How to Determine if Your Dog Has Food Allergies

According to PetEducation.com, 10 percent of all allergies seen in dogs are food allergies. In dogs, signs of food allergy show up as skin irritation and ear infections. This includes itching, scratching, biting, and chewing of the ears, around the eyes and muzzle, paws, underarms, groin, and/or anus. There may also be visible signs, such as red bumps or patches of hair loss. Food allergies may also be accompanied by vomiting or loose stools. To determine if your dog has a food allergy, you need to place your dog on an elmination test diet.

Things You'll Need

  • Your dog's current food, complete with ingredient listing.
  • An alternate, hypoallergenic dog food containing NO beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, eggs, corn or soy.
  • Vigilance.
  • Patience.
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Instructions

    • 1
      Check the ingredients of any snacks and treats you give your dog as well.

      Read the ingredients listed on your dog's current food. Don't forget to look at the ingredients in any treats or supplements you give your dog. Note any common offending allergens such as beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, eggs, corn and soy. These are common dog food ingredients that are known to cause allergies.

    • 2
      Specialty shops sell organic and hypo-allergenic dog foods.

      Choose an alternative food that contains a protein your dog has not been exposed to. Examples of novel proteins include: duck, venison, buffalo/bison, kangaroo, and salmon. Make sure the alternate food does not contain dairy, wheat, corn or soy. There are plenty of dog foods on the market that are especially meant for dogs with food allergies. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, or speak with an employee at a pet supply store.

    • 3

      Transition your dog to the new food by mixing 50 percent of his old food with 50 percent of his new food for two days. Then switch to a 75 to 25 percent ratio, and on day four give him only the new food. As with any change in diet, your pet may experience loose stools when adjusting to the new diet. This is likely not a new allergy, but just part of the adjustment period. After two months of trying the new diet, symptoms should have disappeared if the dog has a food allergy. If symptoms do not subside, a carbohydrate may be the offending ingredient. Try brown rice, sweet potato, or no carbohydrates at all.
      Do not supplement with anything else, including treats for the trial period.