Does your furry friend appear to be suffering from allergies or intolerances? 

These two aren't fun for anyone, but especially not for your pet who can't tell you what's making him so sick😕. 

But first of all, what are the differences between pet food allergies and intolerances🤔 ? These two can be a bit confusing, so let's dive into it together, and try and understand our pet’s needs a

little better.

What is a food allergy? A food allergy involves a response from your pet's immune system. It occurs though when his body's immune system, which normally fights infections, sees food as an invader. This leads to an allergic reaction: an immune system response in which chemicals like histamine are released into his body. The reaction can cause various symptoms in your four-legged friend, the main ones are: breathing problems, tight throat, hoarseness, coughing, vomiting, abdominal pain, hives, swelling, itchy paws, itchy nose, itchy skin and infected ears.

What is a food intolerance? Unlike allergies, a food intolerance does not involve a response from your pet's immune system. A food intolerance occurs when your pet's body cannot properly digest the food eaten, or that a particular food might irritate the digestive system. Symptoms of food intolerance may include nausea, gas, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, irritability, nervousness, or headaches. 

These symptoms are sometimes confused with those of an allergy, however they are usually milder  than those of a food allergy. 

Let's get practical! if you suspect your pet has a food allergy/intolerance, what to do?

- Submit your furry friend to an allergy test (your vet can help you arrange one and find the most suitable one for him);

- Alternatively, start an elimination diet with your pet, to naturally identify which ingredients cause a reaction. The process basically involves eliminating any potentially problematic ingredients from the diet until the symptoms of the sensitivity disappear, and then reintroducing them one by one to see which cause the problems. It can be time consuming and often frustrating, but when done, right the rewards are can be priceless;

- Follow an hypoallergenic diet for your pet, as this avoids common allergens such as beef or wheat. Good news for your pet😀! Edgard & Cooper has created a specific hypoallergenic range for dog 🐶.

We wish you success in identifying the intolerances/allergies of your pet, and in finding the food that will make him feel his best🤩. Attention to details and consistency will be of great help!