Common Food Allergies in Dogs and How to Manage Them

Have you ever caught your dog obsessively scratching, licking their paws, or even turning up their nose at meals they once loved? As a dog parent, it’s heart-wrenching to see your furry companion uncomfortable, especially when they can’t tell you what’s wrong.

Believe it or not, the culprit might be hiding in their food bowl. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from food allergies.

We’ve sniffed out the most common canine food allergies, how to recognize them, and—most importantly—how to manage them so your pup can get back to tail-wagging and treat-loving.

Food Allergies vs. Intolerances: What’s the Difference?

Food allergies occur when your dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful, triggering an immune response. This can lead to symptoms such as chronic itching, ear infections, hives, or even gastrointestinal upset.

Food intolerances are not linked to the immune system. Instead, they arise from your dog’s inability to properly digest certain foods, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or vomiting.

While both issues can make your furry friend uncomfortable, pinpointing whether you’re dealing with an allergy or intolerance is key to finding the right solution.

Common Allergens in Dog Food: What Should You Watch Out For?

Proteins

Proteins are among the most common culprits when it comes to food allergies in dogs.

Beef, chicken, and lamb are often staples in commercial dog foods, but for some dogs, repeated exposure can lead to an allergic reaction.

If your dog shows signs of itching, ear problems, or digestive upset after meals containing these proteins, it may be time to explore alternative protein sources.

Grains

If you suspect grains might be the issue, switch to a grain-free recipe such as our Rescue diet.

Additives

Many commercial dog foods include artificial preservatives, flavors, and fillers to improve shelf life and reduce costs.

However, these additives can sometimes trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in dogs. Common culprits include BHA, BHT, and certain dyes.

To minimize the risk, opt for high-quality dog foods made with natural preservatives and wholesome ingredients—your pup’s health is worth it!

4 Signs Your Dog May Have a Food Allergy

1. Skin Symptoms: Is Your Dog Scratching More Than Usual?

Chronic skin irritation is one of the most noticeable signs of a food allergy.

If your dog scratches excessively, develops redness, or experiences hot spots, the diet could be to blame. Hair loss in localized areas can also occur, leaving your pup uncomfortable and you concerned.

Pay close attention to patterns, especially if these symptoms worsen after meals.

2. Digestive Upsets: Could Their Diet Be the Cause?

Digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas may indicate that your dog’s food isn’t agreeing with them.

Unlike a one-off upset stomach, recurrent digestive problems could signal a food allergy or intolerance.

If you consistently notice these symptoms, it might be time to consult your vet and consider an elimination diet to identify the culprit.

3. Chronic Ear Infections: A Surprising Allergy Clue

Does your dog frequently suffer from ear infections, especially those caused by yeast? This could be more than an isolated issue.

Chronic ear infections are a common but often overlooked symptom of food allergies. If infections return despite proper treatment, a deeper look at their diet might reveal the root cause.

4. Behavioral Changes: Are Allergies Making Your Dog Moody?

Dogs with chronic discomfort due to allergies may not act like themselves.

Irritability, restlessness, or even signs of depression can stem from the physical discomfort of undiagnosed allergies.

If your usually happy pup seems grumpy or uneasy, it’s worth exploring whether food sensitivities might play a role. A happier dog starts with a healthier hypoallergenic diet!

Diagnosing and Managing Food Allergies

A holistic vet can help design a personalized plan to manage your dog’s allergies. By considering your dog’s overall health, lifestyle, and diet, they’ll guide you toward natural and effective solutions to minimize allergic reactions.

Elimination Diet: The Gold Standard for Allergy Detection

An elimination diet involves removing potential allergens from your dog’s meals and then slowly reintroducing them one at a time.

This process helps pinpoint the exact trigger of your dog’s allergies and is considered the most reliable way to identify problem foods.

Allergy Testing: What Tests Can Tell You About Your Dog

Although not always definitive, allergy tests such as saliva, blood, or hair analysis can provide helpful clues about your dog’s sensitivities.

