Your dog’s constant scratching and upset stomach might point to canine food sensitivities. Food allergies in dogs are fairly common, and this is one of the reasons why our Holistic Bin Canine Club was created.
It all started when the owner’s dog (Foxy) was starting to show signs of canine food sensitivities. In fact, on top of the food sensitivities, she had numerous allergies to certain trees and pollens. For several years, they went back and forth through trial and error, trying to pinpoint what they could do to alleviate the symptoms and sensitivities she was experiencing.
They tried everything from diet changes to various supplements to even crafting their own cooked and raw foods at home. All these trials led to finding a holistic solution through very specific ingredients being added to Foxy’s food that cleared up her issues. They then went on to test these ingredients with other dogs, and to their surprise, they found that they worked perfectly.
Studies show that 10% of all dog health issues stem from food reactions.
In this article, we will dive deeper and help you spot the signs of food problems and find the right diet fixes for your pet. Your dog needs your help to feel better now. Hopefully, we will have the answers to some of your questions and concerns.
Disclaimer: This article on canine food sensitivities is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. For common pet care advice and guidance, it is recommended that you call your veterinarian first before adding any new foods or supplements to your dog’s diet.
What Are Canine Food Sensitivities?
Food sensitivities affect 10% of dogs (sometimes it can be a single food ingredient that causes the issue) and cause trouble with digestion and an adverse food reaction. Dogs react badly to certain foods through their immune system or have trouble breaking down specific ingredients.
German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels face these issues more often than other breeds. The signs show up as skin problems, upset stomachs, or changes in behavior.
Dogs with food sensitivities need special care with their meals. The problems start in two ways — through true allergies that trigger immune responses or through food intolerances that upset digestion.
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Many dogs show clear signs like itching, red skin, throwing up, or loose stools. These reactions make daily life hard for both dogs and their owners.
The Difference Between Common Food Allergies in Dogs and Food Intolerances in Dogs
There seems to be some confusion as to if dogs have an allergy or intolerance.
Your dog’s immune system reacts strongly to allergies, while intolerances affect digestion. True allergies strike after many meals of the same food, but intolerances can pop up right away with a specific food.
Canine food allergies cause the need for strict diet control. Dogs with intolerances tend to have more food choices than dogs with food allergies.
The signs differ between these issues. Allergies cause skin problems and ear infections in 30% of pets. Dogs with intolerances mainly show tummy troubles like gas or loose stools.
Your vet can spot the difference through an 8-12 week diet trial. This test helps pick the right meal plan for your furry friend.
Common Symptoms of Food Sensitivities in Dogs
Dogs show clear signs of food trouble through their skin and stomach. Let’s unpack what to watch for in your furry friend.
1. Skin issues (itching, redness, rashes)
Your pet’s skin tells a clear story about food sensitivities. Itchy skin affects 30% of pets with food allergies, especially around their paws, ears, and anal area. Red, swollen patches show up on their skin as a direct sign of food reactions.
These issues often lead to constant scratching and licking.
Skin problems need quick action to help your furry friend feel better. Food-related skin troubles cause recurrent ear infections and irritated patches. Your pet might scratch more after eating certain proteins or grains.
All that being said, a vet check can spot the exact cause of your pet’s discomfort.
Digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea, gas)
Dogs with food sensitivities often show clear signs through their digestive system. Food-allergic dogs suffer from stomach problems like throwing up and loose stools. These signs pop up fast after eating problem foods.
Gas, belly pain, and lack of energy point to food troubles in most cases.
Bad reactions to food can make dogs lose weight and feel sick. Most pups show these signs right after meals with problem ingredients. A food trial helps spot the exact foods causing trouble.
Dogs need special diets without common triggers to feel better. Clear signs help vets pick the right food plan for sick pups.
Common Food Allergens in Dogs
Your dog might react poorly to certain foods. Trying a new food can be like rolling the dice. Let’s dive deeper into what foods cause trouble and how to spot them.
1. Proteins such as chicken, beef, and dairy
Proteins like chicken, beef, and dairy top the list of food triggers in dogs. These common ingredients cause most food allergies in pets after long-term exposure. Dogs often show signs through itchy skin or upset stomachs from eating these proteins.
Many dogs react badly to more than one protein source at the same time.
Food allergies start small but grow stronger with each meal containing problem proteins. A dog’s body sees these proteins as threats and fights against them. The immune system attacks these foods, leading to skin rashes or tummy troubles.
Switching to different protein sources helps stop these reactions.
2. Grains like wheat and soy
Wheat and soy in dog food can trigger serious health issues. Dogs with wheat allergies show clear signs like itchy skin and upset stomachs. Your pet needs to stay away from all wheat and gluten foods to feel better.
Food labels must be checked for hidden wheat sources.
Soy can cause trouble for many dogs, too. The signs include red, itchy skin plus tummy problems like throwing up and loose stools. A soy-free diet helps dogs feel better fast.
