Dogs can be allergic to certain ingredients in their food, and the most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. However, virtually any food ingredient can produce an allergy. A food allergy occurs when a dogs immune system overreacts and produces antibodies to a particular food ingredient, usually the protein source, which it mistakenly identifies as harmful. The signs of a food allergy in dogs are usually itchy skin, paws, or ears, or digestive disturbances such as vomiting or diarrhea. Other more subtle changes can also occur, including hyperactivity, weight loss, lack of energy, and even aggression.

Here is a list of the most common food allergens in dogs, in descending order:

• Beef
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Egg
• Chicken
• Lamb/mutton
• Soy
• Pork
• Rabbit
• Fish

Its important to note that food intolerance is different from a food allergy. A food intolerance occurs when a dog has difficulty digesting a certain ingredient, like dairy, whereas a food allergy triggers an immune response.