These tests can complement an elimination diet, offering additional insights to fine-tune your dog’s nutrition and overall care.

Managing Food Allergies With the Right Diet

Finding the right diet is the cornerstone of managing your dog’s food allergies effectively. A balanced diet free of common allergens can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your pup’s quality of life.

Incorporating high-quality, nutrient-dense foods is essential. Look for diets made with whole food ingredients, free from artificial additives, and formulated to support digestive health. Combining this with supplements creates a stronger foundation for your dog’s overall well-being.

Grain-Free & Additive-Free

The Volhard Rescue Diet is a dehydrated base mix designed for dogs with specific dietary needs, particularly those suffering from food intolerances, gastrointestinal issues, or recovering from illness.

It is grain-free, gluten-free, and hypo-allergenic, making it suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to common ingredients in many commercial dog foods.

Our Rescue diet includes freeze-dried organ meats (like pork liver), a variety of vegetables (such as pumpkin, zucchini, and broccoli), and supportive herbs. These ingredients are chosen for their anti-inflammatory properties and nutritional benefits.

It also supports various bodily functions, including liver, kidney, heart, and digestive health. The diet is also low on the glycemic index, which can benefit dogs needing to manage their blood sugar levels.

Rotation Diets

Rotation diets, like the Volhard AM/PM diet, offer a structured approach to managing food allergies and sensitivities. The AM Porridge focuses on energy and digestion, featuring grains, eggs, and vegetables, while the PM Crumble emphasizes high-quality protein with freeze-dried liver and essential nutrients.

Together, these meals provide a balanced diet that’s easy to digest and supports overall well-being.

Not only does this approach aid in healing gastrointestinal issues, but it also ensures your dog receives a variety of nutrients while reducing the risk of developing new sensitivities.

Gut Health Supplements

Supplements can significantly improve digestion and nutrient absorption, which is essential for dogs with food allergies:

• Endurance: A nutrient-packed topper that provides essential vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids, helping your dog maintain optimal digestion and energy levels.
• Veggie Pak: A blend of dehydrated vegetables and herbs that hydrates to four times its weight, delivering whole-food nutrition and live enzymes for a strong digestive system. Packed with anti-inflammatory compounds, it’s great for cancer prevention and overall health.
• Vitamin B-Complex: Mimics the natural B-vitamin ratios found in liver protein to support digestion, reduce shedding, repel fleas, and boost energy.
• Digestive Enzymes: Formulated with prebiotics and probiotics, they help break down food, improve nutrient absorption, and alleviate digestive discomfort.
• Krill Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, our krill supplement reduces inflammation, supports joint health, and promotes a shiny coat.

Take Control of Your Dog’s Allergies With Volhard Dog Nutrition!

Volhard Dog Nutrition offers a comprehensive solution for managing your dog’s food allergies while ensuring they receive the best possible nutrition. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver optimal nutrition while avoiding common allergens. Volhard’s supplements work alongside their diets to boost immune function, improve gut health, and reduce inflammation.

Take charge of your dog’s health with Volhard Dog Nutrition’s science-backed, easy-to-follow solutions. Say goodbye to allergy-related discomfort and hello to a happier, healthier pup—because your dog deserves nothing less than the best!

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. Tiffany, Siarra, et al. "Assessment of Dog Owners' Knowledge Relating to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine Food Allergies." The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2019, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6380261/. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
2. Verlinden, A., et al. "Food allergy in dogs and cats: A Review." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, vol. 46, no. 3, Apr. 2006, pp. 259–273, https://doi.org/10.1080/10408390591001117. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
3. Meyers, Harriet. "Everything You Need to Know about Dog Food Allergies." American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 4 Dec. 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-food-allergi... Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
4. "Food Allergies in Dogs: VCA Animal Hospitals." Vca, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/food-allergies-in-dogs. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.