Pet Nutrition: Food Allergies
By: Michael Lamping, DVM
Summertime brings many itchy pets into our office. Have you been kept awake at night by the sound of your dog’s constant scratching? Veterinarians are challenged to determine whether they are scratching due to parasites, infections, or allergies.
Pets suffer from the same allergy sources, or allergens, that people do. One of the differences between animals and people is the way they demonstrate allergy symptoms. Frequently pets may lick and chew at their paws, forearms, or at their sides. Their eyes may be irritated, itchy, and red. Possibly they shake their head or scratch their ears. Secondary ear and skin infections, rashes, and hair loss can occur. In addition to these symptoms, pets with food allergy display digestive tract symptoms like recurrent diarrhea, intestinal gas, and vomiting.
As with other types of allergies, a treatment involving allergen avoidance grants the furthest measure of relief. Therefore, when diagnosing food allergy, identification of the offending allergen is a high priority. We use hypoallergenic diets over a 2-3 month trial period to accomplish diagnosis of food allergy. During this period, a special hypo-allergenic formula is fed exclusively, concurrently restricting any human foods, table scraps, edible chews, and treats. Once we have realized benefit from the trial diet, consumable items are re-introduced one at a time until the causative agent is found. We then know to avoid that ingredient. Many of these pets respond remarkably well to an alternative diet.
Allergen sources in pet food vary per individual brand and formula. Lower quality diets are poorly digestible and increase the burden on the immune system, leading to bouts of skin and intestinal problems. Allergens within the food will only compound the problem. Quality brands of pet food are not devoid of allergens. Yet they are still recommended for non-allergic individuals.
Ultimately, the best diet is the one which helps your pet grow and thrive. Pet nutrition has been extensively researched and diets have become incredibly individualized. Your veterinarian can provide expert nutritional guidance for your pet.
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