Introduction
Skin allergies are extremely common in dogs, affecting an estimated 10-15% of the entire canine population. The most common symptoms include itchy skin, frequent ear infections, hair loss, hot spots, and excessive licking, chewing, or scratching. These symptoms are not only uncomfortable for dogs, but can seriously impact their quality of life.
While environmental allergens like dust mites or pollen often contribute to skin issues, food allergies are estimated to account for about 10% of all canine allergies. Food allergies develop when a dog’s immune system overreacts to an ingredient in their diet. This triggers an inflammatory response that leads to itchy skin and other allergy symptoms. Identifying and avoiding food allergens is crucial for managing skin allergies in dogs.
Identifying Food Allergies
Food allergies are different than environmental allergies in dogs. Environmental allergies are typically caused by things like pollen, mold, dust mites, etc. Food allergies on the other hand are adverse reactions to ingredients found in dog food and treats. Some common symptoms of food allergies in dogs include itchy skin, chronic ear infections, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, and hot spots. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, your vet can run tests to help identify the offending ingredients. Blood tests and elimination diet trials are commonly used to diagnose food allergies in dogs.
Top Allergenic Foods
When trying to determine which foods may be causing your dog’s skin allergy, there are some key ingredients that commonly trigger allergic reactions in dogs. The most common allergenic foods for dogs are:
Beef
Beef is one of the most common food allergens for dogs. Allergies to beef can manifest through itchy skin, ear infections, and skin conditions like hot spots. Beef contains a protein called bovine serum albumin which dogs can be allergic to.
Dairy
Like humans, some dogs can be lactose intolerant or allergic to the proteins found in milk. This includes cow’s milk as well as milk products like yogurt, cheese, butter, and ice cream. An allergy to dairy can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Chicken
Chicken is another incredibly common allergen for dogs. Allergies to chicken can arise from the meat itself or other chicken products like eggs. Chicken allergies in dogs often lead to itchy skin and ear infections.
Eggs
While eggs are great protein sources for dogs, the proteins found in egg whites can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. Allergies to eggs may result in red, irritated skin and increased scratching in dogs.
Soy
Soy is commonly found in many commercial dog foods as a protein source. However, dogs can develop allergies to the soy protein leading to gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation when consuming soy-based foods.
Wheat
Some dogs have wheat allergies and intolerances, just like humans. This can include allergies to foods containing wheat, barley, and rye. Wheat allergies often result in chronic ear infections and irritated skin.
Corn
Corn is another very common allergen for dogs as it’s often used as a cheap cereal grain filler in many commercial dog foods. Allergies to corn can cause symptoms like itchy paws, skin irritation, and chronic ear infections in dogs.
Grain-Free Diets
Many pet owners are switching to grain-free diets to help manage their dogs’ skin allergies. Grain-free foods avoid ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy, which are common triggers for food allergies in dogs. Some benefits of grain-free diets include:
- Avoiding allergy triggers like gluten
- Reducing inflammation associated with grain allergies
- Improving skin and coat health
While most dogs do well on grain-free food, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
- Lack of grains may impact nutrient balance
- Higher legume content could affect heart health
- Less fiber without grains
Some of the best grain-free proteins to look for include fish, duck, lamb, bison, venison, rabbit, and kangaroo. Omitting allergenic grains while providing novel proteins can help reduce skin reactions in dogs with food allergies.
Novel Protein Diets
A novel protein diet contains protein sources that your dog has never eaten before. The goal is to feed your dog proteins that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This allows you to eliminate allergenic proteins from your dog’s diet while still providing complete and balanced nutrition.
When transitioning to a novel protein diet, you’ll want to choose a high-quality commercial dog food that contains one protein source your dog hasn’t eaten before, such as kangaroo, bison, or duck. Avoid any proteins your dog has been exposed to in the past, including common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat.
Introduce the new diet gradually over 5-7 days, slowly increasing the portion of new food while decreasing the old food. This allows time for your dog’s digestive system to adapt. Watch for any adverse reactions during the transition. Once your dog is eating the new protein diet exclusively, feed it exclusively for at least 8-12 weeks to allow their system to adjust and for you to determine if allergy symptoms improve.
