Foods To Avoid For Dogs With Skin Allergies – Improve Quality of Life

Understanding Canine Skin Allergies: Foods to Avoid and Treatment Strategies

Skin allergies in dogs are a common concern for pet owners. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the dietary triggers of canine skin allergies, their symptoms, effective treatments and particularly the foods to avoid for dogs with skin allergies. Our insights are backed by scholarly research, ensuring you receive reliable and actionable information.

Recognising Symptoms of Skin Allergies in Dogs

• Itchy Skin: Dogs often scratch, itch, bite, or lick their skin excessively when experiencing allergies. (1)
• Red, Inflamed Skin: Look for areas of redness, particularly around the ears, paws, and belly. (2)
• Hair Loss: Prolonged scratching can lead to hair loss in affected areas.
• Ear Infections: Allergic dogs may suffer from frequent ear infections.
• Secondary Infections: Constant scratching can lead to bacterial or yeast infections on the skin.

Common Food Allergens for Dogs

• Beef and Dairy Products: These are among the most common canine allergens. Proteins in these foods can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. (3)
• Lamb: Another of the animal proteins most likely to result in allergenicity in dogs
• Chicken and Egg: Often used in dog foods, these can also be problematic for allergic dogs.
• Wheat and Corn: Gluten and other proteins in grains can be allergenic.
• Soy: While less common than corn or wheat responses, soy can cause issues in sensitive dogs.
• Artificial Additives: Some dogs react to artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.

Why Certain Foods Cause Allergic Reactions

• Protein Sensitivity: Dogs can develop sensitivities to specific proteins, leading to an allergic response. (4)
• Immune System Overreaction: Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless protein as a threat. (5)
• Genetic Factors: Some breeds are more prone to food allergies. (6)

Treatment of Skin Allergies in Dogs

• Dietary Management: Identifying and eliminating allergenic foods from the diet is crucial. (7)
• Medications: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants may be prescribed.(8)
• Topical Treatments: Medicated shampoos or ointments can soothe irritated skin.
• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots can be effective for long-term management. (9)
• Regular Vet Visits: Continuous monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans.

In summary, research shows the foods dogs with skin allergies should avoid include the primary allergens – beef and dairy products, lamb, chicken and eggs, wheat, corn and soy, pork, fish and rice. Less common allergens include barley, rabbit, chocolate, kidney bean and tomato (10)

Managing food allergies in dogs requires a careful balance of dietary control and medical intervention. By understanding the symptoms, identifying the allergens and which foods to avoid, and following an effective treatment plan, you can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life.

Bonza, a 100% plant-based, vegan dog food is formulated to contain none of the known allergens for dogs, with no soy, corn or wheat products.

In addition Bonza is packed full of powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients including Omega-3 (with DHA, EPA and DPA), probiotics, turmeric, and a host of other soothing herbs and adaptogens that work to support a reduction in inflammation associated with skin allergies.

If you are interested in further information about your dog’s skin, and the common issues with it, you may be interested in this article Skin Inflammation in Dogs: Comprehensive Guide to the Issues