Food allergies in dogs are an immune system reaction to a component of a specific food. They are relatively common conditions, so it is important to pay attention to them. In this article, we help you, first of all, differentiate between an allergy and a food intolerance. In addition, we summarize the main symptoms of food allergies so you can detect them. Finally, we explain why single-protein feeds are suitable for dealing with this type of problem.
Difference between food allergies in dogs and food intolerances
Although they can be easily confused, food allergies in dogs are not the same as intolerances. Below, we highlight the main distinctive features of each type of condition.
● Food allergies. Food allergies are an immune system response to one or more allergens in a food, usually proteins. Thus, when the dog ingests that allergen for the first time, the body perceives it as a harmful substance and produces antibodies. Consequently, in later ingestions, these antibodies react to the allergen, causing allergy symptoms to appear.
● Food intolerances. The main difference is that intolerances are not an immune system reaction. In this case, we are talking about an abnormal physiological reaction of the body to a food that it is unable to properly assimilate. Therefore, prior exposure to the food is not necessary to trigger symptoms.
Symptoms of food allergies
Normally, skin conditions are the most common type of symptom of a food allergy. However, sometimes the digestive system may also be affected. Respiratory or neurological problems may also occur, although these are uncommon.
● Dermatological problems. In these cases, the most frequent skin signs are redness and itching of the skin. It is common for inner areas, such as the ears, to be affected and for dogs to develop otitis. In addition, wounds often appear due to persistent scratching caused by itching.
● Gastrointestinal problems. In general, digestive symptoms are more typical of food intolerances. Despite this, sometimes they may also be due to a food allergy. In these cases, the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, and weight loss.
Single-protein feeds for dogs
Proteins are the most common food allergen, especially animal-derived proteins. For this reason, protein-rich foods tend to be more likely to trigger food allergies in dogs. For example, meat, dairy, eggs, and fish.
The fact that feeds are made with different foods and therefore contain different sources of protein makes diagnosing food allergies more difficult. Thus, one of the best ways to detect the trigger of an allergic reaction is through elimination diets with single-protein feeds.
Elimination diets aim to eliminate the foods that cause an adverse reaction. For this reason, they contain a minimum number of ingredients, as well as a single source of animal protein and carbohydrates. In addition, the foods included are hypoallergenic.
Therefore, single-protein feeds are completely suitable when designing this type of diet. First, because they contain a single source of protein. Second, because they use meats from less common animal species. This way, dogs consume foods that come from a protein source to which they have not been previously exposed. As a result, the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction is reduced.
In this regard, the veterinary food range for dogs with food allergies and intolerances from TrovetPlus offers hypoallergenic recipes for the treatment of these conditions. Thus, all products are formulated with a single source of animal protein. In addition, for an elimination diet, TrovetPlus offers its customers the Unique Protein range of foods. A type of food designed to facilitate the diagnosis of food hypersensitivity in dogs.
