27/08/2025
ℹ️🐾 FOOD ALLERGIES vs FOOD INTOLERANCES: WHAT YOUR DOG REALLY HAS
Many pet parents believe their dog has a “food allergy”… but in reality, that’s rarely the case. Let’s break down the science so you can finally understand the difference — and why it matters for your dog’s health.
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‼️ TRUE FOOD ALLERGIES (Immune-Mediated)
✔️ Caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks a harmless protein
✔️ Usually IgE-mediated (the classic allergy antibody) → fast, dramatic reactions like hives, swelling, itchy skin, or vomiting
✔️ Extremely rare: Only 1–2% of dogs have a genuine food allergy. The correct scientific term for these cases is “Adverse Food Reactions” (Jackson, 2020).
💡 This means that the vast majority of dogs showing signs after eating certain foods are NOT allergic at all.
⚠️ DELAYED OR NON-IgE REACTIONS
Many commercial “allergy tests” measure IgG antibodies… but here’s the truth:
❌ IgG testing is unreliable for diagnosing food allergies.
❌ IgG may only reflect that your dog has been exposed to a food — not that it caused harm.
➡️ This leads to false positives, unnecessary diet changes, and frustrated pet parents.
🐓⚠️ FOOD INTOLERANCES (Non-Immune Reactions)
The reality is most dogs don’t have an allergy at all — they have an intolerance.
✔️ Intolerances are far more common than allergies.
✔️ Caused by the digestive system struggling, with no immune system involvement.
✔️ Symptoms: diarrhoea, chronic gas, vomiting, or discomfort.
📣 Common Misconception:
Something we hear on a weekly basis at the pantry is; “My dog reacts to chicken → it must be an allergy!”
👉 In truth, it’s usually almost always an intolerance, not a true allergy.
💡 WHY THIS MATTERS
✔️ Misdiagnosing food reactions can lead to unnecessary restrictive diets that don’t solve the problem.
✔️ The only gold standard for diagnosing true food allergies is a strict elimination diet over weeks to months, often with guidance and support
✔️ Quick-fix “allergy tests” (especially IgG blood tests) are not only misleading, but they risk wasting valuable time and money while your dog continues to suffer.
📚📌 THIS WEEK’S EDUCATIONAL SERIES
We’re diving into itchy dogs all week, with each post building on the last:
• Monday 25th August: We uncovered the truth about Ye**ty Dogs — and how to recognise itching, licking, and other yeast-driven symptoms.
• Today: Allergies vs Intolerances — the truth behind IgE, IgG, and “adverse food reactions.” Plus, don’t miss our bonus blog exposing why allergy testing is unreliable.
• This Friday: We’ll connect the dots even further with a deep dive into Gut Health, Leaky Gut & Dysbiosis — exploring how imbalances in the microbiome can drive itching, food reactions, and poor overall health.
💚 BOTTOM LINE
Understanding the difference between true allergies, intolerances, and gut-driven reactions is the key to helping your dog heal.
The right approach = fewer restrictions, better digestion, and a happier, healthier dog. 🐾
💡 Want to learn more? We’ve shared two helpful articles in the comments below — one on how to naturally treat yeast overgrowth in dogs, and another uncovering why commercial allergy tests aren’t as accurate as many believe. Take a look for further learning and to explore recommended products that may help your dog.
👉 Does your dog have itchy skin, tummy troubles, or yeast issues? Contact us today for 1-2-1 support — we’ll help you get to the root cause and guide you back to balance.
