What foods are dogs most allergic to
The Best Foods for Dogs With Allergies
Humans arent the only ones with allergiesour dogs can get them, too. Canine allergies can lead to numerous skin conditions that can be frustrating to manage. These allergies can be due to environmental causes or from the food our dogs eat.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can be allergic to foods like beef, chicken, lamb, wheat, soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.
- Allergy tests for dogs are not reliable.
- The only proven way to tell what your dog is allergic to is to change their protein source or perform an elimination diet trial.
The most common symptoms of dog food allergies include:
Redness of the skin of the inner ears
Itchiness of the ears (chronic scratching of the ears or shaking of the head)
Ear hematomas
Chronic thickening of the ears
Chronic ear infections
Redness and itchiness of the feet or in between toes (foot chewing)
Chronic pododermatitis
Patchy hair loss along the neck and trunk
Chronic skin infections (with bacteria or yeast) that never seem to clear up
Skin issues are the most common dog food allergy symptoms. These are mostly seen as an allergic reaction to the proteins absorbed in food.
The reaction leads to the release of immune cells, which can cause weakening of the bonds between the skin cells, resulting in a weakening of the skin barrier. This change in the skin barrier leads to redness and itchiness, and it makes the skin more susceptible to infection with normal bacteria and yeast.
The most affected areas are the ears, paws, around the eyes, and sometimes the trunk (torso) and limbs.
What Are Common Dog Food Allergens?
The most common proteins dogs are allergic to are beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat. Other less common causes of dog food allergies include soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.
Dogs cannot be tested for food allergies like people can, as the available testing is unreliable. The only proven way to tell what your dog is allergic to is to change their protein source or perform an elimination diet trial.
During an elimination diet trial, you eliminate all proteins your dog has been exposed to for two to three months. This gives the body enough time to completely eliminate the old protein sources and heal from the chronic allergy stimulation.
How To Help a Dog With Food Allergies
An elimination diet trial withhydrolyzed foodis the best way to treat and diagnose a dog food allergy. Its easiest to start with a prescription diet, such asHills z/dorRoyal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein. Theseveterinary dietshave proteins that are too small to be recognized by the immune system.
An elimination diet trial takes approximately two to three months to complete. This time is necessary for the old proteins to leave the dogs system. Additionally, the dog must be on the diet long enough to see a difference from the previous food.
The most common mistake pet parents make is not waiting long enough before calling it quits on the diet trial. Changing what your dog is eating for just a week or two will not give you complete results, so taking the proper amount of time to test food and treats is crucial.
Another common mistake: feed a dog anything other than the elimination diet. During a diet trial, pets cannot have any table scraps or treats (unless the elimination diet has a compatible treat option).
Changing what your dog is eating for just a week or two will not give you complete results, so taking the proper amount of time to test food and treats is crucial.
If the symptoms do not resolve after two or three months on the hydrolyzed elimination diet trial, your dog most likely has some type of environmental allergen. Or something else is causing the problem, such as an autoimmune condition.
If you get a good response from the trial, try to feed your dog a new protein source, such as venison, fish, or kangaroo. If they are going to react to these proteins, you should notice a mild reaction starting within two weeks. If their allergy symptoms return, stop the new protein source and go back to the hydrolyzed food.
Try adding one protein at a time every two to four weeks. If your dog reacts, stop and keep things steady for another two weeks before trying a different protein.
Contact your veterinarian before starting any diet trial to get a prescription for a hydrolyzed diet. Its also important to see your veterinarian to make sure your pet doesnt have any concurrent infections, which can be common because of the disturbed skin barrier caused by the allergic reaction. Infections can look the same as dog food allergy symptoms, so you must make sure to clear all infections during the food elimination trial.
During the trial, remember:
Make sure the prescription treats and food are all that you are feeding your pet. You cant feed human food or regular pet treats with a food trial, as it can introduce the allergens youre trying to eliminate.
Alwaysintroduce a dog to a new diet slowlyto avoid stomach upset or diarrhea.
The Best Dog Food for Allergies
Hydrolyzed Dog Foods
Hydrolyzed foods are the best dog food for allergies because the proteins are broken down into pieces that are so small the body cant recognize them. Some of these foods include:
Novel Protein Foods
Novel protein diets include proteins that your dog has not been introduced to before, such as duck, fish, venison, and kangaroo. Some examples of novel protein diets are:
Foods for Puppies With Allergies
While its rare for puppies to have food allergies, there are some documented cases in pups as young as 6 months old. If you think your puppy may have a food allergy, lamb and rice formulas, such asPurina Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula, would be a good place to start for a novel protein.
