Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Food allergies (immune-mediated hypersensitivities) and food intolerances are common conditions in both cats and dogs.

Symptoms are often digestive in origin, i.e. diarrhea, enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting and malabsorption.  Food allergies can also manifest themselves through chronic ear infections, skin disorders and respiratory problems.

Natural Treatments

Food allergies are diagnosed through IGE blood testing or through food elimination diets.  (View the Food Allergy video for more information on Elimination Diets.) Once the foods have been identified and withdrawn from the diet, treatment should be directed at the organs or systems that have been affected.

For example, an allergic animal may experience frequent bouts of diarrhea or vomiting.  Supplements containing glutamine, probiotics or enyzymes will help restore your pet’s digestive system and may reduce the severity of their allergic reactions to certain foods. 

When food allergies cause itchy skin or rashes, treatment should focus on reducing inflammation of the skin.  Essential fatty acids, (specifically Omega-3 fatty acids) are often used to treat skin disorders because they help the body produce anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, which means your pet may find relief from itching and pain. 

The key to dealing with food allergies is to remove the food causing the allergy and then support the system which has been affected (digestive, skin, immune...) Because it can be a lengthy process to identify the food allergy, or if your pet has multiple food allergies, supplements may help lessen the allergy symptoms your pet is experiencing while you work to determine the cause.

Dietary Recommendations

An elimination diet involves giving your pet a "novel" protein and carbohydrate. Novel means one that your pet has never eaten before, like duck and potato or venison and brown rice. It may be difficult to find pet foods that contain these ingredients in your grocery store so we provided some suggestions below. (For more information about Elimination Diets, please view the Food Allergies video.)

The following companies produce high quality pet foods which can be purchased at many local pet shops. Visit their websites to purchase online or locate retailers in your area:

• Innova
• California Naturals
• Solid Gold
• Life4K9

Also, some people that have allergic pets prefer to prepare a homemade diet. A good reference book for preparing a homemade diet is "Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diet, The Healthful Alternative," by Dr. Donald R. Strombeck.

Educational Video on Food Allergies:

Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Natural Treatments for Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats:

Digestive Support:

Gastriplex
OptaGest
Vetri-Probiotics BD

Skin Support

Super EPA
Omega Gel Caps
Kelp Help
Ultimate Skin and Coat

 
If your pet suffers from symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting due to food allergies, we suggest the following product containing beneficial nutrients to help heal the GI tract:

Gastriplex

To purchase or read more about Gastriplex...

OptaGest

OptaGest is a complete digestive aid for dogs and cats. It contains four plant-based enzymes to assure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients - helpful for pets with food allergies. Plus, OptaGest has clinically tested levels of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic which provides food for the “good” intestinal bacteria.

To purchase or read more about OptaGest...

Vetri-Probiotics BD

Vetri-Probiotics BD, a probiotic supplement from Vetri-Science, helps dogs suffering from digestive upsets, IBD, food allergies and food sensitivities. It contains probiotics, the prebiotic FOS and digestive enzymes to help break down foods and absorb nutrients. Vetri-Probiotics BD is for dogs only. For cats, try OptaGet or Gastriplex.

To purchase or read more about Vetri-Pro...

For skin disorders associated with food allergies, we recommend the following products containing Omega-3 fatty acids:

Super EPA

Super EPA is a fish oil concentrate that is a superior source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s work as an anti-inflammatory for skin diseases, asthma, allergies and kidney inflammation. Omege-3s reduce the effects of histamines and are needed to help prevent skin from drying and cracking.  Super EPA will improve the quality of your pet’s coat and reduce the swelling and wounding associated with biting and scratching.

To purchase or read more about Super EPA..

Omega Gel Caps

Omega Gel Caps are recommended to help maintain healthy skin and glossy coat. A concentrated source of EPA and DHA fatty acids help to achieve a soft, silky, shiny and healthy coat and maintain normal moisture content.

To purchase or learn more about Omega Gel Caps...

Kelp Help

Kelp Help combines the benefits of natural Omega 3, 6, and 9 Fatty Acids for healthy skin and a glossy coat, as well as being fortified with ESSENTIAL vitamins and minerals important to maintain normal digestion and proper vitamin utilization.

To purchase or read more about Kelp Help...

Ultimate Skin and Coat

Formulated with only the highest quality, all natural active ingredients, Ultimate Skin and Coat by NaturVet combines the benefits of natural Omega 3, 6 & 9 Fatty Acids for healthy skin and a glossy coat. Fortified with biotin, vitamins, and minerals important to maintain normal digestion and for overall health.

To purchase or read more about Ultimate Skin and Coat..