5 Dog Food Skin Allergies: Best Treatments

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5 Dog Food Skin Allergies

The incidence of dog food skin allergies is relatively small compared to other skin-related allergies in dogs.

However, for those dog owners, whose pet is experiencing skin allergies from their diet, it’s no trivial matter.

It often takes a lot of time and veterinary bills to help identify the source of the food allergy and then provide the appropriate treatment.

This article examines the 5 common dog food skin allergies and sensitivities, and how they are identified and treated.

5 Common Causes Dog Food Skin Allergies & Sensitivities

• Food Allergies
• Food Intolerances
• Poor Quality Ingredients
• Imbalanced Diet
• Environmental Factors

How Prevalent are Dog Food Skin Allergies?

According to several published studies, the incidence of dog food skin allergies is relatively small.

In the article Banfield: Few Pets Allergic to Food: Fleas and Environmental Allergies Rise. American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA, Burns, June 2018, cited Banfield Hospital Data showing

• “Food allergies affect just 0.2% of dogs”
• “Food-allergic pets are more prone to skin infections than non–food-allergic pets are.”
• “30% of food-allergic dogs and cats are found to have another allergic skin condition.”
• Source: 2018 State of Pet Health Report, Banfield Hospital

In comparison, skin reactions or skin allergies are caused by other factors such as

• Dust Mites
• Pollen
• Dander
• Molds
• Medications

and account for a vast majority of skin-related allergies in dogs.

PetFoodInstitute.com had similar findings on food-related allergies in dogs.

In their article Pet Food Allergies, Pet Food Institute reported the following data

• “diagnosed food allergy accounts for approximately 1% of all skin diseases in dogs”
• ” those skin diseases associated with allergies, 10% of those are related to the animal’s diet”.

As mentioned earlier, while dog food skin allergies represent a small percentage of overall skin allergies, they are not a trivial issue for a pet owner whose experiencing a dog food-related skin allergy.

Now let’s look at the 5 most common causes of dog food-related allergies & sensitivities.

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For more information on Dog food skin allergies, read our article

How to Select the Best Dog Food for A Boxer With Skin Allergies

Dog Food Skin Allergies – Food Allergies

According to a number of published clinical studies, the top 6 food allergens in dogs are

• Beef
• Dairy Products
• Wheat
• Lamb
• Chicken Egg
• Soy

You’ll notice that 4 of the 6 top allergens are animal proteins.

To potentially alleviate your dog’s food allergy issues with these 6 allergens, feeding your Boxer dog food with grain may provide a benefit to help reduce potential allergic reactions.

Please consult your veterinarian first to make sure that this type of food is appropriate for your pet.

For additional information on dog food with grain read our article

6 Authentic Benefits of Dog Food With Grain. Is It Best For Your Dog

If your pet is experiencing dog food-related skin allergies we recommend PetCareRx for both prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) allergy products.

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Steps in A Dog Food Allergic Response

The table below outlines the steps involved in a dog having an allergic response to dog food.

Steps in a Dog Food Allergic Response

Stage	Explanation
1. Sensitization	The dog’s immune system identifies a specific protein in the food as a foreign invader and produces antibodies against it.
2. Exposure	The dog eats the food containing the allergenic protein, which triggers an immune response.
3. Activation of immune cells	The antibodies produced in the sensitization stage attach themselves to mast cells, which are immune cells found in the skin, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract.
4. Release of histamine	When the allergenic protein is ingested again, the mast cells release histamine and other chemicals, which cause inflammation and irritation in the affected tissues.
5. Symptoms	The dog may exhibit symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, gastrointestinal upset, and respiratory distress.
6. Chronic inflammation	Repeated exposure to the allergenic protein can cause chronic inflammation, leading to secondary skin infections, ear infections, and other health problems.

It’s important to note that not all dogs with food allergies follow this exact process, and some may experience more severe or varied symptoms.

The process of a food allergic response can vary depending on the individual dog and the specific protein they are reacting to.

Dog Food Skin Allergies – Symptoms

Symptoms of a dog food allergy can present in a number of different ways. These can include

• Itching and scratching
  • Dogs with food allergies may experience intense itching and scratching, especially around their face, ears, paws, and anal area.
• Red, inflamed skin
  • Skin affected by food allergies can become red, and inflamed, and may even develop hot spots or sores.
• Hair loss
  • In severe cases, food allergies may cause a dog’s hair to fall out in patches.
• Chronic ear infections
  • Food allergies can contribute to chronic ear infections, which are often accompanied by discharge, odor, and head shaking.
• Gastrointestinal problems
  • Some dogs with food allergies may also experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.