If allergies are severe and your vet recommends a hydrolyzed diet, Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein does come in a puppy formulation.
WRITTEN BY
Robyn Gallucci, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Gallucci started her career in veterinary medicine as a kennel assistant in high school and began training as a technician in college....
Allergies in Dogs
It is thought that dogs are genetically predisposed to become sensitized to allergens in the environment. Both male and female dogs can be allergic to materials in the air. Breeds predisposed to developing allergies include Chinese Shar-Peis, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, and West Highland White Terriers. However, any dog of any breed (or mixed breeds) can be allergic. The age of onset is generally between 6 months and 3 years. Signs are usually seasonal but may be seen all year. Itching is the most typical sign. The feet, face, ears, front legs, and abdomen are the most frequently affected areas, but scratching all over the body is common. Scratching can lead to secondary signs of wounds, scabbing, skin and ear infections, hair loss, and scaling. Other signs of atopy include licking or chewing the paws and rubbing the face and eyes. The skin is the main target of atopic dermatitis, but about 15% of affected dogs also develop inflammation inside the nose (rhinitis) and asthma. Longterm or recurrent ear infections may be the only sign in a small number of dogs.
The diagnosis of airborne allergies is difficult because there are no tests available that can positively identify the condition. Instead, diagnosis is based on age, breed, signs, and disease history (such as age when the signs first started and response to treatment). Other causes of signs must be excluded. Allergy testing cannot diagnose allergies, but it can be used to identify the offending allergens and to formulate a specific immunotherapy treatment program.
Atopic dermatitis is a lifelong disease that requires longterm management and regular veterinary examinations. Treatment involves a number of options: avoidance of the offending allergen(s), controlling the signs of itching, bathing and improving coat hygiene, controlling flare factors (such as fleas or secondary infections), and immunotherapy (for example, an allergy vaccine). A good management plan requires the use of several different treatments, the understanding and reasonable expectations for response from the pet owner, and frequent progress evaluations so that the plan can be adjusted as needed. Treatments used for sudden flare-ups often vary from those used for longterm management. Follow your veterinarian's instructions closely.
Immunotherapy attempts to increase a dogs tolerance to environmental allergens. It is the preferred treatment of most veterinary dermatologists and allergists. Allergy vaccine (allergy shot) preparation involves selection of individual allergens for a particular dog. The allergen selection is determined by matching the test results with the prominent allergens during the time of year when the dog has signs. Immunotherapy can be administered as injections or as allergy drops. The dog must be cooperative enough to receive allergy injections or drops. If injections are used, you may have to administer some doses yourself. Your veterinarian can provide training and most owners learn to administer the allergy injections very well, while others may need assistance from a capable friend or veterinary staff member. Your veterinarian will determine the frequency of the treatments and the dosage given.
Treatment takes a longterm commitment. You must be willing to follow instructions accurately, be patient, and beable to communicate effectively with your veterinarian. Treatment may initially increase signs. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Improvement may not be visible for 6 months, and a year of treatment may be required before you can tell if the immunotherapy is working. The best way to evaluate the treatment isto compare the degree of disease or discomfort between similar seasons. Anti-itch medication and antibiotics are often required during the initial phase of treatment and may be necessary intermittently throughout the year. Do not assume that immunotherapy has failed if signs appear during therapy because they may be due to another cause (such as an infection). Talk to your veterinarian if signs return, change, or do not resolve during treatment.
Allergy shots improve the condition but do not cure the disease. Many animals may still require anti-itch medications during seasonal flare-ups.
Common dog food allergies
How can you tell if your dog is allergic to food?
Food allergies cause a host of symptoms, like itching and gastrointestinal distress. A visit to the vet and a potential elimination diet can help pinpoint the culprit and determine if its a food allergen.
What is the most common food allergy in dogs?
Protein, specifically beef, appears to be the most common food allergy in dogs, followed by chicken and dairy.
What does a grain allergy look like in dogs?
A grain allergy will show up similarly to other food sensitivities. Adverse food reactions may include the following symptoms: itchy skin and paws, ear itching, and digestive upset. While a grain allergy is possible, most dogs can digest grains without any issues. Speak with your vet if you notice any changes in digestion and whether this is suitable for your dog.
What food is good for dogs with allergies?
Hypoallergenic dog foods and novel protein diets with simple ingredient formulas, omega-3 fatty acids, and skin health supplements are great options for dogs with allergies. Our vets love Royal Canins Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult DP Dry Dog Food because its packed with easy-to-digest proteins.
