A limited-ingredient diet can be a game-changer for dogs and cats dealing with allergies, food sensitivities, and sensitive stomachs. If your beloved furry friend is showing any of the following signs, it might be time to consider switching to a new food made with minimal ingredients.
Caring for pets with food allergies and sensitivities can be challenging. Not only are the symptoms heartbreaking, but it can also feel overwhelming to figure out what to feed them. Most commercial pet diets have long lists of ingredients, increasing the chances of triggering an allergic reaction. That’s where a limited-ingredient diet comes in as a great solution for pets with allergies and sensitivities. Let’s take a look at six signs that your pet might benefit from a limited-ingredient diet.
1. Diarrhea or Constipation, Gas, and Bloating
Frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation could be indicators that your pet has food sensitivities or digestive problems. Certain foods in their diet can be challenging for them to break down, causing fermentation in their gut. This leads to bloating, gas, and either diarrhea or constipation.
2. Scratching and Hair Loss
Allergies can cause extreme itchiness in pets. Regular scratching can not only be uncomfortable but can also lead to skin infections and hair loss. Some of the most common food allergens for dogs and cats are dairy, chicken, and beef — ingredients commonly found in traditional pet foods but not always in limited-ingredient diets.
3. Licking Paws
Paw licking is another sign of food allergies in pets. If your dog or cat has allergies, they may frequently lick their paws, resulting in raw skin and stains around their foot area.
4. Chronic Ear Infections
Itchy animals often have itchy ears. If you notice your pet scratching their ears regularly, it could indicate that they have allergies. Additionally, dogs and cats can transfer bacteria and fungi from their nails to their ears, leading to recurring ear infections.
5. Frequent Vomiting
Vomiting is a common digestive issue associated with food allergies in pets. When their bodies encounter an allergen, they release histamines to eliminate the invader. However, histamines can trigger vomiting, so pets with food allergies might vomit frequently.
6. Appetite Loss
Both allergies and food sensitivities can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. This inflammation can result in diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, which can leave your furry friend feeling unwell. It’s not uncommon for pets with these symptoms to avoid eating to prevent feeling sick.
A Limited-Ingredient Diet Can Make All the Difference
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, they may have food allergies or sensitivities, and their current diet could be the culprit. In such cases, switching to a limited-ingredient diet can be beneficial because it typically contains:
- A single protein source
- Nutritionally dense and easy-to-digest carbohydrates
- No common irritants, allergens, or fillers
- High-quality natural ingredients
Consider trying PureVita recipes from NutriSource, which offer limited-ingredient diets featuring single-source animal proteins, novel protein options, and a select few high-quality foods. Available in both grain-free and grain-inclusive kibble and wet recipes, each PureVita limited-ingredient diet is carefully crafted for pets with food sensitivities, allergies, or sensitive stomachs. These nutrient-driven diets are not only delicious but also encourage finicky eaters and pets with appetite loss to enjoy their meals. Additionally, there are multiple recipes to choose from, making it easy to rotate proteins and carbohydrates, which can help prevent allergies and digestive issues.
Learn more about limited-ingredient diets and how they can benefit your pet at Pet Lovers Diary.