Dog food allergies and sensitive stomachs: limited ingredient diets explained

Itching, ear infections, gas and loose stools have many causes, and food is only one of them. True food allergies are less common than most people think. More often a pet has a sensitive stomach, a food intolerance, fleas or an environmental allergy. Working out which one takes a little patience.

Signs that food may be involved

• Itchy skin all year round, especially paws, ears, face and belly
• Ear infections that keep coming back
• Vomiting, loose stools, gas or frequent bowel movements

In dogs, the most commonly reported food allergens are beef, dairy, chicken and wheat. That's because those are the most common ingredients, not because they are worse foods.

How a food trial works

The only reliable way to diagnose a food allergy is an elimination diet with your vet. Blood, hair and saliva tests sold for food allergies are not considered reliable.

1. Your pet eats one food with a protein they have never eaten (a novel protein), or a hydrolyzed diet your vet prescribes, and nothing else.
2. The trial lasts at least 8 weeks. No other treats, chews, table food or flavoured medicines during that time.
3. If the symptoms clear up, your vet may have you add the old food back to confirm the cause.

Limited ingredient and novel protein foods

Limited ingredient diets use one animal protein and fewer other ingredients, which makes it easier to avoid a problem ingredient. Novel proteins, such as venison, kangaroo, goat or duck, are ones your pet hasn't eaten before. These foods are useful for pets with a known trigger or a sensitive stomach. For a strict allergy trial, ask your vet whether an over-the-counter food is enough, because they aren't made under the same controls as prescription diets.

Everyday tips for a sensitive stomach

• Change foods slowly, over 7 to 10 days.
• Feed at the same times each day, in two or more smaller meals.
• Keep treats simple and few, ideally the same protein as the food.
• No table scraps or fatty leftovers.
• A spoonful of plain pumpkin or a probiotic made for pets helps some animals.

Cats

Cats get food allergies and sensitive stomachs too, with the same signs: itchy head and neck, over-grooming, vomiting or loose stools. The same rules apply: a single-protein food, a slow switch, and your vet for a proper food trial.

At our store

• Acana Singles Beef With Pumpkin Recipe 1.8kg
• Boreal Functional LI Venison 10kg Dog
• Carna4 Venison 2.2lb
• Oven baked Tradition Small Breed Skin & Stomach Adult 4lb
• BCR Pure Kangaroo 4lb
• First Mate Grain Free LID Ocean Fish W Blueberry Cat Food 1.8kg
• Almo Nature Digestive Support Formula Chicken With Pumpkin 6x50g
• Thrive Pro-gut Probiotics Fusion 150g

• Dog dry food
• Cat dry food
• Probiotics and supplements

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