Does My Dog Have Food Allergies?
Does your dog suffer from constant itching, digestive problems, or frequent ear infections? These frustrating symptoms might be more than just a passing issue – they could be signs of a food allergy.
In this article, we’ll explore dog food allergy symptoms, why they occur, and how food allergies are diagnosed and treated. Plus, you'll learn the best diet options for dogs with food allergies and how to transition them to an allergy-friendly diet to keep them happy and healthy.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Food Allergies
If your dog spends more time scratching than playing, it might be time to take a closer look at their diet. Unlike environmental or seasonal allergies, which tend to worsen during certain months, food allergies in dogs cause ongoing symptoms that don't change with the seasons.
One of the most common signs is itchy skin, which can cause excessive scratching, face rubbing, and paw licking. Chronic ear infections can also be a sign of food allergies, especially when they keep coming back despite treatment.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are another red flag. Chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and gas may indicate a reaction to a particular ingredient in your dog’s diet. Over time, food allergies can lead to hair loss, skin rashes, and weight loss, making it essential to identify and address them early.
Some dogs may even display behavioral changes, such as hyperactivity, lethargy, or aggression, as a result of the discomfort caused by their allergy.
How Do Food Allergies Develop in Dogs?
A dog's immune system is designed to protect against harmful invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. However, in dogs with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as a threat. This triggers an immune system response, leading to inflammation, itching, and digestive distress.
Many pet parents are surprised to learn that dogs can develop allergies to foods they've eaten for years. That's because food allergies in dogs can develop gradually, with repeated exposure to an allergen eventually sensitizing the immune system and triggering a reaction.
What Are the Most Common Food Allergens?
While dogs can be allergic to almost any ingredient, animal proteins are the most common triggers. Chicken, beef, and dairy products top the list, as these are found in many commercial dog foods. Other common food allergens include wheat and soy, which are also frequently used in dog food.
For many dogs, environmental allergies, flea allergies, or seasonal triggers are far more likely causes of their discomfort. But if a dog keeps having itchy skin, digestive issues, or ear infections no matter the season, a food allergy could be the cause.
Dogs can also develop allergies to eggs, certain fish, and some vegetables, though these are less common. When a dog has multiple food allergies, pinpointing the cause and finding a suitable diet becomes even trickier.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Salmon Oil or Other Oils?
Lots of pet parents worry that salmon oil or other oils might trigger food allergies, but this is usually a misconception. Pure oils are extracted from fat, not protein, meaning they don't contain the allergens that typically cause reactions.
If a dog appears to react to salmon oil, it's likely due to trace proteins left behind during processing rather than the oil itself.
In fact, omega fatty acids found in salmon oil can actually help manage food allergies by reducing inflammation and promoting skin health.
Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerances
You've probably heard about food allergies and food intolerances. But what's the difference?
A true food allergy involves an immune system response, leading to symptoms like skin irritation, ear infections, and inflammation. Dogs with food allergies react as if the food is harmful, even when it isn’t. This triggers a chain of symptoms that won't improve unless the allergen is removed.
On the other hand, food intolerance is a digestive issue rather than an immune response. It causes symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, but it doesn't trigger the immune system.
In a nutshell, a dog with food intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of the offending ingredient, whereas a dog with a true food allergy must avoid it entirely.
How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed and Treated?
The most reliable way to diagnose food allergies is through an elimination diet trial. This involves feeding a dog a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet for 8-12 weeks while completely avoiding other foods.
During the trial, pet parents need to make sure their dog eats only the prescribed diet and nothing else. If symptoms improve, a food trial may be conducted by reintroducing suspected allergens one by one to confirm which ingredients trigger a reaction.
Although some blood tests and allergy kits claim to diagnose dog food allergies, they're not considered reliable by veterinary experts. The elimination diet remains the gold standard for identifying food sensitivities.
Best Diet Options for Dogs with Food Allergies
Once a food allergy has been identified, the next step is finding a special diet that meets your dog’s nutritional needs while avoiding allergens. There are three primary diet options for dogs with food allergies. Here's a quick overview of each of them:
Hydrolyzed Protein Diets
These diets contain proteins that have been broken down into tiny fragments that the immune system does not recognize as allergens. Hydrolyzed protein diets are often prescribed by veterinarians and are highly effective in managing cutaneous adverse food reactions (skin-related allergic reactions caused by food).
Dogs with severe food allergies may benefit from these diets because they eliminate the risk of exposure to common food allergens.
Limited-Ingredient Diets
These diets contain fewer ingredients, reducing the likelihood of exposure to allergens. By limiting ingredients, pet parents can more easily identify which foods cause reactions in their dogs.
The good news is that there are limited-ingredient foods and treats made for dogs with sensitivities. This makes it easier to manage allergies while still giving your pup something tasty and nutritious.
