Introduction
For many dogs, grains can trigger an allergic response leading to skin issues, gastrointestinal problems, and other symptoms. Grain allergies in dogs are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to proteins found in cereal grains like wheat, corn, soy and rice. While grains are a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods, some dogs have trouble properly digesting them.
The most common symptoms of grain allergies in dogs include itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive gas. Dogs may scratch, lick and chew excessively at their bodies, leading to skin injuries and secondary infections. They may also scoot their bottom along the floor due to intense anal itching. Some dogs exhibit obsessive behavior such as constant licking of paws. These symptoms are a sign your dog may have a food allergy and grains should be investigated as a potential cause.
Most Common Grain Allergens
The most common grains that dogs tend to be allergic or sensitive to are:
- Wheat – This includes any food made with wheat or wheat by-products. Wheat allergies may cause itchy skin, ear infections, and upset stomach.
- Corn – Corn is a very common allergen for dogs. Reactions may include itchy paws, skin irritation, diarrhea, and excessive gas.
- Soy – Soy is found in many dog foods as a protein source. Dogs allergic to soy may experience skin conditions, digestive issues, and behavior changes.
- Rice – Rice in dog food may trigger allergic reactions like itchy skin, chronic ear infections, and obsessive licking in some dogs.
Avoiding these problematic grains is key for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities. Many grain-free dog food options are now available to support their dietary needs.
Symptoms
Dogs with grain allergies can experience a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common include:
-
Itchy skin – Dogs may scratch, lick or chew at their skin constantly due to irritation and inflammation.
-
Ear infections – The itchiness can lead to recurrent ear infections, which may cause reddening, discharge and head shaking.
-
Hair loss – Patchy hair loss or thinning fur is often seen in areas dogs can reach to scratch, like the legs, belly, armpits and groin.
-
Hot spots – Areas of inflamed, infected skin from excessive licking and scratching.
-
Diarrhea – Loose, extra-soft or excessively frequent stools from irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
-
Vomiting – Throwing up undigested food due to an upset stomach.
The onset of symptoms can occur anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks after consuming allergenic grains. Severity varies based on the dog and amount of exposure.
Breed Predisposition
Certain dog breeds are more prone to developing grain allergies and intolerances than others. The breeds most commonly affected include:
Labrador Retrievers – Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds, and they are also frequently diagnosed with grain allergies. Their genetic predisposition, tendency to overeat, and popularity as family pets all contribute to their likelihood of developing allergies.
German Shepherds – German Shepherds are large, active working dogs that may be more exposed to allergens through training treats and foods. Their sensitive stomachs and genetic makeup also increase their risk.
Golden Retrievers – Like Labs, Golden Retrievers are a very common family dog breed. Their genetics and popularity play a role in why they often develop grain allergies and sensitivities. Their thick coats may also trap allergens and irritants against their skin.
Diagnosis
If you suspect your dog has a grain allergy, there are a few ways your veterinarian can try to confirm the diagnosis:
Elimination Diet Trial
This is the most common diagnostic method. Your vet will prescribe a strict elimination diet trial using a hypoallergenic food that contains a novel protein and carbohydrate source your dog has never eaten before. This special diet must be fed exclusively for 6-8 weeks to allow time for symptoms to resolve if your dog has a food allergy. If symptoms improve on the elimination diet, your vet will then reintroduce your dog’s regular food slowly to determine which ingredients are triggers.
Blood Testing
Your veterinarian can test your dog’s blood for the presence of allergen-specific antibodies to common food ingredients like certain grains. However, these blood tests can have high rates of false positives and false negatives, so they should always be used in conjunction with an elimination diet trial for confirmation.
Skin Testing
Skin testing is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies in dogs. Your vet will inject small amounts of common allergen extracts like grains intradermally and measure any wheal reactions on the skin. However, skin testing can be more expensive and is not widely available.
