Some dogs have food allergies, but most of the time it is a food intolerance issue. Here’s our guide to dog food allergy symptoms and treatments.
True dog food allergies are not as common as people think, according to AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein.
True dog food allergies are often a food protein that triggers an immune response. Dog food allergy symptoms will usually be skin conditions, vomiting and/or diarrhoea or a combination of both.
Only about 10 percent of so-called allergy cases are true dog food allergies.
Most of the time the food sensitivity issues are from dog foods containing beef, chicken, eggs, wheat, corn or milk.
Dog food intolerance can look pretty similar to food allergies. If your dog mainly is scratching a lot it is likely just a food intolerance.
7 Dog Food Allergy Symptoms
Here are some of the reasons that your dog may have a food allergy rather than a food intolerance.
1. Itching
2. Red inflamed skin
3. Diarrhoea
4. Vomiting
5. Swelling in the face, ears, lips, and eyelids
6. Sneezing
7. Itchy Ears and Ear Infection
For food intolerance, there are dog foods that contain limited ingredients.
What this means is that the dog food contains fewer components and makes it easier to detect which, if any ingredient may cause dog food intolerance symptoms.
Why is a Dog’s Diet Important For Food Allergy Symptoms?
You love your little dachshund. They are part of your family, and you want to keep them as healthy as you can. One of the first steps is choosing the right dog food for your dachshund’s diet.
You don’t want to choose the wrong dog food with ingredients that give your dachshund allergies, upset stomachs, or other symptoms. You want your dachshund to live a long and healthy life.
My current long-haired dachshund is 15 and has the energy of a young puppy. All the dachshunds I have had in my life have lived from 17-19 years of age as I have fed them the best natural dog food and treats.
Selecting the best quality diet for your dachshund will increase the likelihood they will live to their maximum age. Make sure you choose a dog food that includes vitamins and minerals essential for their daily needs.
In addition, you want to make sure you give your dachshund good nutritional supplements as well. One important supplement I give to my dachshund is glucosamine and Chondroitin.
You don’t want your dachshund to be overweight as they are prone to more back problems with obesity. So when giving your dachshund treats, make sure you don’t overdo it as too many treats can contain calories, which might put weight on your little doxie.
Finding the best dog food diet for your dachshund can help reduce food allergy reactions. If your dachshund has dog food allergy symptoms, you need to change the type of dog food for your dachshund’s health.
One thing you will notice is that your dachshund’s coat will look and feel better without dog food allergy symptoms.
Also, the right dog food for your dachshund will make a difference with their teeth and gums. Choosing a dry dog food can help to sharpen and polish your dog’s teeth.
Avoiding canned food when possible will help to reduce tartar and plaque.
Your dachshund’s diet influences nearly everything from allergy symptoms to their teeth. Your dachshund will have more energy and a happy attitude as well.
One of the best things to do if is to choose a grain free dog food. Also check the ingredients on the dog food labels when selecting a new dog food.
It is also important, to know whether your dog has food sensitivity is to observe your dog closely when switching foods or brands and watch for any changes that may occur.
It is recommended to choose a grain-free dog food as some dogs are sensitive to grains such as wheat, barley, corn and rye. Plus, grain-free dog foods are gluten-free as well.
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods
Dog Food Allergy Symptoms – Best Rated Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Canidae PURE Real Salmon, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food
10 KEY INGREDIENTS or LESS: Limited ingredients crafted from 7-10 real foods in each bag of dog food, giving your good boys and girls everything they need and nothing they don’t.
GRAIN FREE FOR DOGS WITH SENSITIVE STOMACHS: There’s nothing questionable in a bowl of Canidae PURE. Never any wheat, corn, or soy.
HEALTHPLUS IN EVERY BITE: Probiotics added to every kibble after cooking to support healthy digestion, antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, and omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to support beautiful skin and coat.
Earthborn Holistic Venture Smoked Turkey & Butternut Squash Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Everything You Want, Nothing You Don’t; No Grain, No Gluten, No Potato, No Egg, No Colorants, No Fillers, No By-Products, No Artificial Preservatives.
The Turkey Meal Comes From Regional Poultry Sources In Midwestern USA. The Midwest Is Made Up Of Many Family-Owned Turkey Farms, Established Generations Ago.
95% Of The Protein Comes From Only 3 Ingredients; 70% From Turkey Meal, 14% From Chickpeas And 11% From Butternut Squash
Pros
- Both have no grain, no gluten, no wheat, corn, or soy.
- Both are made in the U.S.A.
- Both have high quality protein sources.
Cons
- Both are not cheap, but if you are looking for top quality then price is not really an issue
- Canidie doesn’t have a zip lock seal on the bag, so you want to make sure you can seal it otherwise could shorten the shelf life.
- Some dachshunds don’t like the turkey taste in Earthborn. They do have a zip lock seal, but a little clumsy to seal it.
Conclusion:
Either of these is highly recommended. Although a bit pricey, their quality is top-notch. Canidae uses real salmon as their main protein source, even though they have other dog food protein varieties as well. Earthborn uses farm-raised turkeys as their main protein source.
So it depends on your dachshund which flavor they like better. If your dachshund doesn’t have dog food allergy symptoms, there are some less expensive dog foods if the price is an issue. My dachshund prefers the salmon from Canidae.