Food allergies in pets are a common yet complex issue, accounting for around 10% of all allergies in cats and dogs. These allergies often manifest as itching and scratching, with cats being particularly susceptible, experiencing these symptoms in 57% of cases. While the exact process of sensitization and antibody response in pets with food allergies is not fully understood, there is a wealth of knowledge on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Common Culprits and Symptoms
Just like in humans, certain foods are more likely to trigger allergies in pets. For cats, the usual suspects include beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products, and wheat gluten. It’s no coincidence that these are also common ingredients in pet food, as the frequency of exposure plays a significant role in the development of allergies.
Symptoms of a food allergy in pets often mirror those of other allergies, with itchy skin being the primary indicator. Other signs can include hair loss, excessive scratching, and miliary dermatitis. It can be challenging to differentiate food allergies from other types, such as atopy or flea bite allergies, based on physical signs alone. However, year-round suffering or winter onset of symptoms, along with a lack of response to steroid treatment, can raise suspicions of a food allergy.
Diagnosis and Food Trials
Diagnosing food allergies involves a straightforward yet meticulous process. It’s crucial to rule out or treat other potential causes, such as atopy, flea bite allergies, or infections, before proceeding with a food allergy diagnosis. The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies is a food trial, which involves feeding the pet a novel protein and carbohydrate source for 12 weeks. This diet must be the sole source of nutrition during this period, with no treats, flavored medications, or exposure to other foods.
Here are some tips for a successful food trial:
- Feed only the recommended diet.
- Avoid treats, rawhides, flavored medications, and any food when giving medications.
- If you want to give a treat, use the recommended diet.
- Feed other pets in a different location and maintain a separate litter box for the patient.
- Keep a journal to record any accidental ingestions.
After 12 weeks, if symptoms have improved, the pet is returned to their original diet to confirm the diagnosis through a process known as provocative testing. If symptoms return, the diagnosis of a food allergy is confirmed. If symptoms persist without improvement, another food trial with a different novel food source may be necessary.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for food allergies revolves around avoidance. Once the offending ingredients have been identified, they must be eliminated from the pet’s diet. Short-term relief can be achieved with fatty acids, antihistamines, and steroids, but the only long-term solution is the complete removal of the allergens from the diet.
Owners can choose to feed their pets a commercially prepared special diet or a homemade diet, developed with the help of a veterinary nutritionist to ensure it is balanced and nutritionally complete. It’s important to note that some pets may develop allergies to new foods over time, so it’s crucial to monitor for any signs of recurring allergies and consult a veterinarian if needed.
Conclusion
While food allergies in pets can be a challenging issue to navigate, with the right knowledge and approach, pet owners can effectively manage and treat these allergies. A thorough understanding of the symptoms, a disciplined approach to diagnosis through food trials, and a commitment to avoiding allergens are key to ensuring the health and comfort of our beloved pets.
References:
- Griffin, CE. Skin immune system and allergic diseases. In: Scott, DW; Miller, WH; Griffin, CE (eds). Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. WB Saunders, Philadelphia PA, 2001.
- Jackson, HA. Dermatologic manifestations and nutritional management of adverse food reactions. Veterinary Medicine 2007; January:51-64
- Kennis, RA. Food allergies: Update of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. In Campbell, KL (ed