# How to Recognize Food Intolerance in Dogs or Cats

- Published: 2025-08-07
- Updated: 2025-08-29
- URL: https://bellywelly.eu/en-US/a/how-to-recognize-food-intolerance-in-dogs-or-cats-i14

Food intolerance in dogs or cats is an abnormal reaction of the body to consumed food, which is not related to the immune system but rather to digestive issues. It usually manifests as gastrointestinal discomfort and skin problems. How can you recognize food intolerance in your pet? Breeders should observe their animals closely after noticing the following concerning symptoms.

7 August 2025

## How to Recognize Food Intolerance in Dogs or Cats

![](https://bellywelly.eu/files/BW-ARTICLE-IMG/web/Jak%20rozpoznawac%20nietolerancje.jpg)

#### Food intolerance in dogs or cats is an abnormal reaction of the body to consumed food, which is not related to the immune system but rather to digestive issues. It usually manifests as gastrointestinal discomfort and skin problems.

#### How can you recognize food intolerance in your pet? Breeders should begin observing their animals after noticing the following concerning symptoms.

#### Symptoms of Food Intolerance in Dogs:

#### **Skin Problems**

-   #### Persistent itching, especially around the ears, paws, and face
    
-   #### Excessive scratching, licking of paws, rubbing against furniture
    
-   #### Red, inflamed ears with discharge or unpleasant odor
    
-   #### Rashes, hair loss, dull coat
    

#### **Digestive Issues**

-   #### Chronic, often irregular diarrhea
    
-   #### Vomiting
    
-   #### Bloating and gas
    
-   #### Loss of appetite
    

#### **Other Symptoms**

-   #### Anxiety, chewing, scratching, irritability
    
-   #### Weight loss
    
-   #### General malaise: apathy, weakness, restlessness
    

#### Symptoms of Food Intolerance in Cats:

#### Similar to dogs, symptoms may include itching, skin redness, diarrhea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal problems. Cats may also exhibit unusual behaviors such as excessive grooming or scratching, which can lead to skin irritation and infections.

#### Causes of Food Intolerance:

-   #### **Lack of digestive enzymes**: e.g., lactose intolerance
    
-   #### **Sensitivity to food components**: e.g., proteins, food additives
    
-   #### **Digestive system abnormalities**: e.g., intestinal motility disorders
    

#### After noticing these symptoms, breeders should take action by implementing an elimination diet and, in some cases, seeking specialized treatment.

#### What Is an Elimination Diet?

#### An elimination diet for dogs or cats is a specialized feeding method used to identify food allergens or intolerances. It involves removing potential trigger ingredients from the pet’s diet and gradually reintroducing them to determine which ones cause symptoms.

#### This diet should be conducted under the supervision of a veterinarian or animal nutrition specialist. Effectiveness should be assessed through symptom observation and, if necessary, provocation tests (controlled reintroduction of suspected allergens).

#### In some cases, allergy tests may be performed, though results may not be definitive. Treats and other food additives should be avoided during the elimination diet. Complete elimination of allergens is key to the diet’s success.