We all know a friend who can’t handle gluten, dairy, or certain spices — but did you know dogs can have food intolerances too?
If your pup’s got a sensitive stomach, itchy skin, or just isn’t thriving on their current food, it could be more than just a picky phase. Food intolerances (and allergies) are more common than most pet parents realise — and what goes in the bowl could be the key to feeling better.
Let’s break down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to help your dog feel their best with food that’s gentle, nourishing, and actually made for their needs.
Intolerances vs. Allergies: What’s the Difference?
First up, a quick explainer. People often use “allergy” and “intolerance” interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference:
-
Food allergies trigger an immune system reaction — like inflamed skin, itchy ears, or chronic infections.
-
Food intolerances affect the digestive system more — think gas, diarrhoea, bloating, or vomiting.
Either way, both can cause discomfort, and they’re often linked. The tricky bit? Symptoms can be vague and creep in over time, making it hard to pinpoint the cause.
Common Signs of Food Sensitivities in Dogs
If you’re wondering whether your dog’s symptoms might be food-related, here are some common red flags:
-
Frequent itching, licking, or biting paws
-
Red, inflamed skin or recurrent ear infections
-
Runny poos, bloating, gas, or vomiting
-
Scooting or excessive licking around the rear
-
Low energy, dull coat, or general “off” behaviour
Of course, these symptoms can have multiple causes, but if you’ve ruled out fleas and other environmental nasties, food is a strong contender.
Ingredients That Can Cause Trouble
While every dog is different, some ingredients tend to cause more trouble than others — especially in ultra-processed pet foods.
-
Chicken, beef, and dairy are the most common protein triggers
-
Wheat, corn, and soy can irritate sensitive guts
-
Artificial preservatives, flavours, and colours are no help either
-
Rendered meats or meat by-products (a.k.a. mystery meat) make it difficult to pin point what your dog is sensitive to.
The problem isn’t just the ingredient itself — it’s also how it’s processed. Many commercial dog foods are cooked at extreme temperatures, which destroys nutrients and creates a need for synthetic vitamins to be added back in. It’s food… but not as nature intended.
So, What Should You Feed Instead?
If your dog has a sensitive tummy, the goal is simple: less irritation, more nutrition. That means choosing food that’s:
-
Gently cooked, not heavily processed
-
Made from whole food ingredients, not fillers or “meat meal”
-
Free from common allergens and artificial nasties
-
Formulated to support gut health, not just tick a nutrient checklist
That’s why more and more pet parents are turning to fresh, real food diets — like those made by Doggy Grub. Our meals are designed with sensitive dogs in mind: gently cooked, free from wheat and soy, single protein, and made right here in Australia with simple, whole ingredients you can actually recognise.
Plus, with options to customise based on your dog’s needs, it’s easier to avoid known triggers and give them a meal that supports their overall wellbeing — from the inside out.
Need Help Figuring It All Out?
If you’ve tried everything — switching foods, reading countless labels, and still watching your dog struggle — we get it. The confusion, the frustration, and the guilt. It’s exhausting. That’s exactly why we created something to help you cut through the noise and finally get some clarity.
Download our ebook: From Itchy to Itch-Free: A Friendly Guide to Dog Food Allergies
This isn’t just another guide — it’s your step-by-step, no-nonsense roadmap to understanding your dog’s food intolerances. Inside, we’ve laid out a simple 5-step action plan, signs to watch for, a guide to elimination diets, and even easy, homemade recipes you can start using today.
We dive deeper into the problem than any label ever could, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way, so you can make informed choices that’ll truly make a difference for your dog.
A Little Change Can Make a Big Difference
Helping your dog with food intolerances doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right info, a bit of patience, and the right food in the bowl, many dogs see huge improvements in just a few weeks.
Trust your gut — and your dog’s. When they feel good, you’ll know it.
Want to be the first to get your paws onto the hottest topics? Subscribe to our newsletter!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Doggy Grub blog is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners achieve happier, healthier lives, changing the way we feed our dogs one bowl at a time! If you would like to know more about our fresh food head to Doggy Grub
