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Does Your Dog Have Food Allergies?

Have you noticed your dog licking, chewing or scratching more than usual? Just like people, dogs are prone to allergies, and finding the source can often be challenging. According to reports, allergies are one of the top 10 reasons why pets visit the veterinarian. 

In this complete guide to food allergies in dogs, Hannah Godfrey, Tom&Sawyer’s in-house animal nutritionist, answers everything you need to know to help your dog, including:

1. What is an allergy?
2. Common causes of allergies in dogs
3. Dog food allergies vs. food intolerances
4. Diagnosing dog food allergies with dog food allergy tests
5. Most common dog food allergies
6. Treating dog food allergies
7. What is the best dog food for allergies?
8. Quick FAQs: Allergies in Dogs

1. What is an allergy?

An allergy is defined as a state of hypersensitivity to particular substances, or allergens. When a dog comes into contact with an allergen, either through the skin or from consuming a substance, their immune system is activated. This causes the release of histamines, which try to fight off the allergen. This results in common allergy symptoms such as inflammation, reddening of the skin, swelling and itching. Severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis, even in dogs. 

Anaphylaxis in dogs

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation and drooling, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, cardiac arrest, a blue tongue and gums, and even death. Anaphylaxis in dogs is generally quite rare, but it is an extreme, life-threatening emergency. If you notice any of the above symptoms, bring your dog to the nearest veterinarian immediately so they can provide your pup with the proper treatment that would include epinephrine and, if needed, assistance breathing.

2. What are the causes of allergies in dogs?

Like people, allergies in dogs can be caused by many external sources. Research suggests that exposure to pesticides, air pollutants, solvents and other toxins can increase asthma and allergies. Allergies are generally grouped into three categories: atopic dermatitis, respiratory allergies and food allergies.

Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of allergy in dogs, and is generally caused by dust, mold, mites, flea bites, mosquito bites, shampoo, household cleaning products, pollen, carpets and more. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs include itching and irritation to the skin, persistent licking and chewing, ear infections, redness of the skin or ears, and hair loss.

If your pup suffers from atopic dermatitis, your vet will likely prescribe an anti-inflammatory and anti-itch treatment to help alleviate symptoms.

Respiratory Allergies in Dogs

The least common type of allergies in dogs, respiratory allergies are often seasonal, and are caused by the inhalation of pollen or dust mites. Symptoms of respiratory allergies include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing. 

If your pup suffers from respiratory allergies, your vet may prescribe an antihistamine or corticosteroid to help give your dog some relief. 

Food Allergies in Dogs

According to the 2018 Banfield Pet Hospital State of Pet Health Report, food allergies only affect about 0.2% of dogs. 

Sometimes, adverse food reactions can be misdiagnosed as food allergies. An adverse food reaction is an umbrella term used for food allergies, sensitivities, intolerances, or any negative response to a component of food. 

Symptoms of dog food allergies occur in response to the immune system, which begins to attack the offending culprit. True food allergies are actually quite rare in dogs and are most often caused by proteins. Unfortunately, unlike food allergies, adverse food reactions are quite common in dogs.

Food allergies in dogs often come with additional conditions. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital State of Pet Health report, “30% of food-allergic dogs and cats are found to have another allergic skin condition. Food allergic pets are also more prone to skin infections – dogs are six times more likely to develop a bacterial skin infection, whereas cats are 15 times more likely.”

Adverse Food and Dog Food Allergy Symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itchy skin 
• Hair loss
• Ear infections
• Sneezing
• Itchy paws
• Eye discharge
• Oily or scaly skin
• Yeast or bacterial skin infections
• Increased licking, scratching and chewing

3. Dog Food Allergies vs. Dog Food Intolerances

Food intolerances and sensitivities are much more common than true dog food allergies. So, what is the difference between dog food intolerances and a food allergy? The immune system! A reaction to food due to a food intolerance does not involve the immune system. Symptoms will occur upon the first exposure to a certain food item when it is a food intolerance. 

