The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens, and symptoms occur.
Dogs are most commonly allergic to the following foods (in descending order): beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb/mutton, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish.
According to long-time veterinarians, allergic reactions in dogs can be triggered by a number of environmental substances (allergens) including grasses, pollen, mold, dust mites, cigarette smoke, feathers, chemicals, pests, medicines and more.
Common allergens include pollens, mold spores, dust mites, shed skin cells (like pet allergies in humans), insect proteins such as flea saliva, and some medications.
Beef, corn, dairy, and wheat are some of the most problematic ingredients. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can take a long time for symptoms of food allergies to become apparent. Often dog's appear to 'suddenly' become allergic to a food that they have been eating for months.
Common signs of food sensitivity include: Gastrointestinal signs: often diarrhea the following day with or without vomiting. Dermatologic signs: Poor skin or itchy coat. Chronic ear or foot infections (yeast and/or bacterial)
Fish-based diets are often the first recommendation for itchy dogs, as they are at the same time a novel protein diet and contain high levels of natural fish oil, making them similar to a 'skin care diet'. This means they are likely to help with any type of skin allergy.
Beef is another common allergen in dogs. Beef is not as common of a main ingredient as chicken since it is usually more expensive to include in the foods. To substitute beef, you want another protein source, such as chicken, lamb, or salmon. Beef is the least common allergy amongst the five.
**If your dog has food allergies to grains, you may want to avoid rice. That said, rice is gluten-free, so if your dog needs to avoid gluten, white rice will be OK. See our article for the best dog food for food allergies when you're diagnosing food allergens.
"The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins..." The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens, and symptoms occur.
Chicken tends to be a common food allergy or intolerance in dogs. Some dogs can have small amounts of chicken, but should avoid it as part of their main diet. Others have to steer clear completely.
Novel proteins are meats that dogs aren't often exposed to – such as pork, fish, venison, or duck. It's less likely that dogs are allergic to novel proteins that aren't in their normal diets. That's why you can find novel proteins like lamb, rabbit, or turkey in the best food for dogs with allergies.
Beef, dairy, wheat, and chicken are the most common culprits of food allergies in dogs.
The best foods for dogs with allergies include proteins like rabbit and duck, veggies like green beans and broccoli, and fruits like apples, watermelon, and pears.
The Best Dog Food for Allergies
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d. Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein. Royal Canin Ultamino. Purina HA.
Trying a novel protein such as fish, pork, lamb, venison, duck or rabbit may do the trick. Dry kibbles designed to relieve skin problems typically have a single meat source, and either a single grain source or a starchy vegetable substitute such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, or legumes.
Along with some other types of fish, salmon is also a good protein source. In fact, salmon is a common ingredient in high-quality dog foods. If your dog is allergic to more common sources of protein like chicken, salmon may be a good alternative.
Lamb is a superb source of protein, B12, and essential amino acids your dog needs to thrive. For some dog parents, lamb is an excellent option since their pups might be allergic to other meats, including pork or chicken.
Yes, eggs are good for dogs with itchy skin. In fact, they are a very nutritious treat for your dog. Eggs are a source of protein that is full of fatty acids that work to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy. It is also full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and vitamin B, iron, selenium and folate.
Best Vegetables For Dogs With Allergies
They include green beans, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, spinach and cucumber, which are low in allergens and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
If the pet has a food allergy, we expect to see at least a 50% reduction in licking, scratching, chewing or other dermatologic signs. This may occur within the first four weeks for some animals; in others the response may take up to 12 weeks.
Skin issues:Hives, also known as urticaria, may pop up 6 to 24 hours after your dog eats the food they are allergic to. If your dog has short hair, these itchy red bumps are easier to see. Otherwise, you may have to feel for them. In cats, skin irritation may take longer to see.
When Do Dog Food Allergies Develop? It's important to remember that food allergies can develop at any time. A food your dog has consumed for years with no troubles may suddenly cause an allergic reaction, or symptoms may develop soon after you change your dog's diet.