Feeding Your Allergic Dog
Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Common Allergens, First Steps
Itching, skin redness, or recurring ear infections? These could be signs of a dog food allergy. Learn about symptoms, common allergens, and what to do next.
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Common Allergens, First Steps
What is a Food Allergy?
Food allergy is an immune reaction to a specific food protein. Food intolerance is not immune-based.
Most Common Symptoms
Skin Symptoms:
- Itching (ears, between toes, belly, armpits)
- Recurring ear infections
- Skin redness, rash
- Hair loss
Digestive Symptoms:
- Diarrhea, vomiting
- Bloating, gas
- Soft stools
General Signs:
- Increased scratching, licking
- Recurring eye discharge
Most Common Allergens in Dogs
- Beef
- Chicken
- Wheat, Gluten
- Eggs
- Dairy, Dairy Products
- Soy
- Lamb
How to Diagnose?
The only reliable method is an elimination diet. Unfortunately, blood and saliva tests are not reliable in dogs.
What Can You Do Immediately?
- Do not introduce new foods
- Identify which proteins your dog has eaten so far
- Discuss starting an elimination diet with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist
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References
- 1.Olivry T, Mueller RS — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (3): prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research 13:51, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research 12:9, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0633-8 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.Olivry T, Mueller RS, Prélaud P — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (1): duration of elimination diets. BMC Veterinary Research 11:225, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0541-3 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.Mueller RS, Fieseler KV, Fettman MJ, et al. — Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on canine atopic dermatitis. Journal of Small Animal Practice 45(6):293–297, 2004. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2004.tb00238.x (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
