Here are the top 6 food allergies in cats and dogs Food allergies are exceedingly common among cats and dogs. However, more often than not, the symptoms of a food allergy can go unnoticed by the pet’s parents. If you notice your pet is scratching incessantly or is frequently suffering from problems related to the digestive system, there is a high likelihood that your feline or canine companion is experiencing food allergy. This type of allergy occurs when the immune system of the cat or dog reacts negatively to a particular ingredient in the food. Pet parents should always be on the lookout for food allergy signs and symptoms. In case of a suspicion of a food allergy, a visit to the vet is highly recommended. The vet will then conduct a series of tests including physical examination and blood work. Once done, the vet will conduct an elimination diet trial to determine the food allergen responsible for the troubling symptoms. The elimination diet trial may last for weeks to determine the food allergen that is causing the reactions in the immune system and leading to the development of food allergy. Once the source of the food allergy has been diagnosed, you may have to make required modifications in your pet’s diet and buy cat or dog food that does not have the food allergen. Symptoms of food allergies in cats and dogs You should seek expert advice as soon as you notice the listed symptoms in your pet. Gastrointestinal signs like flatulence, vomiting, or diarrhea Dermatological signs like hair loss and skin redness, itchiness, inflammation, and rashes Chronic ear or foot problems Weight loss Respiratory system issues like coughing, wheezing, sneezing Behavioral problems like scratching and biting fur, restlessness, and frequent shaking Here’s a list of the most commonly reported food allergies in cats and dogs that can cause the aforementioned signs and symptoms in your pet.

A flea infestation can be extremely frustrating. Fleas are difficult to get rid of and their bites can cause allergies. Additionally, using chemicals to get rid of fleas may cause problems for humans and pets. As a result, most switch to natural remedies, as they are safe and effective. Herbal spray Pest control services use chemical sprays to kill fleas that can be risky for humans and pets. You can instead prepare a herbal spray that is safe and effective. Some lemon juice can be boiled to create a spray solution. Moreover, witch hazel can be added to the spray to increase its effectiveness. This spray should be used all over your home since fleas can hide in corners, especially in your pet’s bedding. This spray smells nice and doesn’t have any side effects. Citronella oil Citronella oil can be mixed with tea tree and lemongrass oil to create a solution. Citronella is known to destroy fleas. This solution can be used to clean the entire house with the help of a mop. If this is done frequently, it can help get rid of fleas completely. Diatomaceous earth Diatoms are a type of algae. The microscopic remains of the algae are called diatomaceous earth. While one is a commercial-grade alga, the other food grade. If you want to use it at home to get rid of fleas, you should use the food-grade one to avoid side effects. The powder should be sprinkled in all areas where fleas could be hiding. The powder kills fleas and their eggs as well. Dish soap In a plate, add dish soap and place a candle in the center. Leave this in the room that is infested with fleas. The fleas would get attracted to the candle and fall into the soapy solution and die.

Our pets can mean the world to us. With cats being among them and one of the most adored creatures, these furry loved ones deserve great care on our behalf. When it comes to choosing the right foods and healthy diet options for cats, it is essential to choose one that comprises an adequate amount of nutrition with the right protein and healthy fat levels. However, choosing the right one considering the plethora of options available in the market can be a daunting task. In the following, some of the popular food treats for cats and also some healthy diet options have been listed to help you make an informed choice. The price of the product does not always determine the quality of the food. Always read through the ingredients and make sure it meets all essential nutritional values for your pets. Look for high-grade animal and edible proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and carbohydrates which would all make a portion of wholesome food with natural ingredients. Some of the popular food treats with these benefits include the following: Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Canned Food This product is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that can help in developing and strengthening muscles. It is a wet food with a grain-free chicken recipe. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food It is a dry variety of grain-free cat food that is made of real meat with digestible resources such as fruits and vegetables that help in easy digestion. Weruva Your cat will love this tasty wet food which is made of natural animal proteins with no added preservatives or artificial coloring. Purina Beyond® Indoor Grain-Free Food A tasty meal for your cat prepared from fresh salmon and chicken is a thickened source of protein and other essential supplements. If packaged food might seem to be expensive at times, cat owners can resort to delicious cat food recipes that they can make from the items available in their pantry.

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ®  Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste. Created by Castor & Pollux, Natural Ultramix® is premium adult dog food (dry variant) completely free of corn, soy, and wheat. Made with chicken and farm-grown vegetables, along with other poultry and fish-based protein sources, the food mix also boasts essential nutrients for healthy growth. The formula helps maintain a shiny thick coat and supplements healthy bone and teeth growth. Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Buffalo Co. ensures a healthy and holistic approach to manufacturing pet food using natural ingredients with just the right balance of organic supplements. The formula excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives, wheat, soy, and corn.

Aspects to consider while selecting the best dog food Before grabbing any bag of kibble that you came across online, it’s important that understand your pet’s food requirements. Your dog’s health and development are directly proportional to the quality of nutrients in the food they intake. Dry or wet? High-fiber or protein-rich? Meat-based or vegetarian? Raw or cooked? Packaged or fresh? All of these questions will be answered herein. Think about your dog Selecting the best food for your dog can be confusing, challenging, and costly. While all dogs have similar basic needs, not every one of them can be met with the same type of food. Canines have individual needs based on their health, age, and breed. Of course, bigger breeds have different nutritional needs compared to those of smaller ones. Not to mention the dogs and puppies with special dietary needs. Also, your dog’s lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the selection process. For instance, a hyperactive husky will have different nutritional needs than a nursing one or from a chihuahua that mostly lazes it out on the couch. The number of meals and treats, similarly, would also depend on their weight and allergies. There is a chance that you might end up with prescription dog food if your pet has allergies.  Check the ingredients You must remember to check out the ingredient list for the products it contains. While the list does not specify the amount or quality of ingredients used, it comes handy when your dog has special dietary needs. It is also very useful for owners who want to feed their pets with the best dog food and are specific regarding the sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores, but their diet does consist mainly of meat. The mixture of grains, vegetables, meat, and other food sources might not seem appealing to us but dry kibble and wet canned food are nutrient-rich and meet the requirements.

One of the biggest concerns that trouble pet owners during summers are the flea and tick problem. While there are many over-the-counter and prescription products that help manage the infestation, it is always better to first explore homemade remedies made with ingredients found in the kitchen. Here are some common preventive measures that include homemade sprays, topical remedies, and even general hygiene that can help keep such infestations at bay. Vinegar spray Vinegar is one of the more effective ingredients among other natural remedies for dog flea and tick control prevention. Fleas and ticks cannot survive the pH levels of apple cider vinegar and are eliminated upon contact. Use the diluted homemade spray once or twice a month to prevent infestations. You can also prepare a cider-based vinegar shampoo by mixing some soap into the solution. Give lather baths twice or thrice a month to control flea and tick infestation. Lemon wash and baths Citrus fruits work as a potent repellent to counter flea and tick infestations. And lemon juice is one of the common suggestions for a topical spray. You can cut some lemons and keep them immersed in boiling water overnight. Strain the liquid the next day and use a simple spray applicator to spread the solution evenly over your pet’s coat. Cover the area under the fur, behind the ears, around the legs, and most importantly, all over the tail. If you prefer a lotion, simply mix some salt and dilute the lemons in boiling water. Apply this homemade lotion after shampooing and conditioning, and make sure you coat the fur properly. Essential oils Lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, cedar, citronella, and eucalyptus essential oils are excellent herbal flea and tick repellents. Once you are sure that your pet is not allergic to any of these oils, you can prepare a strong shampoo or topical spray to counter the infestation.