Adverse Food Reactions in Pets

  1. Home
  2. Healthy

Adverse Food Reactions in Pets

Pets Can Also Have Adverse Food Reactions

Just like humans, pets can experience allergic reactions or other adverse responses to certain foods. When an abnormal reaction occurs due to ingested food or additives, it is referred to as an adverse food reaction. In dogs and cats, these reactions can include allergies, food intolerances, congenital metabolic disorders, food poisoning, hypersensitivity to certain foods, and immune-related food allergies caused by medications. Other reactions may be non-immune-mediated.
  • Food Allergies (Immune-Mediated Adverse Food Reaction)
Food allergies occur due to an abnormal immune response triggered by food allergens. Studies suggest that proteins such as beef, dairy, and fish in pet food are common allergens. However, some experts believe that the cause of allergic reactions is not the type of protein itself but rather the molecular size of the protein when it is absorbed in the digestive tract. Unlike food intolerance, food allergies affect both the digestive system and the skin, causing an abnormal immune reaction to an otherwise harmless food component.
  • Food Intolerance (Non-Immune-Mediated Adverse Food Reaction)
Food intolerance refers to an adverse reaction to certain foods or ingredients, often caused by the inability to properly digest a specific component due to a lack of necessary enzymes. Common symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal discomfort. Food intolerance shares some similarities with food allergies in terms of symptoms and causes. 

One well-known example is lactose intolerance, where a pet lacks the enzyme lactase, making it unable to digest lactose in dairy products. Another common form is gluten intolerance, which occurs when a pet cannot digest gluten-containing grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats.
  • Main Symptoms
Dogs : Intense itching (especially on the face, paws, armpits, and groin), Chronic skin inflammation, Red rashes, Hair loss, Hyperpigmentation, Otitis externa (ear infections), Secondary infections, Vomiting, Diarrhea.
Cats : Intense itching (especially on the head, neck, and face), Ulcerative dermatitis, Miliary dermatitis (small crusty skin lesions), Hair loss, Skin hypersensitivity, Seborrhea (oily or flaky skin), Vomiting, Diarrhea.
Indonesia:
  • Dietary Management
  1. Increase Omega-3 fatty acid intake to reduce inflammation and provide essential amino acids.
  2. Avoid exposure to known food allergens to prevent allergic reactions.
  3. Improve gut health by supporting a balanced intestinal environment.
  4. Supplement antioxidants such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C to help maintain immune function.
 
柯亞彤。2023。貓狗營養學(初版)。晨星出版有限公司 。
Dr. Sarah Wooten. 食物過敏、耐受不 良以及愛貓敏感的胃腸道. 2028.
 
 
Back