Best Food Options for Dogs with Allergies
Food allergies in dogs are common and can lead to a range of uncomfortable and sometimes severe symptoms. Choosing the right diet is critical for identifying and managing these allergies effectively. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to certain food ingredients, most often proteins.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs
- Itching and scratching, especially on the paws, ears, face, and belly
- Skin infections like bacterial or yeast overgrowth due to repeated scratching
- Ear infections and recurrent otitis
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Hives, sneezing, and increased bowel movements
Recognizing these symptoms early is important, especially since allergies can begin at any age, though signs often appear before the age of one year.
Most Common Food Allergens in Dogs
- Beef - 34%
- Dairy - 17%
- Chicken - 15%
- Wheat - 13%
- Lamb - 5%
- Others include soy, corn, egg, pork, fish, and rice
Diagnosis Through Elimination Diets
The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies in dogs is an elimination diet trial supervised by a veterinarian, lasting at least 8 to 12 weeks. During this trial, your dog consumes a hydrolyzed protein or novel protein prescription diet exclusively. If symptoms subside, specific ingredients are reintroduced to identify the allergen.
Over-the-counter limited-ingredient diets are not reliable due to potential cross-contamination and undisclosed ingredients. Accurate diagnosis requires strict avoidance of:
- Treats and table scraps
- Flavored medications
- Chews and supplements
Types of Therapeutic Diets
- Hydrolyzed Protein Diets: Proteins broken into smaller fragments to prevent immune response
- Novel Protein Diets: Uses uncommon proteins like rabbit, venison, or duck that the dog hasn’t consumed before
- Home-Prepared Diets: Effective under veterinary guidance but require nutritional balancing and careful preparation
Medical Management
Although diet is the primary method for treatment, certain medications might be necessary during flare-ups:
- Cytopoint (lokivetmab)
- Apoquel (oclacitinib)
- Atopica (cyclosporine)
- Glucocorticoids and antihistamines
- Antibiotics and antifungals for secondary infections
Other Factors to Consider
Some dogs are also allergic to storage mites found in dry kibble. Preventive steps include:
- Buying only a 30-day supply of food
- Storing food in airtight containers in a cool, dry environment
- Freezing weekly portions to deter mite growth
- Washing containers regularly
Additionally, some dogs with a food allergy may also react to environmental allergens like pollen or dust mites, requiring more comprehensive allergy testing and management.
Diagnostic Limitations
Currently, there are no reliable blood, saliva, or hair tests to diagnose food allergies. Intradermal and patch testing are also considered ineffective for food allergies in dogs.
Breed Predispositions
Certain breeds are more prone to food allergies:
- Labrador Retrievers
- West Highland White Terriers
- Boxers
- Cocker Spaniels
- German Shepherds
- Pugs
Key Takeaways
- The best diet for allergic dogs is a veterinarian-prescribed hydrolyzed or novel protein food
- A strict elimination diet trial is essential to identify allergens
- OTC limited-ingredient diets are unreliable due to cross-contamination
- Long-term management includes dietary control and medications as needed
- Prevention of storage mite exposure helps reduce allergic reactions
Choosing the right food for a dog with allergies can be challenging, but with veterinary guidance and commitment to a proper diet trial, your pet can experience significant relief and improved quality of life.
