Dogs can suffer from allergies just like us humans, although they often show them in ways we don’t expect. Food allergies in dogs often cause changes in the skin and can be pretty complicated to manage.
But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll explain how you can help a dog with a food allergy by answering the following questions:
- How do I know if my dog has food allergies?
- What is an elimination diet trial?
- What food is best for a dog with skin allergies?
- Are there other ways to help a dog with a food allergy?
Disclaimer: Please refer to the information in this article as a guide only. If you think your dog may have allergies, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do I know if my dog has food allergies?
It may seem strange, but food allergies in dogs often affect their skin and or ears. Itchy skin resulting from a food allergy can cause a dog to moderately to obsessively lick or chew at their skin, especially in areas such as their paws, ears, and belly.
This means that the skin may become inflamed, sore, and red, and the hair may fall out in particularly badly affected areas. But it doesn’t stop there, as damage to the skin can also result in an imbalance in your dog’s skin microbiota and provide an entry point for bacteria, giving rise to secondary skin infections.
It’s good to know though, that dogs with food allergies can show other signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Since these signs can occur as a result of a range of conditions in pets, it’s always best to ask your veterinarian for advice.
The best (and only) way to know if your dog has food allergies is to take them to a veterinarian. Your vet will begin by asking you questions relating to your dog’s general health and circumstances surrounding the itching.
They’ll then examine your pet and attempt to exclude other causes of itching such as parasites or infectious diseases.
Following their examination, if your veterinarian suspects that your pet has a food allergy, they’ll likely recommend you try an elimination diet trial, which we’ll explain in the next section.
Uncovering the Truth About Canine Food Issues
The Great Confusion: Many dog owners mistakenly believe their pet has a food allergy when, in fact, they’re dealing with a food sensitivity. Understanding the difference is crucial for effective treatment and care.
Immune Response vs. Digestive Discomfort: Food allergies trigger an immune response, often manifesting as skin issues, whereas food sensitivities primarily affect the digestive system without involving the immune system.
A Common Culprit: Lactose Intolerance: This condition, affecting both humans and dogs, is a prime example of a food sensitivity. The lack of lactase, an enzyme necessary for lactose digestion, leads to significant discomfort when dairy products are consumed – but it’s not an immune system reaction.
Key Takeaway: Recognizing the distinction between food allergies and sensitivities is essential for providing the best possible care for your furry friend. By understanding the underlying causes of their discomfort, you can work with your veterinarian to develop a tailored plan for a happier, healthier dog.
Revolutionizing Canine Care: The Power of Raw Diets for Skin Allergies
Breaking Free from Itchiness: A naturally low-carb, species-appropriate raw diet rich in fatty acids can be a game-changer for dogs with skin allergies, regardless of whether the cause is environmental or food-related.
The Ideal Solution: A limited-ingredient, raw diet like We Feed Raw is perfect for dogs with food allergies, as it minimizes the risk of adverse reactions and promotes overall well-being.
Benefits Galore: Dogs with skin allergies who switch to a raw diet can enjoy a range of benefits, including:
Reduced allergy symptoms
Shinier, softer coats
Healthier skin
Improved dental health
Stronger immune systems
Enhanced digestion
Smaller, firmer stools
Better weight control
Increased mealtime excitement
Nutritional Balance: We Feed Raw is a nutritionally complete and balanced diet suitable for dogs of all life stages, including large-breed puppies. Alternatively, a limited-ingredient raw diet can also yield similar results.
Grain-Free: The Way Forward: A grain-free, low-carbohydrate diet like We Feed Raw is the best choice for dogs with skin allergies, as it eliminates potential allergens and promotes optimal health.
Take the First Step: Discover how We Feed Raw can help your itchy dog find relief and start their journey to a healthier, happier life. Consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to create a customized plan that suits your dog’s unique needs.