Examples of novel protein sources include:
- Kangaroo
- Bison
- Duck
- Venison
- Llama
- Rabbit
- Goat
Novel protein diets can help identify food allergies and reduce allergy symptoms in dogs. Transition gradually and feed exclusively for at least 2-3 months to determine effectiveness. Choose quality commercial foods or consult your vet on homemade recipes using new protein sources your dog hasn’t eaten before.
Limited Ingredient Diets
A limited ingredient diet (LID) is a type of dog food formulated with a short list of ingredients, typically 10 or fewer. LIDs are designed to reduce ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in dogs. The benefit of an LID is that it simplifies the ingredients, making it easier to identify triggers if a dog has food allergies.
For dogs with suspected food allergies, switching to an LID can help eliminate problematic ingredients. Since LIDs contain fewer ingredients, there are fewer potential allergens. This increases the chance of finding a food the dog can tolerate without adverse reactions. Highly allergic dogs may need to try several LID options to find one that works for their unique needs.
Some examples of limited ingredient dog foods include Natural Balance L.I.D., Wellness Simple, and Blue Basics. These foods typically contain one novel protein source such as duck, lamb, or salmon. They also minimize grain ingredients. However, each LID formula contains different ingredients, so it’s important to read labels and select one tailored for your dog’s needs.
Home Cooked Meals
Many owners find success managing their dog’s food allergies by preparing home cooked meals. This allows you to fully customize ingredients based on your dog’s unique needs and sensitivities.
It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian if pursuing a home cooked diet, to ensure it’s nutritionally balanced. Your vet can provide guidelines on required nutrients and supplements to add. They may also recommend consulting with a veterinary nutritionist.
When preparing homemade meals, focus on high quality proteins like chicken, turkey, lamb or fish. Choose non-allergenic carbohydrates like sweet potato or pumpkin, and include fiber from cooked vegetables like carrots, peas or green beans.
Home cooking allows you to control every single ingredient. But it requires dedication to follow recipes precisely, and regularly prepare balanced meals. Work with your vet on a customized meal plan to properly nourish your dog.
Supplements
Certain supplements may help reduce skin inflammation and provide nutritional support for dogs with food allergies. Some of the most beneficial include:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil can help reduce inflammation and itchiness. Look for a supplement derived from fish like salmon or anchovies. Give an appropriate dose based on your dog’s size.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements support healthy digestion and a balanced gut microbiome. Choose a high-quality broad spectrum probiotic formulated for dogs. Give as directed on the product.
Quercetin and Bromelain
Quercetin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory effects. Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple stems. Together, they can help reduce histamine reactions. Consult your vet on an appropriate dosage for your dog.
Always talk to your vet before starting any new supplements. While generally safe, only give dog-formulated supplements and follow dosing guidelines.
Treats
When choosing treats for a dog with skin allergies, it’s important to avoid common allergens like beef, chicken, dairy and wheat. Single protein treats made with novel proteins like duck, venison or kangaroo can be a good option. You can also make homemade treats using a single protein source along with allergen-friendly fruits and vegetables.
Some fruits and veggies that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction include carrots, apples, blueberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and bananas. Make sure any produce is thoroughly washed and cooked before giving it to your dog. Some dogs have issues with high sugar fruits, so monitor your dog’s reaction.
Avoid giving table scraps or treats with multiple ingredients. Check labels closely and look for treats made with a single novel protein and limited ingredients. Discuss appropriate treat options with your veterinarian if your dog has confirmed food allergies.
Conclusion
In summary, the most common food allergens for dogs with skin allergies include beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn, wheat, and soy. While allergy testing can help identify specific triggers, many dogs do better with an elimination diet trial. This involves feeding a novel protein and carbohydrate source, like venison and potato, for at least 8 weeks to see if symptoms improve.
Grain-free, limited ingredient, and home cooked diets may help minimize exposure to problematic ingredients. Always consult your veterinarian before making major diet changes, as they can recommend supplements and balanced recipes. With patience and persistence, most dogs with food allergies can find a diet that allows them to live happily and comfortably.
Though challenging at first, finding the right diet and adhering to it strictly can provide long-term relief from annoying and painful skin issues. With the right dietary modifications, many dogs see their quality of life dramatically improve. Work closely with your veterinary dermatologist to find an optimal diet and treatment plan for your individual dog.