Natural treatments to reduce allergic reactions in cats & dogs with allergies to food such as wheat.

Food Allergies

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What are Food Allergies?
What Causes Food Allergies?
Diagnosing Food Allergies
Help for Food Allergies
More Information on Food Allergies

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What are Food Allergies?

Food allergies can affect both dogs and cats. While most food allergies are present from birth, animals may develop an allergic reaction from intolerance to a particular food or food group at any stage of their lives.

What Causes Food Allergies?

The main culprits of food allergies are dairy (lactose) wheat and sugar, which is why most animals fed unhealthy human treats are likely to develop food allergies.

An animal that is allergic to certain foods may develop certain symptoms brought about by the allergy. These include various skin problems – itching may lead to a rash, eczema, dandruff, and ultimately a dull coat and even hair loss. An animal with a food allergy will almost certainly be prone to digestive upsets such as bloating, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.

Diagnosing Food Allergies

Diagnosis is determined by a physical check up by your vet, and an inspection of your animal’s specific skin problems. Treatment usually involves topical creams and antihistamines; however these may also have the potential for side effects.

Help for Food Allergies

Natural Remedies

There are many herbal and homeopathic remedies that use proven ingredients shown to have a soothing effect on irritated skin, while others can help to soothe a disturbed digestive system. Glycyrrhiza glabra is an excellent tonic for entire digestive tract. Althaea officinalis is very effective in soothing the mucus membranes of the digestive tract.

If skin problems result from an allergy to a particular food, a pet’s skin may become irritated. Matricaria recutita is used as a gentle cleansing and soothing herb for skin discomfort, helping to soothe inflamed itchy skin. Calendula officinalis can also be used to help restore skin health and lessen rashes.

More Information on Food Allergies

Tips related to food allergies:

Monitor your pet’s diet and if you notice any changes in their bowel movements or stools, speak to your vet about the possibility that a food allergy may be present.
Do not change diet suddenly, but slowly introduce fresh, raw and unprocessed food into your pet’s daily diet, while reducing commercial foods and foods with little nutritious value.
Keep diet varied and interesting, but watch out for foods that may cause an allergy.
A tablespoon or two of olive oil added to the food a few times a week can help improve skin and coat health.
If you suspect that a dietary intolerance may be the underlying cause of your pet’s lackluster coat and flaking skin, start by providing your pet with a natural, unprocessed diet. Try and feed a diet that approximates that which your pet would eat in the wild.