A limited-ingredient diet can help dogs and cats with allergies, food sensitivities, and sensitive stomachs. If your fur baby shows any of the following signs, they might benefit from a new food made with minimal ingredients.
Caring for dogs and cats with food allergies and sensitivities is difficult. Not only are the symptoms heartbreaking, but it can also be impossible to know what to feed them. The problem with most commercial diets is the long list of ingredients. This increases the chances that the food will contain an allergen or trigger. And that’s why a limited-ingredient diet is a great solution for dogs and cats with allergies and sensitivities. Here are six signs your dog or cat might benefit from a limited-ingredient diet.
1. Diarrhea or Constipation, Gas, and Bloating
Frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation could be a sign that your dog or cat has food sensitivities or digestive problems. This happens because the animal can’t break down certain foods in their diet. The food begins to ferment in the gut, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation.
2. Scratching and Hair Loss
Allergies can cause extreme itchiness. What’s more, regular scratching can cause skin infections and hair loss. A few of the most common food allergens among dogs and cats are dairy, chicken, and beef—regular ingredients in traditional foods but not always in a limited-ingredient diet.
3. Licking Paws
Paw licking is also a sign of food allergies. Dogs and cats with allergies will often lick their paws raw and develop porphyrin stains around the foot area.
4. Chronic Ear Infections
Itchy animals often have itchy ears, so if you notice your pup or kitty scratching this area regularly, they may have allergies. What’s more, dogs and cats can transfer bacteria and fungus from their nails to their ears, causing regular ear infections.
5. Frequent Vomiting
Vomiting is a digestive issue related to food allergies. When the body encounters an allergen, it releases histamines to help get rid of the invader. But histamines can trigger vomiting, so dogs and cats with food allergies might throw up a lot.
6. Appetite Loss
Allergies and food sensitivities both cause gastrointestinal upset. The inflammation causes diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, leaving your pup or kitty feeling unwell. It’s common for these animals to avoid eating so they don’t feel sick.
A Limited-Ingredient Diet Can Make All the Difference
Dogs and cats with these symptoms may have food allergies or sensitivities, and their current diet could be the trigger. In these cases, a limited-ingredient diet can help because it will contain:
- A single protein source
- Nutritionally dense and easy-to-digest carbohydrates
- No common irritants, allergens, or fillers
- High-quality natural ingredients
PureVita recipes from NutriSource are limited-ingredient diets that feature single-source animal proteins, novel protein options, and a select few high-quality foods. Available in grain-free and grain-inclusive kibble and wet recipes, each PureVita limited-ingredient diet is carefully crafted for dogs and cats with food sensitivities, allergies, or sensitive stomachs. These nutrient-driven diets are delicious, encouraging finicky eaters and dogs or cats with appetite loss. Finally, there are multiple recipes, making it a breeze to rotate proteins and carbs, which can help prevent allergies and digestive upset.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
