Banfield’s pet food allergies guide

You may be surprised by what food allergy symptoms in pets look like — and what they don't.

Food allergies often affect ears and skin — not just tummies!  This can lead to inflamed, itchy skin and recurring ear issues.

Does your pet have a food allergy?

A pet that is constantly scratching or has recurring ear infections could have an allergy to ingredients in their food.

What’s an allergy? 

Simply put, an allergy is an immune response.

While the immune system defeats germs and heals wounds, it also attacks allergens (e.g., dust mites or pollen) when the body identifies them as a threat. Likewise, food allergies also start in the immune system.

If your pet has a food allergy, their body reacts to that food like it would to an infection. Their allergy symptoms, like runny eyes and itchy skin , are a result of antibodies attacking the allergens to help fight off the “threat.”

Food sensitivities and ingredient intolerances may cause dietary distress when your pet can’t digest a particular food.

Common food allergy symptoms in pets

Partner with your veterinary team if you think your pet has an allergy or intolerance to their food. 

Diagnosing a pet food allergy can be tricky because food allergies, environmental allergies, and other pet ailments can present similar symptoms. As a result, simply switching your pet’s diet isn’t always the most effective way to help.

What pet food ingredients can cause allergies?

While you may have heard that some ingredients — like corn or grains — cause allergies in pets, the evidence isn't conclusive. 

In fact, meat protein allergies are more common than grain allergies in pets. 

Many ingredients labeled as “bad” actually supply essential nutrients for your pet’s diet and shouldn’t be avoided.

There is no single “bad” ingredient that causes food allergies.

Pets can develop a food allergy to any food item. Some pets are genetically predisposed to food allergies, while others develop a sensitivity to certain ingredients over time.

Meat proteins are a common allergen.

Different proteins — most often from beef, chicken, dairy products, eggs, and soy — are the more common food allergy triggers in pets. Wheat gluten and properly processed corn are usually both well tolerated and a great mechanism for vital nutrients.

Preservatives in pet food seldom cause pet food allergies.

Preservatives aren’t a common allergy trigger in pets, and artificial colors and flavors aren’t usually used in pet food.

Don’t share your food.

People food is a bad idea for pets. Just because something sits OK with you doesn’t mean your furry friend can tolerate it. In fact, human cuisine often contributes to allergies in pets.

Treating pet food allergies

There is no cure for food allergies, which are chronic conditions that often need lifelong management for your pet. While seasonal or environmental allergies can sometimes be helped by medication, food allergies usually require a strict, allergen-free diet.

Hypoallergenic diets

These prescription foods are specially formulated to give your pet the nutrition they need without triggering their immune system. They are manufactured according to strict rules to help avoid cross-contamination with allergen-containing ingredients.

Novel protein diets

These foods can also be prescribed by your vet. They typically contain special or “novel” proteins, like kangaroo, that may not trigger the same allergic response in your pet.

Limited-ingredient diets

Depending on your pet’s needs, your vet may also recommend feeding them a high-quality commercial “limited-ingredient” food. These foods are formulated without your pet’s trigger allergen. However, unlike therapeutic foods, commercial foods often don’t guarantee that they’re made in a hypoallergenic environment.

Homemade diets

Talk to your vet so they can help advise you on ways to make sure you’re feeding your pet the right balance of (non-allergenic) protein, carbs, and other vital nutraceuticals to help their body get the right nourishment.

Download more about therapeutic diets

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