| Dogs and Allergies |
Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance
It is important to distinguish between food allergies and food intolerance. Food allergies are associated with an allergic response and are
characterized by symptoms such as itching and skin problems. Food intolerance is not associated with a typical allergic response and
generally results in diarrhea or vomiting.1
About 20% of the cases of itching and scratching in dogs are attributed to food allergies. Food allergies occur in both male and female
dogs and are not linked to any specific breed. Food allergies can become evident in dogs as young as 6 months or as old as 12 years, but
most cases occur in dogs between the ages of 2 and 6 years. Dogs with food allergies may also have other allergies such as contact and
inhalant allergies.1,2
Some of the common ingredients associated with food allergies include beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn,
wheat, and soy, many of which are common ingredients in dog foods.1
It is important to distinguish between food allergies and food intolerance. Food allergies are associated with an allergic response and are
characterized by symptoms such as itching and skin problems. Food intolerance is not associated with a typical allergic response and
generally results in diarrhea or vomiting.1
About 20% of the cases of itching and scratching in dogs are attributed to food allergies. Food allergies occur in both male and female
dogs and are not linked to any specific breed. Food allergies can become evident in dogs as young as 6 months or as old as 12 years, but
most cases occur in dogs between the ages of 2 and 6 years. Dogs with food allergies may also have other allergies such as contact and
inhalant allergies.1,2
Some of the common ingredients associated with food allergies include beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn,
wheat, and soy, many of which are common ingredients in dog foods.1
1. Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff. Food Allergies and Food Intolerance. Accessed May 14, 2010. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2&aid=143
2.VetInfo. What Causes Food Allergies in Dogs? Accessed May 14, 2010. http://www.vetinfo.com/food-allergies-dogs.html
2.VetInfo. What Causes Food Allergies in Dogs? Accessed May 14, 2010. http://www.vetinfo.com/food-allergies-dogs.html
What not to Feed to your Dog1,2 (Note: this is not a comprehensive list)
Baby food
May contain onion powder which can be toxic to dogs. Can lead to nutritional deficiencies if fed in large amounts.
May contain onion powder which can be toxic to dogs. Can lead to nutritional deficiencies if fed in large amounts.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources
May lead to obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
May lead to obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Cat food
Too high in protein and fats.
Too high in protein and fats.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine
Caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline which are contained in these products are toxic and can affect the heart and nervous
systems.
Caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline which are contained in these products are toxic and can affect the heart and nervous
systems.
Citrus oil extracts
Can cause vomiting.
Can cause vomiting.
Fat trimmings
Can cause pancreatitis.
Can cause pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins
Contain an unknown toxin which can damage the kidneys.
Contain an unknown toxin which can damage the kidneys.
Large amounts of liver
Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, affecting muscles and bones.
Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, affecting muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts
Contain an unknown toxin which can affect the digestive system, nervous system, and muscles.
Contain an unknown toxin which can affect the digestive system, nervous system, and muscles.
Milk and other dairy products
Can cause diarrhea, as some adult dogs and cats lack sufficient amounts of the enzyme, lactase, which breaks down the lactose
in milk.
Can cause diarrhea, as some adult dogs and cats lack sufficient amounts of the enzyme, lactase, which breaks down the lactose
in milk.
Moldy, spoiled food or garbage
Main contain several toxins that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea and can affect organs.
Main contain several toxins that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea and can affect organs.
Mushrooms
Can contain toxins that affect several systems in the body, cause shock, and lead to death.
Can contain toxins that affect several systems in the body, cause shock, and lead to death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)
Contain sulfoxides and disulfides which can damage red blood cells and result in anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs
and garlic is less toxic than onions.
Contain sulfoxides and disulfides which can damage red blood cells and result in anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs
and garlic is less toxic than onions.
Persimmons
Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Pits from peaches and plums
Can obstruct the digestive tract.
Can obstruct the digestive tract.
Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems
Contain oxalates which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Contain oxalates which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Raw eggs
Contain avidin, an enzyme which decreases the absorption of biotin (B vitamin) resulting in skin and hair coat problems. May
also contain Salmonella.
Contain avidin, an enzyme which decreases the absorption of biotin (B vitamin) resulting in skin and hair coat problems. May
also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish
Can lead to a thiamine (B vitamin) deficiency resulting in loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More likely if raw
fish is fed regularly.
Can lead to a thiamine (B vitamin) deficiency resulting in loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More likely if raw
fish is fed regularly.
Sugary foods
Can cause obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Can cause obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (large amounts)
Not nutritionally balanced. Trim fat and do not feed any bones. Should only amount to about 10-15% of the diet.
Not nutritionally balanced. Trim fat and do not feed any bones. Should only amount to about 10-15% of the diet.
Yeast dough
Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, resulting on pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, resulting on pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Can cause liver failure.
Can cause liver failure.
1. Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog. Accessed May 14, 2010.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030
2. VetInfo. What Not to Feed Dogs. Accessed May 14, 2010. http://www.vetinfo.com/what-not-to-feed-dogs.html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030
2. VetInfo. What Not to Feed Dogs. Accessed May 14, 2010. http://www.vetinfo.com/what-not-to-feed-dogs.html
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