Can too much protein make my dog itch

Vet Debunks the Myth: Can Too Much Protein Cause Dog Allergies?

When it comes to protein allergies from meat, such as beef, chicken, duck, pork, and turkey, the first signs in dogs may include vomiting and skin itching. This has led to the myth that too much protein can cause allergies in dogs.

But is this really true? Lets explore and debunk this myth by looking at the facts. Its important to carefully observe your dog after introducing new foods to its diet to monitor for any adverse reactions.

Roadmap

Diagnosing and managing allergies in dogs is a step-by-step process, and require adjustments when changes and relapses occur.

Youre in the management stage

Key Takeaways

• Dogs can be allergic to specific types of protein, not the amount of protein in their diet.
• Dogs are carnivores and their natural diet consists mainly of meat, so a high-protein diet is generally not harmful.
• Sudden changes in diet, including switching from a carbohydrate-rich diet to a protein-rich diet, can cause intestinal upset in dogs, but this is due to the abrupt change, not the protein itself.
• Some dogs may be more sensitive or allergic to certain types of proteins, which can manifest as itching or skin irritations, but this is not related to the amount of protein, but rather the type of protein consumed.

It can be deceiving, as your dog might like the meat and feed on it very first, but the internal body disagrees with the food. Such a case can make your dog suffer from anaphylactic shock, which though rarely occurs, can lead to the death of your dog. If your dog, after eating a new type of food, exhibits breathing difficulties such as gaggling, coughing, and swelling of the face, get it to a professional for medical examination.

Since dogs are carnivorous, meaning that their main source of proteins is meat, the most common dog proteins are beef, chicken, duck, pork, and turkey. However, Venison, rabbit, kangaroo, rabbit, alligator, bison, and insects are novel foods for most dogs. It is even possible that your dog has never eaten such foods.

These novel proteins are less likely to cause allergic reactions in the dogs body.

Which Are The Signs of Dog Allergy?

An allergic condition in different dogs can have different signs. The deadliest allergic reaction a dog can have is anaphylactic shock. This is not the most common reaction to protein though.

Minor signs that you are most likely to encounter are:

• Itching of the skin
• Hives
• Redness of the skin
• Skininfektion (dermatitis)
• Diarrhoea, and
• Vomiting

What Happens When a Dog Has Too Much Protein?

To begin with, you already know, that there are rare cases of humans who have a protein overdose. To be diagnosed with a protein overdose, a human must be fed pure protein meals. Even a search on Google on human beings who have been diagnosed with a protein overdose will prove it ridiculous.

According to research, dogs, when left on their own, meals consist primarily of the other animals flesh. Most dead dogs stomachs consist of about 97% of animals flesh. Dogs will benefit more when they eat only meat, even in large amounts.

So in short

Nothing will happen if you feed a dog a lot of meat. They are carnivores, and you should not expect them to feed on anything else other than meat except for minerals from bone and cartilage. If dogs react allergically to protein its not because of the amount, but the specific type that individual dog might be allergic to. Dogs have evolved so they can also digest carbohydrates, but they dont strictly need them.

A rabbit and rats body, which dogs eat, is made up of around 70% of protein and 30% of fat. That means that this is the average meal content of a dog. Humans are advised not to feed on excess proteins because it reduces kidney functionality.

Can a Dog Be Allergic To Too Much Protein?

In my whole career, I have never diagnosed a dog that has consumed proteins in excess. Its simply not possible. And, I would not be wrong to say that there has never been a dog diagnosed with eating much protein, unless in the case of eating excess wrong proteins. It is about quality and type not quantity. A dog is a carnivore; carnivores were created to feed solely on meat.

That being said, sudden changes in diet and/or overeating can cause pretty unpleasant problems in dogs.

If a dog is used to one type of carbohydrate-rich diet and suddenly changes to a protein-rich diet, it can certainly cause intestinal upset. This is not because of the protein amount though. Rather its for the sudden change itself.

Also, if a hungry dog greedy puppy eats too much it can also cause problems. Whether this is protein or not is not really an issue. It will cause problems either way.

A third misconception about high protein intake comes from constipation following eating too much bonemeal or bone material. The intestinal obstruction in this case does not come from the protein but from the small pieces of bone that get past the acid in the stomach.

Can High-Protein Dog Food Cause Itching?

Itching is one of the more common signs of an allergic reaction in a dog. Other signs include redness of the skin, vomiting, swelling of the face, and diarrhoea. An allergic reaction happens when the immune system in the body recognizes or misidentifies a protein in the body as a foreign thing that has the potential of causing an illness.

Many pet owners may wonder if feeding their dog high-protein food can cause itching, and its important to understand that its not the amount of protein, but rather the type of protein that can trigger a reaction in dogs.

Some dogs may be more sensitive or allergic to certain types of proteins, and this can manifest as itching or skin irritations. Common sources of animal-based proteins in dog food include chicken, beef, lamb, and fish, among others.

Dogs with healthy digestive systems and no known allergies or sensitivities to specific proteins are generally able to tolerate high-protein diets without any issues.

