By Royal Canin Scientific Communications

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Can dogs and cats be allergic to food? Some pets may actually have an allergy to certain ingredients in pet foods. Commonly termed "food allergy," a true food hypersensitivity is defined by reaction of the pet's immune system to the diet. The signs can vary, but most involve skin disease or GI disease.

Food hypersensitivity can occur at any age, and involve any ingredient. Many people mistakenly term any reaction that occurs after a diet change food allergy. This is actually more likely food intolerance, as food hypersensitivities generally only occur after prolonged exposure to the same food. Skin signs include itching, redness, hair loss, scaling, and dermatitis. GI signs may include vomiting and diarrhea. Unfortunately, many other diseases can cause similar clinical signs.

Food hypersensitivities are diagnosed by feeding trials. Feeding trials involve feeding the pet a diet with a protein source that hasn't been previously fed (duck, venison, etc.) or a protein sourced that is "hydrolyzed" or broken into smaller pieces. A food trial should last for a minimum of 10 weeks. If the signs don't resolve after 10 weeks, other diagnoses should be considered. Once food hypersensitivity is found, it can be treated by using a pet food that doesn't cause the reaction.