Alternatively, a dog food allergy occurs when the immune system is involved. The immune system begins to attack the culprit and over time and with repeated exposure results in the common signs and symptoms of food allergies. 

A food intolerance can often develop into a food allergy when left untreated. Both food sensitivities and dog food allergies can also increase the likelihood of an irritable bowel disease diagnosis. 

Adverse food reactions often begin at a young age though they can develop in any breed and at any age. 

4. Diagnosing Dog Food Allergies with Allergy Tests

How can we know if it’s a food intolerance or dog food allergy? Because of the similar signs and symptoms of food intolerances and dog food allergies, they can often be difficult to differentiate. 

There are currently many dog food allergy tests available; however, often these tests are not very accurate. 

That said, dog food allergies can be diagnosed with the following: 

Skin Patch Testing

Also called intradermal testing, a skin patch test is conducted by your veterinarian, who injects a small amount of a potential allergen into your dog’s skin and then observes the area for redness or swelling.

Blood tests

Blood tests for allergies are done by taking a sample of your dog’s blood, which is sent to a lab that analyzes the blood for specific allergens that are causing your dog’s symptoms. Generally speaking, blood tests for allergies are not very accurate.

Dog Food Elimination Diet

The best way, or the gold standard, to determine a dog food allergy diagnosis is by the most common dog food allergy test: a dog food elimination diet. This test lasts a minimum of 8 weeks, and the diet must not contain any previously consumed ingredients. 

The best elimination trial diets contain single animal or vegetable protein and carbohydrate sources. During this time no treats or snacks should be provided – only the trial diet (and water) should be consumed. After the 8 weeks, the food thought to be causing the allergic reactions is reintroduced. 

If the re-introduction of the food item results in a reaction, then a food allergy can be diagnosed. If it does not result in a reaction, the process would be re-started with another single animal or vegetable protein and carbohydrate source.

5. Most common dog food allergies

Pet owners have reported a number of food allergies in their dogs, but according to this study on cat and dog food allergies published by BMC Veterinary Research, the most common food allergens for dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat and lamb. Other food allergens, although less common, are soy, corn, eggs, pork, fish and rice. 

If you suspect your dog may have an allergy to one (or more) of these proteins or allergens, try the dog food elimination diet described above to confirm your suspicions and work with your veterinarian for guidance or additional treatment, as needed.

So, What’s Next? Living with dog food allergies

6. Treating Dog Food Allergies

The best treatment for dog food allergies is simply avoiding the food causing the allergy. Since proteins are the most common culprits of food allergies in dogs, novel proteins are often used in pet foods to support food allergies. Novel proteins quite literally mean a new protein. This means that your dog has likely not consumed these proteins before which can limit the chances of seeing an adverse reaction. Consider offering your dog a grain-free or gluten-free option if they have reactions to wheat or other gluten-containing grains. You may also want to offer your dog a grain-free and gluten-free option to reduce exposure to wheat or other grains.

Common novel protein sources in dog foods are: 

• Venison
• Kangaroo
• Bison
• Rabbit
• Quail
• Alligator 

If your pup is allergic or shows sensitivity to the traditional proteins — such as beef or chicken — you can try introducing one of the novel proteins above. If you do, ensure you introduce only one new food at a time in order to minimize stomach upset or additional reactions.

7. What is the best dog food for allergies?

Generally speaking, we think the healthiest food for your dog is fresh, gently cooked food. Fresh pet food – such as Tom&Sawyer – is made with restaurant quality ingredients, including fresh veggies, antibiotic and hormone-free meats, and non-GMO ingredients. 

Why? Kibble, even kibble labeled hypoallergenic, is highly processed and filled with animal by-products. Kibble is generally composed of a number of ingredients, which can increase potential exposure to allergens. It also often sits on the shelf for long periods of time, compromising its freshness.

Dog food that’s freshly prepared with no artificial fillers and human-edible ingredients also allows you to see exactly what your pup is eating, so you can easily limit ingredients that you might suspect is causing your dog discomfort.

