Dog Skin Allergies

Dog food allergies are thought to account for only 1% to 6% of all cases involving nonseasonal itchiness in dogs. It’s important to distinguish the difference between dog food allergies and food intolerance. A food allergy or hypersensitivity is caused by a response triggered by the immune system,. A food intolerance is an adverse reaction caused by something not related to the immune system such as garbage ingestion or eating chocolate or onions.

The most common clinical sign of dog food allergies is itchiness accompanied by gastrointestinal problems. However, other signs that have been associated with dog food allergies include vomiting, diarrhea, neurologic symptoms and even seizures. Certain breeds may be more predisposed to the condition than others. These include Wheaton Terriers, Dalmatians, West Highland Terriers, Collies, Shar-Peis, Lhasa Apso, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Miniature Schauzers, Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, Poodles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers.

The best method for diagnosing a dog food allergy is to conduct an elimination food trial in which only one or two novel protein and carbohydrate sources are fed for a minimum of 8-12 weeks or longer. The most common allergens that cause dog food allergies include beef, dairy, and wheat. Common ingredients found in canine diets used for allergic food trials include venison, duck, fish, potatoes, and rice. Lamb is no longer considered to be a novel protein source for dogs because of its popularity in many over-the-counter foods.

When treating dog food allergies it’s important to feed your dog a prescription diet available only from veterinarians. Many pet food companies produce special diets labeled for dog food allergies but these products contain additional ingredients not allowed in prescription diets. There can also be many additives in these diets that are not included on the list of ingredients. Unfortunately, despite owner concern about the quality of certain brands of commercial dog food, there’s no holistic or natural dog food available in pet stores that compare to the hypoallergenic diets developed by companies that specialize in prescription pet food. Two of the best foods used for dog food allergies include Hills Z/D Ultra and Royal Canin IVD Venison and Potato. Owners also have the option of feeding their dog a homemade diet if they have hesitations about feeding commercial dog food.