Spring Allergy Support Through Diet

• Posted on 14 March 2016
• By Dr. Jill Tack
• Posted in diet, seasonal allergies, spring
• 0

Many of us with allergies feel spring coming before others even notice the changes in the weather and environment. Our pets can also feel these changes and experience all types of allergies just like we do.

Many of us with allergies feel spring coming before others even notice the changes in the weather and environment. Our pets can also feel these changes and experience all types of allergies just like we do.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a heightened sensitivity to a substance that causes the body's immune system to overreact when defending itself. Normally, the immune system would only react to a harmful invader, such as bacteria. For people or pets with allergies, their immune system is overworking and reacts even when harmless substances are present.

What ingredients in food are problematic for cats and dogs?

Ingredients to look out for in your pet's food include:

• Wheat
• Corn
• Soy
• Potatoes
• By-Products
• Synthetic Ingredients
• Items originating from GMO sourcing
• Even some protein sources - chicken, fish, beef, etc.

Why does food choice make a difference?

A better quality food could mean fewer trips to the vet for expensive medications. It could also make your pet more comfortable. We all should be eating foods that build our immune system, especially at this is the time of year. Cutting out the allergens in your pet's food will help keep their immune system strong.

What food would be best for my cat or dog?

A raw diet is the best option hands down! Raw diets do not include any of the fillers that can cause allergic reactions in your pet. For more information about a raw diet click here.

If you are not ready to go raw, look for grain free, potato-free and single protein source foods.  Some brands offer grass-fed and non-GMO sourced food, as well.  We have many great options in store to aid pets with common allergies including:

• Orijen/Acana – potato-free, grain-free, and chicken-free options
• Zignature – potato-free, grain-free, and chicken-free options
• Nature’s Logic – potato-free and chicken-free options

If I make a switch how long before I notice a difference? What if I don’t notice any difference?

Every pet is different. You should see a difference within two weeks but it could take up to a month or longer. Give your pets some time to adjust to the new food before assuming it's not working.  If after a few weeks you aren't seeing any difference in your pet's allergies, you could try another protein source or a different food brand. Rotating your dog's food can help them build more immunities from the different protein sources. Pets fed the same thing tend to develop sensitivities easier than a pet on a rotating diet.

If you have exhausted all of your options, we can still help you out. If your pet is suffering from allergies you can also schedule a nutrition consult or acute health program to get to the root of the source causing your pet’s discomfort. Call 248-548-3448 or stop by the store for more information.   

When our immune system is aided in becoming stronger, it is easy for our bodies to fight off becoming ill. Keeping your immune system strong will help you and your pets make it through the spring weather with little to no negative effects.  And who doesn't want more time to play outside and enjoy long walks surrounded by lush spring greens!