Pets can develop food allergies quickly, even to foods that they havent ever had any issues with in the past. If your pet is suddenly bothered by symptoms of a food allergy, consult with your veterinarian to determine which specific food is responsible, so you can remove it from his diet. Here are some of the most common food allergies in pets, along with common food allergy symptoms:
Symptoms of Food Allergies in Pets
If your pets food is causing food allergies, youll notice one or more of the following symptoms. These symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually, and can come and go over time:
- Skin and ear redness
- Dry skin
- Dandruff
- Oily skin, hair, and coat
- Frequent ear infections or inflammation
- Frequent skin infections
- Overgrooming
- Hot spots
- Hair loss
- Digestive issues
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Water eyes and/or eye discharge
- Sneezing or reverse sneezing
- Swelling in eyes or face
Common Allergy Triggers in Dogs
Certain carbohydrate sources, along with fruits and vegetables, might be allergy triggers for dogs. If your dog is exposed to a food allergen, it may take a few days for symptoms to arise, or they may show a reaction within hours of eating. The most common allergy triggers in dogs are:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Dairy
- Egg
- Lamb
- Pork
- Rice
- Soy
- Wheat
Common Allergy Triggers in Cats
An allergy can develop to any protein source in your cat or dogs food. And allergies can develop during any life stage. Your pet may have been eating the problem food for years without having a reaction, and then suddenly develop an allergy to it. Here are some of the most common allergy triggers in cats:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Dairy
- Egg
- Fish
- Lamb
- Wheat
If your pet is suddenly showing signs and symptoms of food allergies or digestive issues, visit your veterinarian for a checkup, allergy tests, and diet evaluation.