We want to keep our pets as healthy and comfortable as we can. Of course we do; they’re our pets! So when choosing their meals and snacks, we must keep their health and happiness at the front of our minds.
Awareness of potential allergens is a big part of deciding what we put in our pets’ food and what we leave on the shelf. Pets can develop allergies at any age, so it’s important to look for signs throughout their lifetime.
Allergic reactions can result from even a trace amount of a specific ingredient. In addition to certain foods, allergies may also be caused by environmental factors or fleas and ticks. Your veterinarian can help determine the cause of your pet’s allergy, so do not attempt to diagnose an allergy alone. While allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed, and your vet will give you information on how to keep them at bay.
The pillars of a healthy dog diet
A healthy canine diet is rich in meat. Nutritious dog food contains a combination of fresh and dried meat, poultry, or fish, as well as essential amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, fibers, minerals, and vitamins.
High-quality dog food does not need to be expensive. Many affordable brands offer complete nutrition—just be sure to check for a balance of meat, protein, and plant-based ingredients. All appropriate pet foods should have an AAFCO label indicating whether they are a complete diet and for which life stage. Read more about AAFCO labeling here.
Healthy treats for dogs
- Apple (peeled, seeded, and cored): Good source of fiber, vitamin C, and can also serve as a breath freshener
- Banana (peeled): Good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B, and magnesium
- Carrot (chopped): Good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin A, and can also support dental health
- Green beans (fresh or cooked): Good source of protein, iron, and calcium
- Sweet potato (cooked): Good source of vitamins A, B6, C, and potassium
Never give your dog:
- Alcohol
- Apple and mustard seeds
- Apricot, cherry, and peach pits
- Bulb vegetables like onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots
- Caffeine, including tea
- Candy, especially chocolate
- Coffee
- Grapes or raisins
- Leaves and stems of potatoes, rhubarb, and tomatoes
- Macadamia nuts
- Mushrooms and mushroom plants
- Raw dough, meat, and yeast
- Salt
- Walnuts
- Xylitol (This ingredient is used in many low-calorie food products, including gum and some brands of peanut butter)
While all dogs can develop allergies, some specific breeds are predisposed, including Chinese Shar-Pei, terriers, golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, boxers, pit bulls, and dalmatians.
You and your veterinarian will need to decide what is best for your dog. One option may be a brand made without common allergy-causing ingredients. You can find a variety of products from Purina, including Beyond Nature, which is made without any poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.
Common food allergens
Proteins such as beef, chicken, or dairy
Symptoms of a food allergy
- Upset stomach
- Vomit/diarrhea
- Excess gas
- Weight loss
- Excessive licking
- Chronic ear infections
- Bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections
- Intense itching
What to do
Make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will assess possible allergy causes, including food, environment, or flea/tick.
Treatment often begins with an 8-12 week trial diet to test for food allergies.
The pillars of a healthy cat diet
Like dogs, cats rely on a meat-based diet to get the specific amino and fatty acids needed for complete nutrition. They require vitamin A, taurine, arachidonic acid, and protein. Taurine can decrease the risk of heart disease, vision impairments, and dental concerns. While dry food can benefit cats’ dental health, an exclusive diet of kibble can cause many cats to become overweight or obese due to the high amount of carbohydrates in dry food.
Healthy treats for cats
- Apple (peeled, seeded, and cored): Good source of fiber and vitamin C
- Blueberries: Good source of vitamins A and C
- Cantaloupe (seeded): Good source of beta-carotene and antioxidants
- Peas: Good source of fiber and also vitamins A and C
Never give your cat:
- Alcohol
- Bulb vegetables like onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots
- Caffeine, including tea
- Candy, especially chocolate
- Dog food of any kind
- Grapes or raisins
- Raw eggs, meat, or bones
- Raw dough or yeast
- Lilies (while not a food, lilies are extremely toxic to cats and should never be accessible)
More common than food allergies, food intolerance is frequently developed in cats. As with dogs, the best course of action should be discussed with your veterinarian. If selecting a new brand of food, you’ll discover multiple nutritious options at Purina, which also has more detailed information on spotting and treating allergies.
Common food allergens
Proteins such as beef, chicken, fish, or dairy
Symptoms of a food allergy
- Skin problems associated with itching/redness, bald areas, or abrasions caused by scratching
- Recurrent ear infections
- Fur ball issues due to swallowing fur
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Respiratory problems (uncommon)
What to do
Make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will assess possible allergy causes.
Treatment often begins with an 8-12 week trial diet to test for food allergies.