How long does it take for dog food allergies to clear up

Food Allergies in Dogs: What to Know

Your dog is scratching and licking, keeping you awake, ruining their show coat, and giving themself a handy excuse for breaking that stay. Its driving you crazyimagine how they must feel.

While your first instinct may be to assume that your dog is suffering from a food allergy, true food allergies arent as common as you might think. Confusing food allergies with food sensitivities is a common mistake, not only among dog owners but also among veterinarians.

Food Allergies vs. Sensitivities

True food allergies are much less frequent than food sensitivities and reflect a more immediate immunological response. A classic example of a food allergy is anaphylactic shock, which could occur after ingesting peanuts or being stung by bees. As soon as the person or animal comes in contact with the allergen, their airway closes and they cant breathe. This response is rapid, as the antigen triggers an immediate and sometimes life-threatening reaction due to hypotension and shock.

A less severe but still serious form of allergic reaction is accompanied by the development of dermatologic signs, such as hives, facial swelling, or itchiness. These can be accompanied by gastrointestinal signs, such as acute vomiting or diarrhea. These signs occur fairly rapidly but less than in the anaphylactic reaction.

Food sensitivity, on the other hand, is usually a chronic condition and often doesnt involve an immunological response. Its usually a cumulative response to an offending agent. Although theyre generally not life-threatening, food sensitivities can affect many different aspects of the dogs physical wellbeing. Common signs of food sensitivity include diarrhea with or without vomiting, poor skin or itchy coat, and chronic ear or foot infections.

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs

We most often associate allergies with sneezing and respiratory problems in people, but in dogs, allergies are most often associated with the skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. About 10% to 15% of dogs with food allergies will have both skin and GI signs, and about 20% to 30% of dogs with food allergies will also have itchy skin from other non-food allergies.

GI signs are most often seen as loose stools, with an average of three a day, or vomiting and belching. A skin sign is usually itchiness, and it appears the same as itchiness due to other allergies.

According to one recent study, nearly 8% of dogs presented to a referral dermatology practice had food allergies. This represented about a third of all the dogs presented there with allergic skin disease.

Some people use the phrase ears and rears to refer to the characteristic location of itchiness. But its typically a bit more widespread than just those regions. In one study, dogs with food allergies suffered from itchy ears in 80% of the cases (and in fact, only the ear was affected in a quarter of all cases); itchy feet in 61%; itchy groin region in 53%; and itchy armpits, anterior foreleg, or eye regions in about 35% of cases.

Secondary ear and skin infections often arise from self-inflicted trauma from scratching and chewing. Along with removing the offending food, you must seek treatment for these infections in your dog.

Does My Dog Have Food Allergies?

Allergies can appear at any age, but most dogs eat an offending food for two years before symptoms appear. Some dogs can develop symptoms as early as two months of eating the offending food. Allergic reactions arent something that normally appear immediately after introducing a new food. But once symptoms appear, their onset is often sudden and serious.

Most dogs react to one or two allergens and about 20% react to more. Theres a greater chance that dogs react to animal products from the same species or from related species (cattle, sheep, and deer, for example).

Some breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Poodles, and Chinese Shar-Pei, may be at greater risk for food allergies, though they can appear in any breed.

Diet trials are inconvenient and tedious. But compared to your dogs discomfort, theyre a small price to pay to identify the culprit. Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergiesexcept to avoid the offending foods.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has Food Allergies

Food allergies in dogs can be tricky to identify. The symptoms arent what many pet parents expect, and there are a lot of myths out there about food allergies in dogs. True food allergies are not that common in dogs, for one.

Heres how you can figure out if your dog has food allergies and what you can do about them.

Reasons to Suspect Dog Food Allergies

When people think about pet food allergies, they often jump to gastrointestinal issues. However, food allergies in dogs may or may not come with an upset stomach.

The most common symptoms of food allergies in dogs actually show up as reactions in their skin.

Skin and Ear Problems in Dogs With Food Allergies

Skin problems are common in dogs with food allergies. At first glance, this seems kind of odd, but it makes more sense when you think about how people react to food allergies.

Dogs with unchecked food allergies may also have trouble with their ears.

Some of the most common health issues associated with legitimate dog food allergies are:

Similar symptoms may be caused by environmental allergies to triggers like pollen, mold, and house mites, but these, at least to start with, are often seasonal.

For this reason, its important to track whether your dogs symptoms ebb and flow with the changing of the seasons.

When Do Dog Food Allergies Develop?

Its important to remember that food allergies can develop at any time. A food your dog has consumed for years with no troubles may suddenly cause an allergic reaction, or symptoms may develop soon after you change your dogs diet.

