To understand which dog food is the best option for your pets, it is essential to understand which foods are causing food allergies. Other than foods, allergies in pets can be caused due to dust, grass, fleas, pollen, etc.

1. Common signs of food allergies in pets include:

• Scabs or rashes on the skin
• Long term ear infections
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Acidity
• Red, inflamed, swollen skin
• Itching that results in too much of scratching or biting at the paws, skin or ears

Food allergies in pets are different from those in humans. In pet food allergies, itching of the skin is primary is prominent while sneezing and an upset stomach can be other milder signs. Cause of food allergies in pets include:

• Plant-based or animal-based protein is the typical allergy component for dogs.
• Broken down proteins are misidentified as a threat by the immune system.
• The most common allergen is all-natural protein

2. The most common food allergy culprits in dogs are:

• Diary
• Wheat
• Beef
• Chicken
• Corn
• Chicken
• Egg
• Lamb
• Soy
• Rabbit
• Pork
• Fish

3. Best food options for dogs
To determine the best option of food for dogs, it is best to collaborate with a vet. It is also essential to know that food allergies in dogs can be genetic and may have been transmitted from their parents. Hydrolyzed diets and Novel proteins that can be obtained only through prescription are far more superior foods when compared to those bought from an over-the-counter list of pet foods. This is because the latter consists of trace or large amounts of allergens that are common. Some may not be listed on the package label. Another food option is to make your own dog food at home. This is reliable and you can ensure that no allergen is present before serving. If that’s hectic, then there are some prescribed and recommended dog foods.

Some of the food options for pets with food allergies include:

• Sensitive foods

Soy and grain-free

Utilizes a single source of protein such as duck, venison or salmon

Utilizes hydrolyzed protein- a molecularly broken protein

• Single protein

This is a 50 percent animal protein

Probiotics, fruits, and veggies are other proteins that are present

• Natural grain

Whole single protein and meat

• Natural limited ingredients for hypoallergenic dogs

Real chicken is the primary ingredient

It has 9 natural ingredients like minerals and vitamins

• Grain-Free Real Salmon

Salmon is the primary ingredient

It is a mix of probiotics, minerals, and vitamins

It is made from whole foods

• Grain-free

Free of gluten and grains

These do not have any byproducts and artificial preservatives and colors

It has a rich source of fiber, proteins and essential nutrients

Eliminating different nutrients on your own can leave the pet malnourished. Hence, it is best to consult a vet nutritionist to balance the nutrition of your dog and understand the nature and cause of the food allergy. This will help to manage the pet’s food allergies more appropriately without harming their overall nutrition.