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Food Allergies vs Food Intolerances: What's the Difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. A true food allergy involves an immune system response to a specific protein — the body identifies it as a threat and mounts a reaction. A food intolerance is a digestive issue — the body struggles to process a particular ingredient, but the immune system isn't involved. Both can cause significant discomfort for your pet, but they may present differently and require different management approaches.

Common Signs of Food Allergies in Pets

Skin Symptoms

• Persistent itching, especially around the face, paws, ears, and belly
• Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
• Recurring skin infections (bacterial or yeast)
• Hair loss from excessive scratching or licking
• Hot spots

Digestive Symptoms

• Chronic vomiting or diarrhoea
• Loose stools or mucus in stools
• Excessive gas or bloating
• Gurgling stomach sounds

Other Signs

• Chronic ear infections (a very common sign in dogs)
• Paw licking or chewing
• Runny eyes
• General restlessness or discomfort after eating

What Are the Most Common Food Allergens for Pets?

Contrary to popular belief, grains are rarely the culprit. The most common food allergens for dogs are:

1. Beef
2. Dairy
3. Chicken
4. Wheat
5. Egg

For cats, common allergens include:

1. Beef
2. Fish (in heavily processed forms)
3. Dairy
4. Chicken

Note that it's the protein in these foods that triggers the immune response — which is why novel proteins (ones your pet hasn't been exposed to before) are used in elimination diets.

How to Diagnose a Food Allergy

The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies in pets is an elimination diet trial, conducted under veterinary supervision:

1. Switch to a novel protein and carbohydrate source — one your pet has never eaten before. Common choices include venison, rabbit, kangaroo, or specific hydrolysed protein diets.
2. Feed only this diet for 8–12 weeks — No other food, treats, flavoured medications, or chews during this period. This is where single-ingredient treats become essential — you need to know exactly what your pet is eating.
3. Monitor for improvement — If symptoms resolve, a food allergy is likely.
4. Reintroduce previous foods one at a time — To identify the specific trigger.

Blood and skin allergy tests for pets exist but are considered less reliable than elimination diet trials for food allergies specifically.

Managing Food Allergies Long-Term

• Avoid the identified allergen consistently — even small amounts can trigger reactions in truly allergic pets.
• Read every label carefully, including treats and supplements.
• Choose single-ingredient treats to eliminate hidden allergen risks.
• Rotate proteins to reduce the risk of developing new sensitivities.

Why Single-Ingredient Treats Matter for Allergic Pets

During an elimination diet and beyond, single-ingredient freeze-dried treats are invaluable. You know exactly what's in them — no hidden proteins, no shared equipment cross-contamination from multi-ingredient processing, no mystery additives. If you're using salmon as your novel protein, a freeze-dried salmon treat is the only treat you can safely offer.

Browse our best-selling single-ingredient freeze-dried seafood treats — clean, transparent, and safe for even the most sensitive pets.