What You Need to Know About Food Allergies and Your Pet

Is your dog or cat itching constantly? How about vomiting after meals? If your furry friend is struggling, it can be stressful trying to determine why. If these symptoms persist, your pet may be suffering from a food allergy.

Food allergies in dogs and cats can be challenging for any pet parent. That's why we've put together this guide to help you identify potential symptoms and understand available treatment options.

What Are the Signs of Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats?

Food allergies in cats and dogs can manifest in many different ways. Because a food allergy is an immune response, symptoms often extend beyond an upset stomach or loose stool.

Common signs of food allergies in dogs and cats include:

• Persistent itching
• Frequent paw licking or chewing
• Red, inflamed skin
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to determine whether they have a true food allergy, a food sensitivity, or an environmental allergy.

Food sensitivities typically do not trigger an immune response and are often less severe. Environmental allergies, on the other hand, usually do not cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Your veterinarian can help rule out other conditions that may be responsible for your pet's discomfort.

Regardless of the cause, food allergies and sensitivities can significantly affect your pet's quality of life.

How Do I Test for Cat or Dog Food Allergies?

If you suspect your pet has a food allergy, your first instinct may be to seek allergy testing. Unfortunately, allergy tests do not always identify specific food allergens accurately.

After consulting your veterinarian, one of the most effective approaches is an elimination diet. Common food allergens for dogs and cats include proteins from beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat (Mueller, Olivry, & Prélaud, 2016).

During an elimination diet, your pet is fed a simplified diet made from a limited number of ingredients, typically consisting of a single protein source and a single carbohydrate source. Foods are then gradually reintroduced to help identify ingredients that trigger symptoms.

Finding the right food for a pet with allergies may take time and patience, but a methodical approach can help pinpoint the source of the problem.

What Is the Best Dog or Cat Food for Allergies?

Every pet's food allergy is different, which means there is no single solution that works for all animals. However, a true limited-ingredient diet is often one of the safest options because it reduces exposure to unnecessary ingredients that could trigger a reaction.

Since many food allergies are linked to protein sources, novel protein diets can be especially beneficial. Novel proteins, such as rabbit, duck, or lamb, are less commonly found in pet foods and may be less likely to trigger an allergic response.

Recipes featuring lamb for dogs or rabbit for cats are often recommended as options for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.

KOHA Pet Food recipes are designed with limited ingredients to help reduce exposure to fillers and unnecessary additives. Their wet food recipes can also be easier for some pets to digest and may be used as a complete meal or as a topper for dry food. Additionally, many recipes feature a single animal protein source, which can be especially helpful when managing food allergies.

Food allergies can be frustrating for pets and their families. Fortunately, many specialized diets are available to help reduce symptoms and support your pet's overall health. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes.

If you're looking for a novel protein dog food or cat food for food allergies, KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet recipes are a great place to start. These entrées contain a single meat source per recipe, include novel protein options, and are formulated without unnecessary fillers.

Mueller, R. S., Olivry, T., & Prélaud, P. (2016). Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research, 12(1), 9.