Alleviating a food allergy often involves trials using dog food made with different protein sources as their main ingredient. Usually, the cause of a food allergy manifests as a reaction to the primary protein source in dog food like chicken, beef, lamb, and so on. But dogs can also be allergic to non-protein additives in their food, like dairy, wheat gluten, and soy.

Having said this, if your dog has a food allergy and you note itchiness, red skin, and excessive chewing, it could result from one of the following ingredients in your dog's food:

• Chicken: Chicken is a popular dog food protein that often includes organs like the liver. Pay close attention to the ingredient list to look for additives common in dog food. Look out for additives such as chicken fat, poultry by-products, and chicken meal, but fats are less likely to cause a food allergy. 
• Eggs: Eggs are seldom used as a primary protein source in dog food, yet they are sometimes included in recipes.
• Beef and lamb: Beef and lamb are commonly used as a primary protein source in many dog food recipes. Of the two, beef is identified as the more common allergen among some dogs. 
• Soy: Soy is usually used as a protein source, an all-around filler, and maybe a food allergen for some dogs. To avoid soy-based dog foods, carefully read recipe lists for ingredients like soy flour, soy oil, and soybean meal to eliminate soy from your dog's diet. Oils and other fats, however, are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• Wheat and corn: Dogs typically don't have an issue with rice in their diet, but wheat and corn are more challenging to digest and are also allergens for some dogs.
• Dairy: Many dogs have a tough time digesting dairy products like cheese and milk, but this doesn't mean they're a food allergen for them. They may not be able to digest it. If your puppy develops tummy trouble or inflamed red skin and regularly eats cheese or milk-infused dog food, you should cut dairy from their diet.

Although you may have heard of food allergy tests that analyze a sample of your dog's blood or saliva, these tests are unreliable for determining dog food-based allergies.

The most common food allergens include chicken, beef, soy, and wheat. If you aren't sure which ingredients are causing an allergic reaction, avoid recipes with multiple protein sources. This will simplify your search for the best allergy-safe option. 

A food trial consists of feeding your dog a new food source of protein and carbohydrates for at least 12 weeks. This new dog food should be a protein and carbohydrate that your dog has never eaten before, like rabbit, rice, or venison and potato. A variety of these dog foods are widely available. 

The standard treatment for food allergies is avoidance. Once the offending ingredient has been identified through a food trial, it is eliminated from the diet and substituted with a new ingredient. Sadly, there is no known prevention against food allergies.

In addition, there are specialized diets or prescription diets where the proteins and carbohydrates are broken down into very small molecular sizes to no longer trigger an allergic response. These are known as limited antigen or hydrolyzed protein diets.

Homemade diets are a good option as you can choose and regulate the ingredients. Regardless of the diet choice for your dog, it must be the only food your dog eats for the 12-week food trial.

In the past, veterinarians would typically recommend a special diet for three weeks. Still, recent studies show that only 26% of dogs with food allergies responded by day 21. The overwhelming majority respond within 12 weeks. It is, therefore, essential to keep your dog on the same trial diet for the full 12 weeks before you reach a conclusion.

If your dog shows improvement or elimination of the symptoms, then your dog is once again placed back on the original food. This process is called provocative testing and is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If there has been no change in symptoms, a food allergy is still strongly suspected. Another food trial using a different dog food will be necessary. Repeat this process until you find a diet that agrees with your dog.

Homemade diets should not be ruled out as each dog responds differently to the food they eat. After all, you will essentially be creating a unique diet for your dog. An important note on homemade diets is that they must be well balanced, with the correct ingredient quantities, vitamins, and minerals. A veterinary nutritionist should ideally develop homemade diets for long-term use.

During food trials, you should avoid the following.

• Treats
• Rawhides
• Pigs Ears
• Cow hooves
• Flavored medications, including heartworm preventives or supplements
• Flavored toothpaste
• Flavored plastic toys
• Any other food is given with medication

If you want to give a treat, use the recommended trial diet as a guide. 

Ideally, it would help if you kept your dog out of the room at meal times. Any food dropped on the floor or licked off a plate can render an elimination trial useless and will require you to start over.

You must keep a record of the food trial and include as much detail as possible. This will prove valuable and will inevitably reduce your dog's suffering.

Common symptoms include intense itching, particularly around the face, ears, and paws, along with gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. Skin reactions are also common, manifesting as hives, redness, or bald patches. Some dogs may experience chronic ear infections or recurring skin infections that improve with antibiotics but return afterward.

Identifying a food allergy involves monitoring for symptoms like persistent itching, skin irritations, and gastrointestinal disturbances. These symptoms, especially if they occur year-round, may point to a food allergy. A veterinarian can conduct a thorough examination and may suggest an elimination diet to pinpoint the allergen.

The most prevalent allergens include proteins such as beef, chicken, lamb, and dairy products. Some dogs are also allergic to wheat, corn, soy, and eggs. It's important to note that each dog is unique, and what triggers an allergy in one dog may not affect another.

Absolutely. A veterinarian's guidance is crucial in diagnosing and managing food allergies. They can help rule out other conditions that mimic allergy symptoms and advise on appropriate dietary modifications and treatments.

Identifying a food allergy can take several weeks or months. An elimination diet, where ingredients are gradually removed or replaced, is typically followed for at least 12 weeks to observe any changes in symptoms and identify the allergen.

Yes, dogs can develop allergies to any meat type, including common proteins like chicken, beef, and lamb. Each dog's immune system is unique, so they can potentially develop allergies to meats they've consumed without issues in the past.

A food allergy is an immune system response to a perceived threat from a food ingredient, often leading to skin and ear problems or gastrointestinal distress. Food intolerance, on the other hand, is more of a digestive issue, where the dog's system cannot properly digest a certain food, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or gas but not an immune response.

Grain-free diets can be beneficial for dogs allergic to specific grains like wheat or corn. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some dogs may be allergic to proteins or other ingredients in grain-free diets. It's essential to identify the specific allergen before choosing an appropriate diet.

An elimination diet involves feeding the dog a very simple diet, typically composed of ingredients the dog has never eaten before. This could include novel protein and carbohydrate sources. Over time, other foods are slowly reintroduced to determine which ingredient causes the allergic reaction.

Yes, dogs can develop allergies to foods they've consumed regularly for years. This sudden sensitivity results from the immune system suddenly perceiving a previously harmless ingredient as a threat.

While certain blood and saliva tests claim to detect food allergies, they are generally considered unreliable by most veterinarians. The most effective method for identifying food allergies is an elimination diet under a veterinarian's supervision.

Homemade diets can be particularly effective for managing food allergies as they allow for complete control over the ingredients. However, it's crucial that these diets are nutritionally balanced. A veterinary nutritionist can help formulate a homemade diet that meets all of your dog's dietary needs.

During a food trial, it's essential to avoid any treats, flavored medications or supplements, and any other food not included in the trial diet. Even small amounts of the allergen can affect the results of the trial.

While medications don't cure food allergies, they can provide relief from symptoms. Antihistamines, steroids, and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage itching and secondary skin infections. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can also support skin health.

Choosing the right food involves identifying the allergen through an elimination diet and selecting a diet that avoids this ingredient. Limited ingredient diets or hypoallergenic foods are often recommended. It's important to read labels carefully and consult with a veterinarian to find a nutritionally complete food that meets your dog's specific needs.