Many people use the terms “food allergies” and “food sensitivities” interchangeably – but there are important differences. When you’re a pet parent worried about how to help your fur kid experiencing one or the other, it is easy to get confused about how to best help them.

So, what is the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities in pets, and what can be done to support your little one? Read on to learn more!

Understanding Food Allergies and Intolerances in Pets

Simply put, food allergies in pets are a reaction caused by the immune system in response to an allergen found in your pet’s food or treats. The most common allergens come from a protein found in meat (beef, chicken), but they can also include non-meat ingredients like soy. However, almost any ingredient could potentially cause an allergic reaction; it’s just rarer.

When a food allergy starts, your fur kid’s immune system kicks into overdrive, acting as though the allergen is dangerous to the body even though it’s not. The immune system then releases histamines to combat the allergen, triggering an inflammatory reaction that can cause uncomfortable symptoms in our fur kiddos.

The symptoms of food allergies can include:

• Itchiness
• Licking and chewing
• Ear infections
• Irritated skin
• Odor from the skin
  

If you suspect your fur kid is having an allergic reaction to food, be sure to contact your vet ASAP.

While often confused, there are important differences between food allergies and food intolerances. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances are a reaction by the digestive system and not the immune system.

Instead, food intolerances most commonly involve issues with digesting certain things properly. Examples include lactose intolerance or poor reactions to certain preservatives or other additives found in commercial pet foods. Food sensitivities aren’t causing a response from the immune system, as food allergies do. Instead, food sensitivities can cause:

• Digestive upset
• Diarrhea
• Bloating

Common Sources of Food Allergens and Sensitivities in Pets

The Merck Veterinary Manual lists several potential food allergens for both dogs and cats:

• For Dogs: Beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, lamb, and less commonly soy, corn, egg, pork, fish, and rice
• For Cats: Beef, fish, chicken, and less commonly wheat, corn, dairy products, and lamb

On the other hand, food sensitivities can come from things like the inability to digest certain foods well. For instance:

• Lactose from dairy products
• Gluten from wheat products
• Certain carbohydrates

In both cases, commercial pet food often contains the potential triggers, which means making changes to your fur kid’s diet plan

How to Help a Pet With Food Intolerances and Allergies

The first step in helping your fur kid will involve a trip to the veterinarian’s office. Your trusted vet will be able to make an official diagnosis as to whether your fur kid has allergies, intolerances, or something else altogether.

Afterwards, your vet may guide you on an elimination diet. This is basically a meal plan that rotates your pet’s food around to help discover the source of the allergy or intolerance, as well as safe foods that they can eat without worry.

However, with commercial pet foods and treats containing many potential trigger foods, you may choose to do a home-cooked meal plan under the guidance of a veterinarian with pet nutrition knowledge. NHV offers a vet-written meal plan that can accommodate your fur kid’s specific needs, while ensuring that they get the nutrients they need for health and happiness. Get a consultation from our in-house veterinarian here.

And treats can still be enjoyed with a few simple swaps. For instance, all of our wholesome pet treats are gluten-free and grain-free with 100% natural ingredients, no artificial flavors, colors, or additives.

For example, we make our Nutty Paw-Nanas from a wholesome base of chickpea and rice flour, giving pets a familiar cookie-like crunch without the need for wheat flour. Or you can choose single-ingredient treats like Sweet Potato Chips, which are handcrafted by a professional chef using only sweet potatoes – and nothing else – for a treat that’s as tasty as it is gentle on their tummies.

Why Addressing Food Allergies and Intolerances in Pets Matters

If allergens or problematic ingredients repeatedly enter your pet’s system, it can cause long-term issues that affect their overall well-being. Therefore, it’s an important problem for all pet parents to address.

Alongside determining the source of food allergies/sensitivities and removing them, you can support your fur kiddo’s immune system naturally with supplements. For example, NHV Stimmune is a 100% natural supplement with herbs like Astragalus and Echinacea Purpurea, which may ease inflammation and encourage balance in the immune system. For food issues that cause irritated skin, omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in NHV Petomega 3, support skin wellness from the inside out.

If you have any questions or would like personalized suggestions for your fur kiddo, you can reach out to a Pet Expert using the chat box below. We love meeting pets from around the world and supporting them naturally!