Dogs and cats can be easily allergic to a range of foods that go undiscovered until they show the symptoms. Sometimes, the causative agent for such allergies remain undetected and thereby the owner has to put the fur-babies on food allergy tests so that they are able to avoid such foods in the long run. Where this is one of the wisest methods to discover what our dogs and cats are allergic to, it is possible to avoid them directly. By knowing the top food allergies in dogs and cats, we can directly prevent the most common causative agents from causing any unnecessary pain to them. What are the symptoms of food allergies in dogs and cats? The top food allergies in dogs and cats seem to have almost similar symptoms, which makes it easy to recognize and understand. They are Redness or patchiness Itchy skin, paws, ears Excessive sneezing Rashes Bad odor Skin texture to leathery Redness of eyes Visible infection in ears Excessive fur loss Scaly skin or exaggerated oiliness Eye discharge Visible fungal or bacterial infection Vomiting Symptoms of diarrhea These are just common symptoms and might vary from breed to breed. The top foods that cause allergies in dogs and cats The foods mentioned herein are known to cause allergic reactions in cats and dogs, so be wary of what you feed them and help them live a healthy life. Eggs Most dogs are known to show allergic reactions to eggs. Eggs are known to cause one of the top food allergies in dogs and cats because of the protein present in them. Owners of specific breeds are known to directly avoid eggs and are advised to read packaged treats for no egg content in them. Wheat More common than often, wheat causes one of the top food allergies in dogs and cats.

Common dog allergies and their treatments You will find that dogs suffer from different kinds of allergies, like food allergies, skin allergies and even allergies from environmental allergens. What is more challenging when it comes to dog allergy is that symptoms are of various types, and they often overlap. Herein, we discuss the various allergies that dogs suffer from and the appropriate natural treatment options. Types of dog allergies Dog allergies can be of various types, prime among them are Skin allergy It is a common type of dog allergy wherein the allergen is a flea bite or food substance. Insect bite allergy can be an exaggerated response to stings or bites of specific insects such as spiders, ticks, fleas, deer flies, blackflies, horseflies, ants, bees, mosquitoes, wasps, and bees. Flea saliva is unarguably the most common allergen that triggers flea allergy dermatitis. Inhalant allergy The main inhalant allergens include tree pollen, grass pollen, molds, house dust mites, mildew, and weed pollens. Symptoms may include bronchitis in dogs but it usually manifests as itchy skin, the condition is known as inhalant allergic dermatitis. While symptoms can be controlled, a permanent cure is not possible. You can conduct skin tests to identify the allergens and try to protect your pet from getting exposed. But since most allergens are environmental, the allergy is likely to come back. Bathing your dog with hypoallergenic shampoo may soothe the itchy and inflamed skin. Bathing will also rinse out allergens on its coat. Food allergy This can occur as a reaction to any protein or carb in their food, more often in response to dairy foods, wheat gluten, beef, chicken eggs, lamb, chicken, and soy. This type of allergy will not respond well to medical treatment or corticosteroids. You must identify the responsible allergen and eliminate it.

All you need to know about food allergies in dogs If you observe your dog constantly itching or shaking their head vigorously as if to dislodge something, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it is not easy to confirm a food allergy, but a visit to the vet can help rule out any other causes of your dog’s behavior. While most of the cases of dog allergies are a direct result of an adverse reaction to an ingredient, a latent allergy can be triggered by environmental factors too. Keep in mind that food allergies are different from food intolerance. What is a food allergy in dogs? These happen when your pet’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the food. You may think that meat alone supplies proteins to your dog, but there are many grains and vegetables which are equally good sources of proteins. Any of these proteins are capable of causing a food allergy. What are the signs of a food allergy? The most common signs of food allergies in dogs are a gastrointestinal disorder, itching, chronic diarrhea, ear inflammation, and licking their feet. What are the most common allergens found in dog food which can trigger a reaction? Beef: When you have been feeding one type of food for years to your dog, it can cause intolerance to it or an allergic reaction to its ingredients. Beef is perhaps the most common component of any kind of pet food and thus, also the most common allergen. Dairy products : Dogs may have problems digesting lactose and this is usually intolerance and not so much an allergy per se. It can result in diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Wheat: Dogs are more likely to develop an allergy to meat rather than whole grains. But, there are always exceptions to this and wheat may be a trigger too.

