Sensitive Stomachs and Skin

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There are hundreds of different ingredients in commercial pet foods, so it is not surprising that some of them are not well received by the animals eating them. Here at Alternative Veterinary Services we encourage pet owners to home cook meals for their pets to help avoid food allergies, intolerance, and sensitivities that might be causing inflammation.

Food allergies may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or skin issues. However, a reaction to a food doesn't necessarily mean an allergy. Many pets have a food sensitivity or intolerance even if they are not truly allergic to something.

Food Allergies A food allergy is an immune reaction to a particular protein. Signs are manifested in either the Gastrointestinal tract or the skin. Experts believe that about 10-30% of all food reactions are allergic. In dogs, a similar percentage of ear infections have an allergic component. In cats, up to 50% of ear infections may be caused by food allergies. Some common proteins, or allergens, include:

• Beef

• Chicken

• Fish (cats)

• Dairy

• Wheat

• Corn

• Soy

• Eggs

Food Intolerance Food intolerance usually causes local reactions in the Gastrointestinal system. A pet experiencing signs related to food may be sensitive or intolerant to one main ingredient, or to one or more colorings, preservatives, exteriors, or other additives. They can occur at any age and involve any ingredient.

Corn, wheat, and soy contain protein, which means pets can be sensitive to these ingredients even if they are not allergic to them. One factor that may be contributing to this is that 80-95% of soy grown in the US is genetically modified. Such crops are likely to contain high levels of pesticide residue. Pet food can contain crops that have been rejected for human consumption due to excessive residues.

Carnivorous pets do best on high protein, high moisture, low carbohydrate diets. This means that wheat gluten (found in “slices” or “chunks” in wet food), and corn gluten (found in dry foods) are inappropriate for their diets.

Treating Sensitivities For food allergies, a full diet trial is warranted to determine the allergy-causing ingredients. The pet is exclusively fed one “novel ingredient”for 8-12 weeks. The choice of ingredient depends on what the pet has been eating in the past.

Alternative proteins include venison, rabbit, ducks, bison, emu, ostrich, kangaroo or beaver. Also opt for novel carbohydrate sources, such as green peas, cauliflower, beets, carrots, turnip, parsnips, and squashes.

Many people have had great success with using raw meat-based and homemade diets. A wide variety of meats are now available online as well as locally.

It should also be noted that a diet trial also includes only the best food and water. Just one slip (for example, a treat containing beef liver to a beef-allergic pet) could put the trial back to square one. Results may not be seen for up to 8 weeks, so total compliance (and patience!) are needed.

Stress

Lastly, remember that stress plays a big role in many health issues, especially those involving the digestive and immune system. Always remember that pets need “quality time” every day, and exercise is nature's greatest stress reducer! Less stress also means fewer behavioral problems, so it's a win-win for all.

Source: https://ivcjournal.com/sensitive-stomachs-and-skin/