[107barney]

Food intolerances rather than true allergies are the bigger phenomenon in dogs. Dogs can be allergic to air, because air contains inhalation allergens like pollen, mold etc. When in doubt, see an experienced veterinarian for dog allergies and allergy-like symptoms. I personally use a board certified veterinary dermatologist for my dog who has many allergies and intolerances to food. In order to see if your dog has a food allergy, one must do an elimination diet. I think this is an extreme step and difficult before first ruling out environmental allergies (and there are reliable blood serum tests for environmental allergies but not food). There will be a wide variety of opinion on this as with human food. I think grains and dairy are garbage foods and don't eat them but many would throw tantrums of disagreement about it. You have to just do what makes sense for you. Start with ruling out the easy things - skin mites, fleas, bacterial and or yeast/fungal causes, then do enviro testing, then do a food swap. Before I threw out chicken, I'd toss grains and fillers.