Food Allergies In Dogs - Symptoms To Look For
What are dog food allergies? If your dog reacts negatively to a certain food, this may be due to a food allergy. Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but the most common dog food allergens are proteins, such as chicken, beef or dairy.
Dog food allergies can be challenging for pet owners to identify and manage. Recognising symptoms early can help provide your furry friend with relief while improving their quality of life. Below, Rory the Vet shares his guidance on dog food allergies, including tips on how to identify symptoms, how to health check a dog and next steps if affected.
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet..
Follow him on Instagram
Understanding Dog Food Allergy Symptoms
Food allergies in dogs occur when their immune system has a reaction to a food it mistakenly believes to be harmful. This response typically appears after a while rather than immediately after consuming and can lead to a range of symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies
• Itching and scratching: Persistent itching that results in red and sore skin
• Recurring skin or ear infections: One of the most missed underlying causes of recurrent skin and ear infections is a food allergy or intolerance
• Dermatitis: Red, inflamed skin that may develop into dermatitis
• Digestive problems: Including excessive wind, burping, maldigestion, an upset stomach and vomiting
• Licking/chewing paws
Other Symptoms
• Excessive flatulence and a potential need for their anal glands to be expressed
• Behavioural changes: Increased irritability or lethargy
Diagnosing Food Allergies
If you think that your dog may be having an allergic reaction, it’s very important that you contact your vet for guidance.
Your veterinarian will want to rule out any other possible causes for itchy skin, vomiting, etc, before practicing the below two methods.
Elimination Diet
Restricting intake of certain proteins and monitoring for improvement is the current best way to diagnose a food allergy. I often start by restricting the diet to a single protein source as a first port of call.
Food Trials
This involves feeding your dog a hypoallergenic diet, which offers a variety of unique protein sources that are not recognised by a dog’s antibodies as being antigens and so will minimise an allergic reaction. A hypoallergenic diet can help determine if food is the source of the allergy.
Managing Dog Food Allergies
Once your vet has confirmed a food allergy diagnosis, they will provide you with a treatment plan that will include the following.
Dietary Adjustments
A food allergen can be well managed by excluding the offending ingredient from your dog’s diet. Your vet will be able to recommend complete and nourishing diet options. Never change your dog’s diet without consulting with your veterinarian first.
Regular Monitoring
Monitoring the symptoms of your dog is important to ensure they are reacting positively to any change in their diet. Practising dog health checks at home and having regular check-ups with your vet can help manage your dog’s condition effectively.
For skin lesions, regular shampooing and skin maintenance is an essential part of managing this symptom
Conclusion
Although a dog food allergy cannot be cured, by understanding the symptoms and taking the appropriate action, it can be well-managed to provide your best buddy with a normal, happy life. It is worth noting that dogs with food allergies are often prone to environmental causes too. Discuss with your vet if you have any further concerns and keep them up-to-date with check-ups.
Explore our Special Diets for Dogs
We know every dog is different, that's why we have a section on our site dedicated to Special Diets for dogs. From grain-free recipes to options made for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those following hypoallergenic diet, take a look at our selection.
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.
Published on 28/04/2025