My Pet Has a Food Intolerance—Is It Forever?

Food intolerances in pets are becoming more commonly recognized, leaving many pet owners wondering: Is this a lifelong issue, or can it change over time? Unlike food allergies, which involve an immune response and are typically permanent, food intolerances are often digestive or metabolic issues, meaning they stem from the body’s inability to properly process certain ingredients. Whether or not a pet can outgrow an intolerance depends on several factors, including the cause of the reaction, the pet’s overall health, and the steps taken to support their digestive system.

At Purrs McBarkin’, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate food intolerances in pets. That’s why I offer UCARI Test Kits, an at-home assessment designed to help identify potential food and environmental sensitivities in pets. Before we dive into how these tests can help, let’s break down the science behind food intolerances and whether they can change over time.

Understanding Food Intolerances vs. Food Allergies

Before determining whether a food intolerance can improve, it’s important to differentiate between an intolerance and an allergy.

1. Food Allergies
   • Involve the immune system.
   • Typically trigger itching, ear infections, hives, swelling, or GI distress after eating certain proteins.
   • Often lifelong—if a pet is truly allergic to an ingredient, even a small exposure can trigger a reaction.

1. Food Intolerances
   • Do not involve the immune system.
   • Are often caused by the body’s inability to digest or metabolize a certain ingredient.
   • Symptoms can include diarrhea, gas, bloating, skin issues, or chronic inflammation.
   • May improve over time if the gut is healed and the underlying issue is addressed.

Can Pets Outgrow a Food Intolerance?

The answer varies. Some pets may be able to tolerate certain foods again after a long period of avoidance and gut healing, while others will continue reacting to those ingredients for life.

Factors That Influence Whether a Pet Can Overcome an Intolerance:

1. Gut Health – Many food intolerances stem from gut imbalances, inflammation, or poor digestion. If the gut lining is repaired and the microbiome is restored with proper diet, prebiotics, and probiotics, some intolerances may improve.
2. Ingredient Type – Some intolerances are caused by complex proteins (such as chicken or beef), while others are linked to specific additives, preservatives, or carbohydrates. Some ingredients are easier for the body to reintroduce than others.
3. Length of Exposure & Avoidance – The longer a pet is exposed to an ingredient they can’t tolerate, the more likely they will have a stronger, lasting reaction. Likewise, avoiding a problematic food for 3-6 months or longer may allow some pets to regain tolerance.
4. Underlying Conditions – If a pet has leaky gut syndrome, chronic inflammation, or enzyme deficiencies, food intolerances may persist unless these conditions are addressed.
5. Age & Overall Health – Younger pets with developing digestive systems may sometimes grow out of intolerances, whereas senior pets may be more likely to retain them.

Testing for Food Intolerances with UCARI Test Kits

At Purrs McBarkin’, I offer UCARI Test Kits, an at-home test designed to help pet parents identify potential food and environmental sensitivities. These tests use biofeedback technology to analyze a pet’s response to a wide range of foods, additives, environmental factors, and common allergens.

How Does the UCARI Test Work?

• You simply collect a hair sample from your pet and send it to the lab.
• The test scans for over 1000 potential triggers, including common proteins, grains, additives, and environmental allergens.
• Within a few days, you receive a detailed report outlining which foods and substances may be causing issues for your pet.

While UCARI test kits do not diagnose allergies or medical conditions, they provide valuable insight into what foods may be best to avoid. This can help guide better nutrition choices, especially if you’re struggling to pinpoint what’s causing discomfort in your pet.

Managing Food Intolerances in Pets

Whether your pet’s food intolerances are lifelong or temporary, the key to managing them is identifying triggers and choosing the right diet. Here’s what you can do:

1. Eliminate Problem Ingredients – If an intolerance is identified, avoid feeding that ingredient for at least 3-6 months to allow the gut to heal.
2. Support Gut Health – Adding high-quality probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes can help rebuild a healthy microbiome, which may improve food tolerance over time.
3. Choose Whole, Limited-Ingredient Diets – The fewer unnecessary additives in your pet’s diet, the better. Consider fresh, raw, or high-quality kibble options that avoid known sensitivities.
4. Reintroduce Cautiously – If a pet has been avoiding an ingredient for a long time, reintroduce it slowly and watch for symptoms. Some pets may be able to tolerate certain foods in small amounts again, while others may not.
5. Monitor for Long-Term Changes – Pets’ nutritional needs can evolve over time. It’s always good to reassess their diet every few months to ensure they’re thriving.

Thoughts:

Food intolerances in pets are not always permanent, but whether they improve depends on several factors, including gut health, diet, and avoidance of trigger ingredients. If your pet has been experiencing chronic digestive or skin issues, identifying food sensitivities is an important step in improving their overall well-being.

At Purrs McBarkin’, I carry UCARI Test Kits to help pet parents gain valuable insight into their pet’s unique sensitivities. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s reactions are food-related, this test can provide clarity and help guide better nutrition choices.

If you have questions about food intolerances or need help finding the right diet for your pet, stop by Purrs McBarkin’, and I’d be happy to help!

-Dave