Did you know that many pets suffer from allergies without their families knowing for months… or even years? They may seem like minor annoyances: occasional itching, constant licking, or sporadic diarrhoea. But there may be something much more serious behind it: a reaction from the immune or digestive system to a food that it does not tolerate well. Today we are going to help you recognise a food allergy or intolerance in dogs and cats early on.
Difference between allergy and intolerance: they are not the same thing
| Feature | Food allergy | Food intolerance |
| The immune system intervenes | Yes | No |
| Digestive symptoms | Sometimes | Very frequent |
| Itching and redness of the skin | Yes | Rare |
| Reaction | More intense | More progressive |
| Risk of seriousness | Major (rapid reaction) | Minor but annoying |
Most common symptoms (and how to interpret them)
The key is to observe repeated habits, not an isolated symptom. The most common ones are:
Skin problems
- Constant itching (especially on the face, legs, armpits or groin).
- Constant licking or biting of specific areas.
- Reddened or flaky skin.
- Localised hair loss.
Digestive problems
- Soft or chronic diarrhoea.
- Frequent or foul-smelling flatulence.
- Vomiting after eating (even if sporadic).
- Stools containing mucus or too frequent.
Other symptoms to watch
- Body odour.
- Recurrent ear infections (itchy ears, head shaking).
- Changes in appetite or sudden refusal to eat.
If at least two of these symptoms recur several times a week for more than a month, it is time to take action.
Are they more common than we think?
Yes. Up to 20% of veterinary dermatology consultations are due to food allergies. And many intolerances go unnoticed because the symptoms are not ‘severe’, but simply annoying and daily.
Main foods that cause reactions
| Ingredient | Common reason |
| Processed industrial chicken | Heavily used, low quality in some brands |
| Dairy products | Poor lactose digestion in adults |
| Wheat, maize or soya | Common in highly processed foods |
| Beef | Regular and repetitive protein |
| Artificial additives | Preservatives, flavourings, colourings |
How to confirm whether your pet has an intolerance or allergy
1. Mindful observation
For 2-4 weeks, note down:
- Feeding schedule and treats.
- Visible symptoms.
- Areas of the body where scratching occurs.
2. Veterinary visit
We recommend attending for:
- Rule out parasites (mites, fleas).
- Food sensitivity analysis or testing.
- Professional monitoring if there is intestinal inflammation or dermatitis.
3. Elimination diet
The most reliable method according to veterinarians:
- Choose a new or highly digestible protein (e.g. lamb, duck, pork, salmon, insects).
- Use a SIMPLE recipe, without mixtures or irritating grains.
- Strictly adhere to it for 6-8 weeks.
- Record progress.
And what do we do in the meantime?
Never abruptly withdraw food. However, you can start improving their diet right away by following these recommendations:
- Choose highly digestible proteins.
- Avoid recipes with by-products or overly long ingredient lists.
- Look for hypoallergenic or grain-free recipes with functional ingredients.
- Completely eliminate supermarket treats during the trial period.
- Check that it contains prebiotics and natural anti-inflammatory nutrients.
How can Summit 10 help you?
Our recipes are formulated precisely for these types of cases:
- Unique, highly digestible proteins (lamb, duck, salmon, pork, insects).
- No by-products, no colourings, no unnecessary fillers.
- We include sweet potato, a hypoallergenic carbohydrate that aids digestion.
- I work according to the Synercare approach: we take care of the immune system, skin, digestion and energy in a comprehensive manner.
A dog or cat with allergies improves much more quickly when their diet works with their body, not against it.
Signs of improvement that indicate you are on the right track
| Week | What should you notice? |
| 1-2 | Improved digestion (firmer stools, less gas) |
| 3-4 | Less scratching and licking |
| 5-6 | Shinier hair, no irritated areas |
| 7-8 | More stable energy, better overall condition |
Frequently asked questions
Can an allergy appear suddenly, even if you have been eating the same thing for years?
Yes. Repeated exposure to the same protein can trigger a reaction over time.
How long does it take for an allergy to improve?
Between 4 and 8 weeks if an elimination diet is followed correctly and there is no contamination.
How can you tell the difference between an allergy and a food intolerance?
Allergies involve a reaction of the immune system and usually cause itching, redness or ear infections. Food intolerance in dogs and cats mainly affects the digestive system, causing diarrhoea or gas without skin symptoms.
Conclusion
Detecting a food allergy or intolerance in dogs and cats is not always immediate, but the symptoms are there: constant itching, recurrent diarrhoea, bad odour, ear infections or excessive licking are not ‘normal’. Diet is the key. Switching to a clean, limited-ingredient, highly digestible recipe is the first step to improving their well-being.
If you suspect that your dog or cat is suffering from any of these symptoms, now is the best time to take action. And accompany them with a diet that truly cares for them, every day.
