Like humans, even dogs suffer from food allergies. According to Gloucestershire Live, experts reveal that around 15% of dogs have allergies as humans do. Once they eat those foods, the variety of allergens can even compel them to react differently. You will be surprised to know that dairy, beef, and chicken are included in the list of most common allergens for dogs. If dogs eat something they are allergic to, then that can result in uncomfortable symptoms such as scratching, ear infections, hot spots, and upset their digestive tract too.
Do you see your dog experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms? If yes, then that is an indication that you must take your dog to the vet, where they can examine your dog. After analysing your dog’s condition, they will be able to find the root cause of the reaction. And hand over the right treatment plan.
In such a situation, one of the most effective strategies to tackle your dog’s food allergy is through changes in their entire diet. These usually include feeding your dog with a limited ingredient diet - LID or a hydrolysed protein diet. Allow the blog to provide you with the necessary details.
What Is A Limited Ingredient Diet?
A limited-ingredient diet is one that consists of a single source of animal protein and the same goes for carbohydrates as well. The diet assists you in identifying and eliminating the trouble-causing allergens from your dog’s diet. The single protein sources contain the following:
Novel Proteins
These are proteins that you might have never served your dog—for instance, duck, kangaroo, fish, rabbit, bison, and venison. But, now you will add it to their diet so your poor fellow can enjoy food without the fear of getting its allergy triggered.
Hydrolysed Proteins
At the same time, you have hydrolysed proteins. These are proteins broken down into such small pieces that your dog’s immune system also fails to recognize them.
Hydrolysed Protein Diets
LIDs and Hydrolyzed protein diets are more or less similar. But the difference is that it uses hydrolysed proteins as the key source of protein. As a result, they prove to be more effective for dogs who deal with extreme food allergies
Homemade Diets
Do you know cooking and will not mind preparing homemade diets for your furry fellow member too? Sounds good as cooking dietary food allows you to have complete control over the dish, and you can remove the ingredients that your dog is allergic to and keep the ones packed with the essential nutrients. But we still suggest you prepare homemade diets for your dog under the supervision of a vet or a certified veterinary nutritionist. In this way, they can guide you on how to cook the meal, and you will not doubt yourself whether you are on the right track or not. After all, you must make sure that a balanced diet meets your dog’s nutritional requirements.
Other Dietary Conditions
While choosing the right carbohydrates and protein sources, you must consider the following dietary conditions in mind as well:
Fat Content
As much as fat is important for the well-being of dogs, some can be allergic to it as well. If your dog falls into the same category, then go to the grocery store and search for foods made out of low-fat. Or use an alternative like fish oil as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Fiber Content
Fiver is never harmful. It always helps in promoting healthy digestion and reduces swelling. Hence, while shopping, search for foods consisting of prebiotic fibre, like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS).
No Food With Artificial Flavours
Avoid going to the shelf full of food with artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives. These may seem minor to you, but can irritate some dogs, including yours. Therefore, no food with artificial flavours.
What Are The Common Food Allergens For Dogs?
According to Woodward Vets, some common foods that trigger allergies in dogs are proteins such as chicken and beef, dairy products, and grains like wheat and soy. Let’s discuss:
Beef
While beef is tasty and a key ingredient in many dog foods, it can often trigger allergies. Proteins such as myosin, actin, and Bovine Serum Albumin may not be well-tolerated by your dog's digestive system, leading to allergic reactions.
Chicken
Chicken is everyone's favourite. However, it is the opposite in the case of dogs. Your pal can develop allergies to chicken because their immune systems think that the globulins in chicken are there to harm the body. Therefore, whenever a dog eats chicken, their immune system steps into action, releasing antibodies to attack the protein and resulting in allergic reactions.
Dairy
Like adults, many dogs are also lactose intolerant. How do they become allergic to it? The reason is that as they grow older, they gradually start losing lactase. It is an enzyme important for breaking down lactose, which is the sugar in the milk. When there is not enough lactase in the body, the sugar in the milk ferments in the intestines, resulting in bloating, gases, uneasiness, and diarrhoea.
