Food allergy is an abnormal or a hypersensitive reaction to a food ingredient which is usually a protein. 10-20% of allergies in cats are caused by food.
CAUSES
Beef, dairy products and fish, especially tuna and mackerel are responsible for almost 90 percent of food allergies in cats. These products cause a skin reaction as opposed to diarrhea.
Note: Food preservatives including Benzoic Acid and Propylene Glycol (read labels) are toxic to cats.
Milk causes diarrhea as opposed to a skin reaction. This is called Lactose Intolerance.
SYMPTOM BOX
* Severe itching all over the body
* Itching with small scabs located primarily on the head, neck and ears.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
* 1/3 of cats with food allergies also have concurrent flea allergies, therefore scab like lesions and itching are focused on the head, neck and ears.
* Siamese and/or Siamese cross bred cats less than 2 years old may be at increased risk of food allergies.
* A relatively new dietary option for food allergy therapy involves using Hydrolyzed Proteins. These are conventional proteins broken down into such a small size they are unable to cause an allergic reaction. Hypoallergenic diets containing Hydrolyzed Protein are available commercially.
* Purina’s Prescription Diet Division offers CNM HA (the HA stands for […]

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