Pet food comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and categories. Constant trends are developing due to discoveries in pet health. When you take a stroll down the pet food aisle at your local market or pet store, selections are abundant. Each brand features the main ingredients and dietary benefits on the label. The modern trends are grain-free, limited ingredient, and allergen-free foods. When it comes to making a decision, you want what will give your furry friend the best nutrition for him to have good health and vitality.
Like his human companion, your pet is unique from other pets. He may suffer allergies from an ingredient found in pet food that another pet does not. If your pet has a food allergy, how will that affect him, and how can you pinpoint the root of the problem? There are many signs of food allergies, and educating yourself on them can help your pet have the right kind of balanced diet that he needs.
Telltale Signs
When your pet’s immune system has a misguided reaction to an ingredient or multiple ingredients in his food, it is considered an allergic reaction. Your pet may experience a variety of symptoms from this reaction. These symptoms may also overlap with reactions to other environmental factors. The most common types of symptoms from food allergies are skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and the most serious but rare, anaphylaxis. There may be a combination of the two most frequent symptoms.
1. Skin Conditions
Allergic Dermatitis is a red itchy area on your pet’s skin. You may notice a rash, hair loss, rough patches, or sores. Your pet may scratch consistently to the point of creating these skin conditions. Constant scratching may lead to infections that can be harmful to your pet’s health. If a bacterial or yeast infection results from your pet’s attempt to relieve the discomfort of itching, treatment from your veterinarian may be required.
The most common areas where itching results from food allergies are the ears and paws, but your pet may also experience reactions in the following areas:
- The wrists
- The ankles
- Around the pads
- The muzzle
- Around the eyes
- The groin
- The underarms
Dermatitis is not always a sign of food allergies as it may also be a symptom caused by flea bites or environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or mold.
Other types of skin conditions caused by food allergies are hives and swelling. Any of these symptoms may not be an immune response, but they can be categorized as an intolerance. Food intolerance is when a pet experiences sensitivity to certain ingredients included in the food. Intolerances to food are often treated the same as food allergies. Some examples of ingredients that pets tend to experience intolerances with are the following:
- Soy
- Milk
- Wheat
- Beef
- Chicken
- Corn
2. Gastrointestinal Issues
The most common gastrointestinal issues that pets develop from food are diarrhea and vomiting, and these may also be associated with food insensitivities as well. You may notice your pet scooting due to the itching and swelling caused by these issues. Also, your pet may experience the following:
- Abdominal gas
- Weight loss
- Poor weight gain
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
Other contributors to gastrointestinal issues in your pet may be a sudden diet change, food additives, color, spices, and other non-food ingredients. At times, pet food may be contaminated or spoiled, and your pet may be unable to utilize certain components. Your pet also may have ingested something he was not supposed to, and this can be the cause of his gastrointestinal issues.
3. Rare and Linked Symptoms
There may be other signs that your furry friend may have a food allergy, but these are not as common as what has been mentioned previously. Your dog may experience other physical symptoms, or you may even notice behavioral changes. Though they are rare, you must consider that it may be a food allergy if your pet experiences such symptoms.
The most serious rare symptom is anaphylactic shock due to its high mortality rate in pets. If you have a pet that is prone to pet allergies, it can be a good idea to have an EpiPen on hand. Other rare physical signs may be breathing issues, seizures, nasal discharge, and secondary urinary tract infections. Your pet may display behavioral issues as well, and they include:
- Frequent shaking and scratching of his ears
- Disinterest in eating
- Biting at the paws, tail, and rear end
- Unsociable behavior
- Disinterested in playing
- Restlessness
- Scratching himself on external objects and people
Impact of Food Allergies
Pet food allergies may develop at any stage in your pet’s life, and testing for them has not proven to be an effective method. The process for determining what food allergies your pet may have is a complicated process, and the symptoms may be indicative of other issues not related to the food your pet eats. The most useful way to rule out food allergies is with the process of elimination. This process requires removing ingredients from your pet’s entire diet, and it includes treats and table scraps. Your vet is a great ally in helping you find relief for your beloved companion.
It is important to keep a close watch for these symptoms because serious health problems can result from untreated food allergies. It is not easy to see your pet suffer, and he is depending on you to provide him with relief from what ails him. Your pet may develop these other issues due to his pet allergies:
- Secondary skin infections
- Worsened symptoms
- Development of more allergies
- Changes in behavior
- Overall poor quality of life.
Your pet is not likely to die from food allergies, but the symptoms may be very overwhelming and stressful. The thought of your pet suffering is not easy for you as well. It may be easy to endure a little discomfort, but food allergies are a cause of ongoing severe discomfort. To your furry friend, it may seem like he is being bitten by a pesky insect over and over again, or you may look at it like having a flea infestation in your home. You would likely try every remedy until you eradicated the issue. It is important to take persistent action until your pet finds relief, and it will result in a happy and healthy life for your beloved friend.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
