The Most Common Food Allergies for Dogs and How to Manage Them

So your dog is itching, sneezing, vomiting, or acting plain sick, and you think it might be a food allergy. They might be allergic to something in their daily meal, and we can pinpoint exactly what it is by having the proper information about what is in our dog’s food. Unfortunately, many dogs suffer from food allergies, and our poor babies don’t deserve to be uncomfortable. So many dogs suffer in silence as they are being fed foods that make them itchy, causing them to have bad skin and not feel well daily. So let’s deep dive and see what might be in their food and what you might be able to do to eliminate the allergens.

So…What are dogs allergic to?

The most common things dogs are allergic to are:

Beef – The most common ingredient in dog food, and feeding your dog any one element for an extended amount of time can cause them to develop an allergy!

Dairy – This ingredient can be hard to digest.

Wheat – Believe it or not, it is much more common for dogs to be allergic to meat than wheat.

Eggs – When there are foods with high protein, such as eggs, your dog’s immune system may overreact to the proteins.

Chicken – This is common, and nutritionists say to avoid chicken as your dog’s main diet. Some can have limited portions, and others have to steer clear.

Lamb and soy – Both of these can be difficult to digest and in some cases the dog’s immune system might see them as dangerous and foreign, prompting an allergic reaction.

How to tell if your dog has allergies

The most common symptoms of allergies in dogs are itchiness, hives, swelling, and inflamed skin, but what about the ones that are harder to notice? If they are experiencing itchier ears than usual, runny eyes, constant licking, or chronic ear infections, this might also indicate the signs of a food allergy. Sometimes you may be on the fence about whether it is even a food allergy, so talking to your vet would be the way to go, or even before then, you can get an at-home allergy test for your dog to see if it might be environmental or food related.

Top foods for dogs with allergies

There are specific dog foods that are made for dogs with sensitivities, so let’s take a look at what they are. It’s best to stick with a limited ingredient; that way, you can hone in on what is causing allergic reactions. So what is the best protein for a dog with allergies?

Venison: This is deer meat and has slightly less protein than other meats. It also has less cholesterol and fat, so it’s a better option for your pet.

Rabbit: This meat has less cholesterol than others and is all-white meat. It’s also packed with vitamins B12, which can support immune system function.

Duck: This protein has high biological value and can provide your dog with several essential nutrients such as copper, omega-3, iron, and zinc.

Kangaroo: Kangaroo is a fantastic protein for dogs who struggle with obesity because it is low in fat. It’s easy to digest and contains conjugated linoleic acid, which functions as an antioxidant, reduces cholesterol, and supports the immune system.

Bison: Bison is low in fat and contains lots of B2 and B3, so your dog can quickly convert this protein into energy. It’s easy to digest, which is why it does wonders for dogs who may be an allergy or food intolerance prone.

As you can see, these are all novel proteins. The idea here is to switch them to a protein they haven’t previously been eating or one they have been exposed to too often that has caused an allergy to develop.

What dog food brands are best to prevent my dog from having allergies?

Lucky for all of us dog mamas and papas out there, several foods are specifically developed to prevent or even eliminate food allergies in dogs. Here are some of the top brands on the market today:

Nom fresh: This food is produced by board-certified veterinarians and is a limited ingredient food, so it takes the guesswork out of trying to eliminate allergens from your dog’s diet.

Wellness simple: This food is formulated for food sensitivities and supports healthy skin and coats. It’s easily digestible and has limited ingredients.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein (hypoallergenic food): This product is one of the best on the market and contains hydrolyzed protein which is highly digestible and helps skin and gastrointestinal health, which is why it is excellent for dogs with allergies.

Merrick Limited Ingredient Food: When food contains a single source of protein, it is much less likely to prompt allergic reactions in your dog, since most dogs are allergic to a protein. This food only has one protein source and supports a smooth and healthy digestive system.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets: Aside from promoting a healthy digestive tract, this food sticks with the essential ingredients for optimal health in your pet.

As you can see, with these foods, the key is to have fewer food ingredients in your dog’s food to pinpoint what is causing a reaction. Since most dogs are allergic to a protein, many of these foods only contain one protein. If you are feeding homemade food, hypoallergenic food options include pea, salmon, or potato. It is best to use foods your dog hasn’t been exposed to before because it is much less likely that they are allergic.

Managing Allergic Reactions

Many pet owners struggle with how to get rid of their dog’s allergies. If we assume it’s a food allergy; the best option is to use the elimination diet. The most ideal is homemade and includes only one source of protein and a carb source such as oatmeal, pumpkin, rice, or potato. If you can’t do an at-home meal, then definitely invest in hypoallergenic foods to try out. The elimination diet goes like this. You are going to choose one food to eliminate in their diet or switch them to a new food. When you do, you will note how they act, feel and behave on this food. Did switching make them feel better? It’s important to note to switch the food slowly, as a quick change in diet can result in digestive discomfort. After about eight weeks with the change in diet, you will be able to make your speculation. If a specific food was causing pain, you’ll avoid that food and have a much happier pet!

How can I treat my dog’s allergies naturally?

When your dog has allergies, it very commonly affects their skin and causes itching. Coconut oil, aloe vera, or apple cider vinegar can be put on the skin to soothe this. You can also scrub your dog down with a hypoallergenic bath or one with oatmeal that will relieve itching and burning. The reality is that they will invariably suffer until you treat your dog from the inside out and eliminate the foods they are allergic to. This is why at-home testing, the elimination diet, and hypoallergenic foods are crucial to getting rid of your dog’s allergies for good and saying a steady goodbye to their discomfort.