Dogs itch, scratch themselves, tug at their ears, or bite between their toes. And sometimes, they shed hair and have ear infections too. Well, as a pet parent, you know the behavior is normal. But when it becomes excessive and continuous, you know something is wrong. It could be a sign of food allergies.

An exaggerated immune response causes allergies. Various foods trigger such abnormal immune reactions, and food allergies generate a variety of symptoms. In dogs, these include sneezing, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, chronic gas, itchy skin and paws, obsessive licking, skin rashes, chronic ear infections, hair loss, scaly or oily skin, and redness or discharge in the eyes. Even secondary yeast or bacterial infections in dogs can be the result of food allergies.

Triggers of food allergies in dogs

Here are some of the triggers of food allergies in dogs:

1. Meat
Animal proteins are a common culprit that can cause food allergies. Beef is the most common food allergen in dogs. It is because most commercial dog foods contain beef. Pork and chicken are other protein allergens in dogs. Whatever food your pet pooch has been having for many years might be the allergen usually. And this is because it takes time for food allergies to develop. Food allergies in dogs are similar to older adults developing lactose intolerance.

2. Eggs
Egg yolks can cause the immune system to react aggressively. It is common for dogs prone to allergies to develop sensitivities to new food sources, especially egg yolks. Though rare, this allergy can cause anaphylactic shock in canines. Luckily, it is not a common ingredient in many commercial foods. So you can avoid it easily in your dog’s diet.

3. Grains
Grain-free dog feeds are very common. The reason being, grains like wheat, soy, and maize can trigger allergies in canines. Though not as common as meat allergies, wheat, a common source of carbohydrate, is also an allergen. While being popular human food, soy poses many health risks to dogs, including liver disease and reproductive problems. Maize is a common ingredient in commercial dog foods and can cause allergies to develop over repeated exposure.

4. Dairy
Like lactose intolerance in humans, dogs too can develop allergies and intolerance to dairy products. It is not only the protein lactose that is the offender, but also the fat, sugar, and preservatives that are present in foods like cheese, yogurt, and milk that your dogs can be allergic to. An allergy usually has all the symptoms related to itching and biting, while an intolerance has purely digestive signs. Talk to your doctor about the exact symptoms your dog exhibits so he can make a correct diagnosis.

An elimination diet helps identify the food or foods your puppy is allergic to. With this information, you can substitute traditional foods with alternatives like broccoli, duck, lentils, rabbit, turkeys, and spinach. Another way you could reduce the risk of food allergies in dogs would be to rotate their meals. Doing this also provides variety to your dog’s palate.