Dog allergies,Difference between food allergy and food intolerance in dogs?
What is food allergy?
Food allergy in dogs and cats develops when their body mounts immune response to one of the ingredients of current diet. Commonly, protein part of the diet triggers abnormal immune response and eventually leads to signs of food allergy.
Diagnosing food allergy
A food trial, also known as an elimination diet trial, is a diagnostic tool used to diagnose food allergies or intolerances in dogs. The main purpose of a food trial is to check if the symptoms are related to a specific ingredient or ingredients in their diet.
The process of a food trial involves feeding only a novel protein source and a novel carbohydrate source or hypoallergenic commercial dog foods (Hydrolyzed protein diets) for a minimum of 8-12 weeks. A novel protein source is one that the dog has not eaten before, such as venison or rabbit, and a novel carbohydrate source is one that the dog has not eaten before, such as sweet potato or pea. Hydrolyzed protein diets contain protein ingredients broken down to smallest enough that trigger any food allergy symptoms.
During the food trial, your pet should not eat any other food, treats, or table scraps. It’s important to note that the pet’s regular diet should be completely eliminated during the food trial, including any treats and supplements that contain potential allergens.
If the dog’s symptoms significantly improved during the food trial, this may suggest a food allergy or intolerance to one or more ingredients in their previous diet. To confirm the diagnosis, the dog can then be gradually reintroduced to their previous diet, one ingredient at a time, to see if symptoms reappear. If skin lesions persists, possibility of having environmental allergy is high.
Treatment for food allergy
If a food allergy or intolerance is confirmed, the dog’s diet will need to be modified to avoid the offending ingredient(s). Your veterinarian can provide guidance on selecting an appropriate diet for your dog based on their specific dietary needs and any known allergens.
It’s important to note that food trials can be challenging and require strict adherence to the recommended diet. Consult your veterinarian for proper guidance and support throughout the process of food trial to ensure the best possible outcome for your dog.
| Food allergy | Food intolerance or food sensitivity |
| Immune system is involved -Body build up immune response to component to food ingredient mostly to the protein part | No immune system involvement |
| Signs: Skin issues, chronic ear infection along with vomiting and diarrhea | Gastrointestinal upset: Flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea |
| Time of to take manifest: usually long, sometimes may take 4-6 months to see signs | Most of time signs happens immediately within one or two days |
| How to diagnose? Elimination trial | Elimination trial |
