Food allergies are common issues that affect pets as well. A food allergy is an adverse immune response to a particular food type. You might find it difficult to detect the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets, so here are some signs and symptoms of food allergies to help you manage the condition better and ensure that your pet is comfortable:

• Itchy skin, red underbelly, and dull coat
  Itchy skin is also known as atopic dermatitis and is the most common type of allergy. Pets have itchy and irritated skin and will itch or scratch constantly without any relief and might also lose some hair from the affected patches. You might notice the skin underneath the hair getting pink, dry, and inflamed.
• Hives
  Hives resemble itchy red bumps that are warm to touch. A pet with hives will scratch, bite, and lick the affected skin. Constant scratching can lead to broken skin, and there are chances that it could get infected. Additionally, scratching can lead to hair loss.
• Tummy trouble
  Food allergies can trouble the gut as well, and allergens can cause gastronomical issues like gas, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. This results in loss of appetite and, eventually, the pet loses weight, making them weak and irritable.
• Swollen face
  You may notice swelling on your pet’s body, mainly on the lips, eyelids, or ear flaps.
• Chronic ear infection
  It’s alarming if your pet gets ear infections throughout the year, which clearly indicates a food allergy. An affected pet will have stinky, yeasty ears with black or brown build up and may shake their head or scratch the infected ear.
• Red, brown, or bronze nail beds
  A red, brown, or bronze nail bed base indicates a food allergy and is a sign of an inflammatory immune response. The nails become sensitive, and your pet will itch or lick them often. Repeated itching can even cause bleeding.
• Watery eyes
  Itching, watery eyes, stuffy noses, and redness are clear symptoms of a food allergy. Pets scratch their eyes often and have excess tear production when suffering from an allergy.

Medications for the problem vary on the basis of the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets. Some common causes of food allergies are as follows:

• Beef
  Beef is a common food allergen for cats and dogs, but unfortunately, it is also one of the most common ingredients in pet food.
• Dairy
  Some pets find it difficult to digest lactose, and lactose intolerance results in flatulence, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Wheat
  Some pets are allergic to grains and gluten.
• Chicken and eggs
  Sometimes, the immune system of pets reacts to the proteins found in chicken and egg yolk, which results in itchy skin.

Consulting a vet is important to understand the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets and get suitable medication as well. Also, ensure that you check the list of ingredients on the pet food you buy.