If your pet is scratching, chewing their paws, or dealing with recurring ear infections, you might suspect their food. But what exactly in their diet could be the problem?
While almost any ingredient has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction, studies show that certain proteins and grains are far more common culprits.
In this guide, we’ll explore the seven ingredients most often linked to pet food allergies — and what to do if you suspect one of them.
🥩 1. Beef
Beef tops the list for both dogs and cats when it comes to food allergies, accounting for around 34% of cases in dogs.
It’s a staple in many commercial pet foods, which means pets can become sensitized after years of exposure.
💡 Tip: If you’ve been feeding beef-based kibble or wet food for a long time, consider rotating to a novel protein like venison or duck during an elimination diet.
🐓 2. Chicken
Chicken is widely used in both dog and cat foods — not just as whole meat, but as chicken meal or chicken fat. Even small amounts in treats or flavored medications can trigger reactions in sensitive pets.
📌 Watch for hidden sources: Many “fish-based” foods still contain chicken fat or broth.
🥛 3. Dairy
Yes, pets can be lactose intolerant — but true dairy allergies are also possible. Symptoms may include chronic ear infections, face rubbing, and digestive upset.
Common dairy ingredients in pet food:
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Milk powders or whey protein
🌾 4. Wheat
Wheat allergies are less common than protein allergies, but they can still cause chronic itching, skin infections, or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Grain-free diets often remove wheat, but you’ll still need to watch for other potential allergens.
🐑 5. Lamb
Lamb used to be considered a “novel” protein, but it’s now common in many pet foods — and allergies have followed.
Symptoms can range from paw licking to persistent skin rashes.
🫘 6. Soy
Soy protein and soy derivatives (like lecithin) are used in many commercial diets. Allergic reactions are less common than with meat proteins, but soy is a documented allergen in some pets.
🐟 7. Fish
Fish is a healthy protein source for many pets, but some can develop sensitivities — especially to salmon or whitefish. Fish is also often hidden in “mixed protein” formulas, so it can be tricky to avoid without careful label reading.
📊 Why These Ingredients Are So Common as Allergens
- Frequent exposure: The more often your pet eats a specific protein, the more likely their immune system may react over time.
- Cross-contamination: Even “limited ingredient” foods can contain trace amounts of other proteins from manufacturing.
- Genetics: Some breeds are more prone to allergies, including retrievers, terriers, and bulldogs.
🧪 What to Do if You Suspect One of These Ingredients
- Work with your veterinarian to confirm symptoms aren’t from parasites or environmental allergens.
- Start an elimination diet using a novel or hydrolyzed protein not on this list (e.g., rabbit, kangaroo).
- Avoid cross-contamination by eliminating flavored treats, chews, and table scraps.
- Track symptoms using a daily log for skin condition, ear health, and digestion.
✅ Quick-Reference Chart
| Ingredient | Common Sources | Reaction Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Beef | Dry food, canned food, treats, raw diets | Itching, hot spots, ear infections |
| Chicken | Kibble, wet food, treats, broths | Paw chewing, face rubbing, ear issues |
| Dairy | Cheese treats, yogurt, milk powders | GI upset, itchy skin, ear infections |
| Wheat | Dry kibble, biscuits, some chews | Chronic itching, skin infections |
| Lamb | Kibble, canned food | Paw licking, skin rash |
| Soy | Plant-based proteins, some treats | GI upset, itching |
| Fish | Salmon oil, mixed-protein diets | Skin inflammation, diarrhea |
🐾 Final Thoughts
If your pet is allergic to one of these ingredients, the good news is that symptoms can often be managed — or eliminated entirely — by removing the trigger from their diet. The key is accurate diagnosis and strict avoidance.
In our next article, we’ll look at how gut health and probiotics can play a role in reducing allergy symptoms, even when avoiding the allergen.
