When it comes to managing your dog’s diet, identifying the right food can feel like solving a puzzle. While chicken, beef, grains, soy, and dairy often top the list of potential allergens, every dog is unique, and these are only educated guesses. The allergens listed are the most common but can vary by individual dog. For dogs with food sensitivities, working with a veterinarian to identify specific triggers is crucial.
Food sensitivities can manifest in countless ways, from itchy skin to digestive issues, making it essential to observe how your pup reacts to specific ingredients. Starting an elimination diet can be a gentle way to pinpoint what’s working—and what isn’t—by introducing single-protein or limited-ingredient foods and monitoring your dog’s health. Your dog’s body tells a story with every meal, and tuning into those signals can make all the difference in their happiness and well-being.
Labrador Retriever
Allergens: Chicken, beef, wheat
French Bulldog
Allergens: Chicken, dairy, soy
German Shepherd
Allergens: Beef, chicken, grains (e.g., wheat, corn)
Golden Retriever
Allergens: Chicken, grains (e.g., wheat, corn), soy
Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
Allergens: Chicken, beef, grains
Bulldog
Allergens: Dairy, beef, soy
Rottweiler
Allergens: Chicken, wheat, soy
Beagle
Allergens: Beef, dairy, grains
Dachshund
Allergens: Chicken, beef, grains
German Shorthaired Pointer
Allergens: Chicken, soy, dairy
Siberian Husky
Allergens: Chicken, lamb, soy
Boxer
Allergens: Chicken, wheat, soy
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Allergens: Beef, chicken, grains
Australian Shepherd
Allergens: Chicken, lamb, dairy
Yorkshire Terrier
Allergens: Chicken, soy, wheat
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Allergens: Chicken, beef, grains
Doberman Pinscher
Allergens: Chicken, wheat, soy
Shih Tzu
Allergens: Chicken, dairy, wheat
Cane Corso
Allergens: Chicken, beef, soy
Great Dane
Allergens: Beef, chicken, grains
American Staffordshire Terrier
Allergens: Chicken, soy, corn
Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier)
Allergens: Beef, chicken, wheat
Havanese
Allergens: Chicken, dairy, grains
Maltese
Allergens: Beef, chicken, soy
Border Collie
Allergens: Chicken, dairy, grains
Again, think of this as a starting rubric—a guide to help you begin exploring how different ingredients may affect your dog—but keep in mind that every dog is different, and uncovering the root cause of sensitivities may take time and observation.