A classic post that takes us back to the knowledge foundation.
Confusing food allergies with food sensitivities (or intolerances) is a common mistake, not only among companion pet guardians, but also among veterinary professionals. I often hear experts in the veterinary field refer to food allergies, when in fact they are talking about food sensitivities. This is unfortunate, because as long as the veterinary community continues to confuse these two very different immunological responses, our pets likely will not receive the correct diagnosis and will continue to suffer. So, let me be clear. Food sensitivities and food allergies are definitely not the same thing.
The fact is that true food allergies are actually quite rare. If I had to estimate from personal experience, food sensitivities are at least 10 – 15 times more common than food allergies. So, if poor little Buddy is scratching incessantly or has chronic bowel problems, he’s probably suffering from a food sensitivity, rather than a food allergy.
So, what’s the difference?
Food allergies reflect a more immediate immunological response. A classic example of a food allergy is anaphylactic shock caused by peanuts: as soon as the person or animal comes in contact with the allergen – the peanuts – their airway closes and they cannot breathe. This response is virtually instantaneous. Boom! The antigen (in this case, peanuts) triggers an immediate, and sometimes life-threatening, immunological and physiological reaction. Rashes, hives and swollen eyes are examples of less severe – but also serious – allergic responses. These are all called Type I hypersensitivity reactions. In the blood, they show up as antibodies to immunoglobulins E (IgE) and G (IgG) working together with immune complexes.
Food sensitivity (or intolerance), on the other hand, is typically a chronic condition and often does not involve an immunological response. It generally builds up over time – perhaps even after months or years of exposure to the offending food. Food sensitivity is caused by Types II and III hypersensitivity reactions. They show up in saliva or feces as antibodies to immunoglobulins A (IgA) and M (IgM). By detecting IgA and IgM antibodies, food sensitivity testing is able to clearly identify the specific food(s) causing the sensitivity or intolerance. It can also differentiate between food sensitivity and food allergy.
Although they are generally not life-threatening, food sensitivities can affect many different aspects of the dog’s or cat’s physical well-being. Common signs of food sensitivity include:
- Gastrointestinal tract issues similar to Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD)
- Chronic scratching itchy skin
- Chronic burping and gas rumblings (borborigmi)
- Chronic skin, ear and foot infections, especially with yeast
The first step in providing the proper relief to pets with food sensitivities is to accurately identify the offending ingredient(s) with NutriScan Food Sensitivity & Intolerance Test for Dogs and Cats. With the proper information, you can begin feeding your pet a diet that agrees with his body, and he can get back to doing what he does best – being a pet.
Originally posted: June 26, 2012
Updated: May 6, 2024