Just like humans, animals can be allergic to certain food types. Most of the time these allergies are actually classed as dietary sensitivity', meaning that the symptoms are usually limited to a simple itchy or flaky skin. Occasionally food intolerance' is established. This is commonly seen in cats with regards to dairy products, as most cats are lactose intolerant. Food intolerances tend to have gastro symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Very rarely a true food allergy or hypersensitivity' can be seen. True allergies are when the immune system does not recognise the food and begins to fight it as they would a foreign body. These symptoms can show themselves in swellings and difficulties in breathing amongst other severe and frightening developments.
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING
Food allergies are fairly easy to diagnose. The veterinarian will take an account of the history and symptoms and perform tests on blood, urine and sometimes skin scrapings and faeces to rule out any other possible causes. The blood will then be sent to a specialist for several tests to determine what is causing the allergic reaction. These tests can take a while to develop and during that time the vet will probably perform dietary tests by eliminating certain foods and establishing whether the symptoms calm down or are inflamed. These elimination tests' are usually carried out over a period of 21 to 60 days, depending on the results.
The most common food allergens within pets are:
*Dairy products
*Beef
*Wheat
*Corn
*Soya
*Chicken
*Lamb
*Pork
*Eggs
Treating a food allergy generally means just cutting out the cause. However, this is often quite difficult due to the combination of ingredients used in making pet foods. The most commonly used ingredients within pet food are corn, wheat, beef and chicken, all foods on the allergens list. In the case of dietary sensitivity this can be solved with regular treatment of corticosteroid injections. There are now some manufacturers of specific pet foods designed to aid animals with a food allergy. When looking for food for a pet with allergies you need to be certain about the ingredients, so a lot of people tend to opt for a more natural or organic brand.
DIETS
The company James Wellbeloved is often recommended by vets as they use natural ingredients and are specifically designed to help with allergies. They have a wide range of feeds aimed at dogs, cats and ferrets. The ranges are further broken down specifically into different sized kibble. James Wellbeloved does not use beef, pork, dairy products, eggs, soya or wheat within their foods, limiting the risk of allergies.
Hills are a manufacturer with two ranges: Science Plan and Prescription Diet, broken down into sub-ranges specifically for certain conditions, including food allergies. Science Plan is a range that can be bought by the pet owner from most pet store outlets, whilst Prescription Diet can only be bought from your veterinarian. The feed you require depends on the allergy, but for pets with severe allergies Hills z/d or z/d ULTRA would probably be recommended.
Royal Canin is a company within the UK who create feeds specific to individual requirements, aimed at different breeds, sizes and ages of cats and dogs. Whilst they do not do an hypoallergenic food they do use a high quality protein, limiting the risk of allergies.
Some owners will prefer to make their pets meals from scratch. If you decide to do this it is important to gain as much nutritional knowledge as you can by talking to your vet and possibly a pet nutritionist. You can buy pet-grade meats and vegetables from most pet stores. This is a risky option though as you may be leaving out vital nutrients and vitamins.
SUPPLEMENTS
Supplementing the diet may be necessary, especially if your pet has several allergies or if you are cooking your own pet food. However, you need to be careful as it is just as easy to overdose your pet on minerals and vitamins as it is to cause deficiency.
If you pet is suffering with a dietary sensitivity you can help combat the effects by using supplements. Seven Seas do a range of pet products to help with dry, itchy skin and joint problems. These come in the shape of cod liver oil capsules and shampoos that can all be used alongside specific diets and medications.
It is important to point out that diagnosing and treating food allergies can be expensive and not all pet insurance plans cover the costs so before going ahead with any of the above mentioned it is advisable to talk to your vet as they may be able to work out a payment plan for you.
Do not get disheartened though if an allergy is diagnosed, with the continuing research into pet health, there are more products being made readily available on the retailer market.