When a lactose-intolerant dog consumes milk, its immune system perceives it as a threat and rejects it, which can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms may include digestive issues, scratching, itching, rashes, and even breathing difficulties. Therefore, exercise caution.
Wheat
In the list of common food allergens for dogs, even wheat is included. Dogs can develop allergies due to specific proteins found within the grain, which causes a reaction. These proteins are known as gliadins and glutenins.
Gliadins
Wheat is mostly filled with gliadins. This is considered to be the main culprit in sparking allergic reactions.
Glutenins
At the same time, you have Glutenins, which are another bunch of proteins found in wheat. Consuming wheat means having this as well, and when a dog is allergic to wheat, that can result in allergies such as itching.
Eggs
For most of us, mornings remain incomplete without boiled or sunny-side-up, but for dogs, the situation is the opposite. There are certain proteins present in the egg white which trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Which proteins? These are Ovomucoid and Ovalbumin.
Ovomucoid
Ovomucoid is considered a primary source of allergen present in egg whites.
Ovalbumin
Apart from Ovomucoid, is Ovalbumin as well. This is another protein that causes allergic reactions in dogs.
Egg Yolk
Although less common, dogs can also develop allergies to proteins in the egg yolk.
Therefore, if the egg makes your dog feel sick and scratch themselves, then you must not give it again.
Soy
Soy can also trigger allergic reactions. This happens due to specific proteins in soy that are thought to cause discomfort in dogs, similar to how they affect humans.
When you give your dog food mixed with soy, the dog’s immune system does not accept the ingredient. As soon as soy enters the body, the immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in the soy as harmful attackers. It releases antibodies to remove the proteins that are doing nothing, but the immune system still treats them like this, resulting in allergic reactions.
Lamb
Like beef and chicken, even lamb is a protein, and dogs can be allergic to it. You must be wondering why lamb? The thing is that your dog can be allergic to either one protein or a group of proteins.
When a dog that is allergic to lamb still eats the protein, its immune system thinks that the protein is there to harm the internal system, triggering an immune response. The response releases antibodies in the form of IgE or immunoglobulin to fight against the protein. The antibodies simply bind to the lamb protein, releasing histamine and other chemicals, causing allergic symptoms such as itching, digestion issues, and uneasiness.
Fish
Dogs can be allergic to fish such as salmon, tuna, hammock, flounder, and mackerel. Now you must be thinking about what is there in a fish. It is not always easy to pinpoint the main cause of allergic reactions; however, there can be a few reasons:
Fish Proteins
Fish proteins can also trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Which proteins? The exact ones vary from fish to fish. Therefore, salmon can cause separate reactions, tuna is different, and the same case is with other fish as well.
Fish Oils
Fish oils are considered beneficial as their usage can heal many things. But the sad part is that dogs can be allergic to certain types of fish oil, such as omega-6 fatty acids or omega-3. Therefore, you need to be careful.
Fish Waste
Dog allergies can also be related to fish waste. When we say fish waste, we refer to the contaminants in the fish's stomach, which can include parasites and heavy metals.
Pork
Like fish, it is difficult to tell what exactly troubles dogs while having pork. However, these can be a few possibilities resulting in allergic reactions:
Pork Proteins
Pork has many proteins, but any specific one can impact the health of the dog. Keep in mind that these proteins can vary a little bit between different cuts of pork. Therefore, if your dog shows allergic symptoms while having pork, then remove the protein from their diet.
Pork Fat
Pork fat is safe for consumption, but again, it may not be for some dogs. The fat might trigger allergic reactions in the furry fellow, causing it to scratch or vomit the entire night. Hence, be careful.
Pork Waste
Pork meat carries contaminants such as antibiotics or hormones, which can trigger allergic reactions in the dog. Hence, the constant itching or swelling can be due to eating the waste with the actual protein. Therefore, look after your dog.
Rabbit
Certain proteins in rabbit meat may trigger allergic reactions, but this varies among individual dogs.
What Are Some Symptoms Of Dog Food Allergy?
