Dog Food Allergies [Signs, Causes & 9 Remedies]

Let’s talk about a topic that hits close to home for many dog owners: dog food allergies.

We all know how much our furry friends mean to us, and when they’re not feeling their best, it can be incredibly worrisome.

In this article, we’ll dig into the signs, causes, and solutions for dog food allergies, so you can keep your pup healthy and happy.

What is Dog Food Allergies

Dog food allergies refer to adverse reactions or hypersensitivity reactions in dogs caused by certain ingredients present in their food.

These allergies are typically triggered by proteins such as beef, chicken, dairy, or grains commonly found in commercial dog food.

Symptoms of dog food allergies may include skin irritations, itching, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems.

Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies

Here are some of the most common symptoms of dog food allergies:

1. Vomiting: One common symptom of dog food allergies can be vomiting. If your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction to their food, they may vomit shortly after eating.

It’s important to note that vomiting can also be caused by various other factors, so it’s essential to consider other symptoms and consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.

2. Excessive Scratching: Another symptom of food allergies in dogs is excessive scratching or itching. Dogs with food allergies may continually scratch their skin, especially around the face, ears, paws, and belly.

They may also rub their bodies against furniture or carpet to alleviate the itchiness. Persistent scratching can lead to skin irritation, redness, and even open sores if left untreated.

3. Hives: Hives, also known as urticaria, are a skin reaction commonly associated with allergies, including food allergies in dogs. Hives appear as raised, itchy, and often red bumps on the dog’s skin.

They can occur anywhere on the body and may be accompanied by swelling. If you notice hives on your dog’s skin, it’s important to seek veterinary attention to identify and manage the underlying cause.

4. Hair Loss: In some cases, dog food allergies can lead to hair loss or thinning of the coat. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and irritation in the skin, which can result in excessive shedding or even patches of hair loss.

However, it’s worth noting that hair loss can have various causes, so it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine if food allergies are the underlying factor.

5. Swollen Face and Paws: If your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction to their food, you may notice swelling in their face and paws. This swelling is often caused by inflammation due to an immune response triggered by the allergens in their food. It’s important to monitor your dog closely and seek veterinary attention if you notice any unusual swelling.

6. Chronic Ear or Paw Licking: Another common symptom of food allergies in dogs is chronic ear or paw licking. Dogs with food allergies may excessively lick their paws or scratch their ears due to the itching and discomfort caused by the allergic reaction.

Persistent licking or scratching can lead to redness, inflammation, and even secondary infections. If you notice your dog engaging in excessive licking or scratching, it’s important to consult with your vet.

7. Gastrointestinal Distress: Food allergies can also affect a dog’s digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms may include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and excessive gas.

You might notice that your dog has a decreased appetite or experiences weight loss. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of gastrointestinal distress caused by food allergies, which brings us to our next point.

8. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common symptom of food allergies in dogs. When a dog’s immune system reacts to certain ingredients in their food, it can lead to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in loose stools or diarrhea.

The consistency of the stools may vary, and you may also notice mucus or blood in the stool. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s bowel movements and inform your veterinarian if you notice any persistent or severe diarrhea.

Read more about the symptoms of dog food allergies.

Causes of Dog Food Allergies

Here are some of the most common causes of dog food allergies:

1. Dairy Products: Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, contain a protein called lactose. Some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to lactose, leading to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and flatulence. In such cases, it’s best to avoid feeding dairy products to your dog or opt for lactose-free alternatives if necessary.

2. Fillers: Fillers are ingredients added to dog food to increase its bulk and reduce costs. Common fillers include corn, wheat, soy, and other grains. These ingredients can trigger allergies in some dogs.

Allergies to fillers often manifest as skin irritations, itching, hot spots, or digestive problems. If you suspect your dog is allergic to fillers, consider switching to grain-free or limited-ingredient dog food that uses alternative protein sources and carbohydrates.

3. Chemical Contaminants: Some dog food may contain chemical contaminants, such as artificial preservatives, dyes, and additives. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.

