How to Handle a Dogs Food Intolerance?

Some dogs have unexpected reactions to their food, which is called an adverse food reaction (AFR). This can happen in two ways:

1. Food allergies – When the immune system mistakenly sees certain ingredients as a threat and overreacts.
2. Food intolerance – When a dog has trouble digesting certain foods, but the immune system isn’t involved.

Even though the causes are different, food allergies and intolerances often show up with the same symptoms. Vets usually diagnose them in similar ways and recommend the same treatment—switching to a special diet, like one with hydrolyzed protein, to help manage the issue.

What Are Food Allergies in Dogs? 

Food allergies in dogs happen when their immune system overreacts to something in their food—usually a specific ingredient they’ve eaten for a while, not something they just tried for the first time.

The most common culprits are proteins like chicken, beef, and dairy. When a dog with a food allergy eats one of these, their immune system mistakenly sees it as a threat and attacks it.

This can lead to skin problems like itching, redness, and swelling, and sometimes digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.

However, food allergies in dogs are actually pretty rare. Environmental allergies—like those from pollen, dust, or fleas—are much more common. In fact, only about 0.2% of dogs are truly affected by food allergies.

What Is Food Intolerance in Dogs? 

Food intolerance is different from a food allergy because it doesn’t involve the immune system. It can happen at any time—whether it’s the first time a dog eats something or after they’ve had it for a while.

The problem ingredient could be a protein or something else in their food. A good example in humans is lactose intolerance, where people have trouble digesting dairy.

One big difference between food allergies and food intolerance is how much of the food it takes to cause a reaction. Dogs with food intolerance might be fine eating small amounts, but with a true food allergy, even tiny traces can trigger a reaction.

Symptoms of Food Intolerance and Food Allergies in Dogs

The symptoms of food allergies and food intolerance in dogs are very similar and can affect both their skin and digestion. Here’s what to watch for:

Skin Issues (Seen in Both Allergies and Intolerance)

• Itchy or red skin
• Frequent ear or skin infections
• Hair loss
• Licking or chewing paws (vets often check for brown stains on the underside of the paws)

Digestive Problems (Seen in Both Allergies and Intolerance)

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Excessive gas (flatulence)
• Weight loss
• Low energy or lethargy

Also Read: How to Care for a Small Dog Breed in Winter?

Severe Allergic Reaction (Rare, Food Allergy Only)

• Hives
• Swelling of the face

If your dog shows any of these signs, especially severe ones, it’s best to talk to your vet about possible food-related issues.

Causes of Food Allergies and Food Intolerance in Dogs  

Some dogs may be more likely to develop food allergies or intolerances due to genetics, but experts still don’t fully understand why it happens to some dogs and not others.

These issues can start when a dog is young or develop later in life. While any breed can be affected, some are at a higher risk, including Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels.

The most common culprits behind food allergies and intolerances are proteins, but other ingredients can also cause problems. Some of the most common triggers include:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Soy
• Eggs

If you suspect your dog has a food allergy or intolerance, your vet can help figure out the best diet for them.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Food Allergies and Food Intolerance in Dogs

There’s no reliable allergy test for food allergies in dogs. Blood tests aren’t considered accurate, so the best way to diagnose a food allergy or intolerance is through a food trial.

If your vet suspects a food allergy, they may recommend a food trial that lasts 8 to 12 weeks. It’s important to stick to the plan exactly—no extra treats, table scraps, or other foods that could interfere with the results. Even some heartworm and flea/tick preventatives contain beef or chicken for flavor, so ask your vet which ones are safe during the trial.

There are a few ways to approach a food trial:

• Hydrolyzed protein diets – These break proteins into tiny pieces so the immune system doesn’t recognize them as allergens.
• Novel protein diets – Made with uncommon ingredients (like venison or kangaroo) and limited ingredients to reduce the risk of a reaction.
• Skin support diets – Contain bioactives and phytonutrients to help calm the immune system.

While some allergy tests are available, they aren’t very reliable. A properly conducted food trial is the best way to diagnose food allergies or intolerances in dogs.

Also Read: What to do If My Dog is Aggressive Towards Other Dogs?

Treatment of Food Allergies and Food Intolerance in Dogs

Most dog food allergies and intolerances can be managed with the right diet. But since every dog is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best food for your dog is one that doesn’t contain their triggers and still provides balanced nutrition.

Best Diets for Dogs With Food Allergies

Food allergies involve the immune system, so managing them usually requires a prescription diet recommended by your vet. These therapeutic diets are specially formulated to avoid allergens and prevent cross-contamination, which is important since even tiny traces of the wrong ingredient can trigger symptoms.

Here are some options:

• Blue Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Dog Food – Made with hydrolyzed salmon, where proteins are broken down so small that the immune system doesn’t recognize them as allergens.
• Blue Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Dog Food – Uses alligator as a novel protein, making it a great choice for dogs allergic to chicken, beef, or other common meats.

Best Diets for Dogs With Food Intolerances

Since food intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system, it’s usually easier to manage with a limited-ingredient diet, which doesn’t require a prescription. These diets typically contain just one protein and one carbohydrate to make it easier to identify triggers.

Some good options include:

• Blue Basics™ Skin & Stomach Care Salmon & Potato – Uses deboned salmon as the only animal protein and avoids common triggers like chicken, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives.
• Blue Basics™ Skin & Stomach Care Duck & Potato – A grain-free option for dogs who need to avoid grains or gluten.
• Blue True Solutions™ Perfect Skin & Coat – A limited-ingredient diet clinically proven to support healthy skin and a shiny coat, with real salmon as the only animal protein.

Allergy Medications & Supplements

Dogs with food allergies often also have environmental allergies (like pollen or dust mites). If that’s the case, your vet may prescribe medications such as:

• Apoquel® or Cytopoint® – To help control allergy symptoms.
• Antihistamines or steroids – To reduce itching and inflammation.

Some supplements can also support dogs with allergies, especially those rich in omega fatty acids, which help strengthen the skin barrier. Examples include:

• Nutramax® Welactin®
• Dechra® EicosaDerm®

If you suspect your dog has a food allergy or intolerance, talk to your vet about the best diet and treatment plan. With the right approach, most dogs can live happy, itch-free lives!

Also Read: What are the Best Foods for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs?

Recovery and Management of Food Intolerance and Food Allergies in Dogs 

Dog food allergies and intolerances can’t be cured, but the good news is they can be managed with the right diet and by avoiding problem ingredients.

If your dog has a food allergy or intolerance, it’s important to stick to the diet your vet recommends—including treats! Even a small amount of the wrong food can cause symptoms to come back.

If your dog is on a diet trial, be patient! It usually takes 8 to 12 weeks to see results. Some dogs start licking and chewing less within the first four weeks, while others might need the full 12 weeks before showing improvement.

With the right approach, your pup can live a happy, comfortable life—free from constant itching and tummy troubles!