At Calibra, we understand that your dog is your priority and you’ll do anything you can to ensure they are fit and well. However, sometimes, this is easier said than done. Food allergies in dogs can be challenging to identify, but with careful observation and appropriate veterinary guidance, they can be managed effectively.
If you’ve observed symptoms in your dog and suspect a food allergy, our in-depth guide will help you understand the condition and explore effective ways to manage and treat it.
What are the Symptoms of a Food Allergy in Dogs?
Food allergies in dogs often manifest through various symptoms, primarily affecting the skin and gastrointestinal system. Common dog food allergy symptoms include:
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Skin Issues: Itchy skin, especially around the face, paws, ears, and belly; red or inflamed skin; rashes; and excessive licking or scratching.
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Ear Problems: Frequent ear infections, head shaking, and discomfort.
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Gastrointestinal Distress: Vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, and flatulence.
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Behavioural Changes: Increased irritability or discomfort.
These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so it's essential to consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.
What Is the Most Common Food Allergen for Dogs?
When it comes to food allergies in dogs, proteins are by far the most common culprits. While many pet owners assume grains are to blame, research shows that animal-based proteins and dairy are actually the leading triggers of allergic reactions in dogs.
According to veterinary studies, the most frequent food allergens include:
Beef: The most commonly reported food allergen, with approximately 34% of allergic dogs reacting to beef. It’s widely used in commercial dog foods, increasing the likelihood of repeated exposure and sensitisation over time.
Dairy Products: About 17% of dogs with food allergies are sensitive to dairy, often due to an intolerance to lactose or an allergic reaction to the proteins in milk, such as casein. Symptoms may include skin irritation, gas, and diarrhoea.
Chicken: Roughly 15% of allergic dogs are affected by chicken, another protein frequently found in both dry dog food and wet dog food. Even products labelled as containing other meats may include chicken by-products or flavourings. At Calibra, we're committed to transparency. Our compositions are clearly stated, with no hidden chicken by-products or fats.
Wheat: Around 13% of dogs experience allergic reactions to wheat. While true grain allergies are less common than protein allergies, wheat is still a known allergen for some dogs and can cause both digestive and skin issues.
Other notable food allergens include:
Lamb: Once considered a novel protein, lamb has become more common in dog food, leading to increased allergic responses.
Soy: Often used as a filler or protein source, soy can trigger allergic reactions or intolerances in some dogs.
Corn: Though less common, corn can be problematic for certain dogs, particularly when used in low-quality pet foods.
Eggs: Allergies to egg proteins—especially the white—can also occur, resulting in gastrointestinal or dermatological symptoms.
It's important to note that a dog must be exposed to a food multiple times before developing an allergy to it. This is why common ingredients—those frequently found in commercial dog foods—are more likely to become allergens over time.
How Can I Figure Out What My Dog Is Allergic To?
Pinpointing a food allergy in dogs can be a complex process, but it’s crucial for long-term health and comfort. Since food allergy symptoms often overlap with other conditions like environmental allergies or intolerances, a structured approach is essential to accurately identify the culprit.
1. Veterinary Consultation: The first step is to consult your veterinarian. They’ll assess your dog’s symptoms—such as itching, chronic ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, or skin irritation—and rule out other potential causes like parasites or infections. If a food allergy is suspected, your vet will typically recommend an elimination diet, which is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies.
2. Elimination Diet Trial: During this phase, your dog is put on a simplified diet that contains either a novel protein (a protein source they haven’t eaten before, such as insect, duck, venison, or rabbit) or a hydrolysed protein (where proteins are broken down into smaller molecules, making them less likely to cause an allergic reaction). These types of proteins can be introduced through a specialist food such as our Hypoallergenic Insect Protein food. This diet must be followed strictly for 6 to 12 weeks, with no additional treats, table scraps, flavoured medications, or chews. Sticking to the plan is crucial—any deviation can invalidate the results.
3. Reintroduction Phase (Challenge Phase): Once symptoms have subsided, previous ingredients are slowly reintroduced one at a time—typically every 1 to 2 weeks—while closely monitoring your dog for a return of symptoms. If a reaction occurs, that ingredient is likely the allergen and should be permanently removed from their diet.
This process requires patience and precision but is highly effective in isolating the specific food allergen causing your dog discomfort. Once identified, your dog can be transitioned to a long-term diet that avoids the offending ingredient, improving their quality of life significantly.
