs who tend to naturally graze and eat in small amounts.

 

Considering the Drawbacks of Free Feeding

However, free feeding isn't without its pitfalls. The most significant concern is the risk of gorging and overeating, which can lead to bloating, throwing up, digestive issues and weight gain. This approach can be especially problematic in households with multiple dogs, as it may lead to competition and food dominance issues.

 

The Structured Approach of Scheduled Feeding

Scheduled feeding, where food is only offered at set times, has benefits primarily for your pet's well-being. Portion control is a major advantage, allowing you to tailor meal sizes to your dog's health, age, weight, and activity level.
Other benefits include:

• Appetite Monitoring: Scheduled feeding makes it easier to notice any changes in your pet’s eating habits, which can be early indicators of health issues.

• Dental Health: If you feed your dog a dry food, observing your dog eat can offer insights into their dental health. If they are being more sensitive to chewing or avoiding it altogether when they used to chew their food could indicate dental issues.

• Behavioral Training: Particularly for puppies, scheduled feeding can aid in housebreaking, as it makes bowel and bladder movements more predictable.

The downsides to scheduled feeding include less flexibility in your daily routine and the potential need for more frequent feedings for dogs with specific health conditions.

 

Finding the Right Fit for Your Furry Friend

While we confidently recommend Nextrition all-natural cold-pressed dog food, the choice between free feeding and scheduled feeding ultimately depends on your individual dog's feeding preference and your lifestyle. For a decision tailored to your pet’s unique requirements, consulting your veterinarian is the best course of action. They can provide guidance based on your dog’s specific health and nutritional needs, ensuring a happy, healthy, and well-fed pet.