The Great Confusion: Many dog owners mistakenly believe their pet has a food allergy when, in fact, they’re dealing with a food sensitivity. Understanding the difference is crucial for effective treatment and care.
Immune Response vs. Digestive Discomfort: Food allergies trigger an immune response, often manifesting as skin issues, whereas food sensitivities primarily affect the digestive system without involving the immune system.
A Common Culprit: Lactose Intolerance: This condition, affecting both humans and dogs, is a prime example of a food sensitivity. The lack of lactase, an enzyme necessary for lactose digestion, leads to significant discomfort when dairy products are consumed – but it’s not an immune system reaction.
Key Takeaway: Recognizing the distinction between food allergies and sensitivities is essential for providing the best possible care for your furry friend. By understanding the underlying causes of their discomfort, you can work with your veterinarian to develop a tailored plan for a happier, healthier dog.
Revolutionizing Canine Care: The Power of Raw Diets for Skin Allergies
Breaking Free from Itchiness: A naturally low-carb, species-appropriate raw diet rich in fatty acids can be a game-changer for dogs with skin allergies, regardless of whether the cause is environmental or food-related.
The Ideal Solution: A limited-ingredient, raw diet like We Feed Raw is perfect for dogs with food allergies, as it minimizes the risk of adverse reactions and promotes overall well-being.
Benefits Galore: Dogs with skin allergies who switch to a raw diet can enjoy a range of benefits, including:
Reduced allergy symptoms
Shinier, softer coats
Healthier skin
Improved dental health
Stronger immune systems
Enhanced digestion
Smaller, firmer stools
Better weight control
Increased mealtime excitement
Nutritional Balance: We Feed Raw is a nutritionally complete and balanced diet suitable for dogs of all life stages, including large-breed puppies. Alternatively, a limited-ingredient raw diet can also yield similar results.
Grain-Free: The Way Forward: A grain-free, low-carbohydrate diet like We Feed Raw is the best choice for dogs with skin allergies, as it eliminates potential allergens and promotes optimal health.
Take the First Step: Discover how We Feed Raw can help your itchy dog find relief and start their journey to a healthier, happier life. Consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to create a customized plan that suits your dog’s unique needs.
What is an elimination diet trial?
An allergy results from an over-the-top reaction from the immune system to a potentially harmful stimulus. Usually, the immune system helps keep us and our pets healthy, however, in this case, it initiates a response that is unwanted and potentially harmful.
The idea behind an elimination diet trial is to feed a dog a ‘novel’ (new) source of dietary protein. If the dog has never eaten this type of protein before, they are unlikely to present an allergic reaction, hence this approach can be both diagnostic and curative.
For the trial to be successful diagnostically, it’s important that the dog only eats the ‘novel protein, and nothing else, usually for a minimum of 8 weeks. That includes all other treats, chews, and supplements. If your pet eats something other than the intended food during the trial, it could mean that the results are not valid, and you may need to start from the beginning again.
If during the trial the severity of the dog’s symptoms decreases or even resolves completely, then it can be concluded that the itching is due to an allergy. It’s good to know, that it can take a few weeks to a few months for symptoms to start to resolve.
In the case of a confirmed diagnosis of an allergy, then the therapy is to continue feeding solely the new protein source perhaps in combination with other supportive care (we’ll explain that later).
What food is best for a dog with skin allergies?
Luckily there is a range of products designed for dogs with food allergies. This means that you can make your choice according to what suits both you and your dog best.
Finding a protein source that your dog hasn’t eaten before, can be an interesting prospect. We’ve listed some examples of commonly used protein alternatives below:
- Kangaroo.
- Crocodile.
- Soya.
- Insects.
- Hydrolyzed food.
Dog Foods for Skin Allergies
Allergy Support Soft Chew Bites
Dog Allergy & Anti-Itch Relief Soft Chew Supplement Bites
Are there other ways to help a dog with a food allergy?
The approach to helping a dog with a food allergy is often multimodal and, can include other things such as:
- Medicated creams, ointments, or shampoo.
