The Bare-Bones of Food Allergies for Dogs
Friday, February 26, 2021 11:48:59 AM America/Los_Angeles
Allergies are not uncommon in dogs, but food allergies are an altogether different beast. Food allergies can cause many of the same symptoms such as itching or chronic inflammation, but unlike other allergies, some common food allergies for dogs can also cause the unfortunate symptoms of diarrhea, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues. In this post, we address some common food allergies for dogs, their causes, and dog allergy treatments.
Photo by Karsten Winegeart
What foods cause allergic reactions in dogs?
Dogs can be genetically disposed to allergies or develop them over time. Each dog is different but they’re often allergic to more than one type of food. Common food allergies for dogs actually come from some of the most popular ingredients in pet food such as chicken, beef, wheat, and soy. Other potential allergens can include lamb, pork, rabbit, and fish.
Identifying Your Dog’s Food Allergy
Dogs are naturally lactose-intolerant so it’s important to see if you can eliminate symptoms simply by refraining from providing food with dairy such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Soy and grains are another ingredient that dogs don’t tolerate well. With so many grain free options on the market these days, selecting an option that works for your dog may take longer but you’re more likely to find a food that works for your fur baby’s specific needs.
How to Treat Food Allergies in Dogs
Your vet will likely ask you to put your dog on a limited ingredient diet so that you can figure out the culprit through a process of elimination. Typically, a whole new food is introduced and ingredients that were previously in your pup’s diet are added one by one. If they have a reaction, then you’ll know what’s behind your dog’s food allergy. This means treats, too! Be sure to provide treats with limited ingredients that are free from soy and grains, which can aggravate symptoms.
Make sure you have a pee pad inside your home so your pup can go potty as they need. Having a real bark dog bathroom like Bark Potty can help make it easier to manage any gastrointestinal symptoms for when you’re away or preoccupied.
Remember, if you see symptoms worsening or you see any behaviors or symptoms that are unusual for your dog, speak with your vet about dog allergy treatment options.