Signs to look for
- scratching or licking more often
- hair loss or reddened skin
- constantly licking between the toes
Why it happens
Itching has many causes. Before you start suspecting food allergy, any infection such as pyoderma has to be treated first.
In diagnosing food allergy, blood tests are not reliable. What is actually done is an elimination diet using a novel protein — one the animal has never eaten before.
That is why pet food ingredient lists reach for unfamiliar proteins like kangaroo and catfish.
Omega-3 works by changing the raw material of the inflammatory response, and zinc deficiency shows up as dermatitis and hair loss. But be careful raising zinc alone — it collides with copper.
Signs that mean go to the vet
Type I (immediate) allergic reactions appear within 15 minutes
Running an elimination diet long-term on your own judgement causes nutritional imbalance
Related ingredients
Related behaviour
General nutrition information. It does not replace a diagnosis or a prescription. If your animal has a medical condition or is on medication, talk to your veterinarian first.