Food for thought on allergies

With allergies in pets appearing to be on the rise, our team would love to bust a few common myths about food allergies in dogs and cats. Open wide for some bite-sized facts!

Myth 1: Food allergies are the most likely cause of recurrent skin issues
Studies indicate that food allergies are the third most common type of allergy in pets, with allergies to inhaled substances such as pollen and moulds (known as atopy) and allergies to flea bites being significantly more common.

However, it’s important to realise that some poor pets may be affected by more than one allergy at once, such as atopy AND a food allergy!

Myth 2: “It can’t be a food allergy, because I haven’t changed my pet’s diet!”
Food allergies take time to develop, so the pet may eat the same diet for months or years before they start getting issues.

Myth 3: You can diagnose food allergies in your pet through blood tests
Blood tests for allergies are designed to detect antibodies (an immune response) to certain food proteins. However, the presence of these antibodies doesn’t actually confirm that the pet is allergic to that food, only that they’ve eaten that type of food before!

Studies indicate that the only accurate way to diagnose an animal with a food allergy is to perform a strict prescription elimination (hypoallergenic) dietary trial for 8-12 weeks.

Myth 4: A grain-free food will fix your pet’s issues
Common food allergies in dogs include beef, chicken, dairy, lamb and wheat, whereas common food allergies in cats include chicken, fish, dairy and beef.

Therefore, switching to a grain-free food often will not remove the allergy-provoking ingredient from your pet’s diet.

For more information on the diagnosis and management of recurrent skin, ear or tummy upset issues in dogs and cats, consult our allergy-aware team!

You can help to keep your pet’s skin comfortable and healthy with an effective year-round program of parasite prevention against fleas, ticks and mites, and appropriate grooming and bathing routines. However, did you know that you can also support their skin condition through their diet?

Here are three ways that your pet’s diet can influence their skin health.

1. A nutritious balanced diet

Ensuring that your pet eats a good-quality diet that is balanced in macronutrients (fat, protein and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) is an important component of maintaining the health of their skin and coat.

Up to 35% of a dog’s daily protein intake is used to maintain its skin and coat, whilst dietary components such as zinc, B vitamins and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are particularly important for maintaining normal skin structure and function.

2. Food allergies or intolerances

In the case of food allergies, a pet’s immune system starts to become triggered by a particular substance in food (usually a protein) and produces an inflammatory reaction against it. This can lead to recurrent signs of tummy upset, skin irritation or respiratory disease, or in some unlucky pets, a combination of unwellness symptoms.

A food intolerance, on the other hand, is usually more of a digestive issue that doesn’t involve the immune system. Food intolerances may be triggered by proteins, grains, preservatives or additives.

If we suspect food-based allergies or intolerances in your pet, our vets can advise on a prescription elimination (hypoallergenic) dietary trial for them. Unfortunately, over-the-counter diets (even the fancy-looking ones!) frequently have unlabelled ingredients or protein contaminants in them that make them unsuited for food trials.

3. Additional supplements

If your pet is diagnosed with a long-term skin issue such as a food or environmental allergy, therapeutic doses of natural supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and PEA (palmitoyethanolamide) can help to control their symptoms.

For more information on helping your pet to love the skin they’re in, consult our skin-savvy vets!

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