The immune system of dogs consists of a group of certain organs, chemicals, and cells that defend the body against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful foreign substances that can damage the body in several ways. The white blood cells, bone marrow, lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen, and antibodies create the whole immune system that effectively protects the body against foreign microbes.
Autoimmune disease occurs in dogs when the immune system starts to attack their body organs and tissues. The immune system that should naturally protect dogs against foreign organisms starts harming the body’s vital organs, muscles, bones, and blood, which causes dogs different autoimmune diseases.
The reason why autoimmune disease develops in the first place is not very well-known or understood adequately yet. However, experts seem to think that genetic dysfunctions, environmental pollutants, stress, and other factors trigger such disorders.
How Dog Food can help to Control Autoimmune disease:
A good and healthy diet can immensely help dogs to control and recover from autoimmune diseases. Dog-owners usually fear the processed food. However, any dog food containing organic ingredients free of preservatives, artificial taste, additives, grains, and gluten would be highly recommended for dogs to fight autoimmune disease. Good and healthy dog food should contain:
- A considerable quantity of antioxidants
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin E, C, and D
- Minerals
- High-quality meat
- Good quality vegetables
- Fresh fruits
- Probiotics
The ingredients mentioned above can lower the symptoms of the dogs suffering from autoimmune diseases because when a fresh and well-balanced diet is provided to dogs that show symptoms of weakness, fatigue, joints pain, and lethargy, the dogs will start recovering from these symptoms after getting consistent nutrients in their bodies.
1. Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food with Grains
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown rice, Barley, white rice | Profile: For Adult Dogs | Type: Grain Inclusive
Wag Dry Dog Food with Grains is one of the most famous formulas in the wag dry dog food Product range. WAG is very famous for its usage of chicken protein as the first ingredient. Dogs like meat flavor, and this is why wag products are trendy. Moreover, with the change in the climate, many health issues are rising. It has affected all living beings, including animals. It is believed that this environmental change also causes auto-immune disease in dogs.
In this disease, the red blood cells, white blood cells, and antibodies get mutated and attack the body’s immune system. Thus, the malfunctioning of the immune system can lead up to a variety of issues and problems. Many preventives are available to tackle this issue. Some of them include medication, therapy, and some nutritional supplements and foods that can help in this case. If your dog is suffering from constipation, then instead of moving to food to autoimmune disease, it best to get a Best Dog Food for Constipation to cure it first.
Wag is a reasonably new product compared to other dog foods, and its product range is limited to four adult formulas and one puppy formula but is considered one of the best.
Why Wag Dry Dog Food with Grains?
Red blood cells are specially developed by increasing protein intake. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying protein. It also gives the red color to the red blood cells. Wag dry dog food contains 35% protein, 33% fat, and 32% carbohydrate. This ratio makes it suitable for dogs of different activity levels. Moreover, the high level of proteins will help your dog fight auto-immune disease better because their energy level will improve.
Pros
- Wag is a lot cheaper as compared to overpriced dog feeds out there.
- It has beef and chicken liver that provides minerals and vitamins.
- Omega-3 fatty acid improves cognitive function.
- The additional antioxidants improve the immune system.
- Calcium and phosphorus improve bone and teeth strength.
Cons
- Each formula contains some controversial ingredients like the brewer’s yeast.
- The recipes and brand are very new. Some people may not know of it.
Why do we recommend it?
Even though this Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food with Grains is new and still hasn’t reached everyone, the facts are very promising. It can help your dog in miraculous ways by improving its digestive function, protein intake, and overall health. Moreover, it meets all the AFFCO recipes standards. After reviewing all these facts, we are 100% sure that this product is worthy of recommendation.
2. Best Dog Food for Autoimmune Disease
First five ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken meal, Yellow Peas | Profile: For Adult Dogs | Type: Grain Free
Hills’s Science Diet Dry Dog food is an exceptional dog food designed to cater to the needs of adult dogs and focuses on their nutritional needs. As the dogs grow up, they need a lot of care because they are at significant risk of getting a different type of disease. One of the most critical conditions that we have seen in adult dogs is an autoimmune disease.
