Allergies in dogs are not as simple as we wish them to be. As in humans, they are caused by the reaction of the immune system to certain foreign substances. Though many factors trigger allergies, there is a genetic predisposition to allergies. Food allergy, one of the allergies that affect dogs, others being due to fleabites, and environmental factors make up only 10% of the allergies. Food allergies are difficult to diagnose, so it would be better to consult your vet and feed your dog a healthy diet that keeps him free of allergies.

The signs and symptoms of food allergies

• Itchiness in the skin, making your dog scratch non-stop, is a clear indicator of allergy. Ears, paws, inner thigh, belly, eye, or front leg area are parts of the body found to be most itching.
• Red, inflamed skin, hives, and swelling are seen on the face, ear flaps, lips, and eyelids.
• Constant licking at paws and nails which appear discolored and sensitive.
• Itchy and watery eyes with discharge.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea with blood or mucus in stool, straining to pass stool, and abdominal pain.
• Persistent ear infections throughout the year. Recurring ear infections strongly indicate a food allergy. Your dog will be persistently scratching the ear and shaking its head.
• Bronzing or color change around the lips is another symptom that is noticeable in breeds with white coats.
• Other subtle and rarer symptoms are nasal discharge, breathing issues, weight loss, urinary infection, seizures.
• Behavioral signs seen are aggressiveness, hyperactivity, lethargy, withdrawal, and loss of appetite.
• An anaphylactic shock or a life-threatening reaction is very rare from a food allergy. This severe allergy can be localized, or it can shut down major organs. Look for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, breathing difficulty, increased heart rate, and seizures.

Triggers of food allergies

• The immune response that has a genetic basis is a triggering factor for allergic reactions. The gut environment in your dog could also become prone to allergies if exposed to antibiotics at an early age.
• Change in your dog’s diet could trigger an allergy, but the more common foods that your dog eats are often the triggers of an allergy.
• Food allergies develop after prolonged exposure to a particular type of food when antibodies are developed against some part of the food like a protein or complex carbohydrate.
• Allergy is commonly triggered by allergens in beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, lamb, soy, corn, egg, pork, fish, and rice.
• Grain or gluten in food is an occasional trigger, especially for specific breeds.
• Any protein or carbohydrate found in pet food could trigger an allergy. Animal proteins are on the top of food allergens for dogs.
• Pure carbohydrates are safer than higher protein grains like corn and wheat.
• Additives like flavors, colorants, and preservatives may not be allergic but could trigger food intolerance.
• Ingredients in canned food which are not mentioned in the label could trigger an allergy
• Gelatin can trigger allergies. Check out the supplements that come in gelatin capsules.
• Allergies also depend on the manufacturing of pet food, and new allergens could be added to the list.