Dog Food Skin Allergies – Common Treatments

There are a number of treatments your veterinarian may use to help eliminate a dog food skin allergy. These include

• Elimination diet
  • The most effective treatment for food allergies is to identify and remove the allergenic protein(s) from the dog’s diet.
  • This involves feeding the dog a novel protein diet, which consists of a protein source and carbohydrate source that the dog has never been exposed to before.
  • Once the dog’s symptoms have resolved, new ingredients can be gradually reintroduced to identify the specific allergen(s).
• Prescription hypoallergenic diets
  • If an elimination diet is not feasible or effective, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription hypoallergenic diet.
  • These diets are formulated with novel proteins and carbohydrates that are less likely to trigger an allergic response.
• Medications
  • Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other medications may be prescribed to relieve the symptoms of a food allergy.
  • These medications can help reduce inflammation and itching and provide temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying cause of the allergy.
• Immunotherapy
  • In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend immunotherapy, which involves administering small amounts of the allergenic protein to desensitize the dog’s immune system over time.
  • This treatment is typically reserved for severe cases that are not responsive to other treatments.
• Supplements
  • Omega-3 fatty acids and other supplements may help improve the health of the skin and coat and reduce inflammation.
• It’s important to note that treatment for a dog food allergy may require a combination of these approaches.
• The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual dog and the severity of its symptoms.
• Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or medication regimen.

For additional information on supplements for your dog read our article

5 Best Supplements for a Healthy Boxer Dog Diet

For dog food to help with food allergies, we recommend Just Food For Dogs Venison and Squash Meal. It contains a unique protein to help with allergies and it has No Preservatives or Growth Hormones it is good for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs.

Because elimination diets are one of the best approaches for treating dog food skin allergies, let’s look at how they work.

Dog Food Skin Allergies – Elimination Diets

An elimination diet is a diagnostic tool used to identify food allergies or sensitivities in dogs.

The goal of an elimination diet is

To remove all potential allergens from the dog’s diet and then gradually reintroduce them one by one to identify any adverse reactions.

To start an elimination diet

• The dog is typically fed a diet consisting of a novel protein source (a protein source that the dog has never been exposed to before) and a novel carbohydrate source (a carbohydrate source that the dog has never been exposed to before).
• The diet should be free from all other ingredients, including treats, supplements, and medications.

The elimination phase

• Typically lasts for 8-12 weeks, during which time the dog’s symptoms are closely monitored to see if they improve.
• If the dog’s symptoms improve during the elimination phase, this suggests that the dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, and further testing may be needed to identify the specific allergen.
• Once the elimination phase is complete, individual ingredients are gradually reintroduced into the dog’s diet one at a time, with at least one week in between each introduction.
• This allows time for any adverse reactions to occur. If an adverse reaction occurs, that ingredient is removed from the dog’s diet and further testing may be needed to identify other allergens.

Below is a sample elimination diet for chicken proteins

• Protein source: Venison
• Carbohydrate source: Sweet potatoes
• Fat source: Canola oil
• Other ingredients: Vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition

This diet should be fed exclusively for 8-12 weeks, with no other treats or supplements allowed.

• If the dog’s symptoms improve during this time, chicken can be reintroduced into the diet.
• Chicken should be fed in small amounts at first, and if no adverse reactions occur, it can be gradually increased over the course of a week.
• If an adverse reaction occurs, the chicken should be removed from the diet and further testing may be needed to identify other allergens.

It’s important to note that an elimination diet should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian, who can provide guidance on appropriate dietary changes and ensure that the dog is still receiving all necessary nutrients.

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Dog Food Skin Allergies – Food Intolerances

Food Intolerances are different than Food Allergies.

Food Allergies are allergic responses to a specific ingredient (allergen) in the dog’s diet.

Food intolerance occurs when a dog may not be able to tolerate certain ingredients in the food such as

• Dairy Products
• Grains
• Preservatives
• Flavorings

In addition to causing stomach upset, these ingredients may also show as skin symptoms and causes

• Itching
• Redness
• Swelling for scratching

Dog Food Skin Allergies – Typical Causes of Food Intolerance

There are different causes of food intolerance including

• Protein Intolerance
  • A dog can be intolerant to certain proteins, such as beef or chicken
  • Protein intolerance can cause skin reactions such as itching, hives, or rashes.
• Grain Intolerance
  • Grain intolerance can cause dry, flaky skin or hot spots
• Carbohydrate Intolerance
  • Carbohydrate intolerance can lead to yeast infections
  • Carbohydrate intolerance can cause skin irritation, itching, and redness.

Dog Food Skin Allergies – Food Intolerance Treatment Options

Treatment options for dog food intolerance include identifying the specific ingredient that is causing the reaction and eliminating it from the dog’s diet.

Switching your Boxer to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet may be necessary.

Antihistamines or steroids can be prescribed to relieve the symptoms of skin reactions.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of food intolerance to determine the best course of treatment.

Conducting regular checks of your dog’s skin for any changes or reactions and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent future skin issues.

Below is a table summarizing the types of food intolerance, typical reactions, and treatment options.