The autoimmune disease is hazardous, and in this condition, the antigens-antibodies complexes form in the body. These antibodies then attack the healthy cells, tissues, and organs instead of the disease cells. It can also damage skin, paws and cause allergies. However, with the proper nutrition and care, skin problems can be managed. We also recommend it as a Best Dog Food for Anal Gland Issues, there it is listed at number 3. So it is an all-rounder food that can protect your dog from many diseases.
Hill’s science dry dog food has many options for you to consider according to your dog’s flavor preferences. Moreover, it provides a lot of formulas for dogs belonging to different age groups. Each formula focuses on specific dietary issues and skin issues.
Why is it best dog food for autoimmune disease?
Hill’s science dry dog food is such a product that can help your pet in an autoimmune condition. The food is made up of natural ingredients like omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E oils. Both these ingredients are essential for the skin. The reasons behind this condition are unknown, but climate change and genetic mutation might be their cause. The doctors recommend a good diet, and that is why vets often recommend this food. It can prove to be very helpful if your dog is facing an autoimmune disease.
Pros
- Hill Science is all about prebiotic fiber.
- Hill balances the microbiome in the gut of adult dogs and maintains proper digestion.
- It is made up of all-natural ingredients.
- Hill’s Science makes the coat shinier and thick.
- Hill science is suitable for the urinary tract.
Cons
- The food may not be suitable for all dogs because meat/protein is not always the main ingredient.
- It may contain gluten.
Why do we recommend it?
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is highly recommended by vets and has met AAFCO nutritional standards. If you are looking for dog food with the best nutritional qualities to help your dog fight autoimmune disease, this one is the answer.
3. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
First Five Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, and canola oil | Profile: For Adult food | Type: Grain Free
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food with Smoked Salmon is a dry dog food with fish as its number 1 ingredient. It is nutrient-rich and provides the required amount of energy to the body. Taste of wild produces nine different grain-free formulas. The Dog food is formulated for adult dogs and helps in meeting their nutritional needs. Moreover, this brand has an excellent reputation for being easy to digest. It only uses gentle grain for its grain-inclusive products and chicory root as a source of prebiotic fiber.
Keep in mind its one of the Best Dog Food for Adult Dogs while also can give your dog strength to fight with many common disease.
These days one of the most challenging ailments that dogs are facing is an auto-immune disease. It is tough to identify and treat, and in most cases, people fail to figure it all out. In this condition, the body fails to protect itself from any foreign invaders like germs and bacteria. Moreover, it disrupts the function of the rest of the organs. It is because the body’s immune system starts to attack the healthy cells, tissues, and organs.
The disease can cause fur loss, thyroid issues, anemia, discoloration of the nose, and many other problems.
How it helps to fight with autoimmune disease in dogs?
Many dog foods have focused on improving their ingredients so that they might help fight off the disease. The Taste of wild is also one of those brands, and it has gained a lot of acclamation and praise for its quality and usage of all-natural ingredients. In case your dog is facing such a condition, you should consider this dog food to supplement their health.
This smoked salmon formula has a unique protein blend for the proper working of the amino acid profile. This will ensure the proper functioning of protein building in the body. Most of the functions in the body are dependent on the amount of protein that is available, and thus this protein-rich dog food will supply your dog with ample amounts of it. Hence, this good nutrition will help the proper functioning of the immune system.
Pros
- Taste of wild does not use artificial fillers like corn, wheat, or soy because these ingredients can be challenging for some dogs to digest.
- Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids help a dog in having a shiny coat and skin.
- Antioxidants like vegetables, legumes, and frits help sustain the immune function.
- Specie-specific prebiotic formulas provide support to the immune and digestive systems.
- Each product focuses on digestibility.
Cons
- Tomato pomace and brewers yeast may be objectionable for some owners.
- Some users may find it disturbing that the product uses canola oil as a source of fat.
Why do we recommend it?
