Food allergies are not limited to humans. Even your four-legged buddy may suffer from allergies due to certain allergens like dairy products, wheat, and eggs. If your dog has been scratching its ears, face, paws, and back continuously, a food allergy can be the reason. Chronic ear infections, watery eyes, and inflammation around the lips are also common signs. Let’s understand the common causes of food allergies in dogs.

• Lactose:  Products containing lactose may cause allergies in dogs or prove harmful for dogs with lactose intolerance and can cause diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting, and other digestive conditions.
• Dairy products:  Dairy products are common causes of food allergies in dogs and can lead to your pet developing itchy skin after eating a dairy product. So, check with a vet and avoid dairy products for your pet to keep this condition at bay.
• Beef:  Experts say that feeding a particular food to your pet for years may make it intolerant or allergic to one or more ingredients. Beef is a common ingredient in most pet foods, so many dogs become allergic to it. It’s advisable to feed your pet with different types of foods every week to prevent them from developing a food allergy.
• Chicken:  While chicken may seem to be a simple and healthy food for your pet, the protein content may cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
• Eggs:  Many a time, the immune system of a dog reacts to the proteins in egg yolk. If your pet shows signs of egg allergy, avoid foods that contain eggs, and ensure that you check food labels carefully before making purchases.
• Lamb:  Like beef and chicken, lamb can also cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Lambs contain glycoproteins, which may cause an allergic reaction in your pet if it has become sensitive to them. Developing sensitivity to certain foods and ingredients is one of the most common causes of food allergies in dogs.
• Wheat:  While dogs are more likely to develop allergies due to the consumption of meat, some dogs are allergic to wheat and other grains as well. If you suspect wheat allergy or intolerance in your pet, check with your pet nutritionist or vet at the earliest.
• Soy:  Soy products may cause allergies as well as reproductive and growth problems in pets. Experts believe that there are more health risks than benefits associated with soy products when it comes to dogs. So, it’s best to avoid products that contain soy if your pet is prone to allergies.

Consider these common causes of food allergies in dogs and consult a vet if you notice your canine friend showing any worrying symptoms. The vet can chart out a proper meal plan for your canine friend to help keep them happy and healthy.