The most common food allergies are caused by meat, dairy, wheat and fish. These ingredients are responsible for about 80 percent of food allergies in canines; however, there are some other foods that can cause allergic reactions. The dog can gradually develop food allergies and the symptoms will include vomiting and diarrhea, but will also be visible on the skin. The allergies are caused by a reaction of the immune system.
1. Meat
Meat is a common allergen and the main culprits are beef and chicken, which are included in the majority of the foods that are made for dogs. Detecting if the dog is allergic to beef or chicken is easy: remove the ingredient from the dog's diet for at least three weeks and see if he presents the same reactions. If the allergic reactions are gone, the allergen is detected. The dog will have to get a type of meat he is not allergic to and if beef, pork or chicken are not tolerated by his digestive system, he can eat venison or rabbit meat.
2. Dairy Products
Dairy products cause allergies in dogs mainly due to the lactose that is present in these foods. Dogs with lactose intolerance or allergies to dairy should avoid any type of such products including milk, sour cream, yogurt or cheese. Milk and dairy products are not necessary for the dog's diet, but if your dog enjoys milk, you can opt for lactose free products. He may tolerate these.
3. Wheat Products
Bread and other pastries that contain wheat can cause allergic reactions in certain dogs. Commercial foods are usually made with a lot of fillers, including wheat. Opt for foods that don't contain wheat. Pay attention to the labels, as some foods may contain only traces of wheat flour, and this can be enough to make your pet allergic.
4. Fish
Fish can be an allergen. Commercial foods may contain different sources of fish. The dog may be allergic to a specific type of fish, but he may also be allergic to all types.
5. Soy Products
Soy and soy products are a common allergen in canines. Make sure to read the labels of the foods you buy and eliminate any that contain soy.
6. Eggs
Dogs don't need eggs, but some owners may feed them to dogs. Susceptible dogs may develop food allergies to eggs.
Other possible allergens may include fruits such as plums or apricots, or vegetables and corn. Dogs may also be allergic to the fillers used in the food or the colorants and preservatives. The allergies rarely occur before the dog is 2 or 3 years old, as it takes a while for the dog's system to build an allergic reaction. Detecting the foods the dog is allergic to can help you find a diet that is tolerated by the pet's system. However, in time, the dog can develop allergies to new ingredients, so periodic tests must be performed.