Understanding Dog Food Allergy Symptoms: A Guide for Pet Parents
Kelly HoodAs a dog parent, nothing's more important than making sure your pup is happy and healthy. However, our pets can experience food allergies, which can make them uncomfortable and frustrated. Allergy symptoms in dogs can range from mild to severe, and it's important to spot the signs early to prevent their reaction from going from bad to worse.
At California Dog Kitchen, we understand the challenges that come with managing your dog’s food allergies. That's why we started this journey. We're here to help you identify the symptoms and take the right steps to keep your pup allergy-free.
This guide explores common dog food allergy symptoms, how you can identify and treat them, and provides good-to-know tips for all pet parents. Whether your dog is already showing signs of allergies or you're looking to prevent future issues, we've got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Food allergies in dogs are caused by their immune system overreacting to specific ingredients in their diet.
- Dogs with food allergies commonly experience itching, skin problems, and gastrointestinal issues.
- An elimination diet trial is the most reliable way to figure out your dog's food allergies.
- Hydrolyzed and novel protein diets can help manage your dog's allergies.
Common Dog Food Allergy Symptoms
Just like us, dogs can have allergic reactions to certain ingredients in their food, which can be distressing for them. When your furry companion has a food allergy, their immune system makes the mistake of identifying certain foods as a threat, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. These can show up as skin problems, gastrointestinal issues, hair loss, itching, and more.
Skin Problems and Itchy Skin
One of the most common symptoms of food allergies in dogs is itchy skin. Your pup may scratch, chew, or lick its paws more than normal because of the discomfort he or she is feeling. Usually, the feet, face, ears, and groin are the most commonly affected areas. If your dog's itching persists, it can even lead to secondary skin infections, which will probably call for a trip to the vet's office for treatment. If your furry friend is constantly itching, consider switching up the diet (primarily the protein source – including treats) or speaking to a veterinary nutritionist for guidance.
Itching is the most common sign of an allergy, but your dog may also develop other skin problems like rashes, red spots, and hair loss. If you notice these symptoms, it may indicate that your dog is sensitive to something in its food.
As a pet parent, it's important to recognize these signs and give your pet the care and support they need to feel better. You can learn more about skin allergies and great ways to treat them on our blog about dog food for skin allergies.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Food allergies can also impact your dog’s digestive system. Dogs with food allergies can experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, excessive gas, and even weight loss. These uncomfortable issues happen when your dog’s immune system reacts negatively to specific food ingredients, causing tummy troubles. If your dog experiences these symptoms often, pay close attention to its diet because it may be related to a food allergy or food intolerance.
If your beloved pup's symptoms don't go away, try a food trail with a different protein source than what’s in the current diet. If symptoms improve or go away, you may have identified the specific food that was causing the problem!
Ear Infections
Ear infections are another issue commonly linked to food allergies in dogs because of the excessive scratching and irritation they feel. The ear canal is an extension of the pet's skin, just in a more enclosed space, which can make it more prone to inflammation. You may see your pup shake their head and scratch their ears more than normal, which can be a sign of an allergy. If you don't treat your furry friend's ear irritation, it can worsen.
Protect your pup's ears by transitioning them to a hypoallergenic diet that supports its immune system.
Diagnosing Food Allergies in Dogs
So many of the symptoms dogs show when they have a food allergy overlap with environmental allergies or skin infections, so it can be tricky identifying a food allergy. However, your vet can help narrow down the cause. Furthermore, if your dog is allergic to one thing, it’s also likely allergic to a number of things. Since food is something your dog is exposed to daily, it's a good idea to make sure the food isn't a contributing factor.
The Elimination Diet Trial
Elimination diet trials are the most reliable way to figure out your dog's food allergies. This method includes a limited-ingredient diet where you slowly start to cut out specific proteins.
Depending on whether or not your dog reacts, you can rule out common allergens like beef, chicken, or grains. For the 8-12 weeks that your pup is on this diet, you must strictly follow the diet plan to prevent cross-contamination with allergens. This also includes treats and similar proteins. For example, if you eliminate chicken from your dog’s diet, don’t use another poultry such as turkey as your novel protein.
Keep a close eye on your dog during the food trial and if symptoms improve, you may have found the source of the food allergy! To confirm your finding, you could test your dog by reintroducing the original protein and see if he or she has an allergic reaction. If so, that reinforces your finding.
Allergy Testing
Your vet may recommend allergy testing to identify the specific allergens affecting your dog. They may test your dog's skin or run blood tests to get as much information as possible. The tests can tell your vet a lot, but they're not as accurate as an elimination diet trial. You can combine testing with a diet trial to get more reliable results.
Treating Food Allergies in Dogs
Once your dog has been diagnosed with food allergies, depending on how severe its reaction is, your vet may suggest a special diet or prescription food tailored to your dog’s needs.
Novel Protein Diet
A novel protein diet is made up of a protein source that your dog doesn't typically eat, like wild-caught fish, venison, or lamb. Because your dog’s system doesn't recognize the protein, it doesn't see it as a threat, and just like that, you've reduced the risk of negative reactions.
