Food Allergy

A food allergy is an immune-mediated reaction where a dog's immune system identifies a specific food protein as a threat and mounts an inflammatory response. True food allergies are uncommon. Only about 10 to 15 percent of chronically itchy dogs have a confirmed food allergy. The other 85+ percent are reacting to environmental allergens like dust mites, pollen, or grass. The most common food allergens for dogs are chicken, beef, dairy, egg, wheat, and soy. Diagnosing a food allergy requires an 8 to 12 week elimination diet under veterinary supervision, not a switch to a 'hypoallergenic' bag.