Date: 26/08/2025

Food allergies in pets pose a challenge for pet owners and veterinary professionals, affecting the quality of life of dogs and cats. Understanding this condition is essential to ensuring animal well-being.

The growing prevalence of food sensitivities in pets is driving research and the development of effective solutions. In this context, hypoallergenic pet food emerges as an essential tool, formulated with specific ingredients to minimize adverse reactions and provide a complete and balanced diet.

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What are food allergies in dogs and cats?

Food allergies cause reactions in the pet's body (which can, for example, cause skin inflammation, vomiting, etc.) after exposure to the food that caused the allergy. However, this may manifest immediately or take a few hours.

Given the wide variety of foods that dogs and cats ingest daily, the occurrence of food allergies is not surprising. According to studies, the first recorded instances of allergies date back to the 1920s.

In addition to causing various skin inflammations, food allergies can exacerbate clinical signs, especially in cases of food hypersensitivity.

What are the causes and symptoms of allergies?

The foods that most often cause hypersensitivity are meats of various species and vegetable proteins. There are also some everyday causes that can lead to allergies, such as the ingestion of toxic or unfit foods, foreign objects (bags, stones, clothing, etc.), or toxic plants.

Most pets present with skin symptoms, which are usually papular and erythematous. Allergies can be seen in the eyes, armpits, ears, and perineum. The lesions are often accompanied by itching and are almost always masked by infections caused by bacteria or fungi.

According to studies, in the most severe phase of the disease, external otitis, hyperpigmentation, and lichenification can be observed. In some cases, gastrointestinal reactions may occur, such as irregular stools, diarrhea, or vomiting.

How to prevent and treat food allergies?

Developing a natural diet for dogs and cats helps prevent food allergies. This practice allows for varied menus and a balanced diet. Furthermore, providing natural foods increases palatability and acceptance by pets.

These factors, combined, help mitigate allergies, improve digestion, prevent skin diseases and infections, and even improve the breath of dogs and cats.

Another strategy that can aid in prevention is the use of single protein sources. This approach most commonly uses protein elements from pork, fish, or lamb. This practice is often used to control and manage food allergies in dogs and cats (BARBOSA, Suzana C; SANTOS, Bruna H; OLIVEIRA, Giovana M; SILVA, Monica P; COSTA, Anne CM; MORIMOTO, Jessica Y; SUÁREZ, Pedro EN, 2025).

The most effective way to treat food allergies in pets is to avoid ingesting the allergen-causing ingredients. For long-term treatments, hypoallergenic or homemade diets can be used. In the latter case, it's important to add minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids to ensure a nutritionally balanced diet.

How can the ingredients in BioActio Health & Performance be used?

The ingredients in BioAcito Health & Performance are rich in bioactive peptides, promoting health for animals, including dogs and cats.

The peptide chains are shorter and under 3,000 Da, making it a hypoallergenic protein source, mitigating the risk of allergic reactions in pets.

It's also worth noting that the peptides are highly digestible, antioxidants, help prevent hypertension, and improve immunity. Therefore, BioActio can be used in special diets for dogs and cats.

How can BRF Ingredients help in this context?

BRF Ingredients develops a broad catalog of products focused on animal welfare and personalized nutrition. We offer nutrition solutions for pets, aquatic animals, and swine to help you improve your pet's health.

Furthermore, the ingredients in BRF's various solutions are designed and developed to meet the diverse nutritional needs of each animal, promoting the health of all living beings.

Final Considerations

As you can see, effective management of food allergies in pets is a cornerstone of ensuring the longevity and well-being of dogs and cats. We address the complexities of this condition, from identifying symptoms to nutritional management strategies.

It is important that pet owners and animal health professionals work together to achieve an accurate diagnosis, often involving healthy diets, to identify the food components that trigger adverse reactions.

Implementing sensitive nutrition represents the primary tool for controlling food allergies. In this scenario, hypoallergenic food emerges as a fundamental solution, developed with specific formulations that minimize the risk of allergic reactions while providing all the nutrients necessary for a healthy life.

Now that you know the necessary precautions for food allergies in dogs and cats, check out this post and see which foods are most appealing to pets. This will help you provide a healthy and balanced diet for your pets.