Here are the top 6 food allergies in cats and dogs Food allergies are exceedingly common among cats and dogs. However, more often than not, the symptoms of a food allergy can go unnoticed by the pet’s parents. If you notice your pet is scratching incessantly or is frequently suffering from problems related to the digestive system, there is a high likelihood that your feline or canine companion is experiencing food allergy. This type of allergy occurs when the immune system of the cat or dog reacts negatively to a particular ingredient in the food. Pet parents should always be on the lookout for food allergy signs and symptoms. In case of a suspicion of a food allergy, a visit to the vet is highly recommended. The vet will then conduct a series of tests including physical examination and blood work. Once done, the vet will conduct an elimination diet trial to determine the food allergen responsible for the troubling symptoms. The elimination diet trial may last for weeks to determine the food allergen that is causing the reactions in the immune system and leading to the development of food allergy. Once the source of the food allergy has been diagnosed, you may have to make required modifications in your pet’s diet and buy cat or dog food that does not have the food allergen. Symptoms of food allergies in cats and dogs You should seek expert advice as soon as you notice the listed symptoms in your pet. Gastrointestinal signs like flatulence, vomiting, or diarrhea Dermatological signs like hair loss and skin redness, itchiness, inflammation, and rashes Chronic ear or foot problems Weight loss Respiratory system issues like coughing, wheezing, sneezing Behavioral problems like scratching and biting fur, restlessness, and frequent shaking Here’s a list of the most commonly reported food allergies in cats and dogs that can cause the aforementioned signs and symptoms in your pet.

A flea infestation can be extremely frustrating. Fleas are difficult to get rid of and their bites can cause allergies. Additionally, using chemicals to get rid of fleas may cause problems for humans and pets. As a result, most switch to natural remedies, as they are safe and effective. Herbal spray Pest control services use chemical sprays to kill fleas that can be risky for humans and pets. You can instead prepare a herbal spray that is safe and effective. Some lemon juice can be boiled to create a spray solution. Moreover, witch hazel can be added to the spray to increase its effectiveness. This spray should be used all over your home since fleas can hide in corners, especially in your pet’s bedding. This spray smells nice and doesn’t have any side effects. Citronella oil Citronella oil can be mixed with tea tree and lemongrass oil to create a solution. Citronella is known to destroy fleas. This solution can be used to clean the entire house with the help of a mop. If this is done frequently, it can help get rid of fleas completely. Diatomaceous earth Diatoms are a type of algae. The microscopic remains of the algae are called diatomaceous earth. While one is a commercial-grade alga, the other food grade. If you want to use it at home to get rid of fleas, you should use the food-grade one to avoid side effects. The powder should be sprinkled in all areas where fleas could be hiding. The powder kills fleas and their eggs as well. Dish soap In a plate, add dish soap and place a candle in the center. Leave this in the room that is infested with fleas. The fleas would get attracted to the candle and fall into the soapy solution and die.

Is your pet pooch scratching and itching itself? Does it have a poor coat quality and does it suffer from frequent ear infections? What you’re feeding your beloved dog could be adding to its distress if you don’t know what he or she is allergic to. Today, food allergies are a rising common concern among dog owners, with more and more dogs seeming to suffer from them. Here’s all you need to know about dog food allergies: Common triggers Sometimes, allergies are a genetic problem, and when they are triggered, it is because the dog is exposed to the allergen in some or the other way. Some of the common allergens include fish, rabbit, pork, soy, lamb, chicken, egg, wheat, dairy, and beef. Usually, dogs are allergic to more than one of the above. Allergies are caused due to multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, environment, whatever the immune system is exposed to when the dog is a puppy. Dog breeds and allergies There are certain breeds that are more prone to food allergies. However, it also differs from country to country, or even different regions in the same country. According to research, breeds that are more commonly affected are Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, German Shepherds, and Retrievers. Diagnosing food allergies The only method to diagnose food allergies in dogs accurately is via an elimination challenge and diet. The dog needs to be taken off of all the food it was eating and needs to be put on a diet it has never had before. Once the dog’s health improves, begin reintroducing the old foods which could have caused the allergies earlier. If the dog suffers from a reaction, then you will know that it has a food allergy. Other specific testing methods include testing a discharge sample from the ears or skin testing.

