If your dog regularly experiences issues with their digestive health, skin or coat, especially after eating, then they may have a food allergy. The main issue is that your furry friend can't tell you how they're feeling or if they're experiencing any discomfort, so it's up to you to look out for the signs and symptoms. If you suspect your dog could have an allergy or intolerance, you can confirm it with a pet sensitivity test so you can manage your dog's diet — that way, they can go back to being their same, soppy self in no time.
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Can Dogs Have a Food Allergy?
Absolutely — like with humans, dogs can have food allergies and intolerances, and like us, they can develop at any stage of your dog's life, whether they've shown signs or symptoms in the past or not.
How Common Are Dog Food Allergies?
Food allergies in dogs are actually more common than you might think. Data shows that around 10% of dogs have an allergy, and it's likely an even higher number have a food intolerance.
Difference between a dog food allergy and dog food intolerance. A dog food allergy and a dog food intolerance have similar symptoms, but they're caused by two very different things. An allergy is caused by your dog's immune system incorrectly perceiving a certain type of food as a threat, and as a result, it attempts to fight that threat.
An intolerance is caused by your dog not being able to metabolise or digest specific foods, which is why an intolerance often centres in the stomach and digestive system. Statistically, it's much more likely that your dog has a food intolerance.
Both an allergy and an intolerance can cause similar symptoms, which is why it's easy to confuse them. Regardless of which one your pet may have, both can be uncomfortable, unpleasant, and sometimes painful for your dog. This is why it's important to identify exactly what type of food your dog might have an allergy or sensitivity to, so it can be properly managed.
Common Dog Food Allergies
Like humans, dogs can have an allergy to a wide range of foods, but there are certain types they're more likely to react to. In dogs, this is more often proteins, as they're usually a core part of the diet. Below are some of the most common dog food allergies and intolerances.
Beef. Beef is a popular dog food ingredient, and the more of one type of food a dog eats, the more likely it is to develop an intolerance. Help lower the likelihood of a beef allergy by providing a varied diet.
Chicken. Another protein commonly used in dog food, so make sure it's given as part of a mixed diet. It's possible for your dog to have an allergy to one type of meat but not another.
Lamb. Lamb isn't found in dog food products quite as often as beef or chicken, but it's still a frequently used ingredient, so it can be a potential cause of allergy symptoms.
Eggs. When a dog has an egg allergy, it's usually the protein-rich yolk that's the cause. If your dog does have an egg allergy or intolerance, it's recommended you avoid feeding them eggs or products containing eggs altogether.
Dairy. Many dogs have a dairy intolerance, as dairy isn't a normal part of their diet. You may find your dog can eat certain dairy products without symptoms, such as cheese, but suffer with others, such as milk. If so, it's best to avoid giving them any dairy to prevent triggering their sensitivity.
Wheat. Wheat may not be a major source of protein, but it's still a relatively common allergy for dogs. If your dog shows symptoms after eating grains, they may have a wheat allergy.
Can Dogs Eat Human Food?
Your dog is likely one of your best friends, so it's only natural to want to share a little of your food with them. Thankfully, many types of human food are absolutely fine for dogs, especially in small amounts. Foods you're fine to share include:
- Fruit, such as apples, bananas, and oranges
- Vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and parsnips
- Meat which has been cooked and is free of bones
- Fish that doesn't contain mercury
- Pasta without any kind of sauce
However, there are plenty of foods to avoid, as they can be toxic even in small amounts, or cause blockages. These include:
- Fruit, such as cherries, lemons, and grapes
- Vegetables, such as corn on the cob, onions, and mushrooms
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds
For a full breakdown of what dogs can and can't eat, read our guide to what can dogs eat.
Symptoms of Food Intolerance in Dogs
After eating a certain type of food, if your dog has a food intolerance or allergy, they're likely to experience a range of symptoms. Even though allergies and intolerances are caused by different parts of the body, the symptoms can be very similar, and equally uncomfortable and unpleasant. These include:
- Diarrhoea
- Coughing and sneezing
- Red, rashy, and/or itchy skin
- Face and ear swelling
- Vomiting
- Over-grooming
For more detailed information, read our post on identifying the signs and symptoms of a dog intolerance or allergy.
How to Test Your Dog for Allergies
It can be tricky knowing how to find out what your dog is allergic to. They may show symptoms after eating, but because dog food contains a lot of different ingredients, narrowing it down can be a challenge.
You can try an elimination diet, which involves removing potential trigger foods from your dog's diet — if the symptoms stop, it's possible your dog has an allergy or intolerance to the food you've removed. However, this can be time-consuming and unreliable.
Remember, it's statistically more likely that your dog has a food intolerance, so testing for one is a great place to start. To effectively check whether your dog has a food intolerance, and pinpoint exactly what they struggle with, a quick and affordable dog intolerance test can give you the answers you're looking for — potentially saving you on costly vet bills too.
Our Dog Food Intolerance Test Kits
Here at My Pet Sensitivity, we offer dog owners like you two options, so you can find out exactly what's causing your dog to experience uncomfortable symptoms after eating. That way, you can make positive changes to their diet so they can go back to being their usual self.
We offer an advanced pet intolerance test, which tests a sample of your dog's fur against 550 possible allergens. There's also the basic dog intolerance test, which tests against 300 possible allergens. This includes food, but also non-food allergens, environmental triggers, and more.
Once our lab receives your dog's fur sample, we'll thoroughly test it and send you the complete results in less than five days, so your dog can return to their best in no time.
Dog Breeds Most Prone to Food Allergies
Any dog can develop an allergy at any point throughout its life. However, according to PetMD, some breeds are more susceptible than others, such as:
- Labradors
- Golden retrievers
- Springer spaniels
- Cocker spaniels
- Collies
- Miniature schnauzers
- Shar-pei
If you have one of these breeds and they show signs and symptoms of an allergy, it's worth finding out for sure as soon as possible so you can properly manage it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dog allergy test cost?
Your vet can arrange a dog allergy test, but it can be quite expensive. For quick and affordable results, a basic dog intolerance test starts from just £29.99.
Can dogs have allergy tests?
Dogs can take an allergy test, but they require a blood sample, which can be traumatic and expensive as it's usually done through a vet. A basic dog intolerance test can test your dog's fur instead and pinpoint which food sensitivities they have.
Is My Pet Sensitivity legitimate?
Yes, My Pet Sensitivity is legitimate and can help you identify what food sensitivities your dog has. Read testimonials from happy customers on our reviews page, or read reviews from over 400 happy customers on Trustpilot.
To provide you with technically accurate, evidence-based information, content on the My Pet Sensitivity blog is reviewed by medical professionals with veterinary expertise.
Related reading: Signs & Symptoms of Dog Food Intolerance and Allergies · What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?