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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Roughly 1% to 2% of dogs in the U.S. suffer from food allergies. But that statistic is meaningless if your dog is part of this pack; you simply want to alleviate your dog’s food allergies. For dogs, the most common food allergens are proteins, such as those found in chicken, chicken eggs, beef, dairy products, soy and wheat gluten, according to PetMD and the VCA chain of animal hospitals. “When a dog with food allergies encounters a specific food they are allergic to, their immune system sees that protein as a foreign substance and mounts an immune system attack,” PetMD says.

What are the symptoms of food allergies in dogs?

Symptoms affecting a dog’s skin, paws or ears include itching, redness and swelling. Among the gastrointestinal symptoms, which tend to be less prevalent than skin symptoms, are vomiting, diarrhea and gas. VCA adds that food allergies also can cause hyperactivity, weight loss, lack of energy and even aggression in dogs.

When do food allergies happen in dogs?

Allergies can appear at any age, according to the American Kennel Club, but most dogs eat an allergy-triggering food for two years before symptoms show up. “Allergic reactions aren’t something that normally appear immediately after introducing a new food,” the kennel club says. “But once symptoms appear, their onset is often sudden and serious.” Most dogs react to one or two allergens and about 20% react to at least three, according to the kennel club. Some breeds may be more prone to food allergies, says the kennel club. These include Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, poodles and Chinese Shar-Peis.

How are food allergies diagnosed in dogs?

VCA says the “best and most accurate” way to diagnose a food allergy is to put your dog on a hypoallergenic diet, called an elimination diet or elimination trial, for eight to 12 weeks. During the trial period, ingredients in your dog’s current diet, such as proteins and carbohydrates, are replaced, according to the Pet Food Institute. In addition, treats, chew toys and supplements should be avoided. “If your dog’s allergy symptoms resolve while on the food trial, the next step is to perform a food challenge by re-introducing your dog’s old food,” the institute advises. “If your dog’s symptoms resolve with the food trial and return within one week of a food challenge, your dog has been definitively diagnosed with a food allergy.” Be sure to talk to your veterinarian before your dog goes on an elimination diet.

Food intolerance vs. food allergy

The Purina Institute notes that food intolerance can mimic a food allergy. Food intolerance, or food sensitivity, is usually a chronic condition and often doesn’t involve an immune response, according to the American Kennel Club. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, an itchy coat, and chronic ear or foot infections. While food allergies and food intolerance are different conditions, the Purina Institute says, they are diagnosed and managed in similar ways.

How to treat food allergies in dogs

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for food allergies in dogs. The only way to treat these allergies is to remove the allergy-causing food from your dog’s diet. Your veterinarian can prescribe a hypoallergenic diet tailored to your dog. “Some dogs will require medication during severe [allergy] episodes, but most pets can be successfully treated with a hypoallergenic diet,” says VCA.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="178500" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1727733084619{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/alzoo-allergy-supplement-for-dogs-soft-chews"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="178501" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1727733101024{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/evangers-evx-restricted-diet-wet-dog-food-allergies"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="178502" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1727733116070{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/chew-heal-allergy-aid-immune-boost-supplement-for-dogs"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]