Food Allergies in Dogs | PetMD

Adverse Food Reactions (AFR) in dogs is a term used to describe abnormal reactions to “normal” foods.

There are two main types of AFR in dogs: food allergies, which involve the immune system, and food intolerances, which occur without immune system involvement.

Although the underlying causes are different, food allergies and food intolerances in dogs often have similar clinical symptoms and are diagnosed similarly. Both are usually treated in the same way with dietary changes, such as switching to a hydrolyzed protein diet.

What are food allergies in dogs?

A food allergy is an immune reaction to a component in a dog’s food that the dog is allergic to. This immune reaction usually develops over a long period of time, not immediately after the dog eats the food for the first time.

The most common dog food allergens are proteins, examples include chicken, beef and dairy proteins.

When a dog with a food allergy encounters a particular food that causes an allergy, the immune system recognizes the protein as foreign and initiates an immune attack.

This commonly results in skin symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.

Food allergies in dogs are less common than environmental allergies.Seasonal allergies and flea and tick allergies.In fact, only 0.2% of dogs suffer from food allergies.

What are food intolerances in dogs?

Food intolerances do not involve the immune system and can occur any time during first exposure to a food or over time.

In these cases, the problematic component may be a protein or another component, an example in humans would be lactose intolerance.

Another The difference between food allergies and food intolerance This means that while an animal with a food intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of the food in question, true food allergies may be triggered by even minute amounts.

Symptoms of Food Intolerance and Food Allergies in Dogs

The symptoms of food allergies and food intolerance in dogs are very similar and may include:

Skin (both food allergies and intolerances):

• Itchy or red skin
• FrequentlyEar infections/skin infections
• Hair removal
• Licking/chewing paws (your vet will often check the bottom of the paws for brown stains)

GI (both food allergies and intolerances):

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• Excessive gas (flatulence)
• Weight loss
• Low energy (lethargy)

Anaphylaxis (rare, food allergy only):

• Hives and facial swelling

Causes of Food Allergies and Intolerances in Dogs

Food allergies and intolerances in dogs may have a genetic component, but the exact mechanisms by which allergies and intolerances occur in some dogs and not others are not fully understood.

Dogs may develop allergies or intolerances from a young age, or they may not develop them for several years.

Allergies and intolerances can occur in any breed and at any age, but some breeds may be at higher risk.Labrador Retriever, West Highland White Terrier, Cocker Spaniel.

There are several ingredients that are associated with food allergies and intolerances in dogs, the most common offending ingredient being protein. Common food allergies in dogsIntolerances include:

• chicken
• beef
• Dairy products
• wheat
• soy
• egg

How Veterinarians Diagnose Food Allergies and Intolerances in Dogs

There is no food allergy test for dogs; current blood tests are considered unreliable. Instead, dogs are most often diagnosed with a food allergy or intolerance based on a physical exam, clinical signs, and reactions to food trials.

Your dog’s veterinarian may recommend that you put your pet on a food trial. Food trials should last 8-12 weeks and should be done exactly as directed. Be sure to avoid giving treats, other meals, or other foods that may disrupt the results of the trial.

Filariasis and Flea and tick prevention products that contain beef or chicken protein for flavor are best at this time of year.

There are many different approaches to food testing.

• Prescription hydrolyzed protein diet.These meals break down proteins into tiny particles that cannot bind to receptors and initiate an immune response.

• Novel “new” protein/carbohydrate source diet.These are foods that have unusual sources of protein and carbohydrates and have limited ingredients, meaning there are fewer things that can cause allergic reactions.

• A diet that supports the skin.These are fortified with bioactives and phytonutrients to minimize immune system response.

Food testing is the best way to diagnose food allergies and intolerances, and while there are diagnostic tests on the market, many questions remain about their accuracy.

Treating Food Allergies and Intolerances in Dogs

Most food allergies and intolerances in dogs can be successfully treated with appropriate dietary changes.

The best diet for dogs with food allergies

Many commercially available diets can help manage allergies in dogs.

There is no “best diet” as every dog ​​has different allergies – an optimal diet would be one that is well-balanced and contains ingredients that your dog is not allergic to, promoting optimal health.

Food allergy diets are often therapeutic and require veterinary approval, which is important to ensure that any specific ingredients are not novel.

These diets usually have strict protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination, as even minute amounts of the offending allergens can cause symptoms.

Blue Buffalo™ is one brand that offers therapeutic diets, available with your veterinarian’s approval, including:

• Blue Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Dog FoodThis meal is formulated with high quality hydrolyzed salmon, which breaks down the proteins into very small fragments, making them virtually “invisible” to your dog’s immune system.

• Blue Natural Veterinary Diet NP Dog FoodThis meal is formulated with a novel protein called alligator meat, making it a good alternative for dogs who are allergic to chicken, red meat, and other animal proteins.

The best diet for dogs with food intolerances

Because food intolerances do not have an immune system component, they can often be managed with a restricted ingredient diet without a prescription.

These foods usually contain one protein source and one carbohydrate source, and if you can find the right one for the right dog, they can be a great option to help manage food intolerances.

• Blue Basics™ Skin & Stomach Care Salmon & Potato Dog Food: This is a limited ingredient, single protein food designed for dogs with food sensitivities/intolerances. It contains deboned salmon as the primary ingredient and contains no chicken or by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.

• Blue Basics Skin & Stomach Care Duck & Potato Dog Food: Another single protein, limited ingredient meal in the Blue Basics line. Grains are often an important part of a pet’s diet, but this meal offers a grain- and gluten-free option for pets who have been told by their veterinarian that they need to avoid these ingredients.

• Blue True Solutions™ Perfect Skin & Coat: This is a single protein, limited ingredient meal from the True Solutions line that is clinically proven to support healthy skin and a lustrous coat, with real salmon as the first ingredient and the only animal protein.

Allergy medication

It is common for dogs with food allergies to also have environmental allergies, so in addition to a special diet, anti-allergy medications such as Apoquel, Cytopoint, antihistamines, and steroids may be prescribed.

Some supplements may also be effective for dogs with allergies. These supplements usually contain omega fatty acids that boost the skin’s natural barrier function.

Reversing and Managing Food Intolerances and Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies and intolerances in dogs cannot be cured, but they can be successfully managed in the long term with proper dietary treatment and avoidance of the offending ingredients.

If your dog has any food allergies or intolerances, be sure to follow your vet’s specific instructions regarding the meals and treats your dog can eat.

If your dog has a food allergy or intolerance and is on a diet, expect it to take 8-12 weeks before you see any improvement.

You may notice a decrease in licking and chewing within the first four weeks, but some dogs may take up to 12 weeks to see improvement.