Just as we humans suffer from allergies, our pets also go through the same ordeal. At such times, they can’t tell us what’s bothering them, and we feel completely helpless. The food allergy signs that you must look out for in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, inflamed skin, ear problems, flatulence, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. In some breeds, the growth of puppies may also be affected due to food allergies. Let’s find out what causes food allergy in our four-legged friends.

Food intolerance
Different breeds may suffer from different food allergies or intolerance, and their causes may vary too. And in many cases, dogs develop food allergies months or years after they’re exposed to allergic foods. The common ingredient that dogs are allergic to is protein. So protein from beef, chicken, lamb, pork, eggs, and rabbit can pose a problem for your pooch.

Grains
Dog food is usually packed with grains, and so are some flavored medications. Most dogs show immediate symptoms from grain allergy, while some develop the allergy over years of ingestion. The grains found in dog food include wheat, soy, barley, rye, corn, millet, quinoa, and many more. There are grain-free dog foods easily available for your pets.

Gelatin
Gelatin is a protein made from by-products of animals and is found in many processed foods, supplements, and medication. It’s best to avoid dog food and treats with gelatin as the ingredients.

Dairy products
Milk allergy or lactose intolerance is quite common in dogs and can cause symptoms like itchy skin, bald patches, hot spots, diarrhea, and other skin infections. Breeds that are commonly affected include German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel, Shar Pei, and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Plant-based food
Just like protein from meat can disrupt your pet’s digestive system, protein from vegetables can have the same effect. Foods like beetroots, corn, potatoes, and soy are common allergens among dogs, but not all may cause allergy. It could be either of them or a combination of two or more. It’s best to have the vet run a few tests to diagnose which ingredient really is the cause of the allergy in your dog.

Additives
Added flavors and colors, preservatives, and other chemicals may trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Therefore it’s recommended to stick to a diet advised by a vet.

Medical conditions
Inflammation, infection, immune hypersensitivity, surgery, or medications can hinder your dog’s digestive system and may cause food allergies or intolerance.

Before resorting to any conclusion and changing your pet’s diet, consider discussing the symptoms and potential causes with the vet. The doctor will first thoroughly diagnose to find out what food or ingredient is causing the allergy. For instance, chicken could be causing a reaction in your pet, so you simply leave out dog foods with chicken. This will simplify the choice of food to buy for your pet and ensure that it gets enough protein and fats to make up for its daily nutrition.