Yep. My little guy scratched, sneezed, licked and bit at his paws, and coughed. All of this was due to food allergies. I recieved this flyer about allergies. I don't have a scanner, but I will type out some of the common signs that your pup may be allergic to something in the food.
Signs of poor nutrition and allergies can frequently be:
bad breath, body odor, itching, shedding, hot spots, stomach irritation, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, constipation, hyperactivity and lethargy, and biting and licking of the paws. Look at the pet's food label and avoid things that say "meat and bone meal, poultry, animal, or by-products"
Generic terms (meat, animal, or by-product) can mean any kind of meat including rendered/euthanized animals. Poultry can be any kind of bird.
As far fats go, it should not say "animal fat". Beef fat or Chicken fat are quality sources of fat. "Animal fat" can be anything, including recycled restaurant grease. The pet food companies use these sources b/c they're cheep.
Also stay away from additives and preservatives such as BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin, which are carcinogens. Propylene glycol keeps the food soft, but is also found in windshield wiper fliud.
I use Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice puppy formula. It is their allergy formula. My babies love it, and he doesn't scratch anymore, and his gas is less frequent and less stinky.
I hope that this helps.
Mandee