Detecting and treating food allergies in dogs

Even if we dog owners make every effort to feed our furry friends a healthy diet, it is not uncommon for dog food to cause health problems. Our four-legged companions are increasingly suffering from a food allergy, whereby they show an allergic reaction to certain food components. In the following, we will tell you how you can recognize such an allergy and what you should feed your four-legged friend in such a case.

The main allergens in dogs at a glance

A study published in 2016 investigated which food components dogs most frequently show an allergic reaction to. It was found that animal proteins are among the main allergens in dogs. For example, 34% of the dogs tested reacted to beef, 15% to chicken and 14.5% to lamb. There were also positive reactions to dairy products (17%) and wheat (13%). Dogs react most frequently to these food components, but other substances can also trigger an allergy.

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

The terms feed allergy and feed intolerance are often used interchangeably, but differ in key aspects. An allergy is a reaction of the immune system. Repeated ingestion of an actually harmless substance causes the immune system to overreact. The body tries to fight the allergen, which can lead to numerous defense reactions.

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

How common is a food allergy in dogs?

Although researchers have been conducting studies on the prevalence of food allergies in dogs for over 30 years, they still don't have accurate figures. This is partly because there are no standardized and therefore comparable studies. It is also difficult to distinguish between allergic and non-allergic causes of food hypersensitivity.

What is clear from the studies is that food allergies are rather rare in dogs. Much more frequently, the problems that occur are due to unsuitable food and non-immunological intolerances.

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

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

• Juckreiz
• Pfotenlecken
• Inflammation of the skin
• Inflammation of the ears
• Haarausfall
• Durchfall
• Erbrechen
• Blähungen

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

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

If you have observed any of the above symptoms in your four-legged friend, you should consult a vet 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 exclusion diet makes sense. This involves feeding the dog food with only one source of protein and carbohydrates. If this dog food is well tolerated over several weeks, other foods can be added to find out which is causing the problem. This helps to identify and avoid the allergenic food component.

An alternative to the costly exclusion diet is to switch to a hypoallergenic dog food. This is also known colloquially as allergy food, as it does not contain 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 hypoallergenic dog food for your faithful companion, VEGDOG is the right place for you. Our founder Tessa worked with vets to develop a vegan dog food that avoids the main allergens in dogs due to her German shepherd mix Nelson's food allergy.

Instead of allergy-causing animal proteins, we use plant-based alternatives. In this way, we have developed a 100% complete dog food that optimally covers the nutritional requirements of your four-legged friend. We only use high-quality ingredients and do not use gluten, soy, attractants or colorants. Thanks to the hypoallergenic recipe, our dog food is well tolerated and particularly suitable for allergy sufferers.

VEGDOG Wet and dry food for allergic dogs

You'll find everything your dog's heart desires in our range. Whether your pet prefers dry food or wet food - we have the right food for your allergic four-legged friend.

To meet your dog's protein requirements, our VEGDOG dog food contains plant-based proteins such as oat flakes, peas, lentils, lupins and amaranth. As a source of carbohydrates, we use potatoes, sweet potatoes and millet as gluten-free grains. But you'll also find essential fatty acids, vitamins and trace elements in our vegan dog food, so that your dog is provided with all the nutrients it needs. It's best to browse through our range yourself and discover our delicious food for dogs with allergies!

Hypoallergenic recipes through and through: treats are no exception

If your furry friend suffers from a food allergy, you also need to be careful with treats. These should also not contain any allergenic ingredients, as even the smallest amounts can 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 a reward in between.

Cooking for your allergy dog yourself? We have the right food supplements for you

Would you like to cook a healthy meal for your allergy dog yourself? We have a solution for this too: with our food supplements , you can enhance your four-legged friend's home-cooked food and ensure an optimal supply of nutrients. If your pet has a food allergy, you don't necessarily have to switch to hypoallergenic food, but can also prepare meals yourself. The advantage here is that you know exactly what ends up in the food bowl - but the time required is significantly higher.

Conclusion

If your dog shows symptoms of a food allergy, it always makes sense to consult a vet. They can rule out other illnesses and advise you on an exclusion diet and change of food. If a food allergy has been diagnosed, a change in diet is always necessary. Hypoallergenic dog food from VEGDOG can help with this. It does not contain the dog's main allergens and is therefore particularly well tolerated by many pets.

FAQ

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

What can dogs with food allergies eat?
In principle, dogs with a food allergy can eat anything that does not contain the allergen that triggers the allergy. A 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 cannot be cured, but it can be well controlled by a consistent change in diet and avoiding the allergens that trigger it.