Potential allergy trigger
If you see the words "potential allergen" on the ingredients list of a dog food, it means that this specific ingredient can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Not all dogs are allergic to the same substances, but there are certain ingredients that are known to trigger allergies more frequently.
Allergic reactions in dogs can manifest themselves in a number of ways, including skin problems (such as itching and rashes), gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea and vomiting) or respiratory symptoms. If your dog shows such symptoms after eating a new food, it could be that he is allergic to one or more ingredients.
The most common potential allergens in dog food include certain proteins (such as beef, chicken or dairy), grains (such as wheat or corn) and sometimes additives.