Top 10 Dog Food Allergens: What Makes Your Dog Itchy?

Dog food allergies can cause itching, digestive issues, and discomfort in your pet. Learn about the top 10 dog food allergens, symptoms, and the best ways to manage food allergies. Petsona off ers personalized dehydrated meals, ensuring balanced nutrition while avoiding common allergens. Our complete and balanced formulas are minimally processed to help preserve nutrients whilst providing a safe and delicious alternative to kibble or raw food for your pet. Discover how to support your dog's health with Petsona’s scientifically backed allergy-friendly meals.

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Why Do Dogs Develop Food Allergies?

Food allergies and sensitivities in dogs occur when their immune system mistakenly identifies a specific ingredient as harmful, triggering an inappropriate immune reaction. The most common food allergies and sensitivities in dogs occur in response to beef, dairy, chicken. Lamb and wheat.  Repeated exposure to these allergens increases the risk of developing sensitivities, leading to symptoms like itching, digestive issues, andskin problems.

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Top 10 Dog Food Allergens

1. Beef – beef is one of the most frequently reported food allergens contributing to cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFRs) in dogs. 
2. Dairy – Dairy products are also recognized as common allergens in dogs. Allergic reactions are typically immune-mediated responses to proteins in dairy, rather than issues with lactose digestion.
3. Chicken – Chicken is a prevalent ingredient in commercial dog foods and is among the top reported allergens in dogs. Its widespread use in diets may contribute to the higher incidence of allergic reactions.
4. Lamb – Lamb is sometimes used in diets formulated for dogs with food sensitivities; however, it can still act as an allergen but is a less common allergen compared to beef, dairy, and chicken.
5. Wheat – Wheat is a plant-based ingredient that has been identified as a common allergen in dogs, though less frequently than animal-based proteins like beef and chicken. It can cause immune-mediated allergic reactions in some dogs.
6. Soy – Soy is a plant-based protein that has been reported as an allergen in dogs, though less commonly than other sources like beef, dairy, and chicken.
7. Corn – Corn is another plant-based ingredient that has been identified with food allergies in dogs but less commonly than animal proteins. 
8. Pork- Pork may be an allergen to some dogs but far less common than beef. Chicken or lamb. 
9. Fish – Whilst less common, certain fish proteins can trigger allergies, particular in dogs sensitive to chicken.

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Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies

• Skin Issues: Excessive itching, redness, rashes, hot spots, and hair loss.
• Digestive Problems: Vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or flatulence.
• Ear Infections: Frequent ear scratching or shaking.
• Paw Licking & Face Rubbing: A sign of irritation or discomfort.

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How to Identify Dog Food Allergies

Elimination Diet

The most effective method to determine food allergies is to use and eliminate diet protocol.

To conduct an elimination diet properly, it’s important to reduce immune stimulation to minimize chances of co sensitivities to other proteins that can occur by switching between proteins when the GI tract is chronically inflamed. This is achieved by feeding a veterinary hydrolyzed protein diet for at least 8-12 weeks to see if symptoms are resolved. If symptoms are resolved, a food sensitivity is suspected and the next step is to identify the offending protein or proteins. 

This is achieved by introducing a novel protein with a single novel carbohydrate source (ie tapioca or rice) for 2-4 weeks. If symptoms do not reappear, it is likely this protein and carbohydrate are tolerated. If symptoms reappear, this confirms a sensitivity to the challenge or very rarely the challenge carbohydrate and it is important to stop immediately and return to a hydrolyzed diet until symptoms resolve. This reduces the risk of co-sensitization, a common occurrence in dogs. The process is then repeated across a range of proteins. 

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Veterinary Allergy Testing

Blood tests and intradermal testing can help detect sensitivities to certain ingredients, though results should be interpreted alongside dietary trials.

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Allergens vs. Toxic Foods: What’s the Difference?

Allergic reactions stem from the immune system’s response to specific ingredients, while toxic foods can cause poisoning, organ failure, or even death. Foods like chocolate, grapes and xylitol are harmful to dogs and should be avoided entirely.

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How to Ensure Balanced Nutrition for Your Dog?

Providing a well-balanced diet tailored to your dog’s needs is essential for overall health. Consider fresh, whole-food ingredients while avoiding known allergens.