You must have tried special shampoos, altered grooming routine and also tried medications; but your dog has not stopped itching, scratching or biting fur. But have you considered working on your pet’s diet? Similar to humans, dogs too have food allergies. Dogs can experience severe itching, irritation, swollen face, among others due to food allergies. There is no age bar in dogs for developing food allergies. Symptoms of dog food allergies Your dog may have developed food allergies if you notice the below symptoms. Itchy skin Allergic dermatitis or itchy skin is one of the common outcomes of dog food allergies. The irritation of itchy skin can occur in various parts of the dog’s body such as ears, paws, rear end and stomach. Hives Hives are primarily itchy red bumps. These are also known as urticaria. Hives may surface within 6 to 24 hours if your dog consumes any food which he or she is allergic to. If the hair or fur of your dog is short, they are easily visible. Stomach trouble Gastrointestinal issues such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea are also the outcomes of dog food allergies. Swollen face Dog food allergies can lead to swelling of lips, eyelids, or ear flaps. Paw infections Sometimes your dog may have repeated infections in his or her paws or ears. These are the result of certain sensitivity towards certain food ingredients. What are the common allergens? Every dog owner should understand the difference between food sensitivity and food allergies. The prime difference is food allergy triggers an immediate immune system response. But the reaction of food sensitivity is gradual. Most of the common allergens which trigger food allergies in dogs include chicken, beef and dairy products. On the other hand, corn, wheat, rice, barley and oats are some of the less common allergens.

Pets are sensitive to different allergies. Two types of allergies are common in pets – environment allergy and food allergy. Food allergies in pets are least common but it prevails in almost 10% of US households. The reasons for the allergies include- low immunity, bowel syndrome, genetic issues, allergen contents, among others. Symptoms of top food allergies in cats and dogs include licking of paws, chronic itching, diarrhea, bad gut, puking bile, rashes on the body, chronic gas, bad breath, blood in gums, and bumps all over the body. The root cause for food allergies to occur in pets is the unhealthy diet. How to test for food allergy? There is no proper test that holds perfect for your four-legged friends. There are blood and saliva tests but as of 2019, there are not enough studies to back it up. The best way is to test certain food items on your pets. If one of the foods is allergic it will reflect massively on their body. You can wait for three to four days based on the condition. If it the condition persists, you need to consult the vet immediately. Some pets are born with epi, liver malfunction, kidney issues, and heart problems which make the pet owners switch to a better diet that is good for their health and at the same time not allergic. This happens when a sudden switch of protein has happened. Reasons for the occurrence of food allergies in dogs and cats Unable to digest a certain protein Having a bad immunity due to which the body looks at protein as a harmful substance Ingredients like corn, soy, legumes being present in dry food Having processed foods every day due to which there’s loss of immunity Not having the protein based on body mass Pet owners not helping animals to strengthen their gut Associated food that causes food allergies in dogs and cats Chicken, beef, dairy, fish, and eggs Exposure to stale food Presence of plant-based like peas, legumes, and potato Gluten allergies like wheat, oats, and certain types of grains Kibble that is high in coloring and red meat Solutions to top food allergies in cats and dogs It is advised to contact a nutritionist for finding out top allergies in your dogs and cats.

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ® Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste. Created by Castor & Pollux, Natural Ultramix® is premium adult dog food (dry variant) completely free of corn, soy, and wheat. Made with chicken and farm-grown vegetables, along with other poultry and fish-based protein sources, the food mix also boasts essential nutrients for healthy growth. The formula helps maintain a shiny thick coat and supplements healthy bone and teeth growth. Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Buffalo Co. ensures a healthy and holistic approach to manufacturing pet food using natural ingredients with just the right balance of organic supplements. The formula excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives, wheat, soy, and corn.

Aspects to consider while selecting the best dog food Before grabbing any bag of kibble that you came across online, it’s important that understand your pet’s food requirements. Your dog’s health and development are directly proportional to the quality of nutrients in the food they intake. Dry or wet? High-fiber or protein-rich? Meat-based or vegetarian? Raw or cooked? Packaged or fresh? All of these questions will be answered herein. Think about your dog Selecting the best food for your dog can be confusing, challenging, and costly. While all dogs have similar basic needs, not every one of them can be met with the same type of food. Canines have individual needs based on their health, age, and breed. Of course, bigger breeds have different nutritional needs compared to those of smaller ones. Not to mention the dogs and puppies with special dietary needs. Also, your dog’s lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the selection process. For instance, a hyperactive husky will have different nutritional needs than a nursing one or from a chihuahua that mostly lazes it out on the couch. The number of meals and treats, similarly, would also depend on their weight and allergies. There is a chance that you might end up with prescription dog food if your pet has allergies. Check the ingredients You must remember to check out the ingredient list for the products it contains. While the list does not specify the amount or quality of ingredients used, it comes handy when your dog has special dietary needs. It is also very useful for owners who want to feed their pets with the best dog food and are specific regarding the sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores, but their diet does consist mainly of meat. The mixture of grains, vegetables, meat, and other food sources might not seem appealing to us but dry kibble and wet canned food are nutrient-rich and meet the requirements.