Is your pet’s dinner making them itch? How allergies affect dogs and cats
Learn about common food allergies in dogs and cats and how to manage them effectively.
Image: Unsplash
If your dog can’t stop chewing at their paws or your cat spends hours grooming the same spot, it might not just be a bad habit - it could be an allergy.
And while pollen and fleas often take the blame, what’s in your pet’s food bowl might be the real culprit.
Allergies in cats and dogs are becoming increasingly common, and understanding what’s behind the itch is the first step to soothing it.
“Allergies in pets are far more common than many people think,” says Dr Guy Fyvie, Senior Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “They can be caused by food, fleas, or environmental factors like pollen or dust, and they’re one of the leading reasons pet parents visit their vet.”
Globally, around one in five dogs and one in ten cats suffer from allergic skin conditions during their lifetime - often resulting in endless scratching, licking, and discomfort.
Dogs
Your dog’s skin is often the first to signal that something’s off. Persistent itching, paw licking, or head shaking can all point to allergies caused by:
- Environmental triggers such as pollen, grass, or mould
- Flea bites, which can cause irritation from even a single nip
- Food sensitivities, commonly linked to proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy
Dr Fyvie explains that managing allergies starts with a balanced, skin-supportive diet. “The first step in managing your dog’s allergy should be feeding a diet that supports their skin health and immune system holistically.”
Food packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins E and C can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation, resulting in a healthier, calmer skin and fewer late-night scratching sessions.
Cats
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. Instead of obvious scratching, they tend to over-groom - often around their belly, legs, or tail - which can lead to bald patches, scabs, or even digestive issues.
The main triggers include:
- Environmental irritants, such as dust or cleaning products
- Flea bites, which can cause severe reactions
- Food sensitivities, most often to beef, chicken, or fish
“Because cats are such meticulous groomers, pet parents might not immediately notice there’s a problem,” notes Dr Fyvie. “If you spot hair thinning or red patches, it’s worth having your vet take a closer look.”
For feline food allergies, vets may suggest hydrolysed or limited-ingredient diets, which help reduce adverse food reactions while supporting skin health.
Diets enriched with essential fatty acids and antioxidants also go a long way in keeping their coats glossy and itch-free.
Managing allergies with a holistic approach
While allergies can’t always be cured, they can be effectively managed with the right care and consistency. Dr Fyvie recommends combining good nutrition with regular vet visits, strict flea control, and medicated shampoos where needed.
“It can take time to identify what’s causing your pet’s discomfort, but once you do, the difference can be life changing,” he says. “Understanding your pet’s allergies empowers you to make changes that improve their comfort and wellbeing.”
So, the next time your dog starts gnawing on its paw or your cat over-grooms, don’t just reach for the brush, look at what’s in their bowl.
IOL Lifestyle