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Dealing with your Westie’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of Westie’s community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Westie’s who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 20 responses here.
As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Westie’s diet.
Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies
Cait and i fought the Allergy wars and it comes down to this : Ask your vet about testing. IF he cannot do it, then ask for a reference. Often vet schools offer this service and it is less expensive. Testing is to identify what your dog is allergic to and for specific immunotherapy treatment to help your dog overcome his allergy reactions. If your dog has only one or two triggers, simple avoidance of those substances may be in order. More triggers mean more sophisticated treatment plans. The big four’ are corn, wheat, soy and chicken. IF those are the problem foods for your dog, do NOT be afraid of the prospect of grain free foods and apoquel and cytopoint. Grain free foods were specifically manufactured for animals with grain allergies. (They were not originally ‘designer dog foods’, regardless of what you hear them called. Apoquel and Cytopoint have gotten a lot of bad press, but they are both good short term drugs for the Atopic Dermatitis. Some dogs live for years on either or both of those medicines and have no ill effects. AS a side note, my vet says many dogs get mites when they walk or run through grass or weeds…. they cause the same reactions as a dog with food or environmental allergies. Make sure that is NOT what your dog has. If it is, you may just need to kill the parasite with shampoo containing coal tar. Mites are the same to dogs as chiggers are to humans….. They burrow under the skin and cause intense itching and misery. Testing can rule those out, too. The most important thing you can do is test to find out what is causing the problem, so you can address it.
Author: Candace L.
Likes: 0
Very good luck with Natural Balance L.I.D. duck and potatoes
Author: Sam B.
Likes: 0
I cook ground turkey with diced carrots, frozen peas, a bit of white rice and she loves it. Pumpkin and baked sweet potato are also her favorites on occasion. My vet said I could give her up to 3 Benadryl a day if need too. I used to do more when she was younger. She will soon be 15 yrs. Good luck.
Author: Sherry S.
Likes: 3
We use Farmers Dog and my highly allergic dog does Great on it. I get the beef and chicken.
Author: KJ N Debbi L.
Likes: 2
Raw and only RAW. I breed Westies for 13 years and achieved to breed 3 Canadian champions. Then continued to own Westies for 34 years. I have fed raw all their lives and with great success, NO skin problems, NO ear problems, living to over 16 years.
Author: Wendy C.
Likes: 7
This is what I feed my little allergic girl!
Author: Christine Harpauer-L.
Likes: 0
I feed mine solid gold. They all do well with it.
Author: Michelle Beasley W.
Likes: 1
Our vet was showing us a dry food by Hill’s Science sensitive that is guaranteed to be allergy free.
Author: Joey R.
Likes: 1
Mine did well on Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream. When I changed it to that it was like the clouds parted and sunshine rained down. He never had skin problems though.
Author: Sara A.
Likes: 0
We have used an Purina HA formula through the vet for our last Westie.
Author: Diane Kelley-S.
Likes: 1
We do hills limited ingredient diet with lamb and brown rice. Ours are allergic to poultry and doesn’t like some of the prescription foods.
Author: Amy Collier G.
Likes: 0
I’ve had great luck with this product. My 2 Westies will turn 15 in April. Also limited vet visits without yearly shots
Author: Rose S.
Likes: 0
Lily’s Kitchen complete food , it’s brilliant and sorted my Westie stomach problems out and she loves it .
Author: Jan S.
Likes: 0
James Wellbeloved, fish and rice/fish and vegetable only ..I am feeding my girl only with fish and lamb even the treats ..She’s getting allergy from everywhere…(pollen ,pesticide from the grass ,fungus from woods…so to keep her healthy all the time I am giving her Probiotic and Leucillin (external)for hot spots and she’s looks very well at 12 years old
Author: Mihaela G.
Likes: 0
Nutro dog food and biscuits is the only food my westie can eat x
Author: Claire S.
Likes: 0
We do Natural Balance Sweet Potato and Salmon.
Author: Kerri S.
Likes: 0
A raw food diet of alternate proteins that are rotated – rabbit, goat, trout, bison, venison, elk. Kibble is such poor quality protein, has all kinds of additives and chemicals in it and has multiple toxins (like euthanasia drugs, plastic, mold) in it. Honestly. Look at the ingredient list.
Author: Michale R.
Likes: 1
Science Diet Z/D prescription diet. Ask your vet about it. Our Westie was on it for 14 years.
Author: Sherry B.
Likes: 0
I had this problem with one of my westies when he was young. I finally settled on Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Fish and both have been on this food for 6 and 7 years now. It is the best. It keeps them health and they never have to see a vet, no skin issues, no ear infections, nothing. I use this food and top it with dried pumpkin. I also give them canned pumpkin mixed with plain greek yogurt three times a week in the middle of the day. Pumpkin is great for digestive health. I get it at a local pet store, but you can order it directly from the company and also on Chewy and Amazon.
Author: Karen Fitzpatrick D.
Likes: 0
Naturo Grain Free and a Grain Free Mixer
Author: Stephen James W.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for Westies with Allergies
1. What are the most common food allergies in Westies?
West Highland White Terriers (Westies) commonly suffer from allergies to ingredients like beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, and soy. These allergens can cause skin irritation, ear infections, and digestive issues.
2. How do I know if my Westie has a food allergy?
Signs of food allergies in Westies include constant itching, licking paws, red or inflamed skin, chronic ear infections, and gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea. If symptoms persist, consult your vet for an elimination diet or allergy testing.
3. What ingredients should I look for in hypoallergenic dog food for Westies?
Look for limited-ingredient diets that feature novel proteins like duck, venison, or fish, and carbohydrates such as sweet potato or peas. Foods labeled grain-free or gluten-free can also help, especially for sensitive dogs.
4. Is grain-free food better for Westies with allergies?
Not all Westies need grain-free food, but it can benefit those with specific grain sensitivities. Choose grain-free options only if recommended by your vet, and ensure the food is balanced with the right nutrients.
5. Can homemade food help my Westie’s allergies?
Homemade dog food allows you to control ingredients and avoid allergens, which can help manage your Westie’s allergies. However, it’s important to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet meets all nutritional needs.
6. Are there specific brands recommended for Westies with allergies?
Brands like Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Blue Buffalo Basics, and Natural Balance L.I.D. are often recommended for dogs with food sensitivities. Always consult your vet before switching to a new brand or formula.
7. How long does it take to see improvement after switching my Westie’s food?
Most dogs show improvement within 6 to 8 weeks after transitioning to an allergy-friendly diet. Stick to the new food consistently and avoid treats or table scraps that could contain allergens.
8. Can grooming help with my Westie’s allergies?
Yes, regular grooming, like weekly baths and brushing, can remove allergens and reduce irritation. Use hypoallergenic products and keep ears and coat clean to help prevent infections.
Support Your Dog’s Allergy Relief With Better Nutrition
Choosing the right food can make a world of difference for dogs with allergies. When you select recipes made with gentle ingredients and clean nutrition, you help soothe irritation, support digestion, and keep your pup feeling their best. Every thoughtful choice brings your dog closer to the comfort and wellness they deserve. With the right allergy-friendly diet, you can ease symptoms and enjoy more joyful, energetic days together. Because a healthy, comfortable dog is a truly happy dog.
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