Compare how each diet addresses skin irritation, digestion, and long-term allergy control in sensitive dogs.
Choosing the Right Diet When Allergies Disrupt Your Dog’s Life
If your dog suffers from chronic itching, recurring ear infections, or unpredictable digestion, you’re not alone. For many pet owners in Cornwall and surrounding areas, these symptoms point to one thing: food sensitivities. And when allergies are suspected, the search for the right diet becomes a priority.
The two diets most commonly discussed for allergy management are hydrolyzed dog food and the BARF diet—short for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. While both claim to offer relief, they work very differently. Understanding those differences can help you decide what makes sense for your dog’s health.
What You Need to Know About Hydrolyzed Dog Food
Hydrolyzed diets are usually prescribed by veterinarians. These diets use proteins that have been chemically broken down into smaller fragments, making them less recognizable to your dog’s immune system. The goal is to prevent allergic reactions by essentially hiding the protein’s original form.
This approach is often part of an “elimination diet,” a trial period used to determine whether food is the culprit behind allergy symptoms. During this time, you feed your dog only the hydrolyzed food and see if symptoms improve.
It’s a useful tool—but not necessarily a long-term solution. While these diets are effective at removing triggers, they’re typically made with synthetic nutrients and highly processed ingredients. For dogs with ongoing sensitivities, the lack of real food may be less than ideal over time.
How the BARF Diet Takes a Different Approach
The BARF diet is based on feeding dogs raw meat, bones, organs, and a small amount of vegetables. The idea is to return to what dogs evolved to eat—foods that are natural, unprocessed, and rich in the nutrients they need.
For dogs with allergies, this means fewer additives, preservatives, and fillers—common culprits in commercial kibble and some canned foods. Many owners report seeing improvements in skin condition, digestion, and energy levels after switching to raw.
Of course, not all raw diets are created equal. Homemade raw plans can miss important nutrients if not properly balanced. But with the right guidance and sourcing, BARF can be a safe, long-term solution tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

Which One is Safer? It Depends on the Source
Safety is a valid concern—especially when raw food is involved. Improperly handled meat can carry bacteria that may be dangerous for both dogs and humans. That’s why sourcing matters.
Hydrolyzed food is produced in sterile, controlled environments. But it’s also highly processed, stripped of texture and flavour, and made for short-term use.
Professionally prepared raw food, on the other hand, offers both safety and freshness—if it’s done right. At All Raw Dog Food, we use only locally sourced ingredients from MAPAQ-inspected facilities in Quebec. Our meals are pre-formulated, portioned, and frozen for maximum safety and convenience.
The goal is simple: give your dog the benefits of raw, without the risks.
Short-Term Trials vs Long-Term Feeding
Is BARF Complete and Balanced Enough?
Hydrolyzed diets serve an important role in identifying allergies, but most veterinarians agree—they’re not designed for long-term feeding. The limited ingredient profile and processing make them better suited for short elimination periods than ongoing use.
Raw diets, when properly formulated, can support your dog’s health long term. Balanced BARF meals include calcium from bone, essential fatty acids from meat and fish, and micronutrients from organ meats.
This approach not only helps reduce allergic reactions—it nourishes your dog in a way that’s aligned with their biology.
This is a common concern, and a valid one. A raw diet must be designed with the right ratios of muscle meat, bone, organ, and supplementary nutrients.
Our formulas at All Raw Dog Food are created to meet these needs. Each product—whether it’s our Premium Plus mix, Small Breed Delight, or Hypoallergenic blend—is tailored to support full-body health while keeping ingredients simple and allergy-friendly.
You won’t find grains, artificial preservatives, or meat meals in our blends—just real, whole food in every portion.
The Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how BARF and hydrolyzed diets stack up:
Hydrolyzed Diet | BARF Diet (Balanced Raw) | |
Allergy relief | Effective during trials | Effective for many chronic issues |
Long-term use | Not recommended | Suitable with proper formulation |
Ingredient quality | Processed proteins | Whole, fresh ingredients |
Taste and texture | Limited variety | High palatability, texture-rich |
Nutrient profile | Synthetic | Natural, bioavailable |
Local sourcing | Often imported | Locally made (Canada/Quebec) |

What We Offer to Pet Owners in Cornwall and Beyond
At All Raw Dog Food, we serve families across Cornwall, Alexandria, Morrisburg, Embrun, and surrounding townships with easy access to clean, professionally crafted raw food.
What makes us different?
Formulas built for allergy-prone dogs
Locally sourced meats from Canadian farms
Consultation support for diet transitions
Pre-packaged, ready-to-serve meals
Hypoallergenic options like duck and wild game
Whether you’ve tried hydrolyzed food or are just beginning to explore alternatives, we’re here to help you find a plan that works for both you and your dog.
What Local Customers Are Saying
“Raw food has helped my highly allergic dog get the nutrients she needs. She’s eating better and healthier.”
– Chloe P., Cornwall
“We switched from a prescription diet to All Raw and saw results in two weeks—less itching, better digestion, and more excitement at mealtime.”
– Mark L., South Glengarry
Looking to Transition Your Dog’s Diet? Let’s Talk
Feeding raw doesn’t have to be complicated—and it shouldn’t be risky. We’ll help you create a personalized plan based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, and symptoms.