How do I know if my pet is allergic or intolerant to certain foods?
A food allergy or intolerance can reveal itself in different ways. Both cats and dogs can develop allergic reactions like dry, itchy skin and a dull coat; dogs can cough and sneeze, and cats can experience areas of baldness. Tummy upsets are another common symptom: from bloating and excess wind to sickness and diarrhoea.
Do cats and dogs both experience food allergies?
Yes. Cats can develop a sudden intolerance if they’re fed the same food every day. Some dog breeds are also more prone to digestive difficulties: small and toy breeds often have sensitive stomachs, as do German shepherds.
Are some ingredients harder to digest than others?
Some protein sources are more likely to cause food allergies than others, including beef, pork and lamb. Pets can also become intolerant to chicken simply because it’s so widely used in pet-food recipes. Dogs lack an enzyme in their saliva that breaks down starchy carbohydrates, while cats’ digestive systems have evolved to digest animal-based proteins rather than plants and grains. So ingredients such as wheat, corn and barley are common food allergens, along with artificial colours and flavours. Both cats and dogs also find it difficult to digest the lactose in milk and cheese.
What is the solution?
Grain-free, dairy-free and hypo-allergenic diets can be an effective alternative, or recipes that contain more unusual protein sources such as salmon, venison and duck. Some natural ingredients can also help: yucca extract is a pre-biotic which aids digestion, and beet pulp is a good source of “bulking” fibre to help make your pet’s poo less runny. Switching from wet to dry food can make a difference, too.
Can I switch my pet’s food straight away?
No – you should always make a gradual transition from one food to another over a period of 10 to 12 days, even if you’re just swapping to a different recipe from the same brand. It’s also a good idea to keep treats to a minimum during this period, so that you can accurately judge how your pet’s tummy is coping with the change.
Here’s how to do it:
- Days 1-3 Serve a combination of 25 per cent new food and 75 per cent regular food.
- Days 4-6 Increase the amount of new food to 50 per cent alongside 50 per cent regular food.
- Days 7-9 If your pet seems happy with the new food, and is showing no signs of digestive discomfort (such as sickness or diarrhoea), you can increase the proportion of new food to 75 per cent.
- Day 10+ Start serving 100 per cent new food, but continue to monitor your pet’s poo and its general health. If there are any signs that your cat or dog’s tummy is struggling with the transition, you can go back to a mix of 75 per cent new food and 25 per cent regular food for a few more days.
What if my pet doesn’t like the new food?
Some pets dislike change more than others. If your cat or dog is reluctant to eat the new food, you could try a few temporary tricks to make its meals tastier – like adding a little warm water to boost the smell of the food, or a splash of (unsalted) gravy.
If you’re concerned that your pet may have developed a food allergy, have a chat with your vet.
Advice for happy, healthy pets
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