Does My Dog Have a Food Allergy?

March 9th

Like people, dogs can be allergic to all sorts of foods that might not seem too obvious at first.

But since we can’t just ask your dog what the problem is, we’ll have to be a little more creative at recognizing and treating your pup’s food allergies.

What are the symptoms of dog food allergies?

Food allergies are a specific type of sensitivity to proteins or carbs that trigger a reaction in your dog’s immune system or skin. Besides allergies, your dog could also have certain food sensitivities that trigger digestive distress.

The weird thing is that dogs can develop allergies over time from eating a lot of the same food!

If your dog seems to be suffering from allergies (and you’ve already ruled out pollen, grass and fleas), then there’s a good chance that your dog’s food is to blame. Some of the most common culprits are:

Chicken
Beef
Dairy products
Eggs
Wheat

Remember, it’s better to double-check with your vet before you self-diagnose your pet’s allergies. There may be other (more serious) causes that are causing your pooch to itch.

How do I treat dog food allergies?

Once your vet determines whether or not your pup has a food intolerance or allergy, the next step is treatment. In most cases, you’ll probably have to switch your pet’s food, either to a limited-ingredient or grain-free diet, or perhaps even to a prescription formula.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Grain-free food is made without any corn, soy or wheat—ingredients that are commonly linked to dog food allergies.
Limited-ingredient food is typically made with alternative protein sources such as bison, salmon or duck, and usually contain just one source of carbs.
You should begin to transition your dog to new food over the course of a week by gradually switching out more and more of their daily meal with the new food, meaning your dog will be eating new food exclusively by the end of the week.
Of course, you should make sure that their new diet doesn’t include any of the common allergy ingredients, too.
While you’re monitoring your dog for signs of improvement, you should avoid feeding him or her both human food and dog treats for up to six weeks—and in some cases, it can take up to 3 months for your dog’s new diet to really show results.
Notify your vet if any new symptoms pop up!

Are there any alternative treatments for allergies?

For other types of allergies or inflammation in general, CBD oil for dogs may help.

You really are what you eat, and that’s just as true for dogs as it is for humans. Ensuring that your dog is eating the best food possible is key to raising a happy, healthy puppy.

And of course, if you’re still searching for that ultimate pooch, take a look at our puppy finder and begin your search for the dog of your dreams!