At Tom&Sawyer, we offer multiple meals for pups who may suffer from food allergies and sensitivities. Our Rosemary Venison, Kangaroo, and Fisherman’s Best Friend meals offer novel proteins and contain a limited number of ingredients in a complete and balanced recipe to keep your pup thriving.

You can also try a limited ingredient diet for dogs – that is, a diet that usually only contains one protein source and one carbohydrate source. 

If your pup has a grain or gluten allergy we also have a line of grain and gluten-free options, including our Classic Pork Stew, Kangaroo, and Rosemary Venison meals.

All our fresh food for dogs (and cats!) include healthy omega-3 oils and prebiotics to support the immune system, digestion, and help reduce inflammation. Our trained chefs prepare all our meals in small batches with strict quality control measures to ensure purity.

If you have questions about your pet and food allergies, intolerances, or novel proteins, email our Animal Nutritionist at hannah@tomandsawyer.com.

8. FAQs: Allergies in Dogs

What are the types of allergies in dogs?

There are three types of allergies in dogs: atopic dermatitis, respiratory allergies, and dog food allergies.

Why does my dog have itchy skin?

Your dog may have itchy skin for a number of reasons, including contact with pollen, dust mites, mold, reactions to flea and bug bites, or allergies to ingredients in their dog food.

How can I tell if my dog has allergies?

Common symptoms of allergies in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, paw licking, chewing, and scratching, hair loss, ear infections, eye discharge, and more.

What is a dog food allergy?

A dog food allergy is an adverse reaction to certain foods, characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, itchy skin, and other symptoms. Dog food allergies are usually caused by a protein source, such as beef, chicken, or dairy products. If you think your dog has a food allergy, work with your veterinarian to properly diagnose your pup’s condition and treatment plan.

My dog has allergies, what can I give him?

Some pet owners may give their dogs Benadryl to help with seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to insect bites. However, we recommend working with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s allergies before administering medications. 

What is the best dog food for allergies?

Using an elimination diet, first determine what foods your dog may be allergic to. Then, consider feeding your dog limited ingredient foods and novel proteins, such as Tom&Sawyer’s kangaroo or venison recipes. You may also need to feed your dog a gluten- or grain-free diet. 

Can dog food allergies be cured?

Food allergies in dogs cannot be cured. Using the elimination diet described above, the best treatment is avoiding the foods that cause symptoms in your pup. 

Will my dog develop more allergies?

Dogs with food allergies may develop allergies to other foods in the future. And, according to the Banfield Pet Hospital State of Pet Health study, dogs that have food allergies often develop additional skin allergies or skin infections.

By:

Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

References:

Merck Veterinary Manual

Banfield Pet Hospital State of Pet Health

BMC Veterinary Research

FDA finalizes animal and people safety guidelines.

Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition acquires F.L. Emmert.

SuperZoo releases 2022 events lineup.

Pet Food Express kicks off food bank campaign.

Dogs love vegetables, especially crunchy ones with light and subtle flavors! Munching down on a veggie is a great way to keep your pup entertained, and give them a healthy treat that can promote healthy digestion, and give your dog an extra boost of vital nutrients. 

While every dog’s taste buds are different, one of the most universally loved vegetables is cucumber! 

So refreshing and crisp, cucumbers are a delightful snack for humans and canines alike, and a perfectly safe treat to share with your pup. In this quick guide, we’re going over the basics of feeding your dog the occasional cucumber piece and answering common questions about the humble cucumber. 

Are Cucumbers Safe for Dogs?

The answer to ‘can dogs eat cucumbers’ is simple. Yes! Cucumbers are a completely safe food for dogs, so unless your dog has a cucumber allergy, it’s totally fine to share a slice or two with your canine companion. 

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It’s worth noting that some dogs may be extra sensitive to new foods, or foods that are high in fiber, like vegetables. This can cause some dogs to experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, etc., but is rarely serious. If your dog has severe allergies be sure to consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food. 

