Pets are sensitive to different allergies. Two types of allergies are common in pets – environment allergy and food allergy. Food allergies in pets are least common but it prevails in almost 10% of US households. The reasons for the allergies include- low immunity, bowel syndrome, genetic issues, allergen contents, among others. Symptoms of top food allergies in cats and dogs include licking of paws, chronic itching, diarrhea, bad gut, puking bile, rashes on the body, chronic gas, bad breath, blood in gums, and bumps all over the body. The root cause for food allergies to occur in pets is the unhealthy diet. How to test for food allergy? There is no proper test that holds perfect for your four-legged friends. There are blood and saliva tests but as of 2019, there are not enough studies to back it up. The best way is to test certain food items on your pets. If one of the foods is allergic it will reflect massively on their body. You can wait for three to four days based on the condition. If it the condition persists, you need to consult the vet immediately. Some pets are born with epi, liver malfunction, kidney issues, and heart problems which make the pet owners switch to a better diet that is good for their health and at the same time not allergic.

Dogs and cats can be easily allergic to a range of foods that go undiscovered until they show the symptoms. Sometimes, the causative agent for such allergies remain undetected and thereby the owner has to put the fur-babies on food allergy tests so that they are able to avoid such foods in the long run. Where this is one of the wisest methods to discover what our dogs and cats are allergic to, it is possible to avoid them directly. By knowing the top food allergies in dogs and cats, we can directly prevent the most common causative agents from causing any unnecessary pain to them. What are the symptoms of food allergies in dogs and cats? The top food allergies in dogs and cats seem to have almost similar symptoms, which makes it easy to recognize and understand. They are Redness or patchiness Itchy skin, paws, ears Excessive sneezing Rashes Bad odor Skin texture to leathery Redness of eyes Visible infection in ears Excessive fur loss Scaly skin or exaggerated oiliness Eye discharge Visible fungal or bacterial infection Vomiting Symptoms of diarrhea These are just common symptoms and might vary from breed to breed. The top foods that cause allergies in dogs and cats The foods mentioned herein are known to cause allergic reactions in cats and dogs, so be wary of what you feed them and help them live a healthy life.

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ® Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste.

Aspects to consider while selecting the best dog food Before grabbing any bag of kibble that you came across online, it’s important that understand your pet’s food requirements. Your dog’s health and development are directly proportional to the quality of nutrients in the food they intake. Dry or wet? High-fiber or protein-rich? Meat-based or vegetarian? Raw or cooked? Packaged or fresh? All of these questions will be answered herein. Think about your dog Selecting the best food for your dog can be confusing, challenging, and costly. While all dogs have similar basic needs, not every one of them can be met with the same type of food. Canines have individual needs based on their health, age, and breed. Of course, bigger breeds have different nutritional needs compared to those of smaller ones. Not to mention the dogs and puppies with special dietary needs. Also, your dog’s lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the selection process. For instance, a hyperactive husky will have different nutritional needs than a nursing one or from a chihuahua that mostly lazes it out on the couch. The number of meals and treats, similarly, would also depend on their weight and allergies. There is a chance that you might end up with prescription dog food if your pet has allergies.

Allergies can be concerning, and even possibly life threatening for your dog. It could even drastically lessen the quality of life of your dog. So, it is important for you to be aware of the possible allergies that your dog could suffer from. This article talks about the most common allergies that could affect your dog: Flea allergy dermatitis: A pretty common allergy amongst dogs, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) occurs when the saliva in the flea bites cause an allergic reaction. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, FAD is the commonest dermatological disease in domestic dogs in the country. FAD is rampant during warm weather, such as the summer months. The reactions occur when the fleas bite, injecting saliva into the host, which contains compounds similar to amino acids, polypeptides, enzymes, and histamine. FAD can affect the entire body. One of the most natural remedies for FAD is medicated shampoo baths and a flea medication collar to prevent them from coming back. Seasonal allergies: Dogs can also suffer from seasonal allergies as well, the signs of which include sneezing, red, puffy eyes, loss of hair, itching, and irritated skin with hives and rashes. Usually, there is no natural treatment for seasonal allergies.

