Cat, Dog and Pet Food Allergy

Food Allergy | Allergies | Intolerance | Symptoms | Treatment

A food allergy is becoming a common cause of illness or behavioural problems in cats, dogs and pets. Most pets are fed the same type of food for years but just like people a pet can develop a sensitivity to any food or additive over time.

Pet food is also made up of common ingredients and may contain additives, colourings and preservatives the same as processed foods.

The symptoms a pet might show and indicate a food allergy could be any of the following;

- Itchy skin
- Anal itching
- Ear inflammations
- Hair loss
- Licking front paws
- Loss of appetite
- Face rubbing
- Head shaking
- Asthma like symptoms
- Behavioral changes
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Seizures
- Sneezing
- Vomiting

The first step to diagnose and prevent a suspected food allergy in your pet is to consult your veterinarian. If a food allergy is identified as the cause of your pets problems then typically an exclusion or elimination diet will be followed.

Feed your pet a commericial or homemade diet consisting of ingredients they have not eaten before and investigate brands which do not contain additives, colourings or preservatives.

Keep in touch with your veterinarian during the diet as an extended restricted diet must only be used for a limited time.

Try to be as strict as possible and avoid feeding your pet table scraps, biscuits, bones, chews, vitamins etc.

If symptoms begin to improve you can pinpoint the foods may be causing problems and take action to remove it from their diet. Careful reading of pet food labels to avoid the food causing the pet food allergy will help to avoid the symptoms from re-occuring.

Food Allergy Help