What ingredient in dog food causes itching?
The most common ingredients causing itching are proteins, including beef, dairy, and chicken.
What Foods Are Dogs Most Allergic To
When The System Fails
Food Allergies In Dogs: Holistic Answers
Malnutrition can affect enterocyte structure and function. A poorly functioning or damaged enterocyte can let whole proteins into the body. Once a whole protein has managed to breach all of the guts defenses, gut-associated lymphoid tissue takes over. GALT can prevent the bodys natural immune response to a foreign protein. Most of the time this is what happens, but in the case of food allergies, GALT does not prevent the immune response and an allergic response is formed.
Unfortunately, every time the food is eaten, this over-response of the immune response becomes greater. So continuing to consume the diet that caused the allergic response results in a greater and greater response every time. After this hypersensitivity is formed, each time the dog eats the food, mast cells in the bodys immune system release hertamine. If this hertamine release is large enough, it may manifest as diarrhea, itchy skin, chronic skin infections etc.
Try To Find Out What They Are Allergic To
Once your dog is settled without symptoms on a special diet, your vet may recommend adding ingredients back into their food to try and find out what they are allergic to.
If your dog doesnt show any symptoms, this is a safe food. If your dogs symptoms come back after eating a certain food, its likely they are allergic to it. This will help you select a dog food that only contains safe foods.
Food trials and exclusion diets can be tricky and take a lot of time, the alternative is to keep feeding your dog a special veterinary diet for life.
Some dogs with a food allergy will also have allergies to things in the environment, this may cause allergic skin disease . In this case, they might improve a bit on a special diet but they may need some other treatments as well to help keep their skin symptoms controlled.
What Food Is Best For Dogs With Itchy Skin
Hypoallergenic dog foods with simple ingredient formulas, novel proteins, and/or omega-3 fatty acid supplements skin health supplements are great options for dogs with allergies. Our vets love Royal Canins Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult DP Dry Dog Food because its packed with easy-to-digest proteins.
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What Are Two Best Foods To Give Your Dogs
- oats help in the digestion process
- try parsley!
The standard dosage for oral Benadryl for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times a day. Most diphenhydramine tablets are 25 mg, which is the size used for a 25-pound dog. But the safest way to give the proper dose is to ask your veterinarian.
Dairy Meals And Products
Most dogs strain to break down lactose in their systems, leading to reactions. However, it is good to note that lactose is an intolerance issue rather than a food allergy. Lactose allergy cannot be disqualified entirely, though, because your dog can experience it.
Lactose intolerance can be characterized by vomiting, gas, and diarrhea, while lactose allergy will be visible through skin itchiness, scratching, and associated symptoms.
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What Most Commonly Causes Food Allergies In Dogs
Dogs, just like humans, can sometimes be genetically predisposed to picking up allergies. Environmental factors can also impact allergies. Research in this area is robust and ongoing, specifically into the immune system during the first few weeks of life. If young dogs are treated with a course of antibiotics, this can trigger changes to the canine gut environment. This is the largest of the immune organs in your dogs body.
What Is The Best Food For Dogs With Allergies
It is important to work with a veterinarian to determine the best food for dogs with allergies. Novel protein and hydrolyzed diets that are available by prescription only are superior to those that can be bought over the counter because the latter often contain trace amounts of common allergens, even if they are not listed on the label. Randomly eliminating ingredients from your dogs diet without the input of a veterinary nutritionist is also a bad idea, as it can result in nutritional imbalances and is unlikely to identify the underlying problem.
Save yourself the worry and speak with your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has a food allergy.
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Signs To Look For If Your Pet Has An Allergy To Their Food
Are food allergies common in pets? Though theyre not as common as you might think, they do happen. About 10 percent of allergies in dogs are food allergies, and in cats, its about 10-15 percent. How do you know if your pet is allergic to his food?
A dog with food allergies might have:
- Itchy skin: This is also called allergic dermatitis, and can happen on any part of the body. It often occurs near the ears, paws, rear end, and stomach.
- Hives: Also known as urticaria, these itchy red bumps can pop up between 6 and 24 hours after your dog encounters allergens in food. If your dog has short hair, youll be able to see hives easily. Your dog might scratch, bite, and lick itchy areas, breaking the skin and leaving himself open to infection and hair loss.
- Gastroenteritis: Your dog may experience digestive issues, like gas, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Swollen face: The swelling may occur on your dogs lips, eyelids, and ear flaps.