Being a pet owner comes with a few responsibilities, especially if your dog or cat begins to have fleas. Flea infestation can be a constant worrisome issue to deal with. Fleas are parasites that suck on the blood of the host (dog or cat). As a result, the infestation can be a problem in one’s home, causing bite marks, which could eventually lead to sore wounds, allergies, and diseases. If one notices the infestation of fleas in their house or on their property, they must learn how to get rid of them. Luckily, there are a bunch of home-based remedies that can help you deal with fleas. Some of the remedies to help get rid of fleas: This home-based remedy is great as it creates a trap for fleas with dish soap and water. All you would need to do is fill a bowl or dish with a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Then, place this mixture in the room with the most flea infestation. This mixture acts as a glue and traps the fleas as it has high viscosity. Repeat this method a few times with a fresh solution every night. It is best to use this home remedy at night as fleas are nocturnal and are most active at nighttime.

Be it cats or dogs, pet owners love to treat their pets with treats. If you are a cat owner, you would love to treat your cats for various reasons to showcase your love and appreciation to them. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of health problems of your feline friend, which include a shortened lifespan, obesity, and other conditions. Overeating can also cause harmful effects on the cat’s health. Here are some tips on using food for showing love towards your feline pet without spoiling or harming them: Mix foods If your cat is refusing to eat something new (read: healthy), but still enjoys its old food, then try to mix the two foods for a few days. This will trick it into eating the new healthy food by masking it with the old food that it already likes. This is a good way to transition cats on to a new diet every time you make changes to their diet. Use chicken broth Chicken broth for cats is like tomato ketchup for humans – it makes everything taste better. If your cat is being particularly persnickety about its food, you could add some low-sodium chicken broth in its food for lending it some zing.

Our pets can mean the world to us. With cats being among them and one of the most adored creatures, these furry loved ones deserve great care on our behalf. When it comes to choosing the right foods and healthy diet options for cats, it is essential to choose one that comprises an adequate amount of nutrition with the right protein and healthy fat levels. However, choosing the right one considering the plethora of options available in the market can be a daunting task. In the following, some of the popular food treats for cats and also some healthy diet options have been listed to help you make an informed choice. The price of the product does not always determine the quality of the food. Always read through the ingredients and make sure it meets all essential nutritional values for your pets. Look for high-grade animal and edible proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and carbohydrates which would all make a portion of wholesome food with natural ingredients. Some of the popular food treats with these benefits include the following: Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Canned Food This product is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that can help in developing and strengthening muscles.

Our furry kittens are a bundle of joy for us and take care of our serotonin needs! But are we making sure of their nutritional needs? Packaged foods come with all sorts of ingredients, but one can never really be sure of the nutrition cats get by just relying on packaged dry and wet food. Here are some human foods that are not only safe for cats but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Salmon A cat’s most beloved treat is fish, and adding salmon to their diet will not be a problem at all! This meat is packed with proteins and essential omega-3 fatty acids that keep felines healthy. Cats may simply eat raw salmon, but we advise always cooking it before feeding them. Eggs This delicious food is rich in proteins and vitamin B, which are great for your cat’s health. You may add raw eggs to their wet food or even boil the eggs and let your cat nibble on them from their food bowl. Chicken Another meat that all cats will enjoy is chicken. This lean protein is very easy to digest, and animals can enjoy a hearty meal. For your cat, you may simply want to boil some boneless chicken and shred it completely.

Dogs are always curious about their surroundings. They sniff around all day, trying to get familiar with the place. However, it can be a massive health hazard if your little pup accidentally scarfs down specific houseplants. Vets get a lot of calls every day about dogs ingesting toxic plants and needing immediate attention. So, while you feed your pooch the best dog food, try to keep them away from these harmful houseplants. Tulips Tulips are spring-blooming flowers. They’re one of the prettiest houseplants to decorate the living room and outdoor spaces. However, these brightly colored flowers can be highly toxic to dogs. While the lance-shaped leaves may be less harmful, the real danger lies in the newly planted bulbs. Dogs ingesting these may experience an upset stomach, loss of appetite, and even depression. Lily of the valley Lilies are among the most famous houseplants and garden plants, thanks to their sweet fragrance and beautiful bell-shaped petals. However, they can be highly poisonous to dogs. Lily of the valley can particularly grow in places less exposed to sunlight, and eating the plant can cause heart problems like an irregular heartbeat in dogs. Eating a few leaves or petals of a lily plant can make the dog throw up and cause disorientation, seizures, coma, or low blood pressure.