Just like how humans are allergic to a number of foods and medications, pets too can develop and suffer from food allergies. Sometimes, the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets are difficult to notice and understand. This makes pet owners anxious. Also, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding food allergies in pets. So, it is necessary that as a pet owner, you get the facts right and know when to contact a veterinarian.

• Identifying the symptoms of food allergies
  Pets vary widely in terms of how they develop an allergic reaction. That is why, oftentimes, pet owners are unable to detect the presence of the allergy until it is too late, and the dog or cat has already fallen ill. The symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets do not always have to be related to a gastrointestinal or digestive tract infection, though it can happen at times. Rather, the most common symptoms show up in the form of itchy skin and ears, redness of the skin and ear infections. If such symptoms occur, consult your vet because your pet might be suffering from an allergic reaction.
• Figuring out the source of the allergies
  When your pet has food allergies, the vet usually performs a dietary assessment to find out what needs to be eliminated from the pet’s diet. Apart from plastic toys and other items that the animal could have chewed on which might have caused a bacterial infection, certain foods might be responsible for an upset stomach and other digestive issues. For dogs, these are usually beef, chicken, eggs, fish, lamb, corn, wheat, soy, and dairy products. For cats, it is wheat, gluten, seafood, beef, lamb and soy. Based on the dietary assessment, the vet will ideally suggest food items that provide the desired nutrition to your pet without causing any allergies.
• Allergic reactions take time to develop
  Sometimes, pet owners misinterpret the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets. They think that they have been feeding the same food for years with no adverse reactions, so the reason must be something else. However, the truth is that it can take considerable time for a pet food allergy to develop. Research suggests that a certain threshold of exposure to a given allergen must be surpassed to cause the reaction. It takes multiple times of exposure to the allergen to trigger a reaction in your pet.
• Hypoallergenic foods can also cause allergies
  Certain commercial pet foods from reputed brands claim that they are hypoallergenic. This kind of labeling might indicate that the food will be suitable for pets with sensitive skin or prone to allergies. However, they can very well cause food allergies and their possibility of triggering a reaction should not be ruled out.

Understanding the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets, as discussed here, helps you keep your much-loved pet safe and healthy.