Is your pet suffering from allergies or an intolerance? Let's explore the differences and practical steps to address these issues for your dog or cat's well-being.
Food allergy vs. food intolerance
Food allergy
Involves immune system response.
Immune system sees food as an invader, triggering reactions.
Symptoms include breathing problems, vomiting, itching, and swelling.
Food intolerance
Does not involve immune system response.
Occurs due to improper digestion or irritation.
Symptoms may include nausea, gas, and abdominal pain, usually milder in severity than allergies.
Identifying and managing allergies/intolerances
If you suspect your pet has a food allergy or intolerance, consider these steps:
Allergy testing
Consider an allergy test through your vet to identify specific triggers.
Elimination diet
Gradually eliminate potential allergens.
Reintroduce ingredients slowly and gradually to identify triggers.
This is time-consuming but effective in pinpointing problematic ingredients.
☝️ Take a look at our Essential guide for following an elimination diet!
Hypoallergenic diet
Opt for a hypoallergenic diet excluding common allergens.
Specialized options available, such as Edgard & Cooper's hypoallergenic range for dogs.