So I am thinking my boy has allergies he looks swoll up every morning and is getting hotspots licking his paws a lot and I wonder if it could be his food .
It will help with the itching, but the hotspot, no. You need to shave the area, clean it with peroxide and keep it clean/dry.... and get a new protein/food. Sorry!
Agree with Christine, most likely the chicken, try Fromm's Pork N Peas.
Feed boiled beef & rice until it comes in, make big batch & freeze portions
in ziplocks.
Hotspots need immediate attention as they can get bad and spread fast.
There are articles under Forum but yes, shave the hair and dry them out.
Please let us know and praying for y'all~GOD bless!