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The 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies

More Prone to Food Allergies

Which foods cause the most allergies in dogs?

The most common allergens include (in descending order): beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb/mutton, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. Rabbit and fish are by far less common food allergens than the others.

The most common food allergy signs

If your dog and puppy has a food allergy, you may notice that they behave abnormally: Itching/Itchy paws, Hot spots/Skin rashes, Ear infections/Pigmented skin, Red eyes/Hair loss, Vomiting/Diarrhea/Loose stool, Restlessness/Frequent scratching, Anorexia or refusal of food.

Are some dog breeds more prone to food allergies?

In fact, food allergies can happen in all dog breeds. Some breeds do very well on them, but some breeds do not do very well on them.

Some studies show that the following 10 dog breeds at a higher risk for food allergies:

  • 1. Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
  • 2. Lhasa Apsos
  • 3. West Highland White Terriers (Westies)
  • 4. Pugs
  • 5. Dachshunds
  • 6. Boxers
  • 7. Shar-peis
  • 8. Cocker Spaniels
  • 9. Bulldogs
  • 10. Shih Tzus

10 Shih Tzus

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 10. Shih Tzus

Sometimes, a Shih Tzu may vomit occasionally or have mild diarrhea if they are allergic to a certain food but not always. Common culprits of food pet allergies in Shih Tzus include artificial additives (flavoring, coloring), chemical preservatives and fillers such as corn or soy.

9 Bulldogs

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 9. Bulldogs

Bulldogs can be prone to sensitive digestion, flatulence, allergies, and hip dysplasia. ... Artificial preservatives may trigger allergic reactions and digestive problems. Food ingredients like chicken eggs, dairy, and some proteins may also cause hypersensitivity reactions depending on the adaptability of your dogs.

8 Cocker Spaniels

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 8. Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels suffering from food allergies should be fed diets that do not include the offending protein. Just about any protein can trigger a food allergy, but some of the most common allergens include beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish.

Note that not all Cocker Spaniels will develop food allergies, and those that do will be sensitive to different things. Accordingly, there’s no reason to alter your dog’s diet until and unless she is diagnosed with a food allergy by your vet.

7 Shar-peis

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 7. Shar-peis

The Shar pei breed has a higher incidence of food allergies than other breeds. It is generally protein in the food and beef is possibly the most common protein that Shar Peis are allergic to. Food allergies can take up to 3 months to solve with a new diet.

Keep in mind, take no chances and select foods that don’t include any of the common allergens: corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, and artificial additives (flavoring, coloring). amongst its ingredients.

6 Boxers

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 6. Boxers

Boxer dogs as a breed are prone to food allergies, wheat and corn are two of the biggest causes of food allergies. It's especially important for you to feed your boxer a food that doesn't contain these ingredients.

5 Dachshunds

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 5. Dachshunds

Corn, wheat, rice, soy and specific animal proteins (meat, dairy) are the most common allergies. Dachshunds and most dogs have a difficult time digesting corn and it can often cause allergies that could show up as physiological or behavioral problems.

Some dachshunds are allergic to chicken, other food-related allergens can be oil, sweets and red vegetables, especially carrots.

4 Pugs

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 4. Pugs

Pugs food allergies can be a worrisome issue for the owners too. So many dogs are suffering health issues from poor nutrition, that the main pug food allergies were Corn, Soy, Beef, Dairy, and Wheat.

3 West Highland White Terriers (Westies)

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 3. Westies

Westies are also somewhat more prone to skin conditions and allergies than other breeds, so this will also be a consideration when you are choosing among the top Westie food recommendations. The most common triggers for allergies are wheat, soy, corn, lamb, fish, chicken, beef, eggs and dairy products.

2 Lhasa Apsos

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 2. Lhasa Apsos

The food allergies are also quite common among Lhasa Apso. Dog food allergies can develop at any time. Your Lhaso apso may be fine to digest chicken and wheat one day, but exhibit signs of distress on a later date. Once a food allergy has developed, it typically doesn’t go away, so you’ll need to eliminate the food from your Lhasa’s diet forever. Other foods commonly associated with dog food allergies include beef, eggs, milk, and fish.

1 Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier

Top 10 Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies - 1. Wheaten Terriers

Wheaten Terriers are known for experiencing a number of food allergies and sensitivities. Among these allergies can include sensitivities to grains, such as corn, soy, and wheat, as well as sensitivities to certain meats, including chicken, which dogs can be allergic to, or some vegetables.

Other breeds prone to food allergies include: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Yorkshire Terriers (aka Yorkies), Dalmatian, Miniature Schnauzer, Collie, Springer Spaniel, and Pitbulls.

The Bottom Line

The best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy is to work with your veterinarian or nutritionist to manage your dog’s symptoms and discover the ingredient causing the reaction. With a change in diet and a little care, you can keep your dog healthy, happy, active, and well fed.

If your dog is perfectly healthy and happy, then you may not need to make any dietary changes. Keep in mind, always consult your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet.

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