FOOD ALLERGY IN DOGS

RECOGNIZING AND TREATING FOOD ALLERGIES IN DOGS

Even though we dog owners do our very best to feed our furry friends a healthy diet, it is not uncommon for health problems to arise due to dog food. Our four-legged companions are increasingly suffering from food allergies, in which they show an allergic reaction to certain food components. Below, we reveal how you can recognize such an allergy and what you should feed your four-legged friend in such a case.


The main allergens for dogs at a glance

As part of a study published in 2016, researchers investigated which food components dogs most frequently show an allergic reaction to. It turned out that animal proteins are among the main allergens for dogs. For example, 34% of the dogs tested reacted to beef, 15% to chicken, and 14.5% to lamb. In addition, positive reactions were also observed with dairy products (17%) and wheat (13%). These are the food components that dogs react to most frequently, yet other substances can also trigger an allergy.

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?

The terms food allergy and food intolerance are often used synonymously, but they differ in essential aspects. An allergy is a reaction of the immune system. The repeated ingestion of an actually harmless substance leads to an overreaction of the immune system. The body tries to fight the allergen, which can lead to numerous defense reactions.

With a food intolerance, on the other hand, the body's own immune system is not involved. In this case, your furry friend has difficulty digesting certain food components. While an allergy develops over a longer period of time, an intolerance results in a direct reaction to the triggering substance. Regardless of whether it is a food allergy or a food intolerance - in both cases, your four-legged friend can benefit from a change in diet.

How common are food allergies in dogs?

Although researchers have been conducting studies on the frequency of food allergies in dogs for over 30 years, they still do not have exact figures. This is partly due to the lack of uniform and therefore comparable examinations. Furthermore, it is difficult to distinguish between allergic and non-allergic causes of food hypersensitivity.

What emerges from the studies is that food allergies in dogs are actually quite rare. Problems that occur are much more frequently attributable to unsuitable food and non-immunological intolerances.

Itching, paw licking & ear infections: The most common symptoms of an allergy

The symptoms of a food allergy are diverse - they range from skin problems to gastrointestinal complaints. The most common signs of an allergy include the following:

  • Itching
  • Paw licking
  • Skin inflammation
  • Ear infections
  • Hair loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Flatulence

Please note that these symptoms can also indicate other illnesses and that a dog food allergy does not necessarily exist.

Suspect a food allergy? What you can do for your furry friend

If you have observed some of the above symptoms in your four-legged friend, you should see a veterinarian to get to the bottom of the cause. Food allergies are sometimes difficult to diagnose, so other illnesses should be ruled out first. For example, if your furry friend is suffering from itching, it makes sense to first rule out an infestation of bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

If other causes can be ruled out, an elimination diet is useful. During this, the dog receives food with only one protein and carbohydrate source. If this dog food is well tolerated over several weeks, other foods can be added to find out which ones cause the problem. This helps to identify and avoid the allergenic food component.

An alternative to the elaborate elimination diet is switching to hypoallergenic dog food. This is colloquially known as allergy food because it avoids the dog's main allergens and is therefore well tolerated by many four-legged friends.

Hypoallergenic dog food: The best solution for four-legged allergy sufferers

If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog food for your loyal companion, you have come to the right place at VEGDOG. Due to the food allergy of her shepherd mix Nelson, our founder Tessa worked with veterinarians to develop a vegan dog food that avoids the dog's main allergens.

Instead of allergy-triggering animal proteins, we use plant-based alternatives. We have thus developed a 100% complete dog food that optimally meets the nutritional needs of your four-legged friend. We use only high-quality ingredients and do not use gluten, soy, or artificial attractants and colorings. Thanks to the hypoallergenic recipe, our dog food is highly digestible and particularly suitable for allergy sufferers.

VEGDOG wet and dry food for allergic dogs

In our range, you will find everything your heart desires. Whether your pet prefers dry food or wet food - with us, you will find the right food for your allergic four-legged friend.

To meet your dog's protein requirements, VEGDOG dog food contains plant-based proteins such as rolled oats, peas, lentils, lupins, or amaranth. As carbohydrate suppliers, we use potatoes, sweet potatoes, and millet as gluten-free grains. But you will also find essential fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements in our vegan dog food, ensuring your dog is optimally supplied with all nutrients. It is best to browse through our range yourself and discover our delicious food for allergic dogs!

Through and through hypoallergenic recipes: No exceptions for treats either

If your furry friend suffers from a food allergy, you must also be careful with treats. These should also not contain any allergy-triggering ingredients, as even the smallest amounts can sometimes cause allergy symptoms. At VEGDOG, you will therefore also find vegan treats with a hypoallergenic recipe. From classic dental sticks for dental care to small training snacks for rewards in between, everything is included.

Cooking for your allergic dog yourself? Get the right food supplements from us

Would you like to pick up the wooden spoon for your allergic dog and prepare a healthy meal for them? We have a solution for this too: With our food supplements, you can upgrade your four-legged friend's home-cooked food and ensure optimal nutrient supply. With a food allergy, you don't necessarily have to switch to hypoallergenic food, but you can also prepare meals yourself. The advantage here is that you know exactly what ends up in the food bowl - however, the time required is much higher.

Conclusion

If your dog shows symptoms of a food allergy, it is always sensible to consult a veterinarian. They can rule out other illnesses and advise you on an elimination diet and a change of diet. Once the diagnosis of a food allergy has been made, a change in diet is absolutely necessary. VEGDOG's hypoallergenic dog food can help here. It avoids the main allergens for dogs and is therefore particularly well tolerated by many furry friends.

FAQ

What are the most common food allergies in dogs?According to a study, the main allergens for dogs are primarily animal proteins. Dogs react mainly to beef (34%), chicken (15%), and lamb (14.5%). In addition, allergic reactions were also observed with dairy products (17%) and wheat (13%).

What are dogs with food allergies allowed to eat?In principle, dogs with a food allergy can eat anything that avoids the triggering allergen. Hypoallergenic food for dogs is usually a good choice - even if the allergen has not yet been identified.

Is a food allergy in dogs curable?A food allergy in dogs is not curable, but it can be well controlled through a consistent change in diet and the avoidance of triggering allergens.