When someone sneezes continuously, the first thing you think about is an allergy. Similarly, when your pet dog sneezes, itches, and bites itself persistently, it’s time to consider a dog allergy. Apart from environmental allergens, pollen, fleas, and mud, food allergies could also be irritating your puppy inside out. So, h are five of the most common food allergens in dogs to be careful about.

1. Beef
Beef is the most common dog allergen, about 35% of dogs have been diagnosed with this allergy. Proteins easily irritate the dog’s GI tract. Many years of being fed the same food increase the likelihood of them developing an allergy. It is a common ingredient in various brands of commercial dog foods. Thus, it is essential to rotate meals and even find a raw diet as an alternative.

2. Chicken and lamb
Both chicken and lamb, like beef, are typical ingredients in commercial dog foods. These proteins are easily found in a canine diet and are also a common allergen. About 15% of dogs are diagnosed with chicken allergies. Lamb was first brought out as an alternative to chicken and beef in pet foods but has slowly become a staple. You can also look for other flavors like venison or even vegetarian options like sweet potato.

3. Dairy
While the image of a cat drinking milk is easy to conjure in the mind’s eye, it’s not so easy with dogs, is it? It could be because almost 1 in 5 dogs have a dairy allergy. Technically, it is an intolerance to lactose, with symptoms such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, it can also manifest with allergy symptoms. A dairy allergy will definitely be accompanied by skin itchiness. Watching out for these minor differences can make it easier for the vet to diagnose and suggest appropriate treatments.

4. Wheat
For those thinking of raising a vegan dog on a diet free of all these allergens, here’s some bad news. Though protein-rich meat allergies are more prevalent, there are carbohydrate-containing grain allergens as well. Wheat allergies affect 13% of all dogs. If you think your pet is allergic to wheat, take a closer look at his or her food and consider a visit to the vet. There are many grain-free foods in the market; you can examine them and think of changing to that.

5. Soy
6% of all dogs suffer from a soy allergy. The dog’s body can treat soy proteins as allergens and cause hypersensitivity. Typically, there is itching, pruritus, and general distress in your pet. In severe cases, your dog could develop reproductive and growth problems and even thyroid and liver diseases. Most vets consider soy to be of higher risk than benefit and recommend not including it in the dog’s diet at all.

If you suspect your dog is allergic to any of the foods mentioned above, speak to your vet about it. The first step in diagnosis is a skin or blood test. Apart from medication for the short run, a limited ingredient diet can go a long way for a dog with food allergies in the long run. The condition, in canines, is just the same as in humans and is mostly easily manageable.