Food allergies in dogs and cats: the invisible challenge that good food can solve.

In recent years, the food allergies in dogs and cats have gained attention in both veterinary clinics and formulation laboratories. What was once a little-considered diagnosis is now a key factor in designing functional and specialized pet food formulations. And it's no coincidence: Demand for hypoallergenic, natural, and scientifically backed products is booming.

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What are food allergies and why do they matter?

A food allergy It is an abnormal immune response to dietary components, especially proteins. In dogs, studies indicate that Up to 30% of atopic dermatitis cases are diet-related . In cats, although less prevalent, it manifests with symptoms such as vomiting, chronic diarrhea, and skin lesions difficult to control.

Ingredients most commonly associated with allergies include:

• Dogs : beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy.
• Cats : fish, chicken, dairy.

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How does a hypoallergenic diet work?

A hypoallergenic diet It seeks to prevent the immune system from coming into contact with problematic antigens. This is achieved through two approaches:

• Differentiated proteins : that the animal has never consumed (e.g. salmon, rabbit, duck).
• Hydrolyzed proteins : fragmented into small bioactive peptides, less likely to activate the immune response.

It is also essential to incorporate well-tolerated carbohydrates (such as potato, white rice or tapioca) and avoid synthetic additives such as artificial colors and flavors, which can act as additional irritants.

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Recommended ingredients for a reliable and effective hypoallergenic formula:

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Diagnosis and clinical management: the role of nutrition

He food allergy diagnosis It is based on a strict elimination diet of 8 to 12 weeks , where a food with previously unused protein and carbohydrate sources is offered. If symptoms disappear and reappear upon reintroduction of the previous diet, the allergy is confirmed.

During treatment:

• Treats, supplements, or snacks not included in the diet should not be offered.
• The formulation must be standardized and free of cross-contaminants.

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But why is this important for the brand formulator and the pet owner?

For the formulator:

• Differentiate yourself with quality and traceable functional ingredients .
• Meet the growing demand for “clean label” products, free of common allergens.
• Offer solutions backed by scientific evidence and proven functionality .

For the pet owner:

• Prevent the suffering of your companion or pet.
• Avoid multiple visits to the vet (high medical costs $).
• Increase trust in brands that offer real and effective solutions .

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MCE Global's vision

In At MCE Global , we drive the development of pet food with a technical and responsible approach. That's why we select premium ingredients such as:

• Refined salmon oil
• Fish protein meals or novel foods
• Functional fibers

We want to help both manufacturers and tutors to manufacture products with high nutritional value, which are safe and commercially attractive .

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Tips for pet food formulators:

1. Prioritize low allergenic risk proteins: Use fresh or hydrolyzed sources, such as salmon, duck, or rabbit. Avoid beef, chicken, and soy if you're following a hypoallergenic diet.
2. Avoid cross-contamination: Ensure clean and exclusive production lines for these formulations. Even the slightest trace of allergens can compromise the animal's health and the credibility of your brand.
3. Select functional ingredients: It incorporates oils rich in omega-3 (such as salmon oil), prebiotic fibers, and natural antioxidants to enhance the immunological and digestive benefits.
4. Declare with transparency: Consumers value honesty: it clearly specifies the ingredients on the label, highlights the absence of common allergens, and explains the functional role of the components.
5. Accompanied with technical support: Include technical data sheets, clinical studies, or scientific literature that supports the benefits of your ingredients. This increases the confidence of both professional and end buyers.

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Tips for pet owners with suspected food allergies

1. Observe the most common signs: Persistent itching, scratching, hair loss, frequent vomiting, or diarrhea may be signs of a food allergy. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
2. Do an elimination diet: Feed your pet only a hypoallergenic diet recommended by your veterinarian . Do not include snacks or treats outside of that plan.
3. Choose products with simple and functional ingredients: prefer foods that use easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates and without artificial additives. Ingredients such as salmon, rice, or potatoes are usually better tolerated.
4. Trust transparent and technical brands: Check if the food includes technical sheets, complete nutritional information, and professional support. Reputable brands invest in research and quality.
5. Monitor changes and communicate with your veterinarian: Keep a record of your pet's symptoms and evaluate improvements throughout treatment. This will help confirm whether it is indeed a food allergy.

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Table: Ingredients with high risk of food allergies in dogs and cats

Grades:

• High risk : frequently reported in veterinary literature as a major trigger of allergic reactions.
• Moderate risk : depends on the individual animal's history and frequency of exposure.
• Low risk : low number of clinical reports, although it may cause sensitivity in some cases.

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Scientific sources consulted:

1. Olivry, T. et al. (2017). ESVD-ECVDH guidelines for diagnosing food allergies in dogs and cats . BMC Veterinary Research.
2. Verlinden, A. et al. (2006). Food Allergy in Dogs and Cats: A Review . Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
3. Mueller, RS et al. (2016). Diagnosis and management of food adverse reactions in dogs and cats . Veterinary Dermatology.
4. Cave, NJ (2006). Hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs and cats . Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice.

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Do you want to create an innovative and reliable formula? Are you interested in continuing the conversation?

Food allergies in pets are a growing challenge, and hypoallergenic formulas play a key role in their management. We'd love to hear your perspective:

1. What ingredients have you used successfully in your hypoallergenic formulations?
2. What challenges have you faced as a tutor or professional in identifying food allergies?
3. Do you have technical questions about using proteins, functional oils, or probiotics?

📩 Write to us fromero@mceglobal.cl or visit www.mceglobal.cl

📥 Download technical sheets, learn about formats tailored to your needs, and receive personalized support.

At MCE Global, we believe that the best nutrition starts with choosing the best ingredients.