Many pet owners worry about their dog’s diet. It is more than just providing daily sustenance; pet owners want to ensure their dogs have the best possible food at all stages of life, from puppies to seniors. Unlike people, dogs cannot communicate their feelings or discomfort and it can be challenging to know when your dog is being fussy and when it actually cannot eat something.
Food allergies are common in dogs and some foods are more likely to provoke an allergic reaction. Explore below how allergies work in dogs and what you can do to ensure your dog gets the right food for every meal.
What Are Food Allergies?
Food allergies in dogs are an immune response to an allergen in a dog’s digestive tract that the body rejects. It is essential to distinguish between food allergies and food intolerance. Food intolerance is when a particular food doesn’t sit well with a dog, causing gastrointestinal distress but no other issues.
Food allergies are an autoimmune response that can be very serious and cause potentially dangerous symptoms in your dog. If you suspect your dog is allergic to a food, it is important to visit a veterinarian and have your dog tested.
What are the Symptoms of Food Allergies?
Roughly 7.6 percent of dogs have some sort of food allergy, so all dog owners should monitor their dogs for physical symptoms that could be connected to a food allergy. These symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Pigmented, scaly, oily or leathery skin
- Itching, particularly itchy paws
- Red eyes or eye discharge
- Rashes
- Excessive sneezing
- Patches where the dog constantly scratches
If you notice a pattern of symptoms after eating, note what your dog ate and take your dog to the vet for an intradermal or blood test to determine if there could be a connection.
What Foods are Dogs Commonly Allergic To?
Certain foods are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than others. The foods that most often provoke a reaction are:
- Soy
- Beef
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Wheat
Many mass-produced dog foods contain some, if not all, of these ingredients. All dog owners must know what their pup is eating to better understand their allergies and preferences. Organic dog food from manufacturers like Open Farm is a better option for dogs with food allergies. Open Farm pet foods are made with whole, human-grade ingredients with no filler, so owners know exactly what their dog is eating every meal.
Know What Your Dog Eats
Food allergies in dogs can turn serious quickly, but feeding your dog nutritious, organic food can help you know what they are eating and ensure nothing they are allergic to enters their diet.
Explore the all-natural, organic dog foods from Open Farm. We put care into each bite of food, ensuring only the best ingredients go into every meal. We use human-grade meats for maximum nutrition, ensuring your dog has healthy food and treats for all stages of life.