- Chronic infections: If your dog has repeated infections in the ears or paws, this may be a food sensitivity rather than an allergy.
If your cat is allergic to cat food, you might notice:
Some common allergens in dog food include beef, chicken, lamb, soy, pork rabbit, fish, eggs, wheat, and dairy products. Less common allergens include corn, rice, barley, and oats. Most dogs are allergic to more than one thing, and an elimination diet is the best way to determine whats causing the problem. Your vet can help you with this.
Best Dog Food For Allergies: Reviewed For 2021
Best Dog Food Allergy Test
This post may contain affiliate links to our partners. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to help us educate about the worlds species so we can all better care for them.
Have you noticed that your dog is suffering from recurring ear infections or yeast infections? Does your dog seem to be excessively biting to scratching their skin, ears, or paws? Do they have a sensitive stomach or suffer from bloating, gas, vomiting, or diarrhea?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your dog may be suffering from allergies. Allergies in dogs are often caused by an ingredient in their food, so trying a new food may help eliminate the cause of their allergies. Before trying new food, it is important to consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog is suffering from allergies. They can help you identify the cause of the allergies, so you can eliminate the right food from your dogs diet.
In most cases, veterinarians will recommend a limited ingredient diet with allergies. These diets include fewer ingredients, which can help you pinpoint the specific ingredient that is causing your dog such troubles.
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What Foods Constipate Dogs
Adding a bit of water to your dogs kibble may help, and a fiber source like canned pumpkin can help soften things up.
The more complex grains such as oats, peas, barley, and sorghum tend to have more fiber and can help with constipation as well.
Sometimes probiotics are a great solution to gut health in your dog.
Is My Dog At Risk For Developing Allergies
Although nearly any dog can develop allergies throughout the course of his lifespan, there are certain breeds that have a higher predisposition for allergies, particularly flat-faced and short-haired breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, Chinese Shar-Peis, American and English Bulldogs.
Other breeds commonly prone to allergies include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Standard Poodles, Bichon Frises, English Setters, and Pit Bull Terriers.
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The Gut And Immune System Together Prevent Food Allergies
IgA cells are a type of immune cell secreted in the intestine. Some of the IgA will float freely in the contents of the intestine while other IgA attaches to the wall of the intestine to prevent whole protein from coming in contact with the enterocytes. Just like volleyball players they bounce whole proteins back into the contents of the intestine for more digestion. The more effective protein digestion in the stomach and intestine is, the smaller the proteins are when they come in contact with the IgA. Small proteins and single amino acids do not get bound to the IgA and are allowed to pass by the IgA and be absorbed into the body as nutrients.
Signs Of A Potential Food Allergy
- Itching and scratching, including licking of paws, rubbing face on carpet, etc.
- Dandruff or excessively dry skin
- Excessively oily and greasy coat
- Chronic or recurrent ear infections
- Waxy build up in ears needing frequent cleaning
- Redness of the paws or skin at belly region
- General lethargy or irritability
- Eye infections and inflammation
- Gastrointestinal upset signs such as diarrhea, gas , increased number of stools per day , vomiting, soft stools, etc. A food allergy must be distinguished from other potential causes of these gastrointestinal signs.
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What Should I Feed My Dog
With all this in mind, you might still be a little unsure of what food is best for your dog. This is a common feeling, as no two dogs are exactly the same! They all have unique personalities and preferences in food. What works best for your neighbors dog might not work that well for your dog and thats okay!
Being knowledgeable about what your pet with allergies needs in a food will help you make a more informed decision and choose a healthy recommended dog food meal you can feel confident feeding your pup.
If you think Earthborn Holistic might be the right food for your dog with allergies, but want a little extra help in deciding which recipe to try, please send us a message! Wed love to get to know you and your furry family more to help with your decision!
And For Dessert Iced Apple Yogurt Cubes
You started the day with smoothies. Now end the day with a blended treat that only requires apples and yogurt. Oh, and your freezer. The real problem with this homemade hack is that you might find youre sampling it a little too much!
For more healthy dog food recipes, check out our previous post. Youll be on your way to a whole new culinary relationship with your pup. Pro tip: at your next visit, run your recipes by your dogs vet to get approval on all ingredients.
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Common Food Allergies In Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can experience food allergies. While almost anything can be an allergen, certain ingredients are more common triggers than others.
Allergic reactions are an immune response a dogs body takes when it detects a foreign substance. While the substance in question may be harmless, the dogs immune system somehow decides otherwise and employs defenses against it to fight it off. These defenses manifest in the form of an allergic reaction.
