Top 5 Food Allergies Found in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Solutions

When you're a dog mom or dad, nothing is more troubling than seeing your pup suffer from persistent skin issues. What's worse is not knowing why it's happening or what to do about it. If you've noticed that your dogs skin is causing him discomfort and pain, there's a good possibility that he or she may have developed one or more food allergies. In this post, we'll explore five of the most common food allergies found in dogs, which symptoms to look for, and how to find a solution.

Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs

Dogs, much like humans, can develop allergies over time. Food allergies occur when a dog's immune system reacts to certain proteins or other ingredients in their diet, identifying them as harmful. This causes the dog's system to produce antibodies to protect itself. This immune response can lead to a number of symptoms including itching, redness, shedding, gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, and more. 

It's important to remember that any dog can develop food allergies, regardless of age or breed. It's even possible for your dog to become allergic to an ingredient in the food that you've always given them. The symptoms of an allergic reaction aren't likely to show up immediately, so if your dog tried a new food or treat yesterday and today is showing symptoms of skin irritation or upset stomach, it's unlikely that yesterday's new food is the culprit. Later on in this post, we will explore different methods of identifying your dog's allergy 

Top 5 Common Food Allergies Found in Dogs

Dogs can become allergic to almost any food, but certain allergens are more frequently seen than others. Five of the most commonly identified food allergens for dogs are:

• Beef
• Dairy Products
• Chicken
• Wheat 
• Soy
  
  

1. BEEF 🍖

You may be surprised to learn that beef is the #1 most common food allergy found in dogs, since it is also the most common ingredient you see in dog food. And yet research shows that 34% of dogs are allergic to beef.

Affected Areas: Paws, ears & face.

Symptoms: Intense itching and scratching, red inflamed patches, and hair loss around the affected areas.

2. DAIRY 🧀

While dogs can enjoy dairy products in moderation, some are allergic to the proteins in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. This allergy can be tricky to spot because it often mimics lactose intolerance. Symptoms of dairy allergies in dogs can include gastrointestinal issues along with skin problems.

Affected Areas: Face and paws. Stomach (internal)

Symptoms: Rashes and hives, itchy flaky skin. Gastrointestinal (vomiting and diarrhea)

3. CHICKEN 🍗

Chicken is another common protein in dog food, and it’s often a source of allergies. Dogs with chicken allergies might develop symptoms similar to those caused by beef allergies. Skin issues often flare up after consuming even small amounts of chicken, which can be found in many commercial dog foods and treats.

Affected Areas: Back, belly & chest

Symptoms: Persistent itch and licking. Skin infections, scabs, and rough patches

4. WHEAT 🌾

Wheat allergies in dogs are less common than beef or chicken allergies, but they do happen. Dogs that are allergic to wheat might also have a sensitivity to other grains. This allergy can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, but it can also manifest as skin issues.

Affected Areas: Stomach (internal) Belly, legs, and ears

Symptoms: Dry, flaky skin and rashes. Ear infections. Gastrointestinal (vomiting and diarrhea)

5. SOY 🍃

Most dogs consume soy and soy products without any issues. Only about 6% have reported an allergic reaction. It's worth mentioning that some dogs may experience gas and upset stomachs from Soybean meal, which is often used as a protein and energy source in dog foods. A reaction from soybean meal might appear similar to an allergic reaction, which is why it's important to determine your dogs allergy by doing further testing. 

Affected Areas: Not limited to one area. Stomach (internal) 

Symptoms: Itchy skin. Gastrointestinal (vomiting and diarrhea) Loss of appetite. 

Some less common dog allergies are lamb, pork, fish, rice, and eggs, but they are rare (5% range or less). Please keep in mind that every dog is unique and his or her reactions to different allergens may vary. 

How to Diagnose a Food Allergy

There are two ways to determine your dogs' food allergy:

• 1. Elimination Diet: The most effective method for diagnosing food allergies is an Elimination Diet. This involves feeding your dog a novel protein (something they’ve never eaten before) or hydrolyzed protein (broken down so small that the immune system doesn’t recognize it) for 8-12 weeks. Before starting any new diet, chatting with your vet is super important. They can provide guidance, help rule out other health issues, and ensure you choose the right food. After the elimination phase, you will slowly re-introduce different foods into your dog's diet one at a time. If any of the symptoms come back, you should stop feeding your pup that food immediately - it's likely the cause of the allergy. This method can take time and patience, but seeing your dog happy and comfortable again is worth the time and so much more! If you're interested in learning more are the Elimination Diet you can check out this post
• 2. Allergy Testing: Although the Elimination Diet is thorough and sufficient in finding out your dogs' allergy, another option is to do an allergy test. These can be done through blood tests or intradermal skin testing to identify potential allergens. You can even buy them online or at pet stores, but just like any choice made involving the well-being of your dog, do your research and consult your vet for guidance and recommendations. 
  
  

Managing The Allergy

Once you know what food(s) your dog is allergic to, the next step is to manage it to prevent any future flare-ups. Here are several steps you can take:

 1. Switch to Hypoallergenic Food - Hypoallergenic dog foods are designed to avoid common allergens. They often include limited ingredients or hydrolyzed proteins which are broken down so small that they don't trigger an allergic reaction. As always, talk to your vet before making any drastic changes to your dogs diet.

2. Home-Cooked Meals - If you're having a hard time finding the right food for your dog, you might want to consider making home-cooked meals. This allows you to know exactly what goes into his or her diet. You will need to work with a vet to ensure the meals are balanced with all the necessary nutrients. 

3. Avoid Treats Containing Allergens - Always check the ingredient list on anything you give to your dog. Sometimes the front of a bag of treats can be misleading. Making homemade treats is a safe option if you have the time. 

4. Monitor For Other Allergies - Unfortunately, food allergies often go hand-in-hand with environmental allergies. Continue to monitor your dog for signs of other allergic reactions, like seasonal allergies triggered by pollen or dust mites.

5. Regular Check-Ups - Frequent vet check-ups will help you stay on top of your dog’s health and ensure their allergy management plan is working. 

When To See A Vet

If you suspect your dog may have a food allergy, don't wait too long to see your vet. Dog allergies should be taken seriously as they can lead to further complications. See your vet immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Severe itching, swelling, or hives
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Behavioral changes that affect daily life
  
  

Conclusion

Identifying and managing your dogs food allergies can be a challenging and time-consuming process. But with the right approach, guidance from your vet, and a proper meal plan, you WILL achieve results. And at the end of the day, there's nothing more rewarding than helping your dog live his or her best life!