How Are Dog Food Allergies Diagnosed?

Diagnosing food allergies in dogs isnt always a straightforward process. Its not like theres a simple test that can instantly tell what your dog is allergic to or, if indeed, he has food allergies at all.

You have to start at the beginning, with the help of your veterinarian, to know for sure whether your dogs skin or ear issues are caused by food allergies.

Rule Out Other Health Issues

Your veterinarian will take a full history on your pet and do a general exam.

Next, they will likely run tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms like mange, ringworm, yeast infections, bacterial infections, flea infestations, and environmental allergies.

Ruling out those conditions comes first because true food allergies are relatively uncommon.

If there is no other apparent cause for your dogs symptoms, your veterinarian may begin to suspect that food allergies are behind your dogs itchy skin or ear infections.

Even if your vet finds a reason for your dogs skin problems, they may still suspect that an adverse food reaction is at least partially responsible since, for example, yeast infections can develop as a result of food allergies.

Once a diagnosis of food allergies seems to be a reasonable possibility, your vet will recommend a food trial.

Starting a Food Trial

Starting your dog on a food trial means your pet will eat a prescription diet and absolutely nothing else for a couple of months to see if symptoms resolve.

If they do, some veterinarians will suggest going back to the dogs old diet to see if symptoms return to ensure that the dog is truly allergic to one or more ingredients in their regular diet.

Evaluating a Food Trial: Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance

Seeing results from the food trial are not a guarantee that your pet has food allergies. In some cases, you may find out that your dog has a food intolerance.

Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system responds inappropriately to something (usually a protein) found in the diet.

Instead of treating this perfectly innocuous substance as it should, the immune system treats it as a threatan invader of sorts.

Food Intolerance

A food intolerance is different from an allergy in that the symptoms are not caused by an immune reaction.

In dogs, food intolerances typically cause tummy troubles; they may vomit or have diarrhea, be seriously gassy, or have a poor appetite.

Treating Food Allergies in Dogs

The only effective way to treat a food allergy in dogs is to change their diet.

While grain-free foods are often touted as good for food allergies, science tells us that protein sources are more likely to be the culprit. According to a study published in 2016, the top three most common causes of food allergies in dogs are beef, dairy, and chicken.

Diets for Dog Food Allergies

Here are a couple of different approaches to treating food allergies in dogs.

Novel Proteins

This approach involves feeding proteins that your dog has likely never been exposed to in an effort to avoid an allergic reaction. Rabbit, venison, and other novel ingredients are used in place of more common protein sources. Allergy-friendly foods must be completely free of your dogs triggers.

Hydrolyzed Proteins

Rather than changing which proteins are used, hydrolyzed protein prescription diets break proteins down so that the immune system no longer recognizes them as a threat.

Treating Itchy Skin and Ear Issues Caused by Food Allergies

The only way to treat a food allergy is to remove the offending food from the dogs diet, but there are options for temporarily treating the symptoms caused by food allergies.

Oral and topical medications are sometimes prescribed to help minimize itching. Any secondary problems, like skin or ear infections, will also have to be addressed.

If youre concerned about any symptoms your dog is experiencing, or youre simply wondering whether the food youre offering is the best choice for your pet, speak with your veterinarian.

By: Jennifer Coates, DVM

Featured Image: iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages

Food allergies in dogs

Treatment

If the food trial confirms that your dog has a food allergy, your vet might recommend feeding your dog their new diet for life, as long as its a complete food that contains all the necessary nutrients. Your dog shouldnt have any other food or treats at all. Keep all human food and other pet food safely out of reach.

Once your dog is settled without symptoms on their special diet, you can try adding ingredients back into their food (one at a time) to try and find out what they are allergic to. If your dog doesnt show any symptoms, this is a safe food. Alternatively, if your dogs symptoms come back after eating a certain food, its likely they are allergic to it. This will help you select a dog food that only contains safe foods. If you want to do this you should follow your vets advice.

Some dogs with a food allergy will also have allergies to things in the environment, this may cause atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease). In this case, they might improve a bit on a special diet but they may need other treatments as well to help keep their skin symptoms controlled.

Dog Food Allergy Testing & Diagnosis: What You Need to Know

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Just like humans, some dogs exhibit immediate and obvious reactions to specific foods. For instance, a dog might eat a certain type of dog food or treat containing chicken and rapidly develop symptoms like itching or gastrointestinal upset. This immediate response makes it relatively straightforward for the owner to identify the allergen as being related to chicken.

