Food Allergy (Hypersensitivity Reaction to Food) in Dogs
- Synonyms: Food-induced allergic dermatitis, food dermatitis
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Skin/Fur
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
A food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. in dogs is an immune-mediated reaction to certain proteins or other ingredients in the food, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including skin problems and gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. issues.
The most important facts at a glance
Food allergies in dogs are a common allergic disease in which the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. overreacts to certain proteins in the food. These proteins can be of both animal and plant origin. Genetic factors play a role, with certain breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds being more susceptible. Typical triggers are proteins in commercial dog food such as beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, dairy products, soy, and wheat. Symptoms include Itching, Vomiting, DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., skin redness, and Skin infections. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is often made by an eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet, in which the food is switched to novel or hydrolyzed proteins. After an improvement in symptoms, specific allergens can be identified by a provocation phase. Treatment consists mainly of avoiding the causative allergens, combined with medication to relieve the symptoms. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is generally good if the allergens are successfully avoided. Preventively, a varied diet and the selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. of high-quality food can help to reduce the risk. Research focuses on identifying specific allergens and developing hypoallergenic foods. New diagnostic methods and the understanding of genetic and environmental factors are also being investigated to improve the quality of life of affected dogs.
Causes
Food allergies are among the more common allergic diseases in dogs. They occur when the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. perceives certain proteins in the food as a threat and reacts with a hypersensitivity reaction. This reaction can be triggered by both animal and plant proteins.
Immunologically, food allergies are type I or type III hypersensitivity reactions. In a type I reaction, also known as immediate type, exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to the allergenAn allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitized individuals. These reactions vary in intensity and can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions. leads to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. The type III reaction, also known as immune complex hypersensitivity, involves the formation of antigen-antibody complexes that can cause Inflammatory conditions.
Genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. plays a crucial role in a dog’s susceptibility to food allergies. Certain breeds, such as Labradors, German Shepherds, and West Highland White Terriers, show a higher predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. to allergic reactions.
A common triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. of food allergies are proteins found in commercial dog food. These include commonly used sources such as beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, dairy products, soy, and wheat. However, the allergic reaction can also be triggered by additives or preservatives in the food.
Symptoms
- Pruritus
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Increased Bowel Sounds
- Frequent Bowel Movements, in Small Amounts
- Symptoms Occur Only with Specific Dietary Components
- Cutaneous Erythema
- Scratching
- Thickened Skin (Pachyderma)
- Wheal Formation
- Chronic Inflammation of the skin
- Multiple papules distributed over body
- Inflammation (Redness, Swelling) of the External Auditory Canal
- Chewing/Gnawing
- Skin Lesions
The symptoms of a food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. in dogs can vary, with the most common being skin problems such as itching, redness, scaling, and recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement. ear infections. These symptoms often occur on specific areas of the body, such as the face, paws, abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen., and ears.
In addition to skin problems, gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. symptoms such as vomiting, diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., flatulence, and loss of appetite may also occur. In some cases, affected dogs also show weight loss and generally poor coat quality.
Another common symptom is repeated Licking or biting of the paws, which can often lead to secondary infections. ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. ear infections can also indicate a food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock..
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of a food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. requires a systematic approach, as the symptomatologySymptomatology refers to the entirety of symptoms associated with a particular disease or condition. It describes how a disease manifests itself externally. can be similar to that of other diseases. An important first step is a thorough collection of the medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits., including information about the food the dog receives and the temporal relationship between food intake and the onset of symptoms.
A proven diagnostic procedure is the eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet, in which the dog receives exclusively a diet consisting of novel proteins or hydrolyzed proteins that the dog has not previously consumed for a period of about 8–12 weeks. If the symptoms improve during this time, this may be an indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient's clinical condition. of a food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock..
After the symptoms have subsided, a provocation phase is initiated, in which the original food or specifically suspected ingredients are reintroduced to observe whether the symptoms return. This method helps to identify the specific allergens.
