Food intolerance in dogs and cats
When your dog or cat is given high-quality pet food but still suffers from physical symptoms, it may have a food allergy or intolerance. A food allergy is an immune system response after consuming a particular ingredient in the food; it is a reaction to a specific protein source. The dog or cat will mainly develop skin and coat problems.
With a food intolerance, the immune system is not involved; a food intolerance often results in gastrointestinal problems. Certain ingredients in the food can cause a food intolerance.
Symptoms of food intolerance
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
Treatment: What can you do?
It is difficult to determine exactly what a dog or cat is reacting to in the case of a food intolerance or allergy. An elimination diet can help you identify what your dog or cat does not react well to.
With an elimination diet, you give your dog or cat food containing one unique protein source. If your dog or cat responds well to the food, you can establish that the animal is not allergic to the protein source in it.
Does your dog or cat not respond well to the food? Then you try another variety to see whether your four-legged friend responds well to it.
Sometimes it is necessary to provide food from several brands to determine what your pet does not respond well to...
It is important to follow an elimination diet for at least 6 weeks to see how your dog or cat responds to the food. It is also important to give snacks containing the same protein source as the food you provide.
Would you like to know more about a food intolerance or allergy? Read our blog: food allergies or intolerances in dogs and cats: what is the difference?
