I Got 99 Problems but the Itch Ain’t One

Some kids – whether with two legs or four – have allergies to certain foods. It’s a bummer, but something that can often be fixed with the right diet and some TLC. Unlike human kids, who can tell you what hurts or how they feel, cats and dogs present a more difficult challenge. And with pets, it’s harder to eliminate single ingredients. But not to fear, here’s what to look for and some suggestions to remedy the issue. 

Can pet allergies really be caused by their food?

Unfortunately, yes. According to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Dermatology, food allergies account for as much as 15 percent of all allergies for dogs and as much as 40 percent of all allergies in cats (MEOW!) But, don’t be overwhelmed by this number – there’s a possible fix (keep reading).

Did they develop this allergy or were they born with it?

Some pets develop the allergy over time, for a host of reasons like hormonal changes, getting too much of something year after year (we can’t all live on chicken for the rest of our lives), or they could come into the world that way. 

How will I know if my dog or cat has an allergy?

When it comes to symptoms, you may already suspect there’s a problem. There are some more obvious signs of pet allergies – sad tummy. If your kitty cat or puppy dog has a bad tummy or GI “situation,” it may be something you’re feeding them. Does your fur-baby bite or pull at their paws? Itchy paws are one of the most common symptoms of a pet allergy. Same goes for patches of hair-loss, redness or bumps on their trunk, chin or face. 

What’s in my pet’s food that could be the culprit?

Just like humans, there’s list of foods that are most often the subject of pet allergies.  They include: chicken, beef, grains, white potatoes, soy, corn, rice, dairy and eggs. So, if you suspect a problem, start by eliminating those. A single source of protein and a single carbohydrate (not grains) is the best way to start narrowing it down. 

Do you have a solution?

At “I and love and you,” we recently launched our version of a limited ingredient(L.I.D.) food called, Lovingly Simple™. It follows the guidelines recommended by Tufts University (eliminate chicken, beef, eggs) while maintaining the oh-so-important high-protein content. Available in Lamb & Sweet Potato or Whitefish & Sweet Potato recipe for dogs and Salmon & Sweet Potato for cats, Lovingly Simple™ makes it easy to choose an L.I.D. food to help with pet allergies.

If you suspect that your cat or dog has an allergy, chat with your vet. And, be prepared for a heavy dose of patience. Even after you’ve sorted it out, it might be a while until your pet starts feeling better and their symptoms subside. We all come with quirks – maybe your pet just has one in the form of an allergy.