However, in many cases, identifying the cause of a dogs food allergy isnt clear-cut. The symptoms of a food allergy in dogs can sometimes take hours or even days to manifest after ingesting the allergenic food. This delay makes it challenging for pet owners to pinpoint the exact food causing the reaction. Its common for a dog to show signs of an allergy without any obvious changes in their diet or recent introduction of new foods, complicating the identification process further.

Luckily, different allergy testing methods are available to help you diagnose and manage food allergies in dogs, ensuring their health and comfort. Lets dive in!

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What Are Dog Food Allergies?

Dog food allergies are a type of adverse reaction that occurs when a dogs immune system mistakenly identifies a specific ingredient in their food as a threat. It reacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction that leads to symptoms such as itching, swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis in severe food allergies.

What Causes Dog Food Allergies?

Dogs food allergies are predominantly caused by proteins,especially dairy products,beef, lamb, chicken, eggs, soy, or gluten(from wheat). While proteins are the most common source of allergens, virtually any food ingredient can produce an allergy. Substances likeadditives, colorants, and preservativescan also be responsible.

There is ongoing research to identify what makes the immune system more likely to express that trait during early puppyhood. Puppies treated with antibiotics can be more susceptible to health problems like allergies later in life because antibiotics change the environment inside the gut, the largest immune organ in a dogs body. Susan Wynn, an internationally known expert on holistic pet care and former president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, recommends that young puppies be on dog probiotics up to six months to one year of age and give them a diet thats fairly high in variety.^[1]

Most Common Dog Food Allergies

These are the top dog food allergens (allergies) according to BMC Veterinary Research, from most reported to least reported.

Dog Food Allergen	Percentage of Dogs With Reported Reaction
Beef	34%
Dairy Products	17%
Chicken	15%
Wheat	13%
Soy	6%
Lamb	5%
Corn	4%
Egg	4%
Pork	2%
Fish	2%
Rice	2%

How Veterinarians Diagnose Food Allergies In Dogs

When suspecting a dog food allergy, the first crucial step is to consult a veterinarian, preferably a vet specializing in allergies. They will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose the condition accurately. Understanding what this process involves can be helpful for pet owners.

The veterinarian will start by gathering a detailed medical history of your dog. They will ask specific questions regarding the following:

• The symptoms your dog exhibits after eating certain foods
• The timeframe between eating and the onset of symptoms.
• The quantity of the suspected allergenic food consumed.
• The frequency of the allergic reactions.
• Whether similar reactions occur with other foods
• If the responses are consistent every time the food is consumed
• Any medical treatments previously administered for these symptoms

These inquiries help the veterinarian determine the underlying cause of your dogs symptoms. For instance, environmental allergens like pollen can sometimes cause reactions that mimic food allergies.

The veterinarian may suggest allergy tests, such as skin or blood tests, to identify potential food allergies. While these tests can indicate sensitivities to certain foods, they are not always definitive in diagnosing a true food allergy without a history of reactions. These tests provide insights into possible causes of symptoms but cannot conclusively diagnose a food allergy. In some cases, an elimination diet may be employed. This involves feeding the dog a diet free of suspected allergens for a period, then reintroducing foods one at a time to observe for reactions.

Consulting a dog allergist specializing in diagnosing and managing dog food allergies is essential. They will determine the most appropriate tests, confirm if a food allergy exists, and guide the management of the allergy once diagnosed. Its necessary to follow their advice closely to ensure the health and well-being of your dog.

Dog Food Allergy Testing

Blood Testing

Blood testing for dog food allergies involves checking for specific antibodies in the dogs blood produced in response to allergens. The test measures the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to various food proteins. Blood tests can be a helpful tool in identifying potential allergens, but they are not always definitive. The results must be interpreted cautiously, as false positives can occur. The test is more effective when used with other diagnostic methods, like an elimination diet.

Skin Patch Testing

Skin patch testing, or intradermal testing, involves injecting small amounts of purified allergens into the dogs skin. The test is usually conducted on a shaved area, typically on the side of the chest or abdomen. The reaction, usually in the form of a small bump or redness, is observed and measured. In some cases, skin patch testing can be more accurate than blood testing, but it also has limitations. It can be uncomfortable for the dog, and false positives are possible. Moreover, it requires skilled personnel to perform and interpret the results correctly.

The Gold Standard Dog of Food Allergy Testing: Eliminations Diet

While dog food allergy testing (blood and skin test) is recommended, it is not the gold standard according to the literature and veterinarians.^[3],[4]

The elimination diet is considered the gold standard in diagnosing dog food allergies. It involves feeding the dog a diet with ingredients they have never eaten before (novel proteins) or a hydrolyzed protein diet, where the protein is broken down so the immune system doesnt recognize it as an allergen. The diet must be strictly adhered to for a period, typically 8 to 12 weeks, without any other foods, treats, or flavored medications. If the symptoms resolve, it suggests a food allergy.

