Food allergies in dogs, causes, symptoms, treatment

What is a food allergy?

In dogs, as in humans, the body can react differently to various stimuli and, in particular, to food. If the reaction becomes obvious and is expressed by various symptoms, then this condition is called an allergy. In fact, an allergy is nothing more than a protective response of the body to the action of allergenic substances from the immune system.

Which dog breeds are at high risk?

The risk group includes high-bred animals, as well as miniature dog breeds. Pregnant and lactating dogs often have food intolerance.

Among the most susceptible dog breeds to food allergies there are the German and Belgian Shepherd, English and French Bulldog, Dachshund, Pug, Shar-Pei, Great Dane, Labrador, Maltese dog, Yorkshire Terrier, as well as dogs with white lightly pigmented skin.

 What food causes allergies?

A variety of food can provoke allergies in dogs, so everything is individual. According to veterinarians, the most common allergic reactions in animals cause:

• wheat gluten, cereals, legumes (soy, barley, rye, corn);
• fatty meats, fish;
• smoked meat (hams, sausages), spices;
• flour-based food, pastries, nuts, sweets, dried fruits;
• offal (liver, kidneys);
• butter, fried and fatty food;
• eggs, dairy and fermented milk products (fatty cottage cheese, yogurt with fillers);
• berries, some vegetables (eggplant, tomatoes, peppers), exotic fruits (bananas).

This condition is often manifested in animals with a mixed type of food, a sharp change in diet, feeding low-grade, cheap canned or dry food.

 Symptoms of food allergies

A food allergy does not appear immediately after consuming the allergen. Such substances have a cumulative effect, and the immune system takes time to develop an allergic reaction. The duration of this period is individual in each case.

Signs of a food allergy include:

• skin rash, itching, dandruff;
• hair loss;
• appearance of scratches, wounds, sores, hairless areas on the body;
• watery eyes, dry crusts in the corners of the eyes;
• unpleasant body odors;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
• swelling of the face, legs;
•  inadequate response to external stimuli;
• irregular bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea);
• increased water intake;
• decreased activity;
• excess of ear wax in the ear canal;
• nasal discharge.

Many dog owners think mistakenly that their pets are allergic to new food in its diet. They are absolutely wrong. On the contrary, if the dog has never eaten this product before and the dog does not have an individual intolerance to a particular food, then an allergic reaction will not develop. Food allergies are strictly individual.

If the dog periodically has allergies, reactions to any food, its skin is very irritated, dermatitis or dermatosis often appear, then bring the allergic pet to the veterinarian.

 Treating food allergies

The dog owner can independently define the stimulus that provoked allergic reactions. If the animal has a food allergy, the owner can track what food was offered to the pet. It is very important to identify the source of the allergy to which the body reacts in order to adjust the diet avoiding the allergen.

Often a food allergy is caused by the presence in the food of a large number of artificial colours, flavors, stabilizers, flavor enhancers and other chemicals. Therefore, if the dog is kept on a ready-made diet, you need to give preference only to high-quality dog foods of well-known brands.

Pet owners often cannot determine the cause of allergic manifestations for a long time. Then the owner should think about a hypoallergenic diet for the dog. Hypoallergenic dog foods contain a minimal percentage of grains, no harmful ingredients that provoke allergic reactions.

Top 3 hypoallergenic dog foods

It is safest to give allergy sufferers special hypoallergenic dog food, such as:

1. Alpha Sensitive Chicken and Rice Dry Dog Food – a complete and balanced dry dog food for working dogs from small to large breed sizes.

• For adult dogs with a sensitive digestive system / easy to digest.
• Contains only natural raw materials.
• Wheat gluten free.
• With high protein and prebiotics.
• Highly palatable.

2. James Wellbeloved Lamb & Rice Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food – a dietetic food, that help reduce ingredient and nutrient intolerances in small breeds.

• Natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals.
• Perfect for dogs with skin or digestive sensitivities.
• Without artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
• Oral health.

3. Simpsons Grain Free Puppy Sensitive Salmon & Potato Dry Dog Food – a nutritious balanced grain free diet.

• For puppies with sensitive skin and/or delicate digestions.
• All the necessary vitamins and minerals for growing puppies.
• Very digestible and highly palatable.
• Grain free.

(When choosing pet food, take into account its age, as well as the individual and physiological characteristics of its breed).

These are the highest quality dry dog foods designed specifically for feeding dogs with allergies. At the same time, food intolerance is very individual and manufacturers cannot give a 100% guarantee of success, but it's worth a try.

In case of an adverse reaction, you need to study the composition of the unsuitable food and try to give another one.