If you’re looking for novel protein dog food, our selection of high-quality diets includes delicious, gently cooked dog meals that can help with food sensitivities and allergies.
Venison And Zucchini Dog Food
This is a high-protein recipe made from wild venison from Broken Arrow Ranch in Texas. Venison is a great novel protein that shouldn’t cause allergic reactions and will still give your furry friend the nutrients he or she needs. This recipe also includes organic quinoa and tasty vegetables for a balanced meal that all dogs will love.
👉Shop our Venison and Zucchini Dog Food now.
Grain-Free Fish Dog Food
This gently cooked dog food is made from wild-caught pollock and salmon skin, with organic vegetables like sweet potato, yellow squash, and zucchini. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is healthy for your dog while also giving them a beautiful glossy coat.
👉Shop our Grain-Free Fish Recipe now.
Lamb And Squash Dog Food
Like all our dog meals, this recipe is approved by a veterinary nutrition specialist and made from high-quality Australian-raised lamb. This diet also includes organic quinoa that soaks up the lamb’s flavor, making it the perfect dog food to keep even your picky eater happy.
👉Shop our Lamb and Squash Dog Food now.
Limited Ingredient Diet
If your dog's allergies are more on the mild side, a limited ingredient diet will be great. This type of diet has fewer ingredients, making it easier for you to spot the culprit causing the allergic reaction.
Our collection of limited-ingredient dog food for sensitive skin can help your dog avoid common allergens and support its overall health.
Grain-Free Turkey Dog Food
Made from preservative-free turkey, this meal is fit for a human’s plate. Our turkey dog food is perfect for sensitive tummies, and it includes organic veggies like kale and spinach as well as organic fruits like blueberries and apples.
👉Shop our Grain-Free Turkey Dog Food now.
Beef And Quinoa Dog Food
👉Shop our Beef and Quinoa Dog Food now.
Chicken And Rice Dog Food
It's a simple, balanced meal filled with nutrients your dog needs. We’ve made it from hormone-free, human-grade chicken as well as organic rice and vegetables, and it contains no preservatives, wheat, corn, or soy. It's great for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.
👉Shop our Chicken and Rice Dog Food now.
Hydrolyzed Protein Diet
A hydrolyzed protein diet is a diet in which protein is broken down into smaller pieces to reduce the likelihood of triggering a negative immune system reaction. If your dog has severe allergies or sensitivities, this diet can be especially helpful in soothing his or her symptoms.
Allergy Medications
Your vet may prescribe allergy medications to help manage symptoms like itching and inflammation, temporarily giving your pup relief while you work on identifying the allergen in their diet. However, it's best to use the medication as part of a treatment plan that includes food changes for a potential food allergy.
Why Choose California Dog Kitchen?
At California Dog Kitchen, we're all about providing high-quality, allergen-free food for dogs. We're a small, family-run company, and we care about the well-being of pets. Because we care, we make our dog food with human-grade ingredients and ship it straight to your doorstep in sustainable packaging. All our recipes have been designed from scratch by a PhD veterinary nutritionist.
- Vet-Designed, Nutritionally Complete Meals – Our recipes are designed by vet nutritionists so your pup gets balanced, complete nutrition no matter their stage of life.
- Premium, Human-Grade Ingredients – We use real, whole foods you’d put on your own plate – no fillers or artificial preservatives.
- Tailored for Sensitive Stomachs – We make our novel protein and limited-ingredient diets with care to help pups with food allergies and sensitivities.
- Gently Cooked for Maximum Nutrition – Unlike retail pet foods and highly processed kibble, our food is gently cooked so the nutrients and flavor stay locked in.
- Sustainably Packaged, Conveniently Delivered – We care about dogs, and we care about the planet.
FAQs About Common Food Allergy Symptoms
Can Food Allergies in Dogs Develop Over Time?
Yes, food allergies can develop at any time in a dog’s life, even if they have been eating the same food for years. If your dog suddenly starts showing signs of allergies, such as itchy skin or gastrointestinal problems, it could be due to a new food allergy.
Are Environmental Allergies the Same as Food Allergies?
No, environmental allergies (like those caused by dust mites or pollen) are different from food allergies. They have similar symptoms, but food allergies are triggered by specific ingredients in your dog’s diet. Environmental allergies, on the other hand, are caused by allergens in the dog's environment. Your pup will inhale them or come into contact with them rather than ingest them.
Help Your Dog Thrive with the Right Diet
Many pet parents don't realize just how common food allergies are in dogs, but if you know how to identify and treat symptoms, you can help your furry friend live comfortably. Even if you do see a vet and they prescribe medications for the symptoms, managing food allergies is an ongoing process, and it's best to switch your dog's diet so they stay well.
At California Dog Kitchen, we’re all about bringing high-quality, allergy-friendly dog food to help support your dog’s health and happiness.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s food allergies, consider switching to a specialized diet that can improve your dog’s health. Browse our selection of dog food for sensitive skin for allergy-friendly options that keep tails wagging!