Nutritional Value of Cucumbers

Like most vegetables, cucumbers contain a healthy amount of fiber, which can help keep your pup comfortable and regular. Cucumbers also include a small amount of vitamin C, an important antioxidant. Since your dog shouldn’t be eating a lot of cucumbers, they won’t get much fiber or vitamin C from the occasional cuke treat. 

What dogs can benefit from is the hydrating water content of cucumbers. Cucumbers are around 96% water, making them a great choice for keeping pups hydrated in the summer or encouraging dogs that are reluctant to drink to consume more water. 

How Much Cucumber Can Dogs Eat?

A few slices every once in a while (i.e. once a week).

Cucumbers are super low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about high blood sugar or excessive calorie consumption if your pooch eats too many pieces. However, it’s important to remember that eating too much of anything can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, bloat, and general discomfort. 

As long as you feed your dog cucumbers in moderation, they don’t need to worry about how they will impact your dog’s health. 

Dogs & Cucumbers FAQ

Because cucumbers are such a popular healthy dog treat, there are tons of questions from loving pet owners beyond “can dogs eat cucumbers?” Here are just a few of the most common questions about this tasty veggie: 

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Skin?

⚠️ Yes, but in moderation. Most dogs have no problem eating and digesting cucumber skin, but if you want to be extra safe or your dog has a sensitive stomach, remove the skin. Because the skin is tougher than the interior of the cucumber it can be slightly more difficult to digest, which could trigger a reaction in sensitive pups. 

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Seeds?

⚠️ Yes, but in moderation. Like the skin of the cucumber, the seeds are typically safe for dogs to eat. However, removing the seeds is a good idea for dogs with sensitive stomachs, or for the first time you introduce this food to your pooch. 

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Flavored Foods?

❌  No. In general, it’s best to avoid artificially flavored foods. Cucumber-flavored foods may also contain other ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, so stick to dog-approved cucumber treats or raw, unseasoned cucumbers.

Can Dogs Drink Cucumber Water?

✅ Yes! Give your dog the spa experience by offering them a bowl of water with cucumber slices floating in it. Beware, your pup might end up bobbing for cucumbers and making a mess, so consider putting their bowl on a towel. 

Can Dogs Eat Whole Cucumbers? 

⚠️ Theoretically yes, but it’s not recommended. Whole cucumbers pose a potential choking hazard, so it’s better to cut a small piece for your dog instead. If your dog somehow gets ahold of and eats an entire cucumber, just be sure to keep an eye on them for any signs of gastrointestinal distress. 

Fun Ways To Feed Your Dog Cucumber

A simple slice of cucumber is a fabulous treat for your dog, but if you want to spice things up a little to pamper your pooch, try this dog-friendly recipe featuring cucumber: 

No-Bake Dog Pancake Cake

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1-2 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon of ground sunflower seeds
• 100 grams of firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• ½ cup of plant milk (or you can use vanilla soy milk)
• sliced cucumber and coconut for decoration

Directions

1. Pulse oats in a food processor until a powdery oat flour forms.
2. Add bananas and milk to oat flour and blend until smooth.
3. Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat. If your pan isn’t nonstick, grease it with coconut oil.
4. Using a small spoon, add the pancake batter to the hot pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. 
5. Remove pancakes from heat and allow them to cool completely.

In meantime, make the frosting. Blend tofu and tahini in a food processor. Add about a third of a cup of milk at a time until you get a thick, hummus-like texture.

1. To assemble, place a dab of tofu frosting on a plate, followed by a pancake. Spread some tofu and tahini frosting on the first pancake, then top with the second. Repeat until you have used 4-6 small pancakes. All ingredients must be cold. 
2. Frost the sides of the cake using the leftover frosting. 
3. Lastly, decorate the cake with cucumber and coconut slices.

As we enter the hot summer months, plenty of people are taking a bite out of fresh, cold fruit to ward off the heat. A little bit of citrus — with its refreshing bite and pleasant sweetness — is the perfect way to keep yourself hydrated and energized, but can dogs partake in this yummy treat?

