The answer is yes, it can! Changing your dog’s food can lead to an allergic reaction in some dogs. In most cases, the new ingredient that triggers the allergy is something your dog has never eaten before. This means that if you switch from one brand of dry food to another, there may be ingredients present in the new formula that wasn’t previously included in your diet and these can trigger an allergic response.
Additionally, switching from a wet food diet to a dry diet (or vice versa) can also introduce allergens into their system as well as other dietary changes such as switching from grain-free to grain-inclusive foods. So how do you know if your pup is having an allergic reaction?
Symptoms of a food allergy typically include itching and scratching, redness or swelling around the face and ears; excessive licking of paws; skin rashes or hives; vomiting and/or diarrhea; sneezing and coughing; runny eyes or nose; ear infections; hair loss on parts of their body; fatigue after eating meals containing certain ingredients.
Dog Food Allergy Symptoms
Dogs can develop food allergies just like humans, and some of the symptoms can include:
- Itchy skin: One of the most common symptoms of food allergies in dogs is itchy skin. This can manifest as excessive licking, scratching, or biting at the skin.
- Digestive issues: Dogs with food allergies may also experience digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Ear infections: Food allergies can also lead to ear infections in dogs, which may cause them to shake their heads or scratch at their ears.
- Red and inflamed skin: Dogs with food allergies may have red, inflamed, or irritated skin, particularly around the face, paws, or anus.
- Chronic ear infections: Chronic ear infections can also be a sign of food allergies in dogs.
- Hair loss: Dogs with food allergies may also experience hair loss or thinning.
- Respiratory issues: Some dogs may develop respiratory issues such as sneezing, coughing, or wheezing as a result of food allergies.
If you suspect that your dog has a food allergy, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How Long After Changing Dog Food Will Allergies Last?
The answer depends on what is causing your pup’s allergic reaction and how well you manage their diet. The most common causes of canine allergies include environmental triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or fleas; certain foods; or contact with an allergen like latex or cleaning products.
If your pup has an allergy caused by something in their environment or from contact with a material, then simply switching up their food isn’t likely to relieve symptoms for very long since that won’t address the root cause of the problem.
However, if your pet’s allergy is due to a specific ingredient in his diet (like soy), then making changes could provide lasting relief from symptoms like coughing, sneezing and itching skin. If you think your pup’s allergy may be related to something he eats, speak with your veterinarian about possible dietary changes that might help reduce his discomfort over time.
How To Tell If My Dog is Allergic to His Food?
If you’re worried that your dog might be allergic to their food, there are a few signs and symptoms to look out for. Allergy-related issues can range from mild skin irritation to more serious digestive problems, so it’s important to pay close attention to any changes in your pup’s behavior or physical health.
The most common symptom of a food allergy is persistent itching and scratching, especially around the ears, face, paws, and armpits. If your dog scratches constantly or chews on himself excessively, he may have developed an allergy to something in his diet.
Other signs include hot spots (moist sores) where the skin has been irritated by all the scratching and licking; redness or bald patches on the skin; scaly patches; ear infections; inflamed feet pads; excessive gas production; vomiting or diarrhea after eating certain foods.
Some dogs may also show signs of increased thirst as they try to flush out allergens through urination.
What are the Side Effects of Changing Your Dog’s Food?
One of the most common side effects of changing your dog’s food is gastrointestinal upset. This could include vomiting, diarrhea or constipation as well as gas and bloating.
These digestive issues occur because dogs typically aren’t used to sudden changes in their diet and don’t have time to adjust naturally before they start eating it regularly.
To help ease this transition period, gradually mix in small amounts of new food over a few days until you’ve phased out the old one completely. You should also consider offering probiotics or digestive enzymes which can help support healthy digestion during this time too.
Another possible issue related to switching foods is allergies or sensitivities developing due to ingredients present in the new formula that weren’t previously part of their diet.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to New Dog Food?
It is not uncommon for dogs to be allergic to certain foods and ingredients. While most pet owners know that their pets can have a reaction to certain types of food, many don’t realize that a new type of dog food could also cause an allergic reaction.
When introducing a new dog food into your pup’s diet, it is important to watch closely for any changes in behavior or physical signs of distress such as skin irritation, excessive scratching, vomiting/diarrhea, and/or sneezing.
These are all potential signs of an allergy developing due to the introduction of the new food. Dogs can develop allergies over time with repeated exposure or even right away if they are particularly sensitive to one or more ingredients in the new food.
If you suspect your pup may have an allergy after introducing a new brand or flavor of kibble, discontinue feeding it immediately and consult with your vet before trying another kind. Your vet will help you identify which ingredient(s) might be causing the issue so you can avoid them in future foods as well as determine how best to alleviate any current symptoms from existing allergies by prescribing medication or special diets (eg: hypoallergenic).
Credit: vetnutrition.tufts.edu
How to Know If Dog Has Grain Allergy?
If your dog suddenly begins excessively licking their paws or scratching behind their ears, they may have developed an allergy to something. It could be grains, either wheat or corn which are both used as fillers in many commercial pet foods on the market today.
Other signs of food allergies include vomiting, diarrhea, rashes on the skin (especially around the face), sneezing and coughing, bald spots from excessive licking/chewing at certain areas of fur loss due to irritation caused by allergens present in food items such as grains.
Conclusion
It’s possible for changing dog food to cause allergies in your pup. Allergies can arise from both the type of food you feed your pup and the sudden change in their diet. If you are switching your pup’s food, it should be done gradually over a period of 7-10 days.
This will help reduce potential stomach upset or an allergic reaction, as introducing new foods too quickly can overwhelm a pet’s digestive system and bring on an allergy attack.
When looking for a new brand of dog food, pay attention to the ingredients list which may indicate gluten or other grains like corn, wheat, or soy that could trigger an allergic reaction.