- Food supplements.
- Regular veterinary controls.
Don’t forget, if your dog has a food allergy, then it’s important to keep them in a routine to help control their symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s now take a look at some frequently asked questions relating to dogs and food allergies.
Can human food give dogs skin allergies?
Yes, human food can stimulate allergies in dogs. We’ve listed some examples of food items dogs can be allergic to below:
- Meat.
- Soya.
- Dairy products.
Diagnosing exactly what food item triggers a dog’s allergy is a tricky process. That means it’s best to stick to feeding them a veterinary-approved diet for food allergies.
Are eggs bad for dogs with allergies?
Eggs are a good source of protein for your dog. However, if your dog has a diagnosed food allergy, then you’ll most likely want to avoid feeding them eggs.
Is chicken OK for dogs with allergies?
Again, since diagnosing exactly what food item causes a dog’s allergy is complicated, you’ll most likely want to avoid giving them chicken and stick to the protein sources we mentioned earlier if your dog has a diagnosed food allergy.
Hypoallergenic Food for Dogs
Hypoallergenic dog food is specifically designed for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. These diets are made with protein that has been “split” into its basic nutrient building blocks, making it easier for dogs to digest.
Key Characteristics: Hypoallergenic dog food is often gluten-free and may feature easily digestible carbohydrates, such as potatoes and peas, as well as omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Benefits: Feeding a hypoallergenic diet can help alleviate symptoms of food allergies, such as paw licking and skin scratching. It can also be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Recommended Ingredients: Look for limited ingredient diets that feature novel protein sources, such as deboned turkey or salmon. These ingredients can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Top-Rated Hypoallergenic Dog Foods: Some highly rated hypoallergenic dog foods include Royal Canin Veterinary Hypoallergenic Adult Dry Dog Food, Pro Plan Vet Diet Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food, and Canidae Grain-Free Pure Petite Salmon Recipe for Small Breed Dogs.
Tips for Transitioning to a Hypoallergenic Diet: When switching to a hypoallergenic diet, it’s essential to do so gradually to prevent digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current diet and gradually increase the proportion over 7-10 days.
Consulting with a Veterinarian: If you suspect your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action. They can help you identify the underlying cause of your dog’s symptoms and recommend a suitable hypoallergenic diet.
Supplements for Skin Allergies
Here’s a comprehensive guide to managing skin allergies in dogs through diet and supplements, presented in a concise and visually appealing list format:
Limited Ingredient Diets: Consider feeding your dog a limited ingredient diet that contains novel proteins, such as venison or veal, which can help reduce the risk of skin allergies. Look for diets that are free from common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and dairy.
Omega-Rich Foods: Include omega-rich foods in your dog’s diet, such as fish oil from cold-water fish like salmon or pollock, which can help moisturize their skin and reduce shedding, dandruff, and itchiness.
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables: Add antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure your dog is getting essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and zinc, which are crucial for skin health.
Novel Protein Sources: Introduce novel protein sources, such as turkey or duck, which can help reduce the risk of skin allergies.
Supplements: Consider adding supplements like krill oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are beneficial for skin health and reducing inflammation.
Joint and Skin Support: Look for dog foods that contain joint and skin support ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help promote healthy joints and skin.
Consult a Veterinarian: Always consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or adding supplements, as they can help determine the best course of treatment for your dog’s specific skin allergy needs.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article about what to feed a dog with food allergies. Helping a dog with a food allergy can be a tricky task, however by understanding your pet’s condition you can make them feel as comfortable as possible and get the help they need.
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Charlotte qualified as a veterinarian in 2023 and has been working as a writer for several years helping pet parents understand how to help their pets live happy healthy lives whilst pursuing her interests in wildlife conservation.
She enjoys traveling and has undertaken positions in Belgium, Spain, Austria, Germany, and the Galapagos and has a 15-year-old rescue dog called Chiki.