In addition, blood tests can be performed to detect specific IgE-antibodies against certain food components. However, these tests are less reliable than the eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet and should be used as a supplement.
Therapy
The main treatment for a food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. is to remove the identified allergens from the dog’s diet. This requires careful selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. of appropriate commercial hypoallergenic dog foods or the preparation of a homemade diet under the guidance of a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.
In addition to dietary changes, medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms. AntihistaminesAntihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine in the body, thereby alleviating allergic reactions. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Itching, Skin inflammation, and other allergy symptoms., corticosteroidsCorticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that occur naturally in the body and can also be produced synthetically. They have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and are used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of conditions., or other anti-inflammatory agents can be used to control Itching and reduce Inflammatory conditions.
In cases of secondary infections caused by Scratching or biting, antibiotics or antifungals may be necessary. It is important that the treatment of the infections occurs in parallel with the allergy-triggering dietary change.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for dogs with food allergies is generally good, provided the allergens are successfully identified and removed from the diet. Most dogs show a significant improvement in symptoms once the allergy-triggering ingredients are avoided.
However, the management strategy often requires a lifelong adjustment of the diet, and in some cases, it may be necessary to regularly review and adjust the diet to respond to new allergic reactions.
With consistent adherence to dietary recommendations, the quality of life of affected dogs is usually not impaired, and they can lead a healthy and active life.
Prevention
To the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of food allergies in dogs, it can be helpful to provide a varied diet with a wide range of proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. sources from the beginning to reduce the risk of sensitization to certain proteins.
When buying dog food, pet owners should be careful to choose high-quality products that do not contain unnecessary additives, fillers, or preservatives. Choosing foods with clearly declared ingredients can help reduce the risk of allergies.
For dogs that already have known allergies, it is important to regularly avoid Contact with the known allergens and adjust the diet in consultation with a veterinarian to prevent new allergies.
Regular veterinary examinations and early intervention for emerging symptoms can help detect and control the onset of food allergies before they become a major health problem.
Outlook on current research
In current research on food allergies in dogs, the focus is on identifying specific allergens that triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. these reactions. Scientists are working to isolate the proteins in various foods that most commonly cause allergic reactions. This is done by analyzing blood samples and skin tests in dogs that show symptoms of a food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.. Research also focuses on understanding the genetic factors that make dogs more susceptible to allergies and whether certain breeds are at higher risk.
Another important area of research is the development of hypoallergenic foods. These foods are formulated to be less likely to cause allergic reactions. Researchers are experimenting with different protein sources, such as hydrolyzed proteins, which are broken down into smaller fragments to be less immunogenic. The development of such foods could help to significantly improve the quality of life of dogs with food allergies.
In addition, innovative diagnostic methods are being developed to detect food allergies more quickly and accurately. Currently, the eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet is the gold standard, but it requires a lot of time and patience. New blood tests and molecular diagnostic procedures could enable faster identification of allergies in the future. Researchers are also investigating the role of the microbiome in the gut and its influence on the development and symptomatologySymptomatology refers to the entirety of symptoms associated with a particular disease or condition. It describes how a disease manifests itself externally. of food allergies, which could lead to new approaches in preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and treatment.
Some studies also shed light on the environmental factors that could contribute to the development of food allergies. Changes in the environment, such as the use of pesticidesPesticides are chemical or biological substances used to control pests, including insects, weeds, and fungi. In dogs and cats, exposure to certain pesticides can be harmful to health and lead to signs of poisoning. and the influence of environmental toxins, are suspected of affecting the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. of dogs and thus increasing the likelihood of allergies. This research could lead to new strategies to reduce the risk of food allergies.
Research in this area is dynamic and constantly evolving. There are already promising approaches that may lead to better diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment options in the coming years. The collaboration between veterinarians, nutritionists and geneticists plays an important role in finding comprehensive solutions for dogs with food allergies.