Food Allergies in Dogs

What Are Food Allergies in Dogs?

Food allergies result from an immune reaction to the elements in the dog’s diet – an ingredient they’re allergic to. This reaction to food is usually evident over an extended period, not right after attempting an ingredient first. Most dogs suffering from food allergies have been exposed to specific proteins instead of grains, which many believe. However, they can be allergic to the ingredients in their diet.

When a dog with food allergies encounters a particular product they’re sensitive to, the immune system recognizes this protein as foreign and launches an attack. This can cause irritation, redness, and swelling. Food allergies are much less prevalent than other allergies caused by environmental factors, such as allergies to seasonal changes or tick and flea allergies. Actually, just 0.2 per cent of dog breeds suffer from food allergies.

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs

• Itchy skin
• A lot of infected ear/skin infections
• Hives
• Foot smacking or chewing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Seizure disorders (rare)

Causes of Food Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies can be caused by the immune system’s over-excited reaction towards particular proteins. The immune system treats the protein as an alien material and begins to kick into it. It causes inflammation, which can cause physical changes within dogs’ bodies, like swelling, skin redness, itching, and increased tear production or any other type of fluid, as the immune system tries to eliminate that “foreign” substance. The fluid output may also be in the gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting or diarrhoea.

There’s a genetic element for all allergies. However, the precise mechanism of how allergies manifest for certain breeds of dogs, but different dogs, isn’t completely understood.

The dog can be allergic from age one or might develop them over time into their lives. Although allergies are standard for any dog breed at any time, certain breeds are more prone to developing food-related allergies. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Miniature Schnauzers, and Shar-Pei tend to develop food allergies.

Many substances can lead to allergies to foods among canines. Most often, the allergy is to one specific protein. However, many breeds have allergies to more than one ingredient. These are the most frequently connected to food allergies in dogs.

• Chicken
• Beef
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Soy
• Eggs

How Veterinarians Diagnose Food Allergies in Dogs

Most dogs are diagnosed with food allergies based on their physical exam, clinical indicators, and food experiment responses.

Your dog’s veterinarian may suggest that you conduct a diet trial for your pet. The trials can last from eight to 12 weeks. They must follow the exact guidelines as directed by your veterinarian. Don’t offer any sweets or food items that could alter your payoff for the test. Consult your doctor about the best products to use to prevent heartworms and ticks. These items are excellent for this period because many contain meat or chicken proteins to add flavour. There are a variety of ways an experiment with food can be conducted:

• A doctor-prescribed Hydrolyzed Protein Diet. These diets break down their protein into tiny particles, so they can’t connect to the receptor to trigger an immune response.
• An elimination diet. These diets have a single source of protein/carbohydrate and are either formulated by a veterinary nutritionist or are home-cooked diets made under the direction of a veterinarian.

Most elimination diets are only appropriate for a short time as they are designed to diagnose food allergies. If your dog’s ear and skin problems disappear, it is a sign the dog is suffering from an allergy to food, and you will be able to identify an appropriate diet for which they can thrive in the long term.

• Novel “new” protein/carbohydrate source diets. It is a food with unique sources of carbohydrates or protein and limited ingredients, which could result in an allergic reaction.
• Skin-support food regimens. These are fortified with phytonutrients and bioactive to lessen the immune system’s reaction.

Diets for elimination or food trials are the accurate way to determine if you have a food allergy. Diagnostic tests are available; however, there are many doubts about their reliability.

Treatment of Food Allergies in Dogs

The majority of food allergies can be treated by a diet change. It’s very typical to find dogs who suffer from food allergies also suffer from environmental allergies. It is possible to prescribe anti-allergy medications such as Apoquel (r), Cytopoint (r), antihistamines or steroids, and a specific diet.

A variety of supplements can be helpful to dogs suffering from allergies, too. They include omega fatty acids that can help improve the natural protective function of skin along with products like:

• Vetoquinol(r) Omega
• Nutramax (r) Welactin
• EicosaDerm TM

Best Dog Food Diet for dogs who have food Allergies

Various food options are available to help control the dog’s allergic reactions. Allergies vary for each particular dog. Therefore, there isn’t a single “desirable diet.” An excellent diet for your dog should include ingredients your dog isn’t allergic to, be well-balanced, and be made to promote maximum well-being. This list contains a variety of foods that numerous allergic dogs have had relief, which includes:

• Hill’s(r) Science Diet(r) z/d
• Royal Canin(r) Hydrolyzed Protein HP
• Purina(r) Pro Plan(r) HA
• Blue Buffalo(r) HF
• Hill’s(r) Science Diet(r) Derm Complete
• Hill’s(r) Science Diet(r) d/d
• Royal Canin(r) Selected Protein SP

Recovery and Management of Food Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies aren’t cured. However, they are manageable over the long term with nutrition therapy and avoiding food ingredients that cause allergies. If your pet has a food allergy, read the dog food labels with care, particularly regarding treats, to ensure you don’t give your pet anything that could be considered allergic. Treats prescribed EW can be found on the market, and some pet owners find it helpful to use fresh baby green beans or carrots for snacks in small amounts.

If your dog suffers from food sensitivities and is currently on a trial diet, you can expect to wait up to twelve weeks before you see any improvement. The reduction in chewing and licking can be observed within the first four weeks. Other pets could take as long as 12 weeks to see any change.

Food Allergies in Dogs FAQs

Is there a most commonly reported allergy to food in dogs?

Most often, the cause of food allergies among dogs is the protein.

What are the common indications of food allergies in dogs?

The most commonly reported food allergy symptoms among dogs are itching, frequent ear and skin inflammations, and chewing/licking the feet.

Do you need to test your dog to determine if they have food allergies?

The dogs are tested for allergies to food through diet studies, typically under the supervision of a vet.

Are there ways to cure a dog’s allergy to food?

Food allergies can’t be eliminated, but they can be effectively managed through a proper diet and elimination of allergenic substances.