Just like we humans, doggos can suffer from food allergies and intolerances too.
These food sensitivities can really impact their overall health and wellbeing.
So, it’s really helpful to have an understanding of what those allergens can be and how to recognise if they are impacting your pup.
Some ingredients are known to trigger allergies in our furry friends, they are known as dog allergens.
Let’s explore what those ingredients are and how to tell if your dog is being affected by them.
Common Dog Allergens Found In Food
These are some of the most common dog allergens you might encounter in popular food options:
- Beef: One of the most common ingredients found in dog food, beef is also one of the most frequent dog allergens. If your dog is allergic to beef, their immune system will overreact when it detects beef proteins. This can cause a number of symptoms ranging from skin complaints to digestive problems.
- Dairy: Many dogs love to chow down on cheese and other dairy products, but unfortunately, many are also lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy proteins like casein or whey. Often, a dairy sensitivity can trigger symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting or skin concerns.
- Chicken: Another protein commonly found in dog food, chicken can also cause allergic reactions in pups. If your dog is sensitive to chicken, they may develop itchy skin, ear infections or digestive issues.
- Wheat: Like humans, our furry friends can also be sensitive to gluten! Grains like wheat are commonly included in dog biscuits and can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. They may experience gastro problems, skin irritation, or have a lacklustre coat.
- Soy: Often used as a filler or protein source in commercially produced fog foods, soy is another common allergen. Doggos with soy allergies can have the common symptoms of itching, ear infections or digestive problems.
- Lamb: Lamb is commonly recommended as a good protein alternative for dogs that experience beef or chicken allergies. Unfortunately, it can also be a culprit allergen itself!
- Preservatives and Food Dyes: While most food allergies are caused by proteins or grains, your pup can also have adverse reactions to artificial preservatives or food dyes. These ingredients are often included in commercial brand dog foods and trigger symptoms like tummy upsets and skin issues.
Recognising The Symptoms Of Dog Allergies
Sometimes there will be really clear signs that something isn’t quite agreeing with your pup, while other symptoms may be more subtle.
These are the key signs to watch out for when trying to recognise doggo food allergies:
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Itchy Skin
One of the most common signs of a food allergy is excessive itching. Common areas of irritation are around the paws, ears, face, or belly. Dogs with food allergies often scratch or bite at these areas, leading to redness or hair loss. -
Chronic Ear Infections
If your pup gets a lot of ear infections, it can indicate an underlying allergy. When they frequently scratch at their ears or you notice a smelly odour, swelling, or discharge, it’s worth investigating a possible food allergy. -
Gastro Issues
Persistent tummy issues are always a cause for concern. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, and bloating can all be signs of a food intolerance or allergy. If you notice these issues in your pup frequently, a food-related allergy may be to blame. -
Hair Loss or Poor Coat Quality
One of the most obvious visual symptoms of an allergy is a problem with your dog’s coat. Allergies often result in hair loss, dull coat, or flaky skin. If your dog’s fur looks less shiny, feels dry, or starts falling out, an allergic reaction to food could be the cause. -
Frequent Licking
Dogs with food allergies may excessively lick their paws, belly, or other parts of their body. This is often due to the itching and discomfort caused by the allergy. So, if your pup is licking themselves more, an allergen could be to blame.
Addressing Suspected Dog Allergies
Noticing the signs of an allergy is the first step. But, then you will need to identify which ingredient is actually triggering the allergy. Sometimes, that can be easier said than done when dog food often contains a whole list of ingredients!
If you notice that your dog is experiencing allergy symptoms, the safest approach is to seek advice from your vet to identify whether it is an allergy or not. They will usually recommend an elimination diet that removes common allergens from your pup's meals, then slowly reintroduces them one by one. This will help to pinpoint the exact ingredient that is causing the reaction.
Once you establish what the allergen is, you can then ensure you choose a suitable food without the offending ingredient!
Minimising The Risk Of Allergens
While you can’t prevent food allergies from occurring if your dog has a propensity for them, you can minimise the risk by choosing a premium brand of natural dog biscuits. Feeding your dog a food that only contains natural ingredients can greatly reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Look for dog biscuits that are free from artificial additives, fillers, and common allergens like wheat, soy, or low-quality animal proteins.
Real Dog Food is the perfect choice for your pup as we only use the very best premium ingredients in our biscuits. And if your dog has a known allergy, we have allergy-friendly blends that cater for sensitive tummies!
Keep Your Dog Happy And Healthy
Understanding the most common allergens and recognising the signs of an allergic reaction can help you make better food choices for your furry friend. If your dog shows any signs of food allergies, working with your vet to identify the triggers and choosing the right food can make all the difference.
Feeding your pup premium natural dog kibble free from allergens and artificial ingredients is an excellent way to support their health and wellbeing.
Real Dog Food is the ultimate natural option. Made fresh every week right here in New Zealand, only the best ingredients are good enough for us! Browse our range of natural dog biscuits now and make the right choice for your dog’s tummy.