When your pet starts scratching, licking, or losing fur, your first thought might be fleas or a skin infection. For some pets, though, the culprit is hiding in their food bowl. Food allergies in pets can cause uncomfortable and sometimes serious symptoms. ABC Veterinary Clinic of Lewisville guides pet owners in determining whether their animal companion’s skin irritation or digestive troubles could be linked to what’s on the menu.
Symptoms of Food-Related Allergies in Pets
Cats and dogs can have reactions to certain proteins or ingredients in their diet. When their immune system misidentifies a food ingredient as harmful, it triggers an inflammatory response. This reaction, either a food allergy or sensitivity, often appears as skin problems or digestive upset. Unlike seasonal allergies that flare up only at certain times, pet food allergies will incite a reaction any time the offending food item is given.
Food allergies can manifest in several ways, including:
- Persistent itching, especially around the face, paws, ears, or belly
- Red or inflamed skin
- Hair loss
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
If your pet’s symptoms seem to occur or worsen around meals or treats, food may be the issue.
Pet Food Allergy Triggers
While any food ingredient can potentially cause an allergic reaction, some of the most common offenders for pets are beef, chicken, dairy, and egg.
How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed by Veterinarians?
The most reliable way to diagnose a food allergy in your pet is through an elimination diet trial. This kind of diet is best done under the guidance of a veterinarian to maintain a plan of nutritional standards throughout. Generally, an elimination diet will look something like this:
1. Your pet is switched to a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet.
2. You feed your pet only this diet for around 8–12 weeks, with no treats, table scraps, or flavored medications.
3. You reintroduce suspected allergens into your pet’s diet one at a time to confirm the reaction.
This process takes patience but provides the clearest results. If you notice that your pet’s symptoms are starting to clear during the 8-12 weeks, that’s usually a sign that a food allergy is to blame.
Once the allergen has been identified, the best “treatment” is complete avoidance. Likely, this means switching your pet to a prescription diet or finding a quality commercial food free from the triggering ingredient. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right option for your pet’s breed and health needs, as well as discuss supplements if necessary.
Consultations for Pet Food Allergies in Lewisville, TX
If your pet has been battling chronic itching or digestive problems, their diet may be the hidden cause. Food allergies can be controlled with a proper plan from a veterinarian. ABC Veterinary Clinic of Lewisville has nutritional consultations for pets in Lewisville as well as from surrounding areas such as Hebron and Flower Mound. If you are concerned that your cat or dog may have a food allergy, contact us for a veterinary appointment.