Approximately 15% of allergic dogs and cats develop allergies to foods. Almost always, the allergy is to the protein in the diet. An animal can develop an allergy to any protein. It is not the amount, but the type of protein that is important. Dogs commonly develop allergies to beef, chicken, corn, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat, while cats often develop allergies to fish, dairy, and beef. Dyes, preservatives, and chemicals are rarely responsible for food allergies.
Clinical signs
Food allergic animals are usually itchy and they may scratch, lick, or chew anywhere on their bodies.
Diagnosing food allergies
Generally your pet should eat a protein he or she has never eaten before for 12 weeks. The diet should consist of the one new protein and one carbohydrate.
*Blood testing for food allergies is inaccurate and should not be relied on to formulate a diet for your pet.
