What foods are dogs highly allergic to
The Best Foods for Dogs With Allergies
Humans arent the only ones with allergiesour dogs can get them, too. Canine allergies can lead to numerous skin conditions that can be frustrating to manage. These allergies can be due to environmental causes or from the food our dogs eat.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can be allergic to foods like beef, chicken, lamb, wheat, soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.
- Allergy tests for dogs are not reliable.
- The only proven way to tell what your dog is allergic to is to change their protein source or perform an elimination diet trial.
The most common symptoms of dog food allergies include:
Redness of the skin of the inner ears
Itchiness of the ears (chronic scratching of the ears or shaking of the head)
Ear hematomas
Chronic thickening of the ears
Chronic ear infections
Redness and itchiness of the feet or in between toes (foot chewing)
Chronic pododermatitis
Patchy hair loss along the neck and trunk
Chronic skin infections (with bacteria or yeast) that never seem to clear up
Skin issues are the most common dog food allergy symptoms. These are mostly seen as an allergic reaction to the proteins absorbed in food.
The reaction leads to the release of immune cells, which can cause weakening of the bonds between the skin cells, resulting in a weakening of the skin barrier. This change in the skin barrier leads to redness and itchiness, and it makes the skin more susceptible to infection with normal bacteria and yeast.
The most affected areas are the ears, paws, around the eyes, and sometimes the trunk (torso) and limbs.
What Are Common Dog Food Allergens?
The most common proteins dogs are allergic to are beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat. Other less common causes of dog food allergies include soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.
Dogs cannot be tested for food allergies like people can, as the available testing is unreliable. The only proven way to tell what your dog is allergic to is to change their protein source or perform an elimination diet trial.
During an elimination diet trial, you eliminate all proteins your dog has been exposed to for two to three months. This gives the body enough time to completely eliminate the old protein sources and heal from the chronic allergy stimulation.
How To Help a Dog With Food Allergies
An elimination diet trial withhydrolyzed foodis the best way to treat and diagnose a dog food allergy. Its easiest to start with a prescription diet, such asHills z/dorRoyal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein. Theseveterinary dietshave proteins that are too small to be recognized by the immune system.
An elimination diet trial takes approximately two to three months to complete. This time is necessary for the old proteins to leave the dogs system. Additionally, the dog must be on the diet long enough to see a difference from the previous food.
The most common mistake pet parents make is not waiting long enough before calling it quits on the diet trial. Changing what your dog is eating for just a week or two will not give you complete results, so taking the proper amount of time to test food and treats is crucial.
Another common mistake: feed a dog anything other than the elimination diet. During a diet trial, pets cannot have any table scraps or treats (unless the elimination diet has a compatible treat option).
Changing what your dog is eating for just a week or two will not give you complete results, so taking the proper amount of time to test food and treats is crucial.
If the symptoms do not resolve after two or three months on the hydrolyzed elimination diet trial, your dog most likely has some type of environmental allergen. Or something else is causing the problem, such as an autoimmune condition.
If you get a good response from the trial, try to feed your dog a new protein source, such as venison, fish, or kangaroo. If they are going to react to these proteins, you should notice a mild reaction starting within two weeks. If their allergy symptoms return, stop the new protein source and go back to the hydrolyzed food.
Try adding one protein at a time every two to four weeks. If your dog reacts, stop and keep things steady for another two weeks before trying a different protein.
Contact your veterinarian before starting any diet trial to get a prescription for a hydrolyzed diet. Its also important to see your veterinarian to make sure your pet doesnt have any concurrent infections, which can be common because of the disturbed skin barrier caused by the allergic reaction. Infections can look the same as dog food allergy symptoms, so you must make sure to clear all infections during the food elimination trial.
During the trial, remember:
Make sure the prescription treats and food are all that you are feeding your pet. You cant feed human food or regular pet treats with a food trial, as it can introduce the allergens youre trying to eliminate.
Alwaysintroduce a dog to a new diet slowlyto avoid stomach upset or diarrhea.