Symptoms can range from skin issues, and digestive problems, to respiratory difficulties. Opting for dog food with natural preservatives and minimal artificial additives can help reduce the risk of chemical-related allergies.

4. Artificial Flavors: Artificial flavors are often added to dog food to enhance taste and palatability. However, these additives can trigger allergies in some dogs.

Allergic reactions to artificial flavors may include skin rashes, itching, gastrointestinal upset, or even behavioral changes. Choosing dog food with natural flavors or those that rely on high-quality ingredients for taste can be a better option for dogs prone to allergies.

5. Wheat: Wheat is a common ingredient in many dog foods. Dogs can develop allergies to wheat, just like humans can develop allergies to gluten. Wheat allergies in dogs typically manifest as skin irritations, itching, digestive issues (such as diarrhea or vomiting), and ear infections. If your dog shows any of these symptoms after consuming food containing wheat, it might be a good idea to consider switching to a wheat-free diet.

6. Chicken: Chicken allergies are also relatively common in dogs. Symptoms of a chicken allergy can include skin rashes, itching, gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea or vomiting), and even respiratory issues in severe cases.

Chicken is a common ingredient in many dog foods, so if you suspect your dog has a chicken allergy, you’ll need to carefully read the ingredient labels of the food you’re feeding them. Switching to dog food that doesn’t contain chicken or any chicken-derived ingredients might be necessary.

7. Soy: Soy is another potential allergen for dogs. While soy allergies are less common than wheat or chicken allergies, they can still occur. Allergic reactions to soy can manifest as skin irritations, itching, digestive problems (such as gas or diarrhea), and even more severe reactions like anaphylaxis in rare cases. If you suspect your dog has a soy allergy, consider avoiding dog foods that contain soy or soy-derived ingredients.

8. Fish: Although fish is often considered a healthy protein source for dogs, some dogs can develop allergies to fish. Common symptoms of a fish allergy in dogs include skin rashes, itching, gastrointestinal issues (such as vomiting or diarrhea), and sometimes even respiratory problems.

If you suspect your dog has a fish allergy, it’s important to eliminate all fish-based ingredients from their diet, including both fresh fish and fish-derived ingredients in commercial dog foods.

9. Corn: Corn is a common ingredient found in many commercial dog foods. While it is a relatively inexpensive source of carbohydrates, it can also be a potential allergen for some dogs. Dogs can develop allergies to corn, and the symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

Common signs of a corn allergy in dogs include itching, skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or vomiting, and even ear infections. If you suspect your dog has a corn allergy, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action, which may involve switching to a corn-free diet.

10. Lamb: Lamb is often considered a novel protein source in dog food, meaning it is used as an alternative to more common proteins like chicken or beef. While lamb is generally well-tolerated by most dogs, some can develop allergies to it. Lamb allergies in dogs are relatively rare but can occur.

The symptoms of a lamb allergy are similar to other food allergies and may include skin issues like itching, redness, or hives, digestive problems, or even respiratory issues such as coughing or sneezing. If you suspect your dog is allergic to lamb, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate dietary options.

Diagnosing Dog Food Allergies

Diagnosing dog food allergy can be done through an elimination trial, which involves feeding a hypoallergenic diet for eight to twelve weeks that does not contain any ingredients that the dog has eaten in the past.

The signs of a food allergy in dogs are usually itchy skin, paws, or ears, or digestive disturbances such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Other changes can also occur, including hyperactivity, weight loss, lack of energy, and even aggression.

The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten.

The only accurate way to diagnose a food allergy in dogs is to remove all of the currently fed food and feed a diet recommended by a veterinarian for the elimination diet trial period.

During the trial, any other food, even a tiny treat, can affect the results of the trial, so it is essential to be 100% strict with the trial for the full 8 weeks.

Dog Food Allergy Treatment Options

Here are some of the most effective dog food allergies treatment options:

1. Hypoallergenic Diet

A hypoallergenic diet is a diet that contains fewer allergens and is less likely to cause allergic reactions. These diets are usually formulated to reduce itching in allergic pets and improve skin health. Hypoallergenic diets can be veterinary diets or high-quality commercial foods. They are preferably free from common allergens such as beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, dairy products, and soy.

