Whole Food Diets for Dogs: A Potential Solution for Dermatologic Issues
Recent advancements in veterinary nutrition have brought a surge of interest in whole food diets for managing canine health, particularly for dogs experiencing dermatologic issues and adverse food reactions. Dr. Laura Wilson, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, highlighted the growing role of whole food nutrition in addressing these challenges at a recent veterinary conference.
Diagnosing Canine Food Allergies
Dr. Wilson emphasized the importance of elimination diet trials in diagnosing adverse food reactions.
“The elimination diet trial is considered the gold standard for identifying food allergies,” she explained.
She stressed the need for strict adherence to the diet, tailored to each individual pet.
“Owner compliance is often the biggest challenge,” she noted. “Even a small treat outside the trial diet can skew the results.”
The Benefits of Whole Food Diets
Dr. Wilson elaborated on the numerous advantages of using whole food diets for dogs, particularly those with skin and coat problems. She showcased a specific whole food diet product with several key differentiators:
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USDA-certification for all ingredients, including produce
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Use of marine microalgae oil for omega fatty acids instead of traditional, potentially contaminated “plastic” fish oil
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Absence of feed-grade ingredients
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Freedom from mycotoxins, contaminants that can sometimes be found in commercial pet foods
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Balanced nutrition
She also pointed to emerging research supporting the efficacy of whole food diets.
“A recent study found that 40% of non-seasonally itchy dogs responded positively to an elimination diet trial,” Dr. Wilson shared.
She believes the omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae oil in this particular diet can be especially beneficial for skin and coat health, making it a suitable option for dermatology cases.
In addition to the specific benefits of this diet, Dr. Wilson underscored the broader advantage of whole food diets: their customizability.
“They can be tailored to meet the unique needs of individual pets and offer an alternative for dogs with sensitivities to commercial products,” she explained.
Empowering Veterinarians as Nutritional Experts
Dr. Wilson concluded by encouraging veterinarians to reclaim their role as nutritional advisors for pet owners, combating misinformation from unqualified sources.
“Pet owners often turn to breeders or social media for feeding advice,” she said. “Veterinarians can step up and play a more proactive role in guiding their clients toward the right diet choices for their furry companions.”
She emphasized the potential of whole food diets as a valuable tool in this role, particularly for tackling dermatologic issues in dogs.
What are the key factors that pet parents should consider when choosing a whole food diet for their dog with skin issues?
## Whole Food Diets: A Pawsitive Step for Dogs with Skin Issues?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show, Dr. Wilson. You’ve been making a name for yourself lately, advocating for whole food diets for dogs, particularly those suffering from skin problems. Can you tell us more about this approach?
**Dr. Wilson:** Absolutely. We’re seeing increasing evidence that what we feed our canine companions plays a significant role in their overall health, especially their skin and coat. When dogs experience dermatologic issues or adverse food reactions, identifying the culprit can be a challenge. [[1](https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/food-allergies-dogs)]That’s where elimination diet trials come in.
**Interviewer:** What exactly are elimination diet trials, and how do they work?
**Dr. Wilson**: It’s considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. Essentially, we put the dog on a very restricted diet, removing common allergens like certain proteins. This requires strict adherence, meaning no treats or sneaking them table scraps! It can be tough for owners, but it’s crucial to get accurate results.
**Interviewer:** And what are the benefits of whole food diets for dogs with skin issues?
**Dr. Wilson**: Whole food diets offer numerous advantages. They’re often made with fresh, minimally processed ingredients, which can be easier for dogs to digest. We’re also seeing some exciting new products emerging, like the one I presented at the conference, which boasts USDA-certification for all ingredients, even the produce. This level of transparency and quality is important for pet parents who want the best for their furry friends.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly promising. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic, Dr. Wilson. It definitely gives dog owners something to think about when it comes to their pets’ dietary needs.