Many allergies in dogs and cats are directly related to food. This may be solved by changing the pet’s diet

Pets may suffer from many different allergies. Food allergies represent around 10% of all allergies observed in dogs and cats, and they are quite common.

An “allergen” is an antigen that is capable of triggering and binding to specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.  The terms “allergies” and “hypersensitivity” describe an immunological reaction to food allergens and require previous exposure to such allergens to cause symptoms.

Food allergies in dogs and cats are mainly caused by a hypersensitivity to certain food proteins, which are identified as allergenic substances. They may affect both male and female, as well as intact and neutered animals. They may occur in very young animals (5 months old) and animals older than 12 years old.

Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerances

There is a difference that must be considered when addressing food allergies and food intolerances. Food allergies are real allergies, with characteristic symptoms of itching and skin problems.

Food intolerances, however, may result in diarrhea or vomit and do not create a typical allergic response. Food intolerance does not involve the immune system and may occur in the first exposure to a particular food.

Fortunately, both intolerances and allergies may be eliminated with a trigger-free diet.

Any food protein ingested throughout time may cause food allergies or sensitivity.  Allergies may be inherited, and some animals are genetically predisposed to trigger an allergic process to certain proteins throughout life.

Why proteins cause allergies in dogs and cats?

Antibodies are produced by the immune system whenever a foreign body (allergen) is detected.  Allergens are usually large proteins, and the larger they are, the higher is the allergic response.

Meat, dairy, wheat, and chicken are the major culprits of food allergies in dogs, and the development of food allergies usually occurs after a long time of consuming a particular protein.

What kind of protein must be in the feed?

Lysate proteins, i.e., short-chain peptides. When an intact protein is broken down into small molecules, the immune system is no longer able to recognize it as an allergen, thus eliminating the possibility of an adverse reaction to feed.

Why are low-molecular-weight peptides so important?

The higher the proportion of low-molecular-weight (LMW) peptides, the smaller the risk of food being recognized as an antigen, thus making the food source safer.

Ingredients in which most peptides have a molecular weight lower than 900 Daltons may be considered as a suitable protein source for hypoallergenic diets for dogs and cats.

Why use Lyscell®?

Lyscell® is a lysate yeast with high concentration of low molecular weight and highly palatable peptides; therefore, it is considered an ideal hypoallergenic micro ingredient (MHI). 

Lyscell® yeast undergoes a process that removes all existing allergens, preventing immunological recognition in animals already sensitized to intact protein.

Lysate proteins have been used as sources of amino acids in mother’s milk replacer formulas for over 50 years, mainly to control allergies to cow’s milk in babies.

Benefits of LysCell®

• High digestibility
• Short-chain peptides
• Source of free amino acids
• Hypoallergenic micro ingredient
• Suitable for all animal species
• Higher palatability compared to similar products
• Lysate protein with high concentration of low molecular weight peptides