What Are Food Allergies in Dogs?
A food allergy results from an immune response to an ingredient in a dog’s diet – an ingredient the dog is intolerant to. This immunological response often manifests over time rather than immediately after trying an unfamiliar food. This is because the immune system takes time to become sensitized and produces antibodies. For example, a dog eating chicken-based food for years might suddenly develop an allergy to chicken.
Common Signs of Food Allergies in Dogs:
Food allergies can lead to various skin conditions. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, it might be time to re-evaluate their diet:
- Itching: When your dog scratches or licks his skin.
- Inflammation: Dogs with food allergies are likelier to suffer from this condition than those with other allergies.
- Pigmented Skin: Dogs with hyperpigmentation often develop thicker, darker patches of skin.
- Facial Swelling: Swelling of the face in dogs can indicate a reaction to food allergens or other allergies.
- Leathery Skin Texture: A thick, leathery skin texture is often associated with Malassezia Dermatitis, a common skin condition.
- Dry and Flaky Skin: Dry and flaky skin in dogs can result from food allergies, diet, environmental factors, age, or exercise habits.
- Bald Patches: Dogs may shed hair periodically, sometimes in large quantities, leading to noticeable bald patches.
Understanding the Most Common Food Allergens for Dogs:
To effectively address food allergies, it’s crucial to know which ingredients are most likely to trigger a reaction in your dog. Here’s a closer look at the common culprits hiding in their meals.
- Soy– Soy generally causes adverse reactions in dogs and can lead to health problems such as liver disease and dysfunctional reproductive systems, as well as allergies.
- Chicken and Lamb – Chicken and lamb are full of nutritional proteins. In some cases, the dog’s immune system may perceive the protein as a dangerous substance and result in an allergic reaction.
- Eggs – Protein in egg yolks is the major culprit for dog allergies. Many store-bought dog foods contain raw eggs, which are not the most popular food for dogs.
- Wheat -Wheat is a carbohydrate. In spite of the fact that wheat and other grains are a healthy source of energy, some dogs may be allergic to them.
- Dairy– Some dogs are allergic to lactose in milk. The symptoms of a dairy allergy include itchy skin and rashes. Some dogs are allergic to lactose, while others are lactose intolerant.
- Beef-Constantly feeding beef can lead to beef allergies. Beef protein does not agree with most dogs.
The owners of dogs who demonstrate signs of food allergies often turn to homemade food to treat their pets. You may want to switch to homemade meals if your dog exhibits the symptoms mentioned above and consumes products that may trigger these reactions. It is always advisable to consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet to ensure that their health and nutritional requirements are fully met.
Homemade dog food for dogs with food allergies:
Homestyle Turkey and Vegetables with Quinoa in The Instant Pot
Ingredients:
3 pounds of at least 85% ground turkey
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 ounces kale chopped with large stems removed
1 pound carrots
2 cups raw quinoa
5 cups bone broth, low salt broth, or water
2 teaspoons HVB Icelandic Omega-3 fish oil OR two 4.5-ounce tins of sardines in water OR a 6-ounce can of wild salmon
2 tablespoons HVB/30 grams Canine Limited Premix
Directions:
Add the coconut oil to the pot and sauté the turkey until it breaks apart. Stir in the kale and let it wilt for about 3-4 minutes, then add the carrots along with water or broth. Cook on manual for 4 minutes with the vent closed, allowing the contents to vent naturally for 20-30 minutes afterward. Once the pressure has been released, remove the lid and let the mixture cool. After cooling, mix in your chosen Omega-3 source, portion the meals for daily feeding, and freeze the remaining servings for later use.
Things to consider:
While nutritious, Homestyle Turkey and Vegetables with Quinoa may lack certain essential nutrients, and some dogs might struggle with quinoa digestion, kale’s oxalates, or ingredient allergies, so moderation and vet consultation are key.
Turkey and Sweet Potato Delight
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked and ground turkey
1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes
1/4 cup cooked peas
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
Combine the cooked and ground turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, and cooked peas in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve the meal to your dog once it has cooled to an appropriate temperature.
Things to consider:
While this meal is nutritious, it may lack certain essential nutrients, and some dogs might have sensitivities to specific ingredients like peas or sweet potatoes, so consulting a vet for supplementation is recommended.
Pork and Veggie Meatballs
Few things are more difficult than getting a dog with allergies to eat when they’re a picky eater. This recipe is irresistible to even the pickiest of pups and contains Omega-3s and calcium-rich foods
Ingredients:
3/4 cup vegetable blend of broccoli, carrots, sweet potato and zucchini
1 lb. pork
1 tsp. ground flaxseed
1.5 cup quick oats
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 tsp. fish oil
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the vegetables by cutting or grating them. In a large bowl, combine the pork, flaxseed, oats, yogurt, coconut oil, and fish oil, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-ounce meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, then allow the meatballs to cool completely before serving.
Things to consider:
While Pork and Veggie Meatballs are a healthy treat, they may lack certain essential nutrients for a complete diet, and some dogs might struggle with ingredients like oats or flaxseed, so moderation and vet consultation are advised.
Beef and Pumpkin Stew
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cooked and ground beef
1/4 cup pureed pumpkin
1/4 cup cooked brown rice
1/4 cup chopped spinach
Directions:
In a saucepan, combine the cooked and ground beef, pureed pumpkin, cooked brown rice, and chopped spinach.
Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Let the stew cool down before serving it to your dog.
Things to consider:
While Beef and Pumpkin Stew is nutritious, it may not provide all essential nutrients for a balanced diet, and some dogs might have sensitivities to beef or pumpkin, so supplementation and vet consultation is recommended.
You can use the following table as a guide to determine how much homemade dog food you should serve based on your dog’s weight. In all situations, it is best to consult your veterinarian before fine-tuning portions based on your dog’s activity level, health, and nutritional requirements.
Conclusion
Itchy skin and allergies can be treated with homemade dog food, a natural, effective solution. It is possible to alleviate discomfort, promote a healthy immune system, and reduce the risk of skin infections by understanding the causes and symptoms of skin allergies, focusing on key ingredients such as sweet potato, and preparing homemade dog food recipes in this article. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you through transitioning to homemade dog food.