Taste of the Wild company was established in the 1970s, and it has gained popularity over the years. This popularity is a testament enough that they are doing a great job. Their formulas are great, and they have complete nutrition in each pack per the AFFCO standards. If you are looking for the best and most readily available dog food, you must give this one a shot.
4. Wild Earth Healthy High-Protein Formula
Five Ingredients: chicken peas, Blueberries, Dried yeast, Spinach, and Pumpkin | Profile: For Seniors | Type:
Wild Earth Healthy high Protein dog food is the best vegan dog food with high protein levels and all-natural ingredients. Unlike most dog foods, this brand has opted to develop its protein contents from all earthly elements like plants. This means that it provides clean protein. Dogs are truly omnivorous; thus, they can get their required nutrition from both animals and plants. The founders of the wild earth brand are very passionate about climate and environmental change.
One of the most dangerous effects of climate change that we have seen on animals is an autoimmune disease. The term autoimmune disorder covers a variety of issues and problems that may arise due to the improper functioning of the immune system. In this anomaly, the white blood cells start attacking the healthy cells instead of infections or other diseases. This leads to the weakening of the body’s defense mechanism against foreign invaders.
In some cases, the body’s red blood cells get destroyed, which can cause anemia and other issues. It becomes crucial for dog owners to choose a proper diet for their dogs in this condition.
What makes it a best dog food for autoimmune disease?
As a dog owner, you feel accountable for the health and well-being of your dog. If you are having a difficult time trying to find out the best all-natural dog food, you need to look no further. This brand is famous for its usage of yeast-based protein, and all of its formulas use natural ingredients that provide vitamins, minerals, and fibers to your dog. It can help in all sorts of manners by improving digestion, skin, coat, muscle development, and bone growth. The high-quality protein will also improve the immune system.
This product has a very high rating among the users because it has a great variety and flavors loved by the dogs. Thus, it can help your dog in the fight against autoimmune disease in a more friendly way. While on the other side it’s one of the Best Dog Food for American Bully, and suitable for all dogs who needs a lot of energy to stay healthy.
Pros
- Protein enhances the vitality and energy of dogs because it has all ten essential amino acids.
- It makes the coat healthy and stops shedding.
- It has vitamins A, E, and C, which support the immune system.
- The Food has no fillers and preservatives.
- It also improves joint health because it has calcium and phosphorus.
Cons
- Dry Food is a bit expensive as compared to other products.
- It is not a grain-free formula, so it might not be suitable for all dogs.
Why do we recommend it?
Veterinary nutritionists and scientists develop this Wild Earth Healthy High-Protein Formula. The product’s popularity shows that it is not ordinary and will cater to your dog’s nutritional needs in the best possible way. Also, the green flag from the AFFCO speaks for its merit. If you are looking for a delicious treat with high nutritional value, then you should try this out.
5. Open Farm Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
First Five Ingredients: Humanely raised beef, Ocean white fish meal, field peas, beef liver, sweet potatoes | Profile: For adult Dogs | Type: Grain Free
Open Farm Grain-free Dry Dog Food is made up of prime cuts of real meat. This product ensures 100% product transparency and uses all-natural ingredients. Just as the human population seeks healthy food alternatives, so are the case with animals, and they need high-quality protein sources to maintain the proper function of their body. The open farm has various products to choose from, and all these products have an excellent reputation in the dog food industry.
The problem with a dog’s health is often not easily understood, and this delay in diagnosis can be lethal. Disease like autoimmune disorder is causing many waves these days because of the life-threatening consequences it has. The Disease disrupts the function of white blood cells, red blood cells, and the immune system. It makes the body prone to all sorts of diseases.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for it, but veterinarians recommend a good diet and protein-rich Food for sick dogs. Open farm dog foods are thus very beneficial in this regard. We first recommend this dog food for Australian Shepherds, but later on, we find it beneficial against many current era common diseases.
Why do you need it in Autoimmune disease?
