Bruno had always been an active, playful dog, full of energy. But lately, his pet parent Vishal noticed something concerning—Bruno had become sluggish, his skin itchy, and his stomach upset. A visit to the vet revealed the surprising cause: Bruno was allergic to a common ingredient in his food. Despite Vishal’s efforts to provide healthy pet food, his dog’s diet was causing more harm than good.

This is a scenario that many pet parents, like Vishal, can relate to. Identifying food allergies in dogs can be challenging, but it’s crucial to ensuring their long-term health. Let’s explore the common food allergies in dogs, how to spot them, and what you can do to keep your furry friend feeling their best.

What Are Food Allergies in Dogs?

Food allergies in dogs occur when their immune system mistakes an ingredient in their food as harmful, triggering a reaction. Common culprits include proteins like chicken, beef, and dairy, but grains and additives can also be responsible. Symptoms can range from skin irritation and digestive issues to behavioral changes.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Has a Food Allergy?

Identifying food allergies in dogs isn’t always straightforward, especially since symptoms can vary widely. However, certain signs are worth paying attention to:
Symptoms of Food Allergy in Dogs

Itchy Skin: Excessive scratching, especially around the face, paws, and belly, is a red flag. If you notice this, book a vet appointment immediately.

Chronic Ear Infections: Recurrent ear infections may point to a food allergy. Avoid self-medication and consult a veterinary expert.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas might indicate intolerance to specific ingredients.

Hair Loss or Hot Spots: Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas might indicate intolerance to specific ingredients.

Constant Licking: Excessive paw licking could be a sign of irritation caused by food allergies.

What Are the Signs You Must Not Overlook?

It's easy to overlook minor symptoms like occasional itching or upset gut, but these could be early signs of a more serious food allergy. 

Here are some symptoms you should never ignore:

Repeated Skin Infections: If your dog keeps getting skin infections despite treatment, the root cause could be related to his everyday meals. 

Continuous Vomiting or Diarrhoea: If the digestive problems are persistently occurring, then it is certainly not a normal situation. You should immediately take action. 

Sudden Behavioural Changes: Food allergies can also affect your dog’s mood and energy levels, making them feel lethargic or irritable.

Seeing your dog go through this takes away your peace of mind. However, don't fret, as every allergy has a solution, and your vet is sure to have one.

Why Is a Food Trial Important?

If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, a food trial is one of the best ways to identify the cause. During the  food trial, you will feed your dog a limited-ingredient or grain-free dog food for about 8-12 weeks. This diet should feature a new protein and carbohydrate source that your dog has never eaten before.

If your dog’s symptoms improve, the allergy is likely food-related. slowly reintroduce old ingredients one at a time to pinpoint the allergen  Many pet parents find that grain-free dog food helps alleviate their dog’s symptoms, as grains are a common trigger.

What Can a Pet Parent Do in This Situation?

If your dog is diagnosed with a food allergy, there are several steps you can take to ensure their health and happiness:

Switch to a Special Diet: Opt for high-quality, nutrient-rich, pure pet food that avoids common allergens like grains, chicken, or dairy. Look for trusted brands or a leading pet food company in India, that offers healthy pet food options designed for sensitive dogs.

Examine Their Symptoms: Even after switching food, keep an eye on your dog’s health. If symptoms persist, consult your vet for further guidance.

Consider Grain-Free Dog Food: Many dogs with food allergies show a remarkable improvement in their health when they start taking grain-free diets. In these meals, grains like wheat and corn are not present, which are known to cause allergic reactions in some dogs.

Read Pure Pet Food Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients in pet products available online before making a purchase for your furry friend. Make sure the food is free from ingredients that your dog is allergic to.

Consult Your Vet Frequently: Be regular with your vet visits to ensure your dog’s overall health. Your vet can guide you through managing food allergies properly without compromising on important minerals, vitamins, and fibre. 

How Can Hunger Tail Help?

When dealing with food allergies, it’s important to choose a pet food company that understands your dog’s needs. Hunger Tail is dedicated to offering pure pet food made with high-quality locally sourced ingredients that support your pet’s overall health. Our selection of nutrient-rich, grain-free dog food is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

Start by exploring the range of healthy, grain-free dog food options from Hunger Tail to give your four-legged friend the nutrition he needs and deserves.