The Best Dog Food for Allergies
Hydrolyzed Dog Foods
Hydrolyzed foods are the best dog food for allergies because the proteins are broken down into pieces that are so small the body cant recognize them. Some of these foods include:
Novel Protein Foods
Novel protein diets include proteins that your dog has not been introduced to before, such as duck, fish, venison, and kangaroo. Some examples of novel protein diets are:
Foods for Puppies With Allergies
While its rare for puppies to have food allergies, there are some documented cases in pups as young as 6 months old. If you think your puppy may have a food allergy, lamb and rice formulas, such asPurina Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula, would be a good place to start for a novel protein.
If allergies are severe and your vet recommends a hydrolyzed diet, Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein does come in a puppy formulation.
WRITTEN BY
Robyn Gallucci, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Gallucci started her career in veterinary medicine as a kennel assistant in high school and began training as a technician in college....
Are Dogs More Allergic to Chicken Or Beef?
What Meat Causes Most Allergies in Dogs?
Dogs can develop food allergies to different kinds of meat, but some are more common than others. Some dogs develop an allergy to pork, and others can be sensitive to beef, chicken, and lamb. In either case, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to rotate your dogs food. Avoid giving him the same type of meat every day or even every week. In addition to avoiding common allergens, it is a good idea to avoid common meat ingredients.
If youre not sure if your dog has an allergy to beef, chicken, or fish, a food label can help you narrow the list to a single protein source. Some pet food manufacturers add chicken to advertised fish formulas, so its important to read the label carefully. You can also check the ingredients of supplements and treats. You can also look for hydrolyzed proteins in these foods, which break down protein in the body to make it more digestible.
Food allergies often begin to manifest in a dogs early life, when hes still a puppy, but a dog can develop an allergy at any age. Symptoms can be itchy skin, gastrointestinal distress, or even aggression. Many of these allergies are caused by proteins in food, like beef, poultry, and wheat gluten. Symptoms may take months to manifest, or they may develop suddenly. A vet should check your dogs diet for possible problems before you start changing his meals.
Food allergy symptoms in dogs typically include skin problems and inflammation. They may exhibit itching, flaking, or hives and may even experience diarrhea or vomiting. Dogs with these allergies may also develop anal gland issues or ear infections. The effects of an allergy can be severe enough that your dog will have to undergo an allergy test to make sure the food is safe to eat. Your dog should be given an allergy-free diet if you suspect that your dog is allergic to meat.
A dog food allergy can be caused by the protein in meat, fish, or eggs. When this happens, the immune system mistakenly reacts to substances that are normal for the dog. This results in abnormal reactions, and the only effective treatment is to avoid the food that causes the problem. In many cases, a dog will develop an allergy to a certain type of meat, such as beef. Other foods that can trigger allergies in dogs include soy, fish, or corn.
What Meat Are Dogs Least Allergic to?
Lamb is a protein thats very low in allergens. Its a novel source of protein for dogs and less likely to cause allergies than other kinds of meat. Lambs flavor is also distinctive enough to appeal to fussy eaters. Kangaroo is another novel meat thats low in allergens and high in biological value. Its also cheap and easily digestible.
Although chicken and beef are the most common allergens in commercial dog foods, other types of meat can also cause allergic reactions. A limited ingredient food will contain only the most common ingredients, which will minimize the likelihood of a reaction. A limited ingredient food also might include novel meats, which are less common proteins. Some examples include venison, bison, rabbit, and kangaroo meat. Novel protein foods may also contain novel carbohydrates.
If your dog is prone to allergies, you can avoid feeding it beef. But, there are a number of meats that your dog can safely eat. Bison and buffalo are closely related to beef and should not be fed to dogs. Chicken, duck, and ostrich are also highly allergenic. Chicken, duck, and turkey can also trigger an allergic reaction. Insect-based diets are another potential candidate for allergy diet trials.
