Demand for Allergy-proof Pet Food

According to a 2018 survey by Banfield, pet food allergies are far less common than flea and environmental allergies. However, as pet owners become more concerned about the health, wellness and nutrition of their beloved pets, many are seeking out limited-ingredient, no-ingredient or clean-label foods that they believe can help with their perceived food allergies and sensitivities.

“Common food allergens actually depend on the amount of common ingredients in the food; in other words, the more often a pet eats a specific food, the more likely they are to develop an allergy to that food.”

Many limited-ingredient, minimally processed and “hypoallergenic” diets have become available that can meet the needs of pets with food sensitivities without compromising nutritional quality. However, it is important to note that the term “hypoallergenic” on pet food labels is highly subjective, as each pet has a different allergic reaction to different food ingredients.

Therefore, the development of food allergy-proof pet foods and snacks requires not only the inclusion of specific ingredients but also the complete exclusion of other ingredients.

Choosing the Right Protein

Since proteins are often the culprit for food allergies in pets, adding novel proteins (sources of protein that the dog or cat has never eaten before) is a common way to formulate such diets.

Novel proteins range from more traditional sources such as lamb or duck to exotic meats such as kangaroo or insect proteins, and whether or not a protein is novel to a particular pet depends on their dietary history and previous exposure to that particular ingredient.

For example, if a pet hasn't eaten fish before, a marine diet that is naturally rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, both of which are known for reducing inflammation and supporting skin and coat health, digestion, and the immune system, may be a good option. Not only does this provide pets with a new source of protein to alleviate food allergies and sensitivities, but it can also address some of the negative symptoms of food allergies.

As protein sources for pets continue to evolve, new innovations are providing processors with more alternative options. Early studies have shown that insect proteins are a hypoallergenic protein source for dogs and cats, and hydrolyzed proteins have emerged as another promising solution to address food sensitivities.

Of course, emerging forms of pet food, such as fresh and minimally processed foods, are also helping to reduce common food allergic reactions in pets.

Feeding fresh food reduces the relative 'reactivity' of proteins. In other words, highly processed foods are more likely to cause allergies. Additionally, allowing pets to rotate different diets over time, rather than keeping them on the same food for years, can reduce the development of allergies.

Limited Ingredients are Limited

Developing a diet for your dog or cat is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle - you need all the pieces to fit together perfectly to get the complete picture, or in this case, a complete and balanced diet. Today, however, “complete and balanced” has become the benchmark as consumers increasingly seek functional options that address the health concerns and nutritional uniqueness of their furry companions.

This makes the formulation challenge even more complex. Product developers must not only find the right balance between nutrition and process but also consider the specific state of need, consumer preferences and the availability of existing ingredients.

The rise of clean-label nutrition has led to a surge in sales of limited-ingredient pet foods in hopes of improving the legibility and selectivity of ingredient labeling. However, formulating foods with limited ingredients is challenging, and formulating foods with high-end formulas tends to introduce additional complexity.

Cost is another barrier to formulating clean-label, limited-ingredient or allergy-proof diets for pets. Rising inflation has pushed up the price of proteins and other core pet food ingredients, and those seeking new sources or producing higher-quality forms of pet food may face a higher price tag.

Carefully formulated, minimally processed pet foods will be more expensive to produce, so the cost to the consumer will increase. This is an issue that all pet food companies must face.

When formulating fresh or minimally processed diets, manufacturers must understand the food safety nuances of these emerging categories and how to prevent bacterial contamination and pathogens. Controlling cross-contamination is also critical when formulating conventional diets and allergen-free or limited-ingredient diets in the same facility.

Solutions for Sensitive Pets

Fortunately for sensitive pets, industry innovators are working to meet the need for food allergy and sensitivity-friendly nutrition. Many of these solutions utilize single-source or novel protein, limited-ingredient approaches.

For example, Natural Balance is known for its limited-ingredient pet food formulations. Its limited-ingredient portfolio includes wet and dry diets for dogs and cats that contain a single source of animal protein, as well as limited-carbohydrate formulas that offer both grain-free or grain-containing options. Vegetarian formulas without added animal protein sources are also available.

At Purina, the company's HA Hydrolyzed formula fits the bill. According to Lobos, these diets are specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of adverse food reactions in dogs by utilizing hydrolyzed protein sources and antioxidants.

Nulo prioritizes protein content when formulating limited-ingredient recipes. The company's Limited+ line of recipes contains up to 76 percent single-source animal protein and is completely free of chicken, eggs, beef, corn, wheat and soy. These diets also provide probiotics to enhance the gut microbiome, as well as a fiber blend to improve stool quality.

All in all, pets have different nutritional needs, and pet owners are encouraged to consult with a veterinary professional before making drastic dietary changes.

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