Treatment
The most important part of managing grain allergies in dogs is transitioning to a grain-free diet. This involves eliminating grains like wheat, corn, and soy that commonly trigger allergic reactions. Many pet food brands now offer high-quality grain-free formulas that replace grains with proteins, fruits, and vegetables. When switching foods, do so gradually over 7-10 days to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Veterinarians may also prescribe antihistamines like Benadryl to help relieve allergy symptoms like itching and skin irritation. Short-term antibiotics may be used to treat secondary skin or ear infections resulting from the allergic response. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help reduce inflammation and improve the skin barrier.
Avoiding grains long-term is critical. While symptoms may improve quickly on a grain-free diet, continued avoidance is necessary as it can take 8-12 weeks for allergen antibodies to stop circulating in the body. Work closely with your veterinarian to find a nutritionally balanced commercial or homemade diet that eliminates problem grains.
Homemade Grain-Free Food
When making homemade dog food to avoid grains, focus on high-quality protein sources like meat, fish, and eggs. Lean beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs are all excellent options. Protein should make up at least half of the diet.
Fruits and vegetables are also important. Good choices include potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, carrots, apples, blueberries, and bananas. Make sure to cook vegetables thoroughly.
Supplements help balance homemade food. Add omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, vitamin E, and calcium. A general multivitamin is also recommended. Follow your veterinarian’s advice on specific supplements and amounts for your dog.
When preparing homemade food, cook ingredients thoroughly and chop/puree to your dog’s needs. Portion into individual meals and refrigerate unused portions. It takes work to prepare homemade food, but the control over ingredients can be worth it.
Grain-Free Commercial Foods
When selecting a commercial grain-free dog food, look for brands that specifically advertise themselves as grain-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, or paleo. Reputable brands will clearly state if their products are formulated for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities. Read the ingredient labels carefully to ensure the first several ingredients are from animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, fish, etc. Avoid products with corn, wheat, soy, rice, barley, or oats high up in the ingredients list.
Some examples of good grain-free commercial dog food brands include:
– Acana
– Orijen
– Zignature
– Taste of the Wild
– Earthborn Holistic
– Blue Buffalo Wilderness
– Merrick Grain Free
– Wellness Core
– Primal Pet Foods
Look for grain-free formulas specifically tailored for sensitive skin and stomachs. Some brands offer limited ingredient diets using novel proteins like bison, duck, or salmon which are less likely to trigger allergies. Always transition slowly when introducing a new food.
Tips for Transitioning Diet
When transitioning your dog to a new grain-free diet, it’s important to do so gradually to allow their digestive system to adjust. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
Gradual Transition: Mix a small amount of the new food (10-25% of the total amount) with your dog’s current food. Slowly increase the ratio of new to old food over a period of 4-7 days. Going slow allows your dog’s gut bacteria to adapt to the new food.
Monitor Stool: Keep an eye on your dog’s stool during the transition period. Loose stool or diarrhea is common and indicates the transition may be happening too quickly. Slow down the transition if stools become abnormal.
Try Novel Proteins: Introduce new protein sources gradually as well. Rotating between 2-3 different protein sources can help prevent the development of additional food allergies.
Long-Term Management
Once your dog has been diagnosed with a grain allergy, long-term management will be necessary to keep symptoms under control and prevent flare-ups. Here are some tips for managing grain allergies over the long run:
Avoidance of Problem Grains: Strict avoidance of the grains your dog is allergic to is key. Read all ingredient labels carefully and do not feed any food or treats containing the allergenic grains. Also avoid cross-contamination from other pets’ food. Depending on the specific grains, this may mean avoiding all major cereal grains.
Limited Ingredient Diet: Feeding a limited ingredient diet with fewer ingredients can reduce the risk of reactions. Limited ingredient diets contain only one novel protein and carbohydrate source your dog has never eaten before. This makes it easier to identify problem ingredients if symptoms flare up again.
Monitor Condition: Keep an eye out for recurring symptoms like itching, ear infections, and skin issues which may indicate an accidental exposure to the allergenic grain. Keep a log to identify possible sources of exposure. Long term, annual vet check-ups are recommended to ensure your dog’s diet is providing proper nutrition.
