Food allergies in pets

Food allergies in pets occur when their immune system overreacts to certain proteins found in their diet. Unlike food intolerances, which involve difficulty digesting specific ingredients, food allergies involve an immune response that can lead to various symptoms.

Symptoms of food allergies in pets

The symptoms of food allergies in pets can vary widely and may include:

Skin irritation

Itchy skin, redness, rashes, and hot spots are common signs of food allergies in pets. Excessive scratching, licking, and chewing may also be observed.

Gastrointestinal issues

Digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating can indicate a food allergy.

Ear infections

Pets with food allergies may develop recurrent ear infections characterised by redness, discharge, and foul odour.

Chronic ear and skin infections

Pets with food allergies may be prone to recurrent ear and skin infections due to inflammation caused by the allergic response.

Diagnosing food allergies in pets

Diagnosing food allergies in pets can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with other conditions. Here are some common methods used to diagnose food allergies in pets:

Elimination diet trial

An elimination diet trial involves feeding your pet a novel protein source and carbohydrate source that they have never consumed before. This diet should be free of common allergens such as beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. Your veterinarian will provide guidance on the duration of the trial, typically ranging from 8 to 12 weeks. During this period, it's essential to avoid feeding your pet any treats, table scraps, or flavoured medications that could interfere with the trial.

Food provocation test

After the elimination diet trial, your veterinarian may recommend reintroducing the previous diet or specific ingredients one at a time to observe any allergic reactions. This process, known as a food provocation test, helps identify the specific ingredients triggering your pet's food allergy.

Diagnostic imaging and biopsy

In severe cases or when other diagnostic methods are inconclusive, diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound or endoscopy may be performed to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract. Biopsy samples may be collected for further analysis to confirm the presence of food allergies.

Managing food allergies in pets

Once a food allergy has been diagnosed, managing your pet's condition involves identifying and eliminating the offending ingredients from their diet. Your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet free of common allergens. It's essential to carefully read ingredient labels and avoid feeding your pet any treats or supplements that contain allergens.

In addition to dietary management, your vet may prescribe medications to alleviate your pet's symptoms, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and itching.

Diagnosing and managing food allergies in pets require patience, diligence, and collaboration with your vet. By recognising the symptoms, undergoing thorough diagnostic evaluation, and implementing appropriate dietary and medical interventions, you can help your pets lead comfortable and happy lives free from the discomfort of food allergies.

If you suspect your pet may have a food allergy, don't hesitate to contact us.