5 Signs Your Dog Is Allergic To His Food

These Are The Signs That Show That Your Dog Might Be Allergic To His Food

A responsible dog owner considers their Pooch a member of the family. Just as with a child, you must have a certain level of patience in understanding all of your pet's quirks while you nurture and train them so you can better care for them as they grow up. One way you can keep your dog healthy is as simple as observing any unusual behavior they might display. There may be a myriad of behavioral abnormalities in dogs but none more common than those caused by food allergies and intolerances.

Food Allergy Vs. Food Intolerance

It's a common misconception to interchange "food allergy" with "food intolerance or sensitivity." These are two different conditions causing different reactions to your pet's body. Food intolerance or food sensitivity is your dog's inability to digest certain foods, leading to an adverse reaction from their digestive system. This can come in the form of diarrhea, vomiting, or chronic gas. Food allergies usually come down to your pet's genetic predisposition and affect their immune system (and other organs) when triggered. Food intolerance is easier to manage than a food allergy, while the latter can potentially be life-threatening.

Common foods that can cause food allergies or intolerance are protein-rich, like beef, dairy, and soy. However, wheat, pork, chicken, fish, corn, and egg have also been known to cause allergic reactions in dogs. It's also possible for your pet to be allergic to more than one ingredient, making it difficult to find the right food or eliminate the correct ingredients - but it's not impossible.

5 Signs And Symptoms of Food Allergies

An innocent scratching behind the ear or an adorable display of flatulence from your dog may not be innocent or adorable after all. Be on the lookout for these signs - your dog might be telling you there's something in his diet that isn't sitting well with her.

1. Allergic Dermatitis

Considered to be the most common allergic reaction, this can occur in any part of your pet's body, particularly the ears, paws, underbelly, and rear. If you notice your dog dragging his rear across the floor, it doesn't mean he's just an oddball. That's his way of soothing an itch on his behind.

2. Chronic Ear Infections

If your dog is experiencing frequent ear irritations - meaning, at least three times in a year - then he might be suffering from food sensitivity. Your pet may show discomfort by scratching his ear or persistently shaking his head. Ear mites, yeast infections, and swimmer's ear can also cause irritation, but if these possibilities have been ruled out, then it's time to check on his food.

3. Swollen Face

In the same way that a human's face swells up during an allergic reaction, swelling can also be observed in allergic dogs, particularly in their face, ears, lips, eyelids, and earflaps. Your pet might be oblivious to the swelling on their face, and their reaction could persuade you to take a photo of them. Just make sure to seek veterinary attention first prior to any social media documentation!

4. Watery Eyes

A common symptom of an allergic reaction among dogs includes runny eyes. Some dogs already have normal goopy discharge from tear ducts, but an excess amount of tear production can be caused by allergies, which can stain and irritate the eye area. If you see your dog trying to soothe his eye area by brushing it on his limbs, check for other signs of an allergic reaction as well.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues

Strong indicators for food allergies are gastrointestinal reactions like diarrhea, chronic gas, and vomiting. These symptoms have a mainline to the digestive system and are usually caused by an allergen ingested by your pet.


If you're looking to help your dog with potential food sensitivities, keeping the number of ingredients in their treats to a minimum can certainly help. Single ingredient treats contain no additives or preservatives - you get what you see. Virtually all Peppy Pooch chews are single ingredient, and all natural to ensure your pet gets only the most healthy and nutritious treats.