As pet owners we want our pups to be happy and healthy. Having a dog on a special diet can be frustrating. Believe me, I am right there with you! My little guy Henry is allergic to everything, and I mean everything. We are talking potatoes, rice, corn, wheat, just about anything that is in dog food that is not a protein!
Henry chilling in his favorite bed by the front door.
At first, I struggled with what treats to give him, finding the right food, and wondering if he will be happy with not getting the same treats my other dogs do. I soon realized, he does not know the difference and is happy because he is loved and healthy.
Here are a few tips that I have picked up along the way to manage your pup’s special diet:
Be Creative - Since Henry is allergic to almost everything he eats hydrolyzed protein and that is about it. I use the canned version as a treat and he does not know the difference. I freeze the canned food into little balls using a cupcake holder and he loves it. Use toys, like Bionic balls or Kongs, with the frozen canned food inside them for a fun activity when leaving the house.
Find a treat with only ONE ingredient - Yes, these do exist. They are a little more expensive but totally worth it. A lot of times, the treats will be freeze-dried salmon, beef, cod, chicken, etc. Your pup will thank you later.
Stick with what works - Don’t change things up. Listen to your vet, they are not trying to get you to only buy the special food they sell. They really do want to help your pup be the healthiest they can be.
Make a big deal when giving him dry kibble food for treats- When my other pups are getting treats, I give Henry his kibble and act like he is getting a special treat. He feels included with the crew while being healthy at the same time.
Inform others of your dog’s diet - When you have your pup around family and friends, be clear that they cannot eat anything but what is in their special diet. Always have some extra kibble or treats on hand to give to others. You don’t want Aunt Mary feeding him the leftover turkey at Thanksgiving.
Don’t stress - Your pup will get into something they are not supposed to, it's just their nature. Just keep an eye on your little guy for a few days and call the vet if anything out of the ordinary happens.
In the end, we want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. I know at times it is difficult. At times you feel bad they are not getting the same treats as your other pets. Know that is OK! Each dog is special and unique in some way and just wants to be loved by its owner. So embrace the special diet, get creative, and love your little guy to the moon and back.
- Justine Smith