If your dog is allergic to any food, then it will show the following symptoms:
Skin Problems
Skin Itchiness
One prominent symptom is skin itchiness. To relieve it, your dog will scratch, lick, and chew.
Red Skin
You might get scared when you see your dog’s red skin, but again, it is an allergic reaction. The skin may appear irritated, red, and, at times, even raw.
Loss Of Hair
Your dog may also experience hair loss due to severe scratching. You will find patches of bare spots around its face, groin, paws, and ears.
Skin Infections
When your dog scratches itself without pause, the first layer of skin cracks, resulting in yeast and bacterial infections.
Stomach Issues
Vomiting
When dogs eat food they are allergic to, they vomit. The frequency of the vomiting can vary, from once to twice to multiple times.
Diarrhea
Since your dog’s immune system does not accept the food ingredient, your pet might also experience diarrhoea. This can be in the form of watery or loose stools. You may see them near their litter or potty area.
Too Much Gas
If your dog eats food which it is allergic to, then they will pass way too much gas.
Other Signs
Ear Infections
Besides skin itchiness and vomiting, food allergies can even result in ear infections.
Eye Problems
You might see your dog cleaning their eyes due to some discharge or irritation. Therefore, keep a close eye on them.
Lethargy
After having food with allergens, you might find your dog lying on the floor or lacking the energy to play with you.
How To Help A Dog With Food Allergy?
Dogs with food allergies tend to feel miserable. But you, as an owner, can help them out. How? Let’s spill the beans:
Identify the Allergy
Vet Visit
When you see your dog showing a few symptoms, then the first thing you need to do is visit the vet. They can help you rule out other conditions, such as skin infections or parasites.
Elimination Diet
After identifying the cause of the allergy, your vet will recommend an elimination diet. What is an elimination diet? It is simply a diet where you have to feed your dog with a new novel protein or carbohydrate source. You can choose from duck, fish, venison, lamb, peas, or sweet potatoes.
Reintroduce the Food
Once you see the elimination diet improving your dog’s health. Your vet will ask you to reintroduce the food. In this way, the main allergen will be identified. However, the procedure can take a lot of time.
Nutritional Supplements
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your veterinarian might suggest providing nutritional supplements for your dog, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and promote skin health.
Probiotics
Probiotics can help address your dog’s issues. They support a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for immune function.
Antioxidants
Give your dog antioxidants, as these can help keep your dog’s cells safe from damage and support overall health.
Environmental Controls
Regular Grooming
How many times do you clean your dog’s coat? If not that much, then it is recommended to increase doing so. Why? Because keeping your dog’s coat clean even protects them from environmental allergens.
Bathing
Bathing intermittently can help eliminate allergens from your dog's skin. It's important to use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive skin.
Vacuuming
Vacuum your house regularly. This will help remove allergens from furniture and carpets, preventing your dog from inhaling them.
Medications
Antihistamines
Your vet will suggest you give antihistamines to your dog. This medicine will offer relief and the poor fellow will not be itching themselves.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids prove to be anti-inflammatory medicines which can be used in severe cases. Therefore, you can give this to your dog. And see how their condition becomes better.
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine does wonders. How? The medicine can reduce allergic reactions by suppressing the immunity system of your dog.
Tips For Managing Food Allergies In Dogs
We are sharing a few tips for managing food allergies in dogs. They are as follows:
Be Patient
You cannot expect the new diet to show its effects overnight. You need to be patient, as it might take several weeks or even months to see some improvements.
Don’t Give Remains
Regardless of leftover food on your table, refrain from giving scraps. Why? They could harbor allergens that may irritate your dog later. This could lead to uncertainty about the source of the problem.
Minimum Treats
If you frequently give your dog treats, it’s advisable to reduce their quantity. You might not realize that your treat could be causing allergic reactions in your dog.
Conclusion
Now you know the best foods for dogs with allergies. Furthermore, we have provided you with relevant information regarding the diets, how to help your furry fellow and some tips to manage their allergies. So, you will have no issue in taking care of your dog.
