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Dogs are like family members to pet parents. They try their best to keep their furry animals healthy and look strong. Common dog allergies can affect dogs badly. Environmental allergens and food allergens are the most prevalent in dogs. Dog food allergies caused by insect bites and flea saliva can be seen in many dogs. This blog guides pet lovers on identifying such signs of food allergies in dogs, along with relevant data and statistics. Moreover, they will know more about the best food for dogs with allergies.
Statistics on Pet Food Allergy
As per Banfield Pet Hospital’s pet health report, the ratio of food allergies in pets is different. The report shows that food allergies affect dogs (0.2%) higher than cats (0.1%). The ratio of flea allergy affects cats higher than dogs.
In the last decade, cases of flea allergy are on rise. Such allergy cases have been enhanced by 12.5 percent in dogs. Moreover, environmental allergy effects were higher in dogs, ensuring a 30.7 percent growth.
The report also states that pet owners have awareness about food sensitivities in people, not in dogs. They also understand that allergy has a big role in skin issues. Food allergy is not very common, but it can jeopardize itchy pets.
Skin infection is also possible in food-allergic pets through fleas, an external parasite. Moreover, the frequency of pyoderma is 6 times higher in food-allergic dogs, not in non–food-allergic dogs.
Major Signs of a Food Allergy in Dogs
Both dogs and cats don’t have the same food allergy symptoms. Among such systems, skin issues are very common. Persistent itching is another sign, but it should not be related to the seasons. Just check if your dog has any sort of skin rashes, redness, or hair issues. It can occur due to food allergies in dogs.
Dog owners, just notice these symptoms in your dogs to confirm your dog is under the grip of food allergy.
- Ear infections and eye discharge
- Frequent scratching due to itchiness, especially on their paws
- Hair loss and leathery skin texture
- Hot spots (skin infections resulting from excessive scratching)
- Pigmented and scaly skin and red eyes
- Secondary yeast or bacterial infections (pyoderma) of the skin or ears
- Skin rashes and sneezing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
All these symptoms indicate that your dog is most likely a food-allergic patient. If you detect any of the mentioned-above dog allergy symptoms, consult your vet immediately.
Highly Prevalent Food Allergies in Pets
All food ingredients are not soft on dogs’ digestive systems. When dogs fail to digest some ingredients, this condition relates to common food intolerances in dogs. Look at the list of ingredients that can develop food allergies in dogs.
- Beef: Beef eating dogs can develop an intolerance to beef after many years. It is the most common food allergen.
- Chicken: This food allergen compels dogs to develop an intolerance to chicken.
- Dairy: Some dogs develop issues digesting lactose. This lactose allergy results in diarrhea, gas, and vomiting in dogs.
- Eggs: An egg allergy affects dogs’ immune systems when they fail to digest protein-based food.
- Lamb: Dogs can also feel allergic to this ingredient like chicken.
- Soy: Soy ingredients can be a concern for liver, thyroid, reproductive, and growth diseases.
- Wheat: Some dogs develop an allergy to grains. Such dogs need grain-free dog food.
In addition, allergies caused by pork, rabbit, or fish are less common in dogs.
How to Avoid Dog Food Allergies?
All the mentioned above symptoms put a light on the most common food allergies that affect dogs’ health badly. To save allergic dogs from the ill effects of food allergies, it is common to avoid all food ingredients that make dogs feel uncomfortable. Simply, try hypoallergenic dog food products that are specially prepared for dogs who experience food-related intolerances.
For special occasions, consider allergy-friendly dog cakes, which are made using carefully selected ingredients to suit sensitive stomachs while letting your pup celebrate safely. When allergies start causing adverse effects on dogs’ physical health, it is high time to increase the ratio of grain-free dog food. Ask vets about dog food ingredients to avoid from the diet. Stop feeding dogs with wheat, eggs, beef, soy, and chicken-based foods. Simply adopt allergy-friendly dog treats and cakes that are soft on dogs’ stomachs.
Opt for natural dog food for allergies, made to cater to multiple health needs of dogs of all ages. You can also try Energy Dog Treats food products. It treats dogs who are allergic to meat. This product comes with healthy and easy-to-digest nutrients.
Conclusion
Dog food allergies are common, and they affect dogs’ health severely if you fail to understand food allergy symptoms. Identify these symptoms and take your dogs to vets without wasting any further time. There is a long list of allergy-friendly dog treat food items available in the market. Moreover, they are free from food ingredients that can trigger food intolerance problems in dogs. Simply, feed your dogs with what is soft on their stomach and effective on health.