Another common allergy is egg allergy. While eggs are less common than other foods, dogs may be allergic to them when they eat eggs. Unlike humans, dogs can also be allergic to other foods, such as grains. If your dog has a food allergy, its important to avoid them as much as possible. Keeping your dog healthy is essential. You dont want to give your dog food that contains grains. Youll want to make sure that you read the food label to be sure its safe for your dog.
Venison is another protein that can help prevent food allergies in dogs. While it isnt as rich in protein as other meats, it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Its also low in cholesterol, so its an excellent choice for overweight dogs. Because of these benefits, venison is a good option for overweight dogs. Its high in B vitamins and essential minerals.
Are Beef Allergies Common in Dogs?
When your dog has a reaction to beef, you might not think its an allergy at first, but its a common condition. These allergies are an overreaction of the dogs immune system to a protein in beef. This protein is found in a certain ingredient in your dogs food. Most dogs arent allergic to beef in its natural form, but they might develop an allergy if you feed your dog a diet high in this protein.
Beef is commonly used in dog food, so your dog may be exposed to it from time to time. However, some dogs may develop an allergy to beef, especially those who are exposed to a lot of meat. Other food sources can be substituted for beef, such as lamb and salmon. While beef is not as common of an allergen as chicken, its important to avoid feeding your dog beef if it has a history of food allergies.
While the time it takes for a dog to develop an allergy depends on the severity and type of allergy, the symptoms can manifest themselves within a few hours or up to 14 days. A dog with a food allergy could experience a reaction in the first few days, while a dog with a milder sensitivity may take up to 14 days before exhibiting symptoms. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
The most common food allergies in dogs are related to a protein found in meat and dairy products. A dog with a food allergy will develop non-seasonal itching, chronic ear infections, and skin problems. These symptoms are often accompanied by chronic ear and foot infections. Its important to seek medical advice as soon as possible because food allergies can lead to anaphylactic shock. When your dog is severely affected by an allergy, he or she may suffer anaphylactic shock and require immediate medical attention.
Although many dog food brands contain beef, some dogs are sensitive to other ingredients. Some dogs may develop other allergies as well, so its important to discuss the cause of your dogs allergy with your veterinarian. There are several methods to help your dog cope with allergies and live a healthier life. If you notice your dog reacting to beef, its important to take steps to prevent the reaction.
Are Dogs Highly Allergic to Chicken?
If your dog is highly allergic to chicken, you need to make a change to his diet. Most commercial dog foods contain chicken byproducts. You can easily find a single-protein formula from an Open Farm at your local pet store, and you can transition your dog back to this diet. If your dog still reacts to chicken, he will need to visit his veterinarian to find out why he is allergic to it.
There are several reasons why dogs may be highly allergic to chicken. A common reason is that they are unable to digest chicken proteins properly. When the immune system sees chicken proteins as foreign, it responds by sending enterocytes to remove them from the body. This reaction can lead to the dog becoming sick. If your dog is highly allergic to chicken, you should stop feeding him chicken entirely. Your dog may have allergies to other poultry as well.
A dog may also be allergic to chicken fat. While most dogs are allergic to chicken, turkey and duck may also trigger the allergic reaction. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a special diet for your dog that does not contain chicken. A limited-antigen diet will avoid all ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction, and you can get a recommendation from a veterinarian or pet store employee. These foods are often cheaper than traditional chicken-based pet foods.
It is important to identify the cause of your dogs chicken allergy and develop a plan to reduce your pets exposure to the food. The best way to do this is to switch your dogs diet to an alternative protein. By doing so, you can minimize the occurrence of flare-ups and reduce the appearance of the allergy. It is important to consult your veterinarian for a complete evaluation of your dogs condition, as it is vital to treat your dogs skin and respiratory system.
Your veterinarian will likely perform a thorough physical examination and ask you questions about your dogs symptoms and food exposure. A full physical examination is a must, and the first step may be an ear swab and a light skin scrape to detect bacteria, yeast, or microscopic parasites. If your dog has an infection, he will likely need blood tests to determine what the problem is.
