Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Food allergies are a common issue in dogs and can cause discomfort if left untreated. Learn how to identify the signs of food allergies, the most common allergens, and dietary changes that can help your dog live allergy-free.

Key Points:

• Common symptoms of food allergies (itchy skin, ear infections, digestive issues)

• Common allergens in dog food (wheat, soy, chicken)

• How to conduct an elimination diet

• Recommended hypoallergenic or grain-free dog food options

How to Conduct an Elimination Diet for Dogs

Conducting an elimination diet is one of the most effective ways to identify food allergies in dogs. This process involves feeding your dog a diet that excludes common allergens for a specific period and then gradually reintroducing foods to determine which one is causing the allergic reaction.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Consult Your VetBefore starting an elimination diet, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They can help rule out other possible causes for your dog’s symptoms and guide you in choosing the right food for the elimination phase.

2. Choose a Limited Ingredient DietDuring the elimination diet, you’ll need to feed your dog a novel protein and carbohydrate source they’ve never eaten before. For example, if your dog has been eating chicken or beef-based foods, you might switch to a diet containing duck or venison with a carbohydrate like sweet potato or rice.

   You can find commercial limited ingredient diets (LID) that are formulated specifically for elimination diets. Some brands also offer prescription diets with hydrolysed protein, where the proteins are broken down into small particles that are unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction.

3. Strictly Follow the Diet for 8–12 WeeksThe elimination phase lasts anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. During this period, it’s critical to feed your dog only the prescribed food—no treats, table scraps, or flavoured medications that might contain allergens. Even small amounts of the allergen can interfere with the results.

4. Monitor for ImprovementsDuring the elimination phase, monitor your dog’s symptoms closely. You should start seeing improvement in issues like itching, ear infections, or digestive problems within a few weeks. If symptoms improve significantly, this indicates that food was likely the cause of the allergy.

5. Gradually Reintroduce FoodsAfter the elimination phase, you can begin the challenge phase, where you reintroduce one potential allergen (like chicken or beef) back into your dog’s diet for 1–2 weeks. If symptoms return, that food is likely the allergen. Remove the food again and wait for symptoms to subside before trying another food.

6. Keep a Food DiaryThroughout the elimination diet and food challenges, keep a detailed food diary noting what your dog eats and any changes in their symptoms. This will help you and your vet identify which specific ingredients are causing the allergic reaction.

7. Long-Term MaintenanceOnce you identify the allergen(s), you can create a long-term maintenance diet for your dog, avoiding the trigger ingredients. Your vet may recommend continuing with the novel protein diet or switching to a balanced commercial food that excludes the allergens.

Key Points to Remember:

• Stick to the elimination diet without deviation.

• Patience is key, as it can take several weeks to see results.

• Always work with your vet to ensure the diet is nutritionally complete.

Recommended Hypoallergenic or Grain-Free Dog Food Options

• When your dog suffers from food allergies, choosing the right food can make a world of difference in their health and wellbeing. Hypoallergenic and grain-free dog food options are specifically formulated to minimise allergens and support dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin conditions. Here are some of the best options to consider:

  1. Hypoallergenic Dog Food

  Hypoallergenic dog foods are designed to reduce the likelihood of triggering allergic reactions. These foods usually feature novel proteins or hydrolysed proteins, and often exclude common allergens like beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat.

• a. Hydrolysed Protein Diets Hydrolysed protein diets break down the protein into smaller particles, making them less likely to trigger an immune response in dogs with food allergies. Some popular choices include:

• Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities

  This food uses hydrolysed chicken liver as the protein source and is specifically formulated for dogs with severe food sensitivities.

b. Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)

Limited ingredient diets typically contain fewer components, with novel protein and carbohydrate sources, reducing the chance of exposure to common allergens. Top LID options include:

• Imby Dog Food: A Quality Limited Ingredient Diet (LID)

Imby dog food is an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a Limited Ingredient Diet (LID), specifically designed to reduce the risk of food allergies or sensitivities in dogs. By using a simplified recipe, Imby focuses on providing a highly digestible formula with minimal ingredients to help avoid common allergens.

Key Features of Imby Dog Food:

• Novel Protein Sources: Imby’s LID formulas often use novel proteins such as insect protein or other less common sources, which can be gentler on sensitive stomachs and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

• Minimal Ingredients: Imby limits its formulas to a few high-quality ingredients, ensuring that your dog’s diet is both simple and nutritious without unnecessary fillers.

• Hypoallergenic Benefits: Since the recipes are free from common allergens like beef, chicken, or dairy, they are ideal for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or skin conditions triggered by typical proteins.

Imby dog food’s LID approach can benefit dogs that experience gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, or other allergic reactions linked to their diet. By focusing on fewer, carefully selected ingredients, Imby provides a nutritionally balanced option while reducing the chance of allergic flare-ups.

2. Grain-Free Dog Food

Grain-free dog food can be beneficial for dogs that are sensitive or allergic to grains such as wheat, corn, or soy. It replaces grains with alternative carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, peas, or lentils. Here are some top grain-free dog food options:

a. Retorn Dog Food: Grain-Free for Optimal Digestive Health

If you're seeking a high-quality grain-free diet for your dog, Retorn dog food offers a fantastic solution. Grain-free diets are particularly beneficial for dogs that may have intolerances or allergies to grains like wheat, corn, or soy. Retorn replaces grains with easily digestible alternatives to promote better overall health and digestion.

Key Features of Retorn Dog Food:

• No Grains or Fillers: Retorn completely eliminates grains from their formulas, using nutrient-rich alternatives such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. This helps dogs who struggle with grain sensitivities to maintain balanced energy levels without digestive issues.

• High-Quality Proteins: Retorn uses real, high-quality animal proteins like fish, lamb, or chicken, ensuring that your dog gets the necessary amino acids to support muscle growth and overall wellbeing.

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Rich: Many Retorn formulas include ingredients rich in omega fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and support joint health, especially in aging dogs.

Grain-free diets like Retorn’s are ideal for dogs with sensitivities to grains, as they provide a wholesome alternative without compromising on nutritional quality. These diets can help alleviate issues such as itchy skin, digestive problems, and weight management challenges.

b. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Canine Recipe

This grain-free option uses novel proteins such as bison and venison, combined with sweet potatoes and peas, to provide easily digestible energy. It also includes probiotics to promote digestive health.