Beyond the Itch: Understanding Food Allergies vs Environmental Sensitivities

A true food allergy happens when a dog’s immune system reacts to a specific ingredient, usually a protein like chicken, beef or dairy. This can cause itching, ear infections, skin redness or digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Food allergies can be diagnosed through an elimination diet, where all potential triggers are removed and replaced with either a novel protein (a protein your dog has never eaten before) or a hydrolysed protein (a protein broken into tiny fragments that the immune system no longer recognises as a threat). 

If symptoms improve after 6–8 weeks on the new diet, and return when the old food is reintroduced, it confirms a food allergy. 

If you’d like to learn more about recognising early signs, read our previous blog on How to Spot Signs of Food Allergies in Dogs... and What to Do.

Environmental allergies are different. They are caused by airborne particles like pollen, mould or dust mites, and are often seasonal. Dogs with atopic dermatitis may lick their paws, rub their face, or get repeated ear infections.

Changing food alone will not solve these allergies, although a balanced diet can support the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and strengthen overall immune health. Veterinary treatment often includes medicated shampoos, anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes allergen-specific immunotherapy to gradually desensitise the dog's immune system. Managing these cases successfully usually requires a combined approach: dietary support alongside medical therapy and environmental control.

Less common but still possible, contact allergies happen when a dog’s skin reacts to something it touches, such as plastic bowls, cleaning products or certain fabrics. Redness and irritation usually appear where contact occurs, such as the chin, paws, or belly. Switching materials or using hypoallergenic alternatives often helps.

When it comes to managing food allergies, two approaches have proven most effective: novel proteins and hydrolysed proteins. The good news? You don't have to choose between them the best hypoallergenic diets often combine both benefits. 

Novel protein diets use uncommon ingredients like Camel or Turkey. If your dog has never eaten them before, their immune system has no history of reacting to these proteins, making them naturally hypoallergenic. 

Hydrolysed proteins work differently. Through advanced processing, proteins are broken down into such small molecular fragments that the immune system can no longer recognise them as potential threats. 

Here's what many pet owners don't realize: The most effective hypoallergenic recipes combine novel proteins with natural hydrolysis. 

"When we developed our Camel and Turkey recipes, we focused on two key factors: using proteins most dogs have never encountered, and creating a high-moisture formula that naturally breaks down proteins during the cooking process. The result is a truly hypoallergenic diet that gives you the benefits of both novel and hydrolysed proteins in one bowl. Your dog gets easier-to-digest proteins that are less likely to trigger an immune response, without the need for harsh chemical processing."  Dr. Georges Rizk - Wunderdog's In-House Vet

This dual approach is why hypoallergenic recipes like Camel and Turkey are often the safest and most effective starting point for elimination diets especially if you're unsure what your dog has eaten before. 

1. Pick one food (novel or hydrolysed) and feed it exclusively for 6–8 weeks. 
2. No treats, scraps or flavoured medications during this time. 
3. Track progress, note changes in itching, digestion, and energy. 
4. Reintroduce old food slowly under your vet’s guidance. If symptoms return, you have found the culprit. 

It takes patience, but identifying the right diet can bring lasting relief. 

While most allergies can be managed with dietary changes and time, some symptoms require urgent veterinary attention. Contact your vet right away if you notice:

• Bleeding or open wounds from excessive scratching or biting 
• Significant hair loss or bald patches that appear suddenly 
• Signs of infection such as pus, a foul odor, crusty scabs, or hot spots 
• Swelling of the face, muzzle, or throat, which could indicate a severe allergic reaction 
• Difficulty breathing or excessive drooling 
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours 
• Lethargy or loss of appetite combined with skin symptoms 

These warning signs suggest the condition has progressed beyond simple itching and may require medication, antibiotics, or other immediate intervention. Don't wait for an elimination diet trial to work if your dog is in distress or showing signs of secondary infection.

Allergies can make your dog miserable, and guessing the cause often leads to months of frustration and wasted effort. But it doesn't have to be that way. By understanding the difference between food, environmental, and contact allergies, you can stop chasing symptoms and start addressing the root cause.

Whether you choose a novel protein diet, a hydrolysed formula, or work with your vet on environmental management, the right approach can transform your dog's quality of life. It takes patience and commitment, especially during those 6-8 weeks of an elimination trial, but the reward is worth it: a happier, healthier dog who can finally stop scratching and start enjoying life again.

Your next steps: 

1. Track your dog's symptoms for a week to identify patterns 
2. Schedule a vet consultation to rule out other conditions 
3. If food allergies are suspected, commit fully to an elimination diet 
4. Be patient and stay consistent throughout the trial period 

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. With the right information and veterinary support, you can give your dog the lasting relief they deserve.