After the symptom-free period, the original foods are reintroduced into the dogs diet, one ingredient at a time, with a gap of 1-2 weeks between each, to monitor for any allergic reaction. This step is critical to identify which specific ingredient(s) cause the allergic reaction. If the dog shows a return of allergic symptoms with the reintroduction of a particular food, this food likely contains the allergen. Once identified, this allergen should be permanently eliminated from the dogs diet.

Based on the findings, a long-term diet plan is formulated to avoid the identified allergens. This may involve continuing the novel protein diet, using hydrolyzed protein diets, or selecting commercial foods that do not contain the offending allergens.

The choice of allergy testing method depends on various factors, including the dogs condition, the veterinarians expertise, and the availability of testing options. Its important to have a veterinarian guide this process to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management of food allergies in dogs.

Dog Food Allergy Testing vs Intolerance Testing

Understanding the differences between food allergies and intolerances and their respective tests is key for dog owners seeking to address their pets dietary issues effectively. Proper testing ensures dogs receive a suitable diet, leading to better health outcomes.

Dog Food Intolerance Vs Dog Allergies

Dog food allergies occur when your dogs immune system perceives a certain substance (allergen), like chocolate, as harmful, causing symptoms such as itching, swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis. Intolerances, however, do not involve the immune system. They usually stem from a dogs inability to digest certain substances, like lactose, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea. Intolerances can also be caused by environmental factors, such as new bedding or rugs that could trigger sneezing or itching in dogs.

Can Dog Food Intolerance Tests Help Deal With Dog Allergies?

Food allergies and food intolerances in dogs can have similar symptoms, often leading to confusion in distinguishing between the two. Testing your dog for food intolerances can help clarify whether they suffer from allergies or intolerance. This distinction is crucial for your vet to determine the appropriate treatment and necessary dietary adjustments.

Food allergies in dogs generally arise from prolonged exposure to a specific allergen. When dogs are fed the same food for a long time, they are continuously exposed to the same ingredients. If the dog is predisposed to developing allergies, this repeated exposure can increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction to one or more of those ingredients. Similarly, if your dog has intolerances, repeated exposure makes them worse over time. This is why vets sometimes recommend a varied or limited ingredient diet to help identify potential allergens and reduce the risk of developing allergies or worsening intolerances.

Testing for allergies and intolerances is helpful because both can occur in any dog breed and age. Knowing what foods your dog cant tolerate or is allergic to can help you buy a safe formula and remove those ingredients from his diet that could otherwise cause more severe problems.

At-home dog food allergy testing is a concept that has grown in popularity, offering a convenient way for pet owners to try to identify potential food allergens affecting their dogs. However, its important to understand the scope and limitations of these tests. The scientific community has questioned the accuracy and reliability of at-home allergy tests. They are not considered as reliable as tests conducted by veterinarians, such as blood tests, skin tests, or elimination diets. However, at-home tests may provide some insights but are limited in their ability to diagnose food allergies definitively. They are more likely to identify food sensitivities or intolerances than true allergies.

Dog Food Allergy Test Types

Here is how these four different types of food allergy tests work.

Saliva	Hair	Blood (RAST test)	Skin (Intradermal Skin)
Where to Take	At-Home	At-Home	Veterinarian	Veterinarian
Sedation Required	No	No	No	Yes
Risk	No	No	No	Yes
Price	Affordable	Affordable	Costly	Costly
Best Test	EasyDNA Dog Allergy Test	5Strands	N/A	N/A
Procedure	Non-Invasive	Non-Invasive	Invasive	Invasive

Why Is Dog Food Allergy Testing Important

About 1-2% of all dogs have a food allergy.^[5] Neglecting food allergies can lead to serious health complications. True dog food allergies cause an immune response that can result in symptoms, including:

• Gastrointestinal and digestive issues
• Skin issues (Itching, hot spots, skin rashes, scaly and oily skin & a gamut of skin reactions)
• Vomiting
• Itchy rear end
• Diarrhea
• Straining to pass stool
• Abdominal pain
• Mucus in stool
• Swollen face
• Ear or paw infections
• Weight loss
• Lack of energy
• Aggression

Its rare, but a severe reaction resulting in anaphylaxis can also occur, similar to severe peanut allergies in humans.