However, for dogs that experience itching or other signs of discomfort after consuming high-protein food, it may be worth considering switching to a different protein source or consulting with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the reaction.

Should Older Dogs Eat Less Protein?

The puppies and the older dogs require more proteins than the other dogs. In old age, a lot of wearing out of many muscles requires repairs, hence creating the need for more proteins.

When a dog becomes old, its digesting capability does not reduce. It remains the same, and it should not worry that the dog might suffer from indigestion and experience abdominal pains that can be mistaken for meat allergy. Provided that you give it good-quality proteins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the myth that too much protein can cause allergies in dogs is not supported by scientific evidence. Dogs are carnivores and their natural diet consists primarily of meat. Protein allergies in dogs are typically caused by specific types of proteins, not the amount of protein consumed.

Sudden changes in diet, overeating, or feeding inappropriate proteins can cause digestive issues in dogs, but its not related to the protein content. Its important to carefully monitor your dogs reactions to new foods and consult a professional if any adverse symptoms occur.

High-protein dog food is generally well-tolerated by dogs with healthy digestive systems, but dogs with known allergies or sensitivities may need special consideration.

Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on your dogs dietary needs.

This article is written by

Hayden Parker (He/Him) is a skilled veterinarian (DVM), and course instructor. With a focus on high professional competence, credibility, and respect.

As a family man, podcaster, and digital marketer, Hayden runs several websites.

His value statement centres on thoroughness, honesty, integrity, transparency, and respect for animals, owners, and fellow professionals.

Why Is My Dog So Itchy? Possible Causes & Treatment

Are you thinking about your dogs frequent scratching, licking, and rolling around on the rug? You may be feeling itchy yourself, just from watching all this activity!

There are many reasons your dog may be itchy. Many veterinarians believe its best to find the cause of the itch sooner rather than later. While occasional scratching can be normal for dogs, frequent scratching could indicate a medical condition that may get worse over time.

According to a 2023 Nationwide Survey on pet insurance data, for the eleventh year in a row allergic dermatitis (skin allergies) was the top reason dogs were brought into the vet. This condition can make your dog itchy and cause them to show signs like frequent scratching, recurrent ear infections, and skin changes. Continue on to learn more about allergic dermatitis and why August is such a special month.

Possible Cause of Your Dogs Itchy Skin

So, whats behind your dogs itchy skin? It may be caused by a medical condition called skin allergies. This means your dogs body overreacts to an allergen in the environment or to food, which makes them feel itchy. There are several potential culprits:

• Flea allergy: Flea bites can create extremely itchy areas on your dog. They can be found anywhere on the body, but are most common at the hind legs, tail base, and rear end. Just because you dont see any fleas on your dog does not mean they arent there keep in mind that a bite from a single flea can make your dog very itchy.
• Food allergy: Your dogs itching might be caused by a food allergy. Some dogs are allergic to common dog food ingredients such as beef, chicken, and dairy products.1 Food allergies in dogs can lead to changes to the skin around their paws, face, armpits, and belly.
• Environmental allergy: Your dog may be allergic to environmental triggers like pollen, mold spores, or dust mites. Environmental allergens can cause allergic itch during certain seasons, or even year-round. Dogs with environmental allergies will often have changes to the skin around their face, belly, and paws.
• Contact allergy: Your dog may be allergic to substances it encounters daily. These can include things like household cleaners, shampoos, insecticides, and plants. Dogs with contact allergies will often be itchy in the area that touched the contact allergen.

Skin allergies can make your dog uncomfortable. They can also lead to secondary health problems if there is a delay in treatment. When a dog licks or scratches an area excessively, it can damage the skin and lead to skin infections and wounds. These can cause changes like hair loss, body odor, and inflammation. Severe skin infections and wounds may even be painful for your dog.

How to Relieve Your Dogs Itchy Skin

When your dog experiences these skin changes because of skin allergies, it can be tempting to try an over-the-counter treatment or home remedy. However, using an OTC or at-home solution may not relieve your dogs itch. The following treatment options are commonly available and may offer some itch relief but may not be the best option for your dog.

• Over-the-counter shampoos and oils. Treatments like coconut oil and itch-relief shampoos only provide temporary relief. Your dogs itch may come back because the root cause has not been addressed.
• Antihistamines. While studies have shown that antihistamines may relieve allergies in humans well, antihistamines are less helpful in relieving itch in dogs with environmental allergies. In fact, it has been shown that antihistamines likely offer little to no benefit in treating environmental allergies in many dogs.
• Prescription steroids. Steroids prescribed by a vet can be effective in reducing itchiness in your dog, but they may cause side effects5 in your furry friend. Dogs on prescription steroids often experience increased urination, thirst, and weight gain. They can also experience behavior shifts such as increased aggression.

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. If your dog is scratching frequently in August or any time of year, schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss the most effective ways to relieve your dogs itch. If your dog has skin allergies, then a prescription treatment from your vet may be needed to get your favorite sidekick feeling better. So, call your vet today!

American poet Ogden Nash said, Happiness is having a scratch for every itch. For your dog, happiness is relieving the source of every itch.