Food Allergies in Dogs

I am often presented with itchy dogs.  Itchy skin can be a sign of food allergies--particularly if they are itching all over their body and have chronic ear infections. (Itchy skin cal also be a sign of other problems too, so please consult your veterinarian).  Clients often tell me that they have "tried" several different foods but can't figure out what the culprit is.  Or they are confused because a friend has told them that all dogs are allergic to corn or that dogs shouldn't have grains.  Unfortunately the grain and corn statement is an old wives tale that seems to have alot of staying power.  Grains are not bad and corn is not evil....unless your particular dog is allergic to a particular grain and/ or corn.  Dogs are omnivores (like humans) and need carbohydrates in their diets.  Carbohydrates come in many forms such as rice, corn, barley, wheat, and oats.  High protein diets or all-protein diets are not the answer to food allergies, as many dogs can also be allergic to chicken, beef, or fish. 

IMO, the "problem" with trying a new and/or hypoallergenic food is that most people don't do it correctly and/or don't understand how to do a food trial.  Briefly, the part of the food that your dog is allergic to is the allergens or proteins in the food.  The allergens will stay in his body for 6 weeks causing those side effects that are so troublesome (itching, hairloss, licking, ear problems)....so it will take a minimum of 6 weeks ---after even one bite--- for the side effects from those allergens to dissipate.  Therefore, while on a hypoallergenic diet, your dog cannot eat ANYTHING else  --ie; treats, supplements, cat food, human food, garbage, etc.  The first time that he "cheats", he will start all over with the 6 week period of itching, hairloss, licking, ear problems and other symptoms.  If, after 6 weeks on a hypoallergenic diet, he is not itching and the ears are better, you can write that food on your list of "foods my dog can eat".  Then, you can gradually add in one protein source every 2 weeks to see how his body reacts.  Perhaps the first week you add in chicken ONLY (home-made, not a newly purchased food) and he does great.  Put chicken on his list.  The next 2 week period you add in egg ONLY and he does great.  Put egg on his list.  The next time you offer him green beans but he starts itching like crazy----this goes on the list of "foods my dog canNOT Eat".  Now, you have to wait 6 weeks to let those side effects dissipate before you "try" a new protein source (food).

Types of commercial foods that you can try are Duck & Pea, Venison & Potato, Bison, Rabbit, Sweet Potato, etc.  You just need to make sure that it is a protein source that he has never been exposed to (eaten)....this can be difficult for an adopted dog because you don't know his history.  But, most of the foods I've listed are a pretty safe bet.  You can purchase any of those foods at a veterinary office or a specialty dog food store.  Royal Canin, Wellness, and Natural Balance are excellent brands of commercial hypoallergenic dog foods.  My favorite local specialty dog food store is Mud Bay Granary.  They have many locations in Western Washington  http://www.mudbay.us/store_locations.htm

If the food trial option is too  cumbersome, you do have the option of allergy testing.  The best option for allergy testing is to visit a veterinary dermatologist  http://www.animaldermatology.com/home  The dermatologist will perform skin prick testing to determine exactly what your dog is allergic to---food and environmental.  At the same visit, antigen serum is made so that you can give your dog de-sensitization injections at home.  There is also another type of allergy testing that can be done by your regular veterinarian---a blood draw is taken and the blood sent away to be tested by a special labortory.  There is some controversy about how accurate this test is, but I have had alot of success for my clients using this method.  Antigen serum can be made from this series of tests also.  

I hope this helps. 

Dr. Sonnya