What Should I Feed My Dog with Food Allergies?
Once the allergen is identified, managing your dog's diet becomes essential to reducing symptoms and supporting their overall well-being. Choosing the right food can dramatically improve your dog’s quality of life and help prevent flare-ups.
Hypoallergenic Diets: These specially formulated diets often use hydrolysed proteins, which are broken down into smaller components that are less likely to trigger an immune response. This makes them ideal for dogs with known food sensitivities or suspected allergies. At Calibra, our range of hypoallergenic dog food is designed with carefully selected ingredients that help manage common allergy symptoms—such as itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive upset—without compromising on nutrition. Many of our recipes are also grain-free and enriched with essential nutrients to support skin health, immunity, and digestion.
Novel Protein Diets: These diets involve feeding your dog a protein source they haven’t eaten before—like venison, duck, rabbit, or even insect protein. The idea is to avoid triggering an allergic reaction by using unfamiliar proteins that the immune system hasn't become sensitised to. Novel protein diets are especially effective during elimination trials and can be continued long-term if well tolerated by your dog. Calibra offers several novel protein options, making it easier to find a recipe that works for even the most sensitive pups. Some of our products include our Calibra Life range, which comprises of monoproteins, and our Veterinary Diet Ultra Hypoallergenic range with insect protein, which can be fed long-term.
Home-Cooked Meals: In some cases, home-prepared diets may be recommended—particularly when commercial options don’t align with your dog’s specific needs. This route offers full control over ingredients, allowing you to tailor meals based on your vet’s advice. However, it’s important to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog still receives a balanced and complete diet. Without professional guidance, home-cooked diets can inadvertently lead to nutritional deficiencies.
What Dog Breed Has the Most Food Allergies?
While any dog can develop food allergies, certain breeds are more predisposed:
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Labrador Retrievers
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Cocker Spaniels
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West Highland White Terriers
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Golden Retrievers
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Bulldogs
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Boxers
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Dachshunds
These breeds are more commonly affected, but food allergies can occur in any dog.
Tips for Managing Your Dog's Food Allergies
Once you’ve identified a food allergy, long-term management becomes key to keeping your dog healthy and symptom-free. Consistency, awareness, and support from your vet all play vital roles in ensuring your dog’s diet continues to meet their unique needs. Here are some essential tips:
1. Regular Veterinary Check-ups:
Ongoing veterinary care is crucial for monitoring your dog’s progress and catching any new symptoms early. Food allergies can sometimes evolve or coincide with other sensitivities, so your vet may periodically recommend adjustments to your dog’s diet or supplements to support skin, gut, or immune health. Our CVET NutricareVet supplement range is designed for various health issues, including gastro, urinary, joint and cardiac products.
2. Avoid Table Scraps and Unapproved Treats:
While it may be tempting to share your food with your dog, many human foods contain hidden allergens like dairy, wheat, or seasoning that can trigger a reaction. Even small amounts can interfere with an elimination diet or cause a relapse in dogs with diagnosed allergies. Stick to vet-approved treats or hypoallergenic options like those offered in the Calibra Veterinary Diet Snacks collection.
3. Read Labels Carefully:
Always check the ingredient list on any food, treat, or chew you give your dog. Many commercial products contain fillers, by-products, or protein sources that could be problematic. Look for limited-ingredient or single-protein foods and be cautious with products labelled “natural” or “grain-free,” as these terms don’t guarantee they’re allergen-free. At Calibra, we pride ourselves on being transparent with our product ingredients. Our compositions are always clearly labelled, with no hidden products or fats.
4. Maintain a Consistent Diet:
Dogs with food allergies thrive on routine. Sudden changes in food, even within the same brand, can trigger symptoms. Once you've found a diet that works, stick to it. If you need to transition to a new food, do so gradually over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old.
5. Watch for Environmental Triggers
While managing your dog’s food allergies, it’s also important to be mindful of non-food allergens. Pollen, dust mites, and even certain cleaning products can cause overlapping symptoms, which may complicate diagnosis and treatment. Keeping a symptom diary can help track flare-ups and identify patterns.
By following these tips and choosing high-quality, hypoallergenic dog food from trusted brands like Calibra, you can help ensure your dog leads a healthier, more comfortable life with fewer allergy-related disruptions.
If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and management. With the right approach, most dogs with food allergies can lead healthy, comfortable lives. For more information on our range of dog and cat food, feel free to get in touch. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions.