2. Elimination Diet

An elimination diet is the most accurate way to test for food allergies in dogs. It involves identifying the offending components of the diet and eliminating them. Common clinical signs of food allergies include itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress. To perform an elimination diet, all table food, treats, and flavored vitamins must be discontinued during the testing period. The diet must be fed exclusively, and it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the proper approach is taken

3. Novel Protein Diet

Switching to a novel protein diet can be a game-changer for dogs with food allergies. This involves introducing proteins your dog hasn’t been exposed to before, such as venison, duck, or kangaroo. By doing so, you can eliminate allergic reactions to common proteins like chicken or beef. This approach aims to provide a fresh palette of proteins to minimize the risk of triggering allergic responses.

4. Limited Ingredient Diet

Opting for a limited ingredient diet is another effective strategy. These diets contain a minimal number of ingredients, which helps pinpoint and avoid potential allergens. Look for formulas with simple, wholesome ingredients to minimize the risk of triggering allergic reactions. This approach aims to simplify the diet to reduce the likelihood of allergic responses.

5. Homemade Dog Food

Preparing homemade dog food using vet-approved recipes can provide full control over the ingredients and tailor the diet to your dog’s specific needs. This allows for the exclusion of common allergens and the inclusion of carefully selected ingredients to meet your pup’s dietary requirements. However, it’s important to ensure that the homemade diet is nutritionally balanced and meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

6. Hydrolyzed Protein Diet

A hydrolyzed protein diet involves breaking down protein molecules into smaller sizes, making them less likely to trigger allergic responses. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with severe food sensitivities. The smaller protein molecules are less likely to be recognized as allergens by the immune system, potentially reducing allergic reactions.

7. Allergy Testing and Desensitization

Exploring allergy testing can help identify the specific allergens affecting your pup. Once identified, desensitization through allergy shots or drops may be recommended to build tolerance over time. This approach aims to address the root cause of the allergies and gradually reduce the body’s overreaction to specific allergens.

8. Allergy Medications

Depending on the severity of the allergy, your veterinarian may prescribe allergy medications like Apoquel®, Cytopoint®, antihistamines, or steroids in addition to a special diet. These medications can help manage symptoms and improve your dog’s overall well-being.

9. Topical Anti-Itch Shampoos and Ointments

Topical anti-itch shampoos and ointments can help alleviate itching and provide relief for your dog. These products can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as hypoallergenic diets or antihistamines, to help manage symptoms.

Related Questions

What are the common signs that my dog may have a food allergy?

Look out for symptoms like itching, scratching, hair loss, ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting, or skin rashes. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, it’s best to consult your vet for proper diagnosis.

How can I identify which specific food is causing my dog’s allergy?

To pinpoint the culprit, you can try an elimination diet. This involves feeding your dog a novel protein source and carbohydrate for about 8-12 weeks, then gradually reintroducing old foods to see which one triggers a reaction.

Can dogs develop food allergies over time?

Yes, just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to certain ingredients as they age. So, even if your dog has been fine with a specific food in the past, they may develop an allergy to it later on.

Are there specific ingredients that are more likely to cause food allergies in dogs?

Yes, common allergens for dogs include beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, and corn. However, every dog is unique, so they may have different triggers.

Can food allergies in dogs be managed through diet alone?

In many cases, yes. Once the allergen is identified, you can manage your dog’s diet by avoiding the trigger ingredient and opting for hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets recommended by your vet.

Is it okay to give my dog human food if they have food allergies?

It’s essential to avoid feeding your dog any human food without consulting your vet, especially if they have food allergies. Some human foods can be toxic to dogs and may exacerbate their allergic reactions.

Read more about dog skin allergies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and addressing dog food allergies is crucial for the well-being of our furry friends. By closely monitoring their diet for allergies, introducing hypoallergenic options, and consulting with a veterinarian, we can provide the best care for our dogs. Remember, a happy and healthy pup starts with the right food!