Guest Blog | Dr. Betsy Redmond of Innovative Pet Lab on the Difference Between Allergies and Food Sensitivities

As pet owners, we’re often left wondering whether our dogs’ health issues are due to allergies, food sensitivities, or something else entirely. With symptoms that can look very similar—itchy skin, digestive upset, and chronic inflammation—it’s easy to confuse the two. However, there are important differences between true allergies and food sensitivities in pets. Understanding these differences can help you provide the right care and diet for your dog, leading to better health and comfort.

In this blog, we’ll break down what true allergies (IgE-mediated responses) are, how they differ from food sensitivities, and why these differences matter for identifying and managing your pet’s health and nutrition.

What Are Real Allergies in Dogs? Understanding IgE-Mediated Reactions 

True allergies in dogs are driven by the immune system, specifically by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When a dog has a true allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance (an allergen) as a threat. In response, the body releases IgE antibodies, which trigger an inflammatory reaction. IgE allergies are typically lifelong and need to be managed through avoidance of allergens. 

Common allergens that trigger IgE-mediated reactions in dogs include:

• Environmental allergens: Pollen, mold, and dust mites

• Food proteins: Chicken, beef, dairy, and certain grains

• Insect bites or stings: Fleas and ticks are common triggers

• Other substances: Chemicals, dyes, and perfumes

IgE-mediated allergies are typically acute, meaning symptoms appear quickly after exposure and can become severe. Here are some common signs:

• Intense itching: Often localized to the face, paws, belly, and ears

• Hives or rashes: Small, red, itchy bumps or patches

• Swelling: Especially around the face, ears, or paws

• Gastrointestinal issues: Vomiting or diarrhea, but only in severe cases

• Anaphylaxis: In rare, life-threatening cases, dogs can experience difficulty breathing or shock

Diagnosing IgE-Mediated Allergies in Dogs

Currently the most reliable method for the diagnosis of food allergies is a dietary elimination trial, as per the Merck Veterinary manual. Several diagnostic methods have been proposed, such as ELISA-based blood tests, intradermal testing, and hair or saliva analysis. Utilizing tests offered by Innovative Pet Lab, such as Secretory IgA, Calprotectin or Zonulin may help further evaluate the degree of immune system reactions, and can guide treatments to support overall gut health. 

Food Sensitivities in Dogs: What’s the Difference?

Unlike true allergies, food sensitivities don’t involve IgE antibodies, and have not been as well defined. Instead, they are usually related to digestive intolerance or low-level immune responses that can still cause discomfort but are not classified as an allergy. While food sensitivities might not cause the immediate, acute symptoms associated with IgE-mediated reactions, they can still lead to chronic and recurring issues that impact a dog’s quality of life.

Common foods that can cause sensitivities in dogs include:

• Proteins like chicken, beef, pork, and eggs

• Grains like wheat, corn, or soy

• Dairy products

Food additives can also contribute to food sensitivities. Synthetic compounds can sometimes trigger mild immune responses or digestive issues in sensitive dogs. A whole food-based diet, like the formulas developed by Albright’s Raw Pet Food, eliminates synthetics as a possible food sensitivity source. 

Food sensitivities usually lead to subtle, delayed reactions that build over time rather than causing an immediate response after consumption. Common signs of food sensitivities in dogs include:

• Chronic itching or scratching: Especially around the face, paws, and ears 

• Recurring ear infections: Linked to yeast and bacterial imbalances

• Digestive issues: Chronic diarrhea, gas, or bloating, often appearing hours or days after consuming the trigger food

• Skin problems: Dryness, flaky skin, or hair loss over time

• Behavioral changes: Lethargy, irritability, or restlessness

Diagnosing Food Sensitivities in Dogs

Food sensitivities are generally harder to diagnose than IgE-mediated allergies. Food elimination diets are also used to identify food sensitivities. Though reactions may be over days as opposed to immediate, so utilizing diet can be time consuming. An elimination diet involves removing suspected allergens from your dog’s diet for several weeks and then gradually reintroducing them one by one. During this process, you monitor your dog for any changes in symptoms to determine which foods might be causing sensitivities.

Why It’s Important to Differentiate Between Allergies and Sensitivities

Understanding the distinction between IgE-mediated allergies and food sensitivities is crucial for managing your dog’s health. Here’s why:

• Effective Management: Allergies require lifelong avoidance of specific allergens and may involve medical treatments such as antihistamines, steroids, or immunotherapy. Food sensitivities, on the other hand, are better managed through dietary adjustments and careful ingredient selection.

• Avoiding Unnecessary Medications: If your dog has a sensitivity rather than a true allergy, they may not need medication to manage their symptoms. Removing trigger foods from their diet is often enough to resolve symptoms, minimizing reliance on pharmaceuticals.

• Targeted Dietary Choices: Understanding if your dog has a sensitivity versus an allergy helps you make informed choices about their diet. For example, while grain-free diets have become popular, many dogs actually tolerate grains well but are sensitive to certain proteins. Mislabeling a sensitivity can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions.

Common Misconceptions: What Owners Should Know

Pet owners often turn to various testing methods to identify allergies and sensitivities, but not all tests are equally accurate. Here are a few common myths: 

• Myth #1: Hair and Saliva Testing Are Reliable: Hair and saliva tests are often marketed as allergy or sensitivity tests, but they lack scientific backing for accuracy. Blood tests and elimination diets are far more reliable for identifying true IgE allergies and sensitivities.

• Myth #2: Grain-Free Means Hypoallergenic: Grain-free diets are not necessarily hypoallergenic, as dogs are often allergic to specific proteins rather than grains. In fact, some dogs are more sensitive to ingredients like beef or chicken than they are to grains.

• Myth #3: IgE Allergies Are the Only Problem: Even if a dog doesn’t test positive for IgE allergies, they can still have food sensitivities that cause chronic symptoms. Food sensitivities are not detected by IgE blood tests, so an elimination diet may still be necessary.

How to Support Dogs with Allergies or Sensitivities

Whether your dog has a true allergy or a food sensitivity, there are steps you can take to provide relief and improve their quality of life:

1. Consider an Elimination Diet: If you suspect a food sensitivity, work with your veterinarian or pet food nutritionist or coach to try an elimination diet. This diet can help you identify trigger foods and reduce symptoms.
2. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Feed your dog a diet that emphasizes whole, single-ingredient foods without artificial additives, preservatives, fillers, or synthetics that can trigger reactions.
3. Introduce a Limited-Ingredient Diet (LID): Limited-ingredient diets are specifically formulated to include only essential nutrients, with fewer potential allergens. They are ideal for dogs with suspected allergies or sensitivities.  Albright’s Raw Pet Food offers several limited-ingredient, whole food ingredient recipes that are perfect for managing allergies or food sensitivities. 
4. Supplement Wisely: For dogs with food sensitivities, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids can support gut health and reduce inflammation, often improving skin and coat health. Utilizing IPL comprehensive fecal test can help target supplements.
5. Work Closely with Your Veterinarian: Whether dealing with allergies or sensitivities, your veterinarian can provide guidance on testing, diet choices, and symptom management.

Final Thoughts

True allergies and food sensitivities in dogs can present similar symptoms, but they are fundamentally different in how they affect your dog’s body and how they should be managed. Allergies are an immune response involving IgE antibodies, are lifelong and often require medical intervention, while food sensitivities usually stem from digestive issues or mild immune responses and can be managed through careful dietary choices. By understanding these differences, pet owners can make more informed decisions, leading to healthier, happier dogs.