When your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, treating them can be tricky. Some of the most common allergens in dog foods include beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, corn, wheat, and soy. Eliminating the offending ingredients is crucial, but you still want to give your pup treats that are nutritious and bring them joy. The good news is that there are many great options to choose from.
What Causes Food Allergies in Dogs?
Just like in humans, allergies in dogs occur when their immune system overreacts to something in their environment that is normally harmless. The most common allergens for dogs are proteins found in their food. When a dog eats a protein their body mistakenly recognizes as harmful, their immune system goes on the attack, causing an allergic reaction.
The exact cause of food allergies is not fully understood, but some dogs are genetically predisposed to developing them. Environmental factors, ingredients in dog foods, and even the age when a dog is first exposed to certain proteins may play a role.
Some breeds that are more prone to food allergies include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Boxers
- Shih Tzus
- Pugs
- Poodles
- Cocker Spaniels
Allergies usually develop at 1-3 years of age after repeated exposure to the allergen. Reactions can develop suddenly or gradually over time.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs
Allergic reactions affect dogs in different ways. Some common symptoms to look out for include:
- Itchy skin or ear infections
- Hair loss
- Excessive licking of paws or skin
- Chronic ear inflammation
- Red, scaly skin
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Gas
- Sneezing
- Paw chewing
Reactions can occur in minutes to hours after eating the offending food. Some dogs develop chronic symptoms like itching, hair loss, and skin infections from repeated allergen exposure. Allergies often get gradually worse over time without dietary changes.
Diagnosing Food Allergies
If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, check in with your vet. They will take a full history of symptoms and may recommend:
- Blood tests to check for elevated allergy antibodies
- Skin or patch testing to identify problem proteins
- An elimination diet trial – Removing suspected triggers from the diet for 8-12 weeks to see if symptoms improve. Then reintroducing ingredients one at a time.
Once problem ingredients are identified, your vet can provide nutritional advice and recommend allergy-friendly foods and treats.
Treat Options for Dogs with Food Allergies
When choosing treats for a dog with food allergies, read ingredient labels carefully. Avoid any products containing their known allergens. Here are some great allergy-friendly options:
Limited Ingredient Treats
Limited ingredient treats contain a very short list of components, minimizing risk of reactions. Some good choices include:
- Blue Buffalo BASICS Limited Ingredient Training Treats – Salmon & Potato recipe
- Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Wet Dog Food – Venison & Potato recipe
- Taste of the Wild Grain Free Canned Dog Food – Roasted Lamb recipe
Freeze-Dried Treats
Freeze drying locks in nutrition without preservatives. Look for single protein options like:
- PureBites Freeze Dried Raw Beef Liver
- Stewart Pro-Treat Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Treats
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels
Fruit and Vegetable Snacks
Dogs love crunching on healthy fruits and veggies like:
- Cucumber slices
- Pitied raspberries
- Sliced apples
- Baby carrots
- Banana chips
- Sweet potato fries
- Green beans
Check with your vet first, as some dogs have sensitivities to new foods.
Homemade Treats
Bake up allergy-free goodies like:
- Peanut butter & banana cookies
- Pumpkin gingerbread muffins
- Liver brownies
- Sweet potato biscuits
Use only ingredients your dog is not allergic to. Recipe ideas are abundant online.
Interactive Toys
Keep your dog mentally and physically engaged with toys like:
- Kong rubber toys
- Rope toys
- Nylon bones
- Ball launchers
- Snuffle mats
Avoid plush toys which could trigger allergy symptoms from materials.
Tips for Transitioning to an Allergy-Friendly Diet
Switching your dog to new foods and treats can be challenging. Here are some tips for making the process go smoothly:
- Transition slowly – Mix a little of the new diet into the old diet, gradually increasing the ratio over 2-4 weeks
- Stick to the same protein source in all foods
- Keep treats simple and consistent with diet
- Pay attention to stool quality and appetite
- Be patient – It can take 4-6 weeks to see the full benefits of an elimination diet as the gut heals
Should I see a veterinary nutritionist?
For dogs with severe, complex or multiple food allergies, consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be helpful. They can formulate a customized allergy elimination diet and provide guidance on challenging allergy cases.
Look for a nutritionist who is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. Your vet may also be able to refer you to one.
In Summary
Finding the right treats for a dog with food allergies requires vigilance of ingredients and patience transitioning to new foods. But with so many tasty options available, you can still make your pup happy at treat time. Stay positive and keep an eye out for allergy symptoms improving as you eliminate problem foods from your dog’s diet.