At The Dog Bakery, we’re committed to making sure every dog gets to enjoy as much of the world’s flavors as they can. That’s why we’re constantly reviewing foods to see if they’re dog-safe. We’ve covered mangos, avocados, and more! Now, we’re taking a bite out of tangerines.

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines?

Let’s start with the big question…

Yes! Dogs can eat tangerines!

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s run through a few of the most frequently asked questions about feeding dogs tangerines.

Are Tangerines Healthy for Dogs?

✅ Yes! These delightful fruits are — like oranges — packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals. They’re a major source of:

• Fiber
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C

However, tangerines are also full of sugar. So, like most fruits, they should be given in moderation.

Can Dogs Eat Clementines?

✅ Yes! Clementines are in the same family as oranges, and they’re safe to feed your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Mandarin Oranges?

✅ Yes! Mandarin oranges are safe to feed your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Satsuma?

✅ Yes! A satsuma is just another type of mandarin orange, which means it’s safe for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines or Oranges?

✅ Yes! Both tangerines and oranges are safe for dogs to eat. If you’re planning on feeding your dog some oranges, be sure to remove any seeds and fully peel them before you serve them to your pup.

Can Dogs Eat Tangerine Peels?

❌ No. While dogs can technically eat tangerine and orange peels, they’re extremely hard to digest. To ensure a safe and fun treating experience, you’ll want to remove the peels from any citrus fruits that you serve to your dogs.

How Many Tangerines Can a Dog Eat?

You should only give your dog a few slices of oranges or tangerines in a single sitting. These fruits contain a lot of sugar, so they’re not the best thing to give to your pooch. Nonetheless, your dog will enjoy having a few bites of fresh oranges and tangerines from time to time.

Is It Okay to Let Your Dog Eat Oranges?

✅ Yes! Oranges are a safe treat for dogs to have.

How Should I Serve Oranges and Tangerines to My Dog?

There are plenty of ways to give your dog some fun citrusy treats!

The easiest approach will be to find seedless varieties, such as clementines and “Cuties”, and serve them up after peeling. You can also use seeded varieties, but you’ll want to remove the seeds before giving them to your dog.

If you want to get a little fancier with your plating, you can also try some of these amazing pup-friendly orange and tangerine treats!

Citrus Pupsicle

With a few ingredients, a freezer, and some ice cube trays or popsicle molds, you can easily make some delicious frozen treats for your pup. These are great bite-sized ways to keep your dog cool this summer, and they’re delicious enough for you to eat, too!

To make Citrus Pupsicles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole orange or tangerine, peeled
• ½ cup of plain low-fat yogurt

Once you have this massive (wink wink!) ingredient list ready, it’s time to get started!

1. After peeling and removing any seeds from your orange or tangerine, place all of the separated slices into a blender or food processor along with the yogurt.
2. Blend this mixture until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into your molds.
4. Let the molds rest in the freezer until they’re firm. An overnight stay should do the job.

When you’re ready to serve these delicious treats, just pop them out of the mold and serve them directly to your dog! You can even take one for yourself.

Tangerine and Carob Cookies

Give your pup a taste of chocolate with this pup-safe recipe, which uses dog-friendly carob instead of chocolate. To make this treat, you’ll need:

• 1 cup of carob chips
• 4 clementines or tangerines, peeled
• ⅛ cup of flaxseed meal
• 2½ cups of flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

To make the treat:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Add the tangerines to a blender and puree.
3. Mix the carob chips, flaxseed meal, flour, eggs, and olive oil in a large bowl. Add the clementine puree when you’re satisfied with the consistency.
4. Knead the dough before spreading it out into ¼-inch thick sheets. Cut out the dough with a cookie cutter.
5. After spreading the cookies on a baking sheet, cook for 20–25 minutes.
6. Allow the cookies to cool before serving

Your dog will love these sweet treats, and you might even be tempted to take a bite for yourself!

If you want to give your dog a taste of everything, be sure to drop by our store! We have plenty of unique dog-safe treats, including homemade baked goodies.

While the largest pet food markets in Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) nations remained in established markets, some of the fastest growth came in developing markets.