Adverse Food Reactions in Dogs and Cats

As pet owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions. We carefully choose their pet food, treat them with affection, and ensure they receive adequate exercise and care. However, sometimes our pets can experience adverse food reactions that can cause discomfort and even serious health problems. In this article, we will discuss the different types of adverse food reactions, their symptoms, and how they can be diagnosed and treated!

Types of Adverse Food Reactions
Dogs and cats are known to have a wide range of food allergies and intolerances, which can lead to adverse food reactions. These reactions can range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of symptoms.

First, it is best to distinguish two main types of adverse food reactions in dogs and cats: food allergies and food intolerances.

Food Allergies: Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a specific protein in a food item. The immune system produces antibodies to fight off the protein, which causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies can be triggered by any type of food, but the most common allergens in dogs and cats are beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, and soy.

Food Intolerances: Food intolerances occur when a pet’s digestive system is unable to properly digest a specific food item. This can be due to a lack of certain enzymes or a sensitivity to certain ingredients. The most common food intolerances in dogs and cats are lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and sensitivity to certain types of proteins.

Symptoms of Adverse Food Reactions

Adverse food reactions in pets can manifest in various ways depending on the severity of the reaction. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

• Skin irritation: itching, redness, and hot spots
• Digestive issues: diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating
• Respiratory problems: coughing, wheezing, and sneezing
• Ear infections: redness, itching, and discharge

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care. Your vet can help diagnose the issue and recommend a course of treatment.

A common course of action to identify possible intollerances is to conduct a food elimination trial. This involves feeding your pet a diet that does not contain any suspected allergens or intolerances for a period to see if the symptoms improve. If they do improve, your vet will slowly reintroduce different foods to determine which specific allergens or intolerances are causing the reaction.

Once the allergen or intolerance has been identified, the best course of treatment is to avoid feeding your pet that specific food item.
Your vet may also recommend medication to help manage the symptoms.

When conducting an elimination trial for a pet's diet, one of the most effective options is to provide food that contains only hydrolyzed protein. The pet's immune system in fact cannot recognize this type of protein as an allergen.

Help from your Farmina Genius Consultant
To help identify the source of food which may be causing the adverse reaction, it is usually recommended to switch from maintenance nutrition to a more functional diet, featuring only a single source of protein.

This is why Farmina has developed a line of foods made only with single animal protein and free from other allergens such as grains and gluten. Our line of functional foods covers all needs, from digestion to skin & coat issues.

Connect with a Farmina Pet Health Coach to find out which is the most suitable for your pet.
Our line of functional foods covers all needs, from digestion to skin & coat issues.


Connect With A Pet Health Coach!


In conclusion, as pet owners, it’s essential to be aware of and vigilant about adverse food reactions in our furry friends. By identifying and treating these reactions early on, we can ensure our pets remain happy and healthy for years to come. Remember to consult with your vet regularly, and always prioritize your pet’s health and well-being.