Most dogs with food allergies appear to be pruritic (intense itching). The most often reported cutaneous manifestations of an AFR are recurrent bacteria, yeast skin infections, external otitis, and atopic dermatitis, which can all happen in the same dog.^[6] In fact, as many as 25% of dogs with skin problems have a food allergy.

Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM at Nom Nom, says, Usually, animals dont die from a food allergy, but it does affect their quality of life. If theyre itching all the time, it can feel like having a thousand mosquito bites. While thats not as catastrophic as organ failure, it can be pretty hard on the dog.

Because food allergies and sensitivities typically cause itchy skin, your dogs constant scratching, biting, and licking of the affected area could open up his skin to yeast, bacterial, or other secondary infections. In worse cases, excessive licking can turn into a condition known as lick Granuloma, also known as acral lick dermatitis. This problem occurs when a dog licks at one spot for hours daily, eventually creating a wound at the site. The wound stimulates further licking, and the dog begins a cycle of self-trauma, inflammation, and infection.

Bowel movements are also affected by food allergies. A study showed that non-allergic dogs have around 1.5 bowel movements per day, whereas some dogs with food allergies may have three or more per day.

Common Body Parts Affected By Food Allergies

• Ears (involved 80% of the time)
• Paws (61%)
• Inner thigh/belly (53%)
• Eye or front leg area (33%).

Dog Food Allergy Testing Cost

Prices can vary significantly based on geographic location. Pet insurance might cover some of these costs, depending on your policy. According to Petplan, a pet insurance company, the bill may be over $1000. Their claims data from this pet insurance company show that one insured pet exceeded $5,000 in allergy-related care.^[7] On the other hand, at-home dog allergy tests are far less expensive, typically priced between $88 to $212.Its important to discuss the most suitable testing method for your dog and the associated costs with your veterinarian. They can help you weigh the costs against the potential benefits and accuracy.

Breeds Prone to Food Allergies

Some dog breeds are more prone to develop food allergies. If your dog is on this list, its wise to take extra precautions for his diet. Dr. Wynn says in her experience that German Shepherds, Dachshunds, and Cocker Spaniels are the most commonly affected dog breeds.

Out of 22 research papers on AFR, four breeds (German shepherd dogs, West Highland white terriers, Labrador, and golden retrievers) accounted for about 40% of affected dogs. While dog food allergies are multi-factorial, a genetic predisposition factor exists in dogs development.

Here are the top 10 breeds most frequently Googled along with the term food allergies or dog food allergies, which may indicate these breeds are typically experiencing food allergy issues. It also supports Wynn and the research about breeds prone to allergies.

1. Dachshunds
2. Bulldogs
3. Golden Retrievers
4. German Shepherds
5. Pugs
6. Pitbulls
7. Cocker Spaniels
8. Shih Tzus
9. Westies (aka West Highland White Terriers)
10. Yorkies (aka Yorkshire Terriers)

What Is The Best Medicine For Dog Food Allergies?

Food allergies can wreak havoc on a dogs body if not addressed. If your pup is currently struggling with food allergies, youre likely wondering what you can give Fido for relief. Our experts show you the safest and most effective allergy treatments to help your dog in ourBest Allergy Medicine for Dogsarticle. You can also explore our homemade allergy meds for dogs guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dog Food Allergy Tests Worth It? Alternatives

If youre among the many dog owners struggling to find the right food for your dog, or if you have a pup at home itching due to allergies, there are several steps you can take to find a solution. Starting with an elimination diet is often the best approach. Although this process can be tedious, its the recommended method for diagnosing dog food allergies. Dog allergy testing can be helpful by identifying potentially harmful ingredients, but its important to interpret the results cautiously and always consult your veterinarian. Since dog food allergies can develop to almost any protein or carbohydrate ingredient over time, its advisable to provide a diet with some variety, allowing for a natural rotation. This practice helps maintain good gut health.

There are multiple food alternatives to manage or prevent food allergies in dogs. The most commonly known option is a hypoallergenic diet, often called hydrolyzed dog food, which usually requires a prescription from your vet. Other choices include vegan dog food, raw dog food, and homemade dog food. Many dog owners have had success with these options, so its worthwhile to explore them further. Treats can also be a source of your dogs food allergies. Vegan dog treats and freeze-dried dog treats are excellent alternatives for dogs with allergies.

Typically, puppies under one-year-old dont experience environmental or other allergies as frequently. If your dog exhibits skin and gastrointestinal symptoms, it might be due to food allergies. Your veterinarian can discuss the best options for your pet based on the results of any allergy testing.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processand product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Fetch
2. BMC Vterinary Research
3. Veterinary Practice News
4. Tufts University
5. PetMD
6. BMC Veterinary Research
7. PetPlan

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