Poultry Allergies in Dogs

Allergies are due to an abnormally high defensive response to a protein which the immune system perceives as an intrusive substance. Foods are broken down into amino acids by the digestive system and the amino acids are then absorbed by enterocytes, a type of white blood cell. If the digestive system doesn’t completely break down the proteins, the enterocytes see them as intruders and attack the body.

An allergy to poultry is an over-reaction of your dogs’ immune system to an unwelcome protein that is present in a particular ingredient of their diet.

Symptoms

Food allergies usually occur in adult dogs over the age of three. There are exceptions, and a food allergy can have a detrimental effect on a young dog's growth if not addressed. Skin reactions are usually more concentrated around the face, groin, toes, and under the front legs.

• Bald patches
• Chronic ear infections
• Chronic gas
• Chronically inflamed feet
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Hives
• Obsessive licking
• Paw biting
• Pawing at face
• Poor growth (puppy and adolescent)
• Shaking of the head
• Skin infections
• Skin rashes
• Vomiting
• Wheezing
  

Types

If your dog has developed an allergy to a particular poultry, other poultry options may still be available. The three most common poultry sources are:

Chicken is the most common poultry ingredient in dog foods and is also the most likely to induce allergies in dogs.

Duck is often used as an inexpensive alternative to chicken as it has a lower incidence of allergic reactions.

Turkey is sometimes used as an inexpensive alternative to chicken, but allergies are somewhat more widespread to turkey than to the more exotic choices.

Diagnosis of Poultry Allergies

The most common diagnostic tool for confirming and later pinpointing food allergies is an elimination diet. During an elimination diet, the dog’s food will be switched to a reduced ingredient commercial foods or unseasoned human grade food. Proteins and carbohydrates that are not included in the dog’s current food are generally the best choice for an elimination diet.

Replacement Proteins

There are many types of proteins that are suitable as a replacement to poultry in a dog’s diet. Alternative protein sources could include one or more of the following:

• Broccoli
• Buffalo
• Eggs
• Elk
• Fish
• Goat
• Kangaroo
• Lamb
• Lentils
• Pork
• Quinoa
• Rabbit
• Soybeans
• Spinach
• Venison