Help! I Think My Dog Has Allergies! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
CiCi is a five-year-old Goldendoodle who weighs approximately 70 pounds. Initially, she was on Royal Canin for many years, but when that became too expensive, I started exploring other options. Recently, I tried Nutra freeze-dried beef food, and I’ve noticed an improvement in her breath and teeth within just one week. Unfortunately, that food is also quite pricey.
While she scratches less than before, she still has scabs where she bites or scratches herself. I’m beginning to wonder if she has allergies to chicken or beef, although I’m not certain. I previously tried allergy shots, but they upset her stomach and didn’t seem to help her condition.
Should I consider feeding her only salmon and white fish, along with sweet potatoes and rice? I would appreciate any guidance on how to help her. She is worth every penny to me, and I just need to find a solution to help her stay healthy, and one that is affordable.“ – Ruby
Quick Info about CiCi
Hi Ruby,
I can hear how deeply you care for CiCi, and it is wonderful that you are paying such close attention to both her comfort and her diet. The improvements you noticed with the freeze-dried food are consistent with what we often see when dogs transition to less processed diets, particularly in oral health and overall vitality. However, the persistent skin irritation and scabs do raise the possibility of an underlying allergy, and in dogs, this is often related not just to food, but also to environmental triggers such as pollens, dust mites, or even flea saliva. It is important to keep in mind that food allergies account for a relatively small proportion of skin disease in dogs, typically less than 10 percent, according to clinical dermatology texts.
If you are considering a food trial, it needs to be done very systematically. A balanced veterinary therapeutic diet designed for elimination trials is best, because home-prepared versions using salmon, white fish, sweet potato, and rice may not provide all essential nutrients. Even when using limited ingredients, the risk of nutritional imbalance over time is real, especially for a large-breed dog like CiCi. If food allergy is suspected, a strict diet trial for at least 8 to 12 weeks with a novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diet is the gold standard for diagnosis. This means feeding only that food, with no treats or flavored medications during the trial, and then monitoring for resolution of the skin signs.
Since CiCi has already tried allergy injections without success, it may be valuable to consult with a veterinary dermatologist if one is available to you. They can help determine whether her condition is primarily food-related, environmental, or a combination.In the meantime, you could discuss with your veterinarian more affordable veterinary diets for elimination trials or balanced home-prepared recipes developed with the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. This approach gives you both a clearer diagnostic path and ensures her nutritional needs are met while you search for the best long-term solution.
Best,
– Dr. Paola