It can come in many forms, presenting with persistent itching with no obvious cause, irritable bowels, or even a refusal to eat. Dogs with food allergies can be an anomaly to diagnose, but it’s something a lot of pet owners struggle with.
Because food allergies in dogs can vary a great deal, it’s important to know that it could be a long journey to finding what exactly your dog is allergic to. Below are the basics to help you get started with finding a solution.
What is a food allergy in dogs?
Just like in humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to ingredients in their food. This reaction is a release of histamines or another immune response after the ingredient has been ingested.
For most dogs with food allergies, it’s the actual protein source that causes the reaction. Dairy and grains are also common triggers of food allergies, but determining the precise culprit can be tricky.
Symptoms of food allergies in dogs
As noted earlier, food allergies present in a slew of different symptoms. Any of the following, or combination of, can be an indication of a food allergy in dogs:
- Itching or licking of paws, limbs, ears, etc.
- Red, inflamed skin
- Dry skin and brittle coat
- Yeast growth
- Chronic ear infections
- Hair loss
- Irritable bowels
- Diarrhea
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Vomiting
- Refusal to eat
Because many of these symptoms can also be related to other illnesses and environmental allergies, it may take repeated testing of different remedies and treatments before landing on a food allergy diagnosis.
Diagnosing food allergies in dogs
Unfortunately, diagnosing a food allergy requires time. The most common method used to test for food allergies is giving a restricted or hypoallergenic diet for a period of several weeks. This trial may eliminate a suspected allergen source from the dog’s diet or contain all new ingredients they have not consumed in the past. This trial period also extends to treats, some medication, and supplements.
If your dog’s allergy symptoms lessen or clear during this time, then the next step is slowly reintroducing your dog’s old food and see if the symptoms appear again. If so, there is a definitive food allergy and thus begins the process of eliminating very specific ingredients from the diet – usually beginning with the protein source.
Some blood tests can be taken to help pinpoint what the dog is allergic to, but not all veterinarian’s use this method as its efficacy can be debated.
Treating food allergies in dogs
After the ingredient causing the allergic reaction is identified, a food or diet plan that does not contain that source will be identified or developed. Many large dog food brands offer limited protein sources and hypoallergenic foods, making it easier for pet parents to find the best food for their dog.
Your veterinarian will be able to recommend, or even prescribe, the best food option for your dog after diagnosis. Whether that be a hydrolyzed protein diet or even a home prepared diet. Be sure to report any changes in symptoms and cease to feed any food that causes a reaction.