Intolerance vs. Allergies

Food intolerance, though unfortunate, is usually not as serious as an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction triggers an immune system response, where a food intolerance does not. Many of the symptoms of a food intolerance can appear similar to those of an allergic reaction which makes identifying what your pup is experiencing tricky.

You can determine which foods your dog is allergic to, a couple of different ways. The first you can try is an elimination diet- where you remove potentially offending foods from their diet over a period of time. This process may take some time to complete, and does not take into account environmental allergies. If your pup is in discomfort now, you may want to consult with your vet. They can complete an allergy panel (similar to what humans receive) or Nutriscan test on your dog. The allergy panel may take into account environmental allergies, whereas a Nutriscan test only detects food allergies. Your vet will explain the options best suited to your situation.

Conversely, a food intolerance is when we or our dogs cannot process a certain food. Most often intolerances are associated with stomach and digestive system upset. Your dog may experience diarrhea, vomiting, increased flatulence, or unusual stools. These food intolerances cannot be defined by a vet test, but through dietary changes. Your best chance at avoiding these symptoms is to use a high-quality dog food which is hypoallergenic, meaning it does not include common ingredients known to cause problems- certain meats, some types of grains, dairy, egg and high fat meat meals.  

Also consider your dog may be experiencing a simple upset stomach caused by ingesting something they should not have. Consider the possibility of a turbulent tummy and look for foods that are calming. A simple meal of chicken and rice may be just the answer.