Like humans, our furry friends also suffer from intolerances to certain foods. It’s also important to note that food intolerances can vary from dog to dog, and some dogs may have more than one intolerance. If you suspect your dog has a food intolerance, it is important to work with your veterinarian to identify the culprit and develop a diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Before we get into the common food intolerances, let’s talk about what an intolerance to food is along with some common symptoms and potential causes.

What is a Food Intolerance?

A food intolerance is a condition in which the body has difficulty digesting certain foods or substances in food, which can lead to a range of symptoms. Unlike a food allergy, which is an immune response triggered by a specific food, a food intolerance does not involve the immune system.

Symptoms of Canine Food Intolerances

Symptoms of food intolerance can vary widely and may include digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as other symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, and joint pain.

Potential Causes

Food intolerances can be caused by a variety of factors, including enzyme deficiencies, chemical sensitivities, and food additives. In some cases, food intolerances may be temporary and resolve on their own, while in other cases, they may be chronic and require ongoing management with medicine or a dog digestive supplement.

10 Common Food Intolerances in Dogs

1. Beef

Beef is a common allergen in dogs and can cause a range of symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, skin rashes, and ear infections.

2. Dairy

A significant number of dogs experience lactose intolerance, which makes it challenging for them to digest dairy products such as milk.

This can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

3. Chicken

Chicken is another common allergen in dogs, and some may develop symptoms such as itching, swelling, and digestive issues after consuming chicken-based diets.

4. Wheat

Wheat is a common ingredient in many dog foods, but some dogs may have difficulty digesting it. Symptoms of wheat intolerance can include itching, skin rashes, and digestive problems.

5. Corn

Like wheat, corn is a common ingredient in many dog foods but can also cause digestive issues and skin problems in some dogs.

6. Soy

Soy is another ingredient commonly found in dog food and can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin issues in some dogs.

7. Eggs

While eggs are a good source of protein for many dogs, some may be allergic to them, leading to digestive issues, itching, and other symptoms.

8. Fish

Fish and fish-based products are a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods, but some dogs can be intolerant to them. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and skin issues.

9. Pork

Pork is another protein source that can cause food intolerance in some dogs. Symptoms may include digestive upset, skin rashes, and ear infections.

10. Grains

While not all dogs are intolerant to grains, some may have difficulty digesting them. Grains commonly used in dog food include wheat, corn, and soy, and symptoms of intolerance can include digestive upset, skin rashes, and ear infections.

Food Allergy vs Food Intolerance

Food allergies and food intolerance are two different conditions that can cause similar symptoms, but they involve different mechanisms.

Food allergy is an immune system response triggered by a specific food in your dog’s diet. When the dog’s immune system identifies a certain food as harmful, it produces an antibody to fight off the perceived threat. The next time the person eats that food, the antibodies signal the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals, which can cause a range of symptoms, such as hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and digestive upset.

Food intolerance, on the other hand, is a condition in which the body has difficulty digesting certain foods or substances in food, which can lead to a range of symptoms. Food intolerance does not involve the immune system, and symptoms are typically limited to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as other symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, and joint pain.

The symptoms of food allergy and food intolerance can be similar, but food allergy symptoms tend to be more severe and can even be life-threatening in some cases. In contrast, food intolerance symptoms are generally less severe and do not pose a significant risk to life.

Wrapping Things Up

If you suspect your dog has a food intolerance, it is important to work with a licensed veterinarian to identify the culprit and develop a plan to manage the symptoms. This may involve eliminating certain foods from your dog’s diet or using medications or supplements to aid in digestion.