TL;DR:
Dogs can have various food allergies that are challenging to diagnose. Common allergies include beef, dairy, poultry (primarily chicken and turkey), wheat, eggs, and soy. Recognizing symptoms early helps in making dietary changes to improve your dog's health.
Main Points:
- Beef Allergies: Most common, causing skin reactions and GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms.
- Dairy Allergies and Lactose Intolerance: Causes itchy skin and digestive issues.
- Poultry Allergies: Often genetic, causing behavioral changes and allergic reactions.
- Wheat Allergies: Causes skin and GI symptoms.
- Egg Allergies: Triggers GI distress, often due to egg proteins in food.
- Soy Allergies: Less common, causing GI symptoms
If your pet experiences these common allergies, a fish-based diet is a good alternative.
Has your dog been scratching more often than usual? Do they seem sleepy and lethargic instead of begging to play after mealtime?
It’s possible your pet may have a food allergy or hypersensitivity. But what do food allergies look like in dogs?
Food allergies in dogs can be tricky to diagnose. Because our dogs and cats can’t tell us what’s wrong, as pet parents, we have to pay close attention to our pet’s behaviors.
That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize the signs of an allergy. The sooner you are able to recognize that something isn’t right, the sooner you can make a positive dietary change that puts your pup on the up and up!
Let’s review some of the most common food allergies in dogs so you can ensure your canine companion stays healthy, happy, and well-fed!
1. Beef Allergies
Beef is the most common food allergy in dogs. 34% of all dogs with food allergies are allergic to beef.
Dogs who develop beef allergies are oftentimes unable to digest beef completely. As a result, the beef does not break down correctly.
That’s when your dog’s immune system kicks in. Just like when your pooch has a cold or virus, their immune system will “attack” the perceived invader. This overactive response can cause some uncomfortable symptoms.
The most common symptoms of beef allergies are skin reactions. This itchy ailment can cause bald patches, inflammation, obsessive licking, rashes, and infections. Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal symptoms or coughing. In young dogs, beef allergies can impair growth.
2. Dairy Allergies and Lactose Intolerance
Did somebody say milk bone? The second most common food allergy in dogs is dairy. Your dog may have an exaggerated immune response to the proteins in dairy, just like with beef allergies. Usually, this causes those awful, itchy skin reactions.
Other dogs may experience lactose intolerance. Lactose-intolerant dogs don’t make enough lactase to break down the sugars in dairy products. This typically results in GI symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Some dogs might lose their appetite and refuse to eat.
If your dog has a one-off tummy ache, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re experiencing an allergy or intolerance. The most important thing is to look for patterns. An occasional tummy ache is okay. A daily tummy ache is probably a sign of a bigger problem.
3. Poultry Allergies
Unfortunately for chicken-loving dogs, it’s the third most common canine food allergy. Often, this allergy is genetic. It’s more common in certain breeds, like bulldogs and terriers.
Some dogs are also allergic to other types of poultry, such as duck or turkey.
Like beef allergies, allergies to poultry are the result of overactive immune systems. When your dog’s body responds to poultry, they may experience itchy or gassy symptoms.
Behavior changes can also clue you into an allergy. If your energetic dog suddenly seems mellow or your friendly dog suddenly acts aggressive, poultry may be to blame.
4. Wheat Allergies
Many pet parents are surprised to learn that their pup may be allergic to wheat. Believe it or not, wheat is one of the most common ingredients in popular dog foods, especially dry foods and treats.
Dogs, especially growing puppies, need carbohydrates to keep them energetic and happy. Over time, however, repeated exposure to wheat can trigger an immune response. The result? You guessed it — uncomfortable allergy symptoms.
The most common symptoms are skin reactions and GI symptoms.
Because wheat is rarely the primary ingredient in healthy dog food, this intolerance can be tricky to pin down. If you suspect a wheat allergy (or any food intolerance), speak to your vet.
5. Egg Allergies
If your dog experiences an egg allergy, their immune system is responding to a protein in the yolk of the egg.
Unless you’re feeding your dog a daily breakfast omelet, this allergy can be a tricky one to identify. Some dog foods and treats use eggs as a binding agent. It’s a common ingredient in both wet and dry dog food.
The most common symptom of egg allergies is GI distress. This can include vomiting and excessive gas, but symptoms can vary. If your friend has been unusually gassy, it may be worth a trip to the vet.
6. Soy Allergies
While less common than animal-based protein allergies, some dogs are allergic to soy. Check the ingredient list on your pet’s food for soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate. These plant-based ingredients are becoming more common in dry and wet pet food products.
Some dogs do have an allergy to soy. Others may experience mild GI symptoms if they eat too much. If your dog seems gassy but isn’t showing many other symptoms, you might just need to cut back on the beans. If symptoms are more severe, it’s best to see your vet about an allergy screening.
If your pup is experiencing any of the other allergies on this list, your vet might suggest a fish-first diet. Fish is one of the rarest and least common allergies in dogs. Since pets need nutrients, not ingredients, a fish-based diet is a wonderful way to avoid allergens. Rich in omega-3s and vitamins, a fish-first diet will give your furry friend everything they need to thrive.
Dive into our fish-first dog food and discover the many benefits for dogs with and without food sensitivities.
