Dog owners have plenty of food options available for their dogs. Some foodstuffs consist of high-quality ingredients, but the problem is that some dogs can still develop allergies after consuming certain foods. Some foods can cause allergies, and gastrointestinal, and skin problems in dogs. For instance, when a dog is exposed to a specific food, it can experience a hypersensitive reaction to the immune system and this is known as a food allergy.
The most common symptom of food allergy in dogs is itching on the face, ears, paws, under the tail, and ears. No matter how long the pet has been eating the same type of food, it can develop symptoms at any time. Other common signs of food allergies include the following:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Sneezing
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Hives
Knowing the foods that cause allergies in dogs is vital to safeguard the welfare of your pup. Here are the top eight most common food allergens for dogs.
Common Food Allergens for Dogs
In most cases, dogs are allergic to proteins, while less allergens include corn, soy, egg, fish, pork, and rice. The following are the top triggers of allergies in dogs.
Beef
While beef is one of the most common ingredients found in dog food, it is the top common food allergen for dogs. Beef accounts for 34% of dogs with food allergies. One thing you should know is that feeding your pup with a single type of food like beef increases their chance of developing an allergy or intolerance to certain ingredients. Therefore, it is important to consider a variety of ingredients for your furry friend. Additionally, it is vital to use beef products in moderation when feeding your dog to safeguard her health.
Diary
Diary products are among the top common food allergens for dogs because they often impact the digestive system. Problems such as lactose intolerance lead to difficulties in digesting lactose, which may lead to symptoms like vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Dairy allergies also cause skin itchiness, which leads to great discomfort in your dog. Before purchasing dairy products for your canine, consult your veterinarian first for advice. Some dairy products meant for dogs, such as yoghurt do not affect your dog’s health. However, some dogs can react differently to a variety of dairy products.
Wheat
In most cases, dogs develop allergies to meat products rather than grains, but some pets are allergic to wheat. It is essential to talk to your vet first to get an idea about the best food for your dog. If your pup reacts to wheat, it would be a good idea to get grain-free food to safeguard its health.
Egg
Your dog can experience an egg allergy due to overconsumption of eggs, or she may overeat the proteins found in the egg York. Protein is the major cause of allergies in dogs if they are consumed in excessive quantities or your pet lacks this critical component of diet. Some dog foods consist of egg ingredients while others don’t. Therefore, it is vital to check the ingredients on the package when buying food for your dog.
Chicken
Chicken is another common ingredient in dog foods like beef. Dogs that continuously eat foods with chicken ingredients may end up developing an allergy or some form of intolerance. To protect your pup, it is imperative to mix its diet and give it chicken-based foods in moderation. If your dog shows some signs of reaction to chicken, you should visit your nearest vet clinic for assistance. You may also need to stop feeding your friend with chicken products.
Lamb
If your dog is allergic to beef and chicken, lamb meat can be a good option. However, not all dogs react in the same way to different types of foods. Likewise, you should closely monitor your dog to see how it reacts to different types of food. If you realize that lamb is not a good fit for your dog, you must remove it from its diet. Consulting your vet is a good idea to avoid foods that can affect your dog’s health.
Soy
According to some research, soy causes different allergies in dogs and other health issues such as growth problems, reproductive issues, thyroid, and liver disease. Consulting your vet helps reduce the chances of your dog developing an allergy from consuming soy. Try other types of dog foods if your dog reacts to soy.
Pork
To a lesser extent, pork can cause an allergy in your dog. Whilst some dogs do not react to pork, it is imperative to monitor your dog and check for any signs of allergies after eating foods with pork-based ingredients. Never hesitate to visit your nearest vet clinic if you suspect that your dog has developed an allergy after eating pork.
Some foods cause allergies in dogs, so you must get the right ones for your dog. It is crucial to check your dog’s diet and note the food allergens found in other products. Before buying dog foods, carefully read the ingredients and closely monitor your pup for signs of allergies. Switch to a better diet if your pet reacts to a particular type of food.