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Why Choose Petsona for Allergy-Friendly Nutrition?

Personalized Dehydrated Meals for Every Dog

Petsona is Hong Kong’s first pet nutrition brand utilizing dehydration technology in daily dog food. By gently dehydrating fresh ingredients, we retain many of the important nutrients that are lost in high temperature processing giving you many of the benefits of a raw diet with the convenience and safety of a dry food.

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Scientifically Formulated 

Our recipes are formulated to exceed AAFCO and FEDIAF minimum nutrient requirements, ensuring not just compliance but optimal nutrition for dogs. We go beyond the basics to provide a diet that supports overall health, longevity, and well-being.

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Locally Made, Convenient & Safe

Produced in a licensed Hong Kong kitchen, our meals are freshly prepared with flexible delivery options. Give your pet the convenience of high-quality, personalized meals.

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Summary

Food allergies in dogs can cause significant health issues if not properly managed. Identifying allergens through elimination diets or veterinary guidance is essential for accurate diagnosis. At Petsona, we offer carefully formulated options to help diagnose and manage food allergies, including dehydrated meals free from common allergens. Our locally produced, high-quality meals provide pet parents with a safe, nutritious solution tailored to their dog's unique dietary needs.

FAQ

1. How can I tell if my dog has a food allergy or intolerance?

Food allergies trigger an immune response, often causing itching, skin issues, and ear infections, while food intolerances primarily cause digestive upset such as diarrhea, vomiting, or gas. The best way to diagnose a food allergy is through an elimination diet with a 8-12 week washout period using a hydrolyzed or novel protein diet, followed by controlled reintroduction of individual proteins.

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2. What is the best diet for a dog with food allergies?

A limited-ingredient diet free from identified allergens is ideal. Once allergens have been identified, dogs should be fed a nutritionally complete, balanced diet that avoids triggers. Petsona’s dehydrated meals are customized to provide safe, high-quality nutrition without common allergens.

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3. What are the most common food allergens in dogs?

Studies show the most common allergens in dogs include:

• Animal proteins: Beef, chicken, dairy, lamb, fish, and eggs
• Plant-based ingredients: Wheat, soy, and corn
• Additives & Preservatives: Some artificial colorings or flavorings may trigger sensitivities, though true immune-mediated allergies to additives are rare.

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4. Can dogs suddenly develop food allergies?

Yes, food allergies can develop at any age, even if a dog has been eating the same diet for years. The immune system can become sensitized over time, leading to an allergic reaction.

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5. How long does it take for food allergy symptoms to appear?

• Symptoms can develop within hours to a few days after eating an allergen.
• In some cases, chronic low-grade exposure can take weeks or months to cause noticeable symptoms.

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6. How is a food allergy diagnosed?

The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies is a strict elimination diet trial:

1. Feed a hydrolyzed or novel protein diet for 8-12 weeks (no treats, flavored medications, or table scraps).
2. If symptoms improve, systematically reintroduce proteins one at a time to identify the trigger.

Blood tests for food allergies are not considered reliable for diagnosis but are sometimes used in conjunction with an elimination diet.

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7. What happens if my dog accidentally eats an allergen?

• Mild cases: Temporary itching, digestive upset, or ear infections.
• Severe cases: Some dogs experience vomiting, diarrhea, or significant skin flare-ups requiring veterinary treatment.
• Management: If an allergen is accidentally consumed, supportive care (immune modulators, probiotics, digestive support) may be needed.

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8. Can dogs grow out of food allergies?

Unlike environmental allergies, food allergies are typically lifelong. While symptoms may fluctuate, dogs generally do not outgrow food allergies once sensitized.

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9. Can home-cooked diets help with food allergies?

Home-cooked diets can eliminate allergens, but nutritional balance is a major concern. Many homemade diets lack essential nutrients if not properly formulated. 

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10. Does Petsona offer options to help diagnose and manage food allergies?

Petsona is committed to supporting dogs with food sensitivities. While we do not currently offer a diet specifically designed for diagnosing food allergies, our carefully formulated limited-ingredient dehydrated meals may be suitable for dogs with dietary sensitivities. Each recipe is crafted with high-quality ingredients to help simplify your dog’s diet and minimize potential triggers. For pets with suspected food allergies, we recommend consulting a veterinarian for a tailored approach.

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