Managing Allergies Through Your Dog's Diet

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. When they do, it affects everything from their skin and coat to their energy and mood. If your dog has been scratching more than usual, licking their paws obsessively, or dealing with chronic ear infections, allergies are likely the culprit. 

While environmental allergies like pollen and dust mites are common triggers, food plays a critical role in both managing symptoms and supporting your dog's immune system. In many cases, diet is the key to reducing inflammation and easing allergic reactions. Whether your dog has food sensitivities or you simply want to support their overall allergy resilience, here's how to use diet as a powerful tool in your anti-allergy arsenal.

Allergies occur when your dog's immune system overreacts to a substance–whether it's something they inhale, touch, or ingest. Food allergies and intolerances typically manifest as:

• Itchy Skin and Paws
• Chronic Ear Infections
• Red, Inflamed Skin or Hot Spots
• Frequent Licking or Chewing at the Feet
• Hair Loss or Poor Coat Condition

Not every dog with allergies is reacting to food, but food allergies can be extremely difficult to diagnose. 

Common Allergens

Food allergies in dogs are most often caused by proteins or fillers commonly found in a commercial diet. These ingredients aren't inherently “bad,” but frequent exposures can lead to sensitivities over time. Here are our top offenders:

1. Beef: Beef is one of the most common protein sources in dog food, and with frequent exposure, some dogs may develop allergic reactions. Symptoms often include itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive upset. 
2. Dairy: Many dogs have trouble digesting lactose or develop allergies to the proteins in milk. This can result in symptoms like loose stools, gas, and skin irritation. 
3. Chicken: Another widely used protein source, chicken can be a hidden allergy for some dogs. Dogs may develop sensitivities after long-term exposure. Reactions can show as inflamed skin, licking at the paws, or GI discomfort. 
4. Wheat and Gluten: Grains like wheat and corn can be problematic for some dogs, leading to itching, chronic skin conditions, or digestive upset. Though not all dogs need to avoid grains, those with sensitivities often do better on grain/gluten-free diets. 

As always, consult your vet before making any major changes to your dog's diet. Some popular diets trends can pose a serious health risk to some pets. 

An elimination diet is the gold standard for identifying food allergies. This involves feeding your dog a limited-ingredient diet that includes a novel protein (or one they haven't eaten before) and a simple carbohydrate source. This diet is fed exclusively for 8-12 weeks to check for reactions. 

If your dog's symptoms improve during this time, it's a strong sign that food was contributing to their allergy issues. You can slowly reintroduce ingredients, one at a time, to identify a trigger. 

Important: Always consult your vet before starting an elimination diet to ensure your dog still received balanced nutrition.  

Once you’ve identified problem foods, hypoallergenic diets or limited-ingredient formulas can be a great solution. These diets minimize the number of ingredients and often avoid common allergens altogether.

Some options include:

• Hydrolyzed protein diets, where proteins are broken down into pieces too small to trigger an immune response. 
• Novel protein diets, featuring unusual meats like rabbit, alligator, or bison. 
• Grain-free diets, which remove potential triggers like wheat, corn, and soy (though not all dogs need to or should avoid grains)

If your dog is dealing with allergies, it's important to reduce inflammation throughout their body– especially in the skin and gut. Certain foods and supplements can provide these benefits:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish and Ahiflower oil, omega-3s reduce skin inflammation and improve coat health.
• Probiotics: These support a healthy gut microbiome, which is closely linked to immune functions. 
• Quercetin: A plant-based anti-oxidant often called “nature's Benadryl,” quercetin can help reduce allergic reactions. 
• Coconut Oil: Contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 
• Bone Broth: Supports gut health and adds a nutritious boost to any meal. 

Every dog is different, and it may take time to see results from dietary changes. Skin conditions can take several weeks to improve, especially if inflammation has been present for a long time.

Track your dog’s symptoms carefully, and be consistent with their diet. Even a small amount of an offending ingredient — like a bite of table food or a flavored chew — can trigger a flare-up and make it harder to evaluate the effectiveness of the diet.

When managing allergies through diet, don't forget to scrutinize your dog's treats. Many popular options include allergens like chicken, wheat, or artificial additives. Look for single-ingredient treats like WagWell's Freeze-Dried Cheese Treats, limited-ingredient hypoallergenic options, and homemade treats.