Novel Protein Diets
A novel protein diet includes meats that a dog has never eaten before, such as venison, duck, or kangaroo. Since a dog's immune system hasn't encountered these proteins before, they're less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
This approach can be particularly helpful for dogs with multiple food allergies, as it introduces new protein sources while avoiding previous allergens.
Novel protein diets are often recommended for dogs that don't respond well to hydrolyzed or limited-ingredient diets. These diets can be commercially available or home-prepared with guidance from a veterinary nutritionist to ensure they meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
When choosing a novel protein diet, it’s essential to avoid any ingredients your dog has eaten before to ensure the best results. But since many commercial retail pet foods use common protein sources like chicken and beef, finding a truly novel protein can be challenging.
How to Transition Your Dog to an Allergy-Friendly Diet
Switching your dog to a special diet should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. The process typically takes 7–10 days, though dogs with sensitive stomachs may need a longer adjustment period.
To begin, mix a small amount of the new food with their current food, gradually increasing the proportion of the new diet while decreasing the old diet. This slow transition allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt while minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting.
During the transition, it’s essential to avoid table scraps, treats, and flavored medications that may contain allergens. Even a small amount of the trigger food can cause a setback in the elimination diet trial, making it difficult to determine whether the new diet is effective.
Carefully observe your dog for changes in symptoms. If their condition improves over several weeks, it’s likely that the previous diet contained one or more allergens. However, if symptoms persist despite a proper diet trial, further adjustments may be necessary under the guidance of your veterinarian.
Why Redbarn Limited-Ingredient Treats Are a Great Choice
The right treats shouldn’t just be safe for allergies – they should also earn you some serious tail wags. Finding delicious, safe, and nutritious treats for dogs with food allergies can be a challenge, but our limited-ingredient treats offer a great solution.
They're made with natural, high-quality proteins and are free from wheat, corn, and soy – all of which are common allergens in dog food.
Unlike standard treats that often contain multiple protein sources and fillers, many of our treats and chews are formulated with a single-animal source, making them an excellent option for dogs on elimination diets or with food sensitivities.
Types of Redbarn Treats for Dogs with Food Allergies
We offer a variety of limited-ingredient treats and chews that are great for dogs with allergies. Check out these tasty choices your pup will love:
● Bully Sticks. Made from 100% beef pizzle, Redbarn Bully Sticks are a natural chew that supports dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
● Bones. Our long-lasting Bones provide enrichment and keep dogs entertained while promoting healthy chewing behavior.
● Chews. Our natural Chews come in different textures and flavors, giving dogs with sensitive stomachs an easily digestible treat.
● Collagen Chews. Redbarn Collagen Chews help support joint health and support your dog's skin and coat by providing natural collagen peptides.
FAQs About Dog Food Allergies
How can you tell if a dog is allergic to food?
If your dog has chronic itching, recurring ear infections, digestive issues, or skin problems, they may have a true food allergy. The best way to confirm this is through an elimination diet trial, which removes potential allergens from their diet and reintroduces them one at a time to identify the trigger food.
What dog breed has the most food allergies?
Certain breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, West Highland White Terriers, and Boxers, are more prone to dog food allergies. However, any breed can develop allergies, and symptoms vary from dog to dog.
How long does a food allergy reaction last in dogs?
Once a dog’s diet is changed and the allergen is removed, symptoms can take several weeks to improve. Skin infections and inflammation may take longer to fully heal, even after switching to an appropriate diet.
Key Takeaways
● Food allergies cause year-round symptoms, including itching, ear infections, and digestive issues.
● Proteins like chicken, beef, and dairy are the most common food allergens.
● Elimination diet trials are the only reliable way to diagnose food allergies.
● Hydrolyzed protein, limited-ingredient, and novel protein diets help manage food allergies effectively.
● Careful diet transitions and choosing allergy-friendly treats are key to long-term success.
● Redbarn Limited-ingredient treats and chews, including Bully Sticks, Bones, and Collagen Chews, are safe and nutritious options for allergic dogs.
Is Your Dog’s Diet Causing Allergy Symptoms?
If your dog is experiencing chronic itching, digestive distress, or recurring ear infections, food allergies could be the underlying cause.
The first step in managing food allergies is identifying the trigger ingredients through an elimination diet, the most reliable method for diagnosing food sensitivities.
Once the allergens are identified, switching to a specialized diet – such as hydrolyzed protein, limited-ingredient, or novel protein – can help reduce symptoms and support overall health.
At Redbarn, we know how challenging it can be to find safe treats for dogs with food sensitivities. That’s why our limited-ingredient chews and treats are made with high-quality proteins.
So, why not treat your dog to something safe and delicious? Explore our selection today and find the perfect snack for your canine companion.
