Chapter 7: Food allergies and elimination trials

Food allergies usually show as itching around the ears, face and belly, or as recurring gut upset. The standard approach is an elimination trial: one single protein and one single carbohydrate for eight to twelve weeks, with no treats, flavoured medicines or supplements. Do not switch brands halfway through. When symptoms settle, reintroduce the old ingredient to see whether they return. Cats in Malaysia eating plenty of fish and chicken often react to those very proteins.