In this piece, weve broken down some of the most common food allergies dogs experience, along with the symptoms to watch for and how to determine the source of your dogs allergic reaction.
Lets dig in!
Common Allergens In Dog Food
Food Allergies in Dogs YouTube HD.mp4
The most common foods to trigger an allergic response in dogs are animal proteins including chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs, says Tufts. Lamb, pork, and fish are less likely to cause allergies, although it is possible. While some dogs have proven to be allergic to wheat and corn, this is actually much more rare than common wisdom would have you believe. Instances of other grains, such as oats or rice, causing allergies are rare to nonexistent.
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What A Crock: Chicken And Rice
Think you cant make homemade dog food? Try a crockpot! Bark.coms Chicken and Brown Rice recipe only takes rice, water, green beans, sweet potato and carrots, an easy medley thats added to chicken breasts for a hearty meal. Honestly, you can dish up two bowls, stir some extra spices to yours, and youre sharing dinner together!
Making Changes To His Diet
Ive cut everything on that list out of my dogs diet now. And guess what? He improved after just the first week of making those changes.
Its changed everything for us. My dog went from having to wear a cone to being able to sleep through the night without scratching.
Its changed everything for us. My dog went from having to wear a cone to being able to sleep through the night without a fit of itchiness. Its been mostly smooth sailing ever since we cut gluten out of his diet!
Whats more, if Mo gets a treat that contains gluten, I can see the reaction almost immediately. His skin turns pink again within a day.
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Genetic Predisposition To Dog Food Allergies
Wondering whether your dog might be predisposed to food allergies or intolerances? Certainly theres some evidence that if a parent has an allergy, their offspring is more likely to inherit it. So in that way, genes do play a role. But what doesnt seem to be a factor is a dogs breed. In fact, science has never confirmed that any one breed is more at risk for food allergies than another. It can happen in any breed and in any dog, says Shmalberg.He also notes that some breeders and owners may have the view that deviating from the ancestral diet of certain breeds might predispose to allergies. For example, Huskies are accustomed to fish diets in their natural habitatso could feeding them poultry lead to an allergic reaction?
In short, no. There is no evidence to support that theory. Most dogs seem pretty adaptable to a range of foods, says Shmalberg. The age or sex of the dog also appears to have no relevance to food allergies or intolerances. Some vets do report that food allergies have been found in dogs less than 1 year old. So even young puppies can be affected .
Here are the top 10 breeds most frequently Googled along with the term food allergies or dog food allergies:
Keep in mind, food allergies can happen in any breed, and, of course, some breeds may be searched more frequently just because theyre more popular in general.
Is It Likely That My Dog Could Develop Other Food Allergies
Dogs that have developed an allergy to one particular food may develop other food-related allergies in the future. In addition, many dogs with food allergies have other allergies, such as atopy or flea allergy.
Dogs that have developed an allergy to one particular food may develop other food-related allergies in the future.
If you think your pet may have a food allergy, you should discuss this with your veterinarian, who can help your pet resume a healthier, itch-free life.
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Most Common Dog Food Allergens
Meat, dairy, and eggs are often thought to be the most common dog food allergens, says Shmalberg. Yet generally, its the protein part of those foods that tend to be problematic, rather than, say, the meat itself. Keep in mind, veggies can contain protein, so theyre not automatically safe.
That same review BMC Veterinary Research identified some of the most frequently reported dog food allergens involved in adverse food reactions. Heres a look, from most-reported to least-reported.
Top Dog Food Allergens
Shmalberg calls out two important caveats to keep in mind here.
More facts about dog food allergens that are helpful to know:
Dog Breeds With Most Allergies
An allergy in dog can be defined as an overreactionof its immune system to an environmental trigger. Like humans, dogs can developan allergy to anything. For example, a dog that has not been exposed to fleascould suffer from a reaction upon its first contact. Certain dog allergies are ofteninherited and more common in certain breeds. Let us take a look at dog breedswith most allergies.
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Most Common Food Allergies In Dogs And What To Do About It
Its not unusual for your dog to have a certain food allergy. However, it is a lot easier to track them in people, as they can describe the symptom to the last detail, but if youre a parent to a four-legged friend, this is where it can get a bit troublesome.
To us, dog and animal people, the second situation is much more painful as we cannot know for certain if somethings happening in our dogs body . So, it can happen that the body of your dog mistakenly believe a certain type of food is bad for them, so the immune system can respond with antibodies which can cause serious symptoms.
Lets take a look at the symptoms and the most common food allergies in dogs:
