http://bit.ly/vZjAQ8 Hypoallergenic Dog Food Pet owners whose canines are sensitive to grains and byproducts should consider feeding hypoallergenic dog food to their special pets. Many ingredients in commercially prepared brands can cause skin rashes, digestive upset, or hives in dogs who are sensitive to ingredients. Some animals will scratch themselves until they have no hair left. Others may bite or chew on their paws. These signs of food allergy or sensitivity are as bothersome to pets as they are to their owners. Animals with these symptoms are likely to benefit from a diet of hypoallergenic dog food and snacks. Brands of Hypoallergenic Dog Food There are several brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market today that are free of the most common allergens for dogs, like beef, corn, and grains. Brands will range in price though they may cost slightly more than commercial brands. When the cost of eliminating trips to the vet for treatments is considered the extra expense for hypoallergenic dog food is well worth the cost. The animal will be comfortable and owners will worry less. Back to Basics is a brand of hypoallergenic dog food that uses mostly meat with one fourth of the ingredients coming only from vegetables. Turkey, duck, and pork are the three different formulas available. All grains including rice are eliminated from the formulas. Purina, Innova, and Wellness make some chicken and rice formulas that eliminate other grains and offer only wholesome ingredients. If the canine can tolerate rice these choices in hypoallergenic dog food are suitable. However, some dogs cannot tolerate rice so other choices need to be made. Taste of the Wild and Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance make formulas of hypoallergenic dog food with limited ingredients. These are the foods with the most basic formulas for pets that are highly sensitive. They are also suitable for pet owners who may need to try challenge diets to determine what their canines are actually allergic to. The limited ingredients are those typically not known to contain allergens and can alleviate the symptoms of digestive upset or intense itching. Taste of the wild has some unique formulas like duck and potato or salmon and sweet potato, or bison and potato that are generally well tolerated. Natural Balance formulas contain many of the same mixtures but also come with added Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to help reduce skin inflammation and keep the coat in good condition. Hypoallergenic dog foods should still provide the pet with all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. Wellness and Blue Buffalo basic also come with limited ingredients that provide all the nutrients a dog needs and none of the most common irritants. Hypoallergenic dog food will typically cost around $12 to $15 for a 5 pound bag and are usually well worth the price for pets with food sensitivities.