🌾 Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats

🌾 Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Does your dog have itchy skin no matter what shampoo you use? Or maybe your cat keeps throwing up her meals? These could be signs of something many pet parents overlook: food allergies.

Just like humans, pets can develop sensitivities to ingredients in their food—often to proteins or additives that are common in commercial diets.

Let’s break down how to spot food allergies, what causes them, and the best ways to support your pet’s digestive and skin health naturally.

🐶 Common Signs of Food Allergies in Pets

Food allergies often show up as chronic, recurring symptoms, including:

  • Constant itching or scratching

  • Red, inflamed skin or “hot spots”

  • Ear infections

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Gas and bloating

  • Hair loss or dull coat

  • Scooting or excessive licking

💡 These signs usually don’t respond to medication alone, which is a key clue it might be food-related.

🧪 What Causes Food Allergies in Pets?

Most food allergies stem from an immune overreaction to specific proteins. Common triggers include:

  • Beef

  • Chicken

  • Dairy

  • Eggs

  • Soy

  • Wheat or gluten

  • Corn

It’s not just what’s in the food—it’s also how it’s processed. Heavily processed or low-quality diets may contain hidden allergens, additives, or artificial preservatives.

🔍 How to Identify the Allergen: Elimination Diet

An elimination diet is the gold standard to determine what your pet is allergic to. Here’s how it works:

  1. Switch to a novel protein (like duck, venison, or kangaroo) and a single carbohydrate for 8–12 weeks.

  2. Avoid all treats, flavored meds, and table scraps during this period.

  3. If symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce other ingredients to see which causes a reaction.

  4. Keep a journal to track symptoms and progress.

🩺 This should be done under veterinary supervision, especially for pets with severe symptoms.

🌿 Natural Ways to Support Allergic Pets

Even while discovering the trigger, you can support your pet with:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids – reduce skin inflammation

  • Probiotics – balance gut health, where much of the immune system lives

  • Digestive enzymes – help break down food and reduce immune reactions

  • Antioxidants – repair skin and boost immunity

  • Herbal skin sprays or shampoos – soothe itchiness naturally

🛒 Hypoallergenic Support from Yachi Pet

We offer digestive and immune support supplements made with minimal, allergy-safe ingredients—perfect for sensitive pets.
➡ Explore Allergy Support

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