Evanger's Tips: Introducing Exotic Proteins Into Your Allergy-Prone Pets’ Diets

The more dogs and cats are exposed to certain foods, the more likely they are to develop food allergies to the ingredients in those pet foods. It’s simply a law of averages. While food allergy symptoms vary, the most common are non-seasonal itching, and recurrent ear and skin infections. Extreme food allergies may cause diarrhea, vomiting or excessive gassiness.

Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company offers a variety of pet foods
ideal for allergy prone pets. These pet foods offer exotic meats that
are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

When dogs and cats develop food allergies to more common proteins like beef, dairy and chicken, it’s time to consider switching their diets to foods that include “exotic” or “novel” proteins and carbohydrates they haven’t eaten previously.

An exotic protein source that’s completely new to the pet should reduce the chance of an immune response. Among these exotic proteins in pet foods are venison, bison, elk, goat, pheasant, quail, rabbit, ostrich, kangaroo and wild boar. Since plants also contain protein, your dog or cat food might also include novel carbohydrate sources like peas, potatoes and oats.

Also keep in mind that dog foods and cat foods that are free of grains, gluten, soy and fillers are less likely to cause allergic reactions and inflammatory conditions.

Switching pet food families may also be necessary since a cat or dog who is allergic to chicken may actually be allergic to all fowl. If your pet has eaten dog or cat foods with chicken as the primary protein source, consider switching to a pet food with a mammal protein source rather than another fowl protein source.

And remember that any dog treats or cat treats you feed your pet must also come from that same new protein. Even one allergenic treat can cause a flare-up.

Be sure to read through the entire list of ingredients on the dog food, cat food and pet treat labels, as some manufacturers may name a food referencing a certain protein, but include chicken or beef meal as a second or third ingredient.

This year, Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Company launched a super premium line of cat food featuring exotic meats such as duck, pheasant and quail. While these exotic protein-based meals are ideal for allergy-prone cats, they’re also perfect for finicky cats.

Evanger’s has a variety of dog foods that offer exotic proteins such as Pheasant with Brown Rice dry dog food, and Whitefish with Sweet Potato with Venison dry dog food. Evanger’s allergy friendly canned dog foods include Grain Free Game Meats choices of buffalo, wild salmon, rabbit and pheasant. Evanger’s Nothing But Natural Jerky Treats for dogs provide grain free exotic protein in Buffalo and Pheasant with Fruits & Vegetables options.