A dog that scratches all the time, licks its paws until they are red or keeps getting ear infections immediately makes you think of an allergy. The trouble is that the itching may have a completely different source than the diet, and the treatment looks different in each case. That is why the first step is a visit to the vet. In this guide we show you how the two kinds of allergy differ.
Similar symptoms, different causes
Both a food allergy and a skin allergy in dogs can cause itching, redness, paw licking and recurring ear infections. The symptoms alone make them hard to tell apart, so you need observation over time and a step-by-step process of ruling out possible causes. Some dogs also have both allergies at once.
Food allergy in dogs
This is a reaction of your dog’s immune system to an ingredient in the diet, most often a protein. The symptoms usually last all year round, whatever the season. We describe the typical digestive and skin symptoms in our guide to food allergy symptoms.
Skin and environmental allergy in dogs
The itching may be caused by atopy, an allergy to environmental allergens such as dust mites or pollen, or by an allergy to flea saliva. The symptoms are then often seasonal or linked to particular surroundings, for example the time of year or walks on the grass. Diet will not remove the cause itself, but the right food will support your dog’s body from the inside.
| Feature | Food allergy | Skin and environmental allergy |
|---|---|---|
| Source | an ingredient in the diet, most often a protein | dust mites, pollen, flea saliva |
| Pattern over the year | usually all year round | often seasonal or linked to the surroundings |
| How it is confirmed | with an elimination diet | by the vet ruling out other causes and, for a flea allergy, with effective flea protection |
| Role of diet | removes the cause from the bowl | supports the skin barrier |
How to find the cause of your dog’s allergy
It starts with a visit to the vet. First, they rule out parasites, including fleas, as well as skin and ear infections, which can cause itching on their own. If an allergy is still suspected, the next step is often an elimination diet, which confirms or rules out a food-related cause. It is worth working methodically, one step at a time, rather than changing everything at once.
We explain how such a trial works in our guide to the elimination diet.
The role of diet in both cases
Even with a skin allergy, a good diet supports the skin barrier, partly thanks to omega-3 fatty acids. If a food-related cause is suspected, choose a food with a known protein source and an ingredient list that is as simple and clear as possible.
When to see a vet
Contact your vet if the itching is severe, if your dog’s skin is changed or infected or if the symptoms keep coming back despite changes to the diet. Skin allergies often need treatment, not just a change of food.
Where Veli fits in
Salmon oil, found in every Veli recipe, provides the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which support the skin and coat. If your vet recommends an elimination diet, you could consider the Venison + EntoPro™ recipe. Deer meat is its only source of meat, and together with our proprietary bio-protein EntoPro™ that makes two proteins most dogs have never eaten.
We list the full composition of every recipe on its page, so it is easy to check that it contains nothing your dog reacts to. For example, Salmon + EntoPro™ also contains 9% chicken offal. When you build your bundle and mark your dog’s allergies, we leave the flavours with those ingredients out of our suggestions.
How can I tell a food allergy from a skin allergy in my dog?
A food allergy usually causes symptoms all year round and is confirmed with an elimination diet, while a skin allergy is often seasonal or linked to the environment. A vet will help you make the final distinction.
Can food help with a skin allergy?
Food will not remove environmental allergens, but a good diet with omega-3 fatty acids supports the skin barrier and the overall condition of the skin and coat.
What should I give a dog that keeps scratching?
First, find the cause together with your vet. Do not give your dog medicines or supplements on your own. If the vet suspects a food-related cause, they may suggest an elimination diet.
