02/04/2026
š¾ Did you know? 90% of "Food Allergies" aren't actually allergies!
Many dog parents confuse allergies and sensitivities, but they are very different:
Allergies - A true immune system reaction. The body overreacts to a specific substance (like pollen, dust, or a protein). Usually causes immediate and obvious symptoms, such as severe itching, hives, swelling, or respiratory issues.
Relatively rare in dogsāless than 10% of cases.
Sensitivities- A milder, often delayed reaction to food or environmental triggers. The immune system isnāt fully overreacting, but the body struggles to process certain ingredients or substances. Can cause chronic symptoms: itching, paw licking, digestive upset, ear infections, anxiety, or hyperactivity.
Extremely commonāover 90% of dogs with issues actually have sensitivities rather than true allergies.
š” Why it matters: Treating sensitivities like allergies often fails because the triggers are hidden or subtle. Understanding your dogās unique sensitivities allows you to remove whatās causing discomfort and restore health.