Your dog’s food needs change over time — feeding the same food daily raises the risk of new food problems.
Non-seasonal itching points to food troubles, while seasonal itching suggests other allergy types.
Diagnosing Dog Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities in Dogs
Your vet will guide you through special tests and diet changes to spot what foods make your dog sick, but let’s explore the best ways to find these hidden triggers.
1. Elimination diet trials
Food allergies in dogs need a special test called an elimination diet trial. This test helps find out which foods make your dog sick.
- Feed your dog a special diet with new proteins for 8-12 weeks straight
- Stop all other foods, treats, and flavored pills during the trial period
- Most dogs show better signs after 4-6 weeks on the new diet
- The success rate goes up to 90% after 8 weeks of strict diet rules
- Pick one protein and one carb source that your dog has never eaten
- Stay away from common foods like chicken, beef, or wheat during the trial
- Watch for changes in skin problems and stomach issues as signs get better
- Keep a daily log of what your dog eats and any symptoms you see
- Talk to your vet about the right diet plan for the trial period
- Add back old foods one at a time after the trial to spot problem foods
- Give each test food two weeks to see if bad signs come back
- Make notes of which foods cause issues to avoid them in the future
- Ask for blood tests if the diet trial does not give clear answers
- Stick to the foods that work well once you find them
2. Veterinary testing and analysis
Your vet plays a key role in testing your dog’s food issues. Blood, hair, or saliva tests, unfortunately, don’t give reliable results for food allergies. These tests often show false positives, leading to wrong treatment paths.
The best way to spot food problems is through a careful diet plan with your vet’s help.
A proper test takes 7 to 14 days to show clear signs. Your vet will guide you through an elimination diet to pinpoint the exact triggers. Many dogs need special prescription diets that go through strict quality checks.
These diets work better than store-bought limited-ingredient foods. Your vet tracks your pet’s progress and helps you stick to the new eating plan, which matters most in homes with many pets.
Managing Canine Food Sensitivities and Symptoms of Food Allergies
Managing your dog’s food sensitivities starts with picking the right diet and sticking to it. Below, let’s go over some proven steps that can help your furry friend feel better.
1. Switching to a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet
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- Food changes can help your dog feel better. Your pet needs the right diet to stay healthy.
- Novel protein diets use meats your dog hasn’t eaten before, like venison or rabbit. These proteins lower the chance of allergic reactions by 80% in 4-6 weeks.
- Hydrolyzed diets break down proteins into tiny pieces. This special process helps dogs digest food better and stops allergic reactions.
- Start with small amounts of the new food to help your dog adjust. Mix the old and new food for 7-10 days.
- Pick foods with one protein and one carb source only. This makes it easy to spot what bothers your dog.
- Check food labels for hidden ingredients. Many pet foods mix different proteins during making.
- Stick to vet-approved diets instead of store brands. Regular “limited ingredient” foods often have cross-contamination.
- Watch your dog for 8 weeks on the new diet. 90% of dogs show clear signs of feeling better by this time.
- Keep the new diet going if it works well. Hydrolyzed diets work best as short-term fixes.
- Store special diet foods away from regular pet food. This stops ingredients from mixing by accident.
- Clean food bowls after each meal. Old food bits can trigger bad reactions.
2. Avoiding known allergens
Your dog needs a strict plan to stay away from trigger foods. Make a list of problem ingredients from your vet’s tests or food diary notes. Read every pet food label before buying — even treats and supplements can hide unsafe items.
Your pet’s health depends on your careful choices at each meal.
Dogs thrive on simple, safe diets without risky ingredients. Pick new protein sources your pet hasn’t eaten before, like duck or rabbit. Stick to limited-ingredient foods with 8-10 items total.
A clean diet prevents flare-ups and keeps your furry friend happy. Your vet can suggest the right foods to try.
Don’t Allow Canine Food Sensitivities from Slowing Down Your Pup
Food sensitivities affect many dogs, but smart choices make a big difference. Quick action helps spot the signs early and keeps your pup healthy. Working with a vet creates the right diet plan for your dog’s needs.
Simple steps like reading labels and tracking symptoms lead to better health for your furry friend.
You can also look to fill nutrient gaps and improve your pup's health by leveraging the holistic and natural supplements in our Holistic Bin Canine Club. Feel free to check out all we have to offer for your pup. Simply sprinkle them on top of your dog’s food for a powerful nutrient boost!
Canine Food Sensitivities Resources
1. https://frommfamily.com/articles/dog-health-wellness/pet-food-allergies-or-food-intolerance-in-dogs/
2. https://www.purinainstitute.com/centresquare/therapeutic-nutrition/food-allergy-and-food-intolerance
3. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/food-allergies-dogs
4. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/food-allergies-in-dogs
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7848179/
Author:
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is the owner of Weik Fitness. He is a globally recognized and prolific writer. With a passion for creating health and fitness content, Matt’s work has been featured on thousands of websites, over 100 magazines, and he has authored over a dozen published books.