Dog Food Allergies vs Dog Food Sensitivities – What’s the Difference?

Dogs are not the pickiest eaters. In fact, many pet parents end up needing to seek internal medicine vet care in Lawrence, KS because the dog ate something they shouldn’t have. However, canines can also be prone to both dog food allergies and dog food sensitivities. What’s the difference? How do you know what is actually happening? Here is a closer look at both canine health conditions.

Dog Food Allergies Explained

Dog food allergies don’t usually show symptoms immediately. Usually, this condition will be characterized by things like vomiting, diarrhea, or even skin issues. However, the problem can seem to get worse over time. This is because a dog food allergy leads to a buildup of inflammatory markers in the dog’s blood as they are exposed to a certain allergen. Allergens a dog may be sensitive to include certain grains, filler ingredients like meat meal, and even certain additives.

Dog Food Sensitivities Explained

Dog food sensitivities come about because the dog cannot properly digest some ingredients in the food they usually eat. Common culprits can be certain types of grains, additives for color or flavor, and even certain types of meat. Symptoms can happen out of nowhere, but if the food is not changed, the symptoms can persist and lead to a lot of health problems for the dog. You may notice the dog is dealing with diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or even weight loss.

Talk to a Lawrence, KS Veterinarian for a Proper Diagnosis

Whether your dog is dealing with food allergies or food sensitivity, both are issues that need to be addressed by a veterinarian in Lawrence, KS. Reach out to us at Gentle Care Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment for a proper diagnosis.