Food allergies are a common problem. But, when we think about food allergies, we seldom consider our pets and other animals to be affected by them. But, it is true, even our pets have a list of foods that can commonly act as allergens and trigger digestive distress and other reactions. Some problems dogs face on ingestion of common food allergens include scratching, itching, ear infections, vomiting, wheezing, and many more.

Let’s have a look at the list of food allergens that pet owners should be aware of.

1. Beef
Consuming a single source of protein over prolonged periods of time can eventually lead to the development of allergies. Beef makes up for a huge amount of packaged and unpackaged dog foods. It is also one of the most common food allergens in dogs, resulting in various problematic symptoms. This is because of the protein content, which is found to be an allergic trigger in dogs. Next time, if you cannot deduce why your dog keeps having allergic reactions, check if they have been on a beef diet for a long period.

2. Dairy
Feeding milk to pets is a common act of kindness many people believe in, especially when one comes across stray animals. However, milk and milk products and affect a pet based on their nutritional requirements and allergies. Irrespective of how quickly your dog gulps down a bowl of milk, it remains one of the most common food allergens in dogs. The trick to differentiate between lactose intolerance and dairy allergy is to look out for itchy skin.

3. Wheat
Although protein and dairy are the most common food allergens in dogs, wheat, as common food, also belongs on the list. The exact reason why wheat is such a common allergen is not clear. It could be owing to the gluten intolerance in some dogs or the protein it contains. Either way, it is advisable to balance out the dog’s meals by replacing wheat with a different grain periodically.

4. Eggs
Eggs are a staple food in many households, and they are savored by humans and pets alike. However, this protein-packed, highly nutritious food also belongs on the most common food allergens in dogs list. Cooked eggs don’t usually cause harm, but if your dog has been showing symptoms of indigestion, nausea, or any other allergic reaction, it is better to abstain. And since it is easier to eliminate eggs from the diet, it should not be a huge concern for pet parents.

5. Lamb
Most packaged foods for dogs include beef or chicken as their primary ingredient, and these two are also common food allergens in the dog world. Sadly, in addition to these, some dogs are allergic to lamb as well. It might be difficult to find this one out since it is not a common protein source used in their meals. But it is advisable to err on the side of caution and keep tabs on the foods that cause health problems.