Open Farm dry dog food is famous for being 100% transparent about the ingredients in their products. This Open Farm Grass-fed Beef dry dog food is full of meat proteins, prebiotic fibers, essential vitamins, and minerals that promote the wellness of the dogs. For dogs with a compromised immune system, it is crucial to keep the protein intake high. Although, it can be tough to get such Food that dogs will like because they become very picky or very sick to even care about their Food.
The open farm products are unique and have great taste. Thus, your dog will accept this Food enthusiastically, plus it will fulfill the protein requirement of its body. They also have wet foods, dehydrated treats, gently cooked meals, and freeze-dried raw Food. All these options make this brand very customer-friendly.
Pros
- The food has no GMO (genetically modified organisms).
- Meets AFFCO standards.
- It has high-quality proteins and antioxidants that keep the immune system strong.
- Food is grain-free and has no artificial fillers.
- It has DHA and omega-3 fatty acid that helps brain function.
Cons
- The grain-free formula may not work for all dogs.
- It is expensive
Why do we recommend it?
Open farm dog food products are handy, and the company’s policy of sharing the complete ingredient list with the customers is proof that this brand is willing to do right by your dog. All the unique ingredients and hormone-free meat that they use is highly nutritious. This product will make your dog happy and healthy in no time.
Things Dog-Owners Should Know About the Autoimmune Disease
To cure a dog, its necessary a dog owner know about the autoimmune disease type. Several types of autoimmune diseases occur in dogs, but the most common ones are explained below.
1. Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
The immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia disease usually occurs in middle-aged dogs. It is most commonly found in the breed of cocker spaniel, although it can occur in any other dog. In this disease, the spleen attacks dog red blood cells, mistaking them as defective, leaving the dog with severe anemia and loss of oxygen.
As the spleen destroys all the red blood cells, the bone marrow fails to give a quick response by creating new red blood cells. Hence, the dogs develop a lethal form of anemia, IMHA.
Symptoms:
- Pale gums, eyes, and skin
- Lethargy and extreme weakness
- Fatigue and faintness
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Loss of skin hair
2. Hypothyroidism
In Hypothyroidism, the immune system damages the dog’s thyroid tissue, causing the thyroid to stop functioning correctly, ultimately disturbing the body’s metabolism. The dogs with this disease gain weight without eating a lot and become lazy. The facial muscles also become saggy, while hair loss also appears to be one of the symptoms.
Symptoms|:
- Gain excessive weight
- Atrophy of face and head muscles
- Saggy skin
- Hair loss
- Lethargy
3. Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT)
In the Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia condition, the immune system destroys thrombocytes, also known as platelets, responsible for blood clotting in the body. With these cells getting damaged after being targeted as defective by the immune system, dogs’ body stand a high risk of losing blood in case of injuries.
Symptoms:
- Bruising on the skin of the abdomen, inside the ears, and on the gums
- Uncontrollable bleeding after injuries or surgeries
- Blood in the feces
- Excessive bleeding during menstruation
4. Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis
In Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, the dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s joints tissue, ultimately weakening the joints causing arthritis.
Symptoms:
- Swelling of joints
- High temperature
- Severe pain in joints and muscles
- Inability to walk properly
- Enlarged lymph nodes
5. Immune-Mediated Skin diseases:
While Immune-Mediated skin diseases are not very common, they are still diagnosed in dogs quite a lot. Suppose the dogs do not recover timely from the treatments of lesions that were thought to be caused by common allergies. In that case, it could be possible that the dog suffers from some immune-mediated skin disease and would require appropriate treatment.
Symptoms:
- Tips of the ears, bridge of the nose, and the feet get bruised
- Lesions become apparent on the claws and the other parts of the body
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CONCLUSION
Dogs are innocent, and they cannot speak even if they are having skin issues or anemia. As pet parents, it is our responsibility to take care of our dogs and their nutritional needs. Autoimmune disease is getting all the LimeLight because of environmental changes. However, with proper food and diet, this issue can be resolved.
We have done in-depth Research and choose the five best dog foods for autoimmune disease. We recommend Wag and Hill’s Science. The active ingredients present in these foods are beneficial for autoimmune disease.
In case the condition worsens, make sure you get in touch with your Vet.