Table – Food Intolerance Types and Treatments

Type of Intolerance	Type of Skin Reaction	Treatment Options
Protein intolerance	Itching, hives, rashes	Identify and eliminate specific protein from the diet, switch to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet, antihistamines or steroids for symptom relief
Grain intolerance	Dry, flaky skin, hot spots	Identify and eliminate specific proteins from the diet, switch to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet, antihistamines or steroids for symptom relief
Carbohydrate intolerance	Yeast infections, skin irritation, itching, redness	Identify and eliminate specific grains from the diet, switch to hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet, topical treatments for symptom relief

If your dog is experiencing food intolerance to proteins to beef or chicken try fresh dog food with a different protein source. We recommend

Ollie Fresh Turkey with Blueberries dinner. It is a fresh food with all the essential nutrients your dog needs.

Dog Food Skin Allergies – Poor Quality Ingredients

Poor quality ingredients in dog food can contribute to a variety of health problems, including skin allergies.

Some of the most common poor-quality ingredients found in dog food include

• Low-Quality Proteins
• Grains
• Fillers
• Artificial Preservatives
• Dyes

Low-Quality Proteins

Dog foods that contain low-quality proteins, such as

• By Products
• Meat Meal
• Meat and Bone Meal

can cause skin allergies.

These proteins are often sourced from animals that are not fit for human consumption and may contain a high amount of allergens.

Grains

Some of the most common grain allergens include

• Wheat
• Corn
• Soy

They are often used as cheap fillers in dog food and can cause skin allergies.

Grains can also cause digestive problems in dogs, leading to itching and scratching.

Fillers

Fillers are low-quality ingredients that are added to dog food to increase its volume and reduce the cost.

They are often made from low-quality ingredients such as

• Corn
• Wheat
• Soy

Fillers can cause skin allergies in dogs and also contribute to obesity and digestive problems.

Artificial Preservatives and Dyes

Artificial preservatives and dyes are often added to dog food to enhance its appearance and prolong its shelf life.

These ingredients can cause skin allergies in dogs and also contribute to other health problems such as hyperactivity and cancer.

Below is a table summarizing the type of poor ingredients and typical skin reactions:

Poor Ingredient	Typical Skin Reaction
Low-quality proteins	Itching, redness, hotspots, hives
Grains	Itching, redness, rashes, bumps
Fillers	Itching, flaky skin, hair loss, hotspots
Artificial preservatives and dyes	Itching, redness, rash, hives

It’s important to note that not all dogs will have skin reactions to poor-quality ingredients.

Some dogs may be more sensitive than others.

Feeding your dog high-quality, nutritious food can help prevent skin allergies and other health problems.

If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and find an appropriate treatment plan.

For fresh dog food using real, high-quality ingredients, that use a unique protein try NomNom Pork Potluck Dinner with Pork, Potatoes, Green Beans, and Squash.

NomNom Pork Potluck Dinner

Dog Food Skin Allergies – Imbalanced Diet

An imbalanced diet with dog food can lead to skin allergies in several ways.

A diet that is deficient in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can lead to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

These fatty acids are essential for

• Maintaining the health of the skin
  • A deficiency can compromise the skin’s ability to function properly.
  • A diet too high in certain carbohydrates, grains, and fillers can lead to inflammation and digestive problems, which can trigger skin allergies
  • Poor-quality proteins, such as by-products like meat and bone meal can contain a high amount of allergens that can cause skin allergies

It’s important to feed your dog a well-balanced diet that contains high-quality sources of protein, essential fatty acids, and other important nutrients to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin allergies.

If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, consult with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate diet and treatment plan.

For Skin and coat health for your dog using Essential Fatty Acids, we recommend Zesty Paws Omega Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews from Chewy.com

Dog Food Skin Allergies- Environmental Factors

In addition to skin allergies caused by reactions to food, environmental factors can also lead to skin allergies or skin sensitivities in your dog.

Environmental factors causing skin issues can include

• Pollen
• Flea Bites
• Tick bites

These can be exacerbated by the dog’s diet.

It is important to limit your Boxer’s exposure to Fleas and Ticks and use preventative measures prescribed by your veterinarian.

For Flea and Tick Medications, we use and recommend PetCare Rx.

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Summary

Dog food allergies, while fairly uncommon compared to other skin sensitivity and skin allergies are still a major issue for pet owners whose pet is experiencing a dog food skin allergy.

The 5 main causes of skin allergies or skin sensitivities in your dog related to dog food can include

• Food Allergies
• Food Intolerance
• Poor Quality Ingredients
• Imbalanced Diet
• Environmental Factors

It is important to feed your dog a diet using dog food with high-quality ingredients.

It’s also important to regularly monitor your Boxer’s skin, especially if you see constant itching.

Boxers are prone to skin allergies and if you notice redness or itching, consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment options.

A healthy diet can help your Boxer maintain healthy skin and coat.

Discoverboxerdogs.com are Mary and Chris Kustanbauter.  We reside in Red Lion, PA with our two Boxers, Duke and Katie, who are both rescue dogs.  We have been working with Adopt A Boxer Rescue for the past 17 years and have adopted 5 Boxers from this fine organization. To learn more visit our Home, Boxer Dog Family, and Blogs Pages  Visit us on social media on Facebook – Discoverboxerdogs.com, Instagram, and Pinterest.