Food is among the most common allergic reactions dogs experience. Still, it is often overlooked by many dog owners because frequent licking and itching are usually believed to be caused by environmental factors. In reality, a good number of dogs experiencing food allergy also have an environmental allergy.

Food allergies in dogs can become severe if not treated promptly, causing diarrhea, vomiting, skin problems, and even behavioral issues.

Food Allergy Symptoms in Dogs

If your dog is suffering from a food allergy, you might notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Itchy Skin – It is also called allergic dermatitis and is the most common allergy in dogs. Itchy and irritated skin may happen anywhere on your dog. However, often it occurs near the stomach, rear-end, paws, and ears.

• Hives – these are red, itchy bumps that are called urticaria. Hives often appear around six to 24 hours after your dog eats food they are allergic to. It can be easier to notice if your dog’s hair is short. Otherwise, you might have to feel for them.

Hives and itchy skin can cause two side effects:

• 1. Scratching due to irritation can result in hair loss
• 2. Your dog will lick, bite, and scratch the affected area frequently that can break the skin. When that happens, the wound can get infected.

It is essential to monitor their symptoms and keep their fur clean with high-quality grooming supplies as this will prevent the condition from worsening.

• Tummy Problems – allergies can lead to gastrointestinal problems, like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.

• Swollen Face – allergies can cause swelling in the ear flaps, eyelids, or lips of your dog.

• Chronic Paw or Ear Infection – repeated infections in the paws or ears of your dog might be a sign of food sensitivity instead of a food allergy.

It is also essential for dog owners to understand the difference between food sensitivity and food allergy. For instance, a food allergy can trigger an instant immune system response, which doesn’t happen with food sensitivity. In food sensitivity, your dog will have a gradual reaction to one of the ingredients in the food.

Common Food Allergens

The most common food allergens among dogs include:

• Dairy products

• Beef

• Chicken

Some less common food allergens are:

• Oats

• Barley

• Rice

• Wheat

• Corn

There are some other food allergens facts that every dog owner must be aware of, including:

• If there is one allergy, there might be more. The majority of the dogs suffering from one food allergy are allergic to at least one more food.

• Starches, pure carbs, are safe since they are free of or low in protein. Generally, dogs are not allergic to them. However, there may be expectations. For instance, potato starch is safe, but whole potatoes can cause an allergy as they include protein.

• Purity matters when it comes to fats. Fish oil and other pure fats are free of protein and normally don’t cause a reaction. However, protein traces might sneak into the fats and oils during the processing and might cause and allergy.

• Gelatin must be avoided. Supplement oils usually contain capsules and might cause a reaction.

• Dogs are rarely allergic to peanuts. Even when an allergy does occur, it isn’t severe.

• Keep on a lookout for additives. While flavorants, colorants, preservatives, and chemicals are not likely to result in an allergy, they can still trigger intolerance or adverse reaction symptoms.

Be sure to check the labels of your dog food to ensure it doesn’t include any ingredient your dog is allergic too.

Long-Term Effects of Dog Food Allergies

If your dog isn’t treated for a food allergy for a long time, it may result in severe health problems, including:

• Poor quality of life

• Behavioral changes

• Symptoms worsening

• More allergies

• Skin infections

Food allergies aren’t fatal but can have a major impact on the overall health and quality of your dog’s life.

Food Elimination Diet for Dogs

The best way to determine if the dog is allergic to a specific food is to follow the elimination food diet.. in this diet, you have to feed one new carb and one new protein for eight weeks. The food must be something that you have never fed your dog—for instance, potato and fish, pea and rabbit, potato and venison.

During these eight weeks, you can’t give any other foods to your dog, which includes no supplements, no treats, and no table scraps. After these eight weeks, you can reintroduce the food items your dog was eating before. If your dog has an allergic reaction again, then that means your dog is allergic to that food.

Here are some tips to help you select the right diet for your dog with a food allergy:

• If you think your dog might be allergic to a food item, try switching their diet. Add in a different source of protein with a variety of ingredients. You can also change the level of fat in their diet.

• Keep in mind that dog food labels are not always correct. Studies have found that some commercial pet foods have several ingredients not listed in the label. Therefore, be careful when selecting a dog food brand.

• Fresh food is always safer. When you select the food that is freshly made in smaller batches, without any artificial fillers, you know exactly what your dog is eating. This way, you are in more control of their diet, and there are lesser chances of an allergic reaction.

It can become overwhelming to look after a dog suffering from food allergies, but once you know the root cause, things become much easier. There is a wide range of dog food available now that your dog is bound to enjoy. Make sure to consult your vet, get your dog the vaccinations they need, encourage more exercise, and educate yourself about better dog care to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.