No two dogs are the same. For that reason, it isn't easy to determine what may be a food allergy and what is not. Some of the common allergens are grains such as soy, corn and rye. There are proteins that also give dogs some grief in the dog food allergies department. There are dogs that may be allergic to cooked meats and not to raw. Rarely are dogs allergic to chicken, but it cannot be ruled out.

If dry skin is causing itching, it may be a lack of fatty acids in your dog. Some of these may be worsened in the winter by indoor heat. Something as simple as additives may be all that is necessary to relieve the scratching and the itching. It will lubricate the skin and coat.

If you see that your dog is licking, chewing and biting their feet or other parts of their body, dog food allergies are the usual cause. Most pets and dog nutritionists will request a different protein source than the dog has been eating. Lamb was once on the list of unusual proteins, but manufacturers have started using lamb as a base and this has lowered its value on the uncommon protein list. Some of the more uncommon proteins are buffalo, rabbit and venison. Some will suggest fish as a protein.

Most vets are willing to sell you hypoallergenic dog food. These are very expensive. You can easily prepare your dogs food at home at a much lower price and with little effort. There are formulas available that are grain free and protein free for starters. You can add your uncommon protein to any of these and see how your dog reacts. Often it can provide relief for dog allergies.

If you are switching to a new food, it should be done gradually to prevent intestinal distress. One recommendation is one part new food to 3 parts old food with gradual increases in the amount of new food over a 5 or 6-day period.

Home cooked diets are also gaining in popularity for dog food allergies. It is vitally important that you maintain the proper proportion of meat to carbohydrate. Consulting with your veterinarian is one way. There are also sites online that have easy to follow instructions and a lot of information available for you to work with. Eliminating grains and common protein might be the first step, but combining the right ingredients is vital.