Big or small, winged or hooved, all pets have food preferences and pet peeves. Like humans, they too can have things that work and things that do not for their body. The common myth is that pets can digest anything that humans eat. That’s not the case at all. They can only digest a certain type of food and anything else can cause food allergies and intolerances.

When we talk about pets, we only talk about dogs and cats, but many families and those with young kids prefer smaller pets. They are less aggressive and do not pose any harm to the child. Because of their sizes, they need additional care. Their cages need to be maintained well so that no scope of any infection or disease spreads to humans through them. In the same breath, we also should take care that they are fed the right food to keep them free from food allergies.

Food allergens in birds
Birds too can be allergic to molds, cleaning agents, pollen, and food. They could be allergic to the following.

• Peanuts
• Soy
• Rice
• Wheat
• Corn

Food allergy symptoms in birds
The symptoms that birds exhibit when they have allergies are:

• Itchy and scratchy skin and feathers
• Red swollen eyes
• Itchy cere
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Hyperactivity
• An increased heart rate
• Tremors
• Seizures

Treatment
Your vet may prescribe antihistamine pills or topical sprays to remove any parasites that are causing the allergies. Test the food labels for any possible triggers. Try an elimination for the bird with shorter cycles. Do not change the food for two weeks and see watch reactions.

Food allergies common in hamsters
Hamsters are strong animals but they too can develop food and environmental allergies. Some causes that trigger allergies in hamsters are:

• Frequent change in food
• Slow digestion
• Treats and frequent snacks
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts
• Food additives

Food allergy symptoms in hamster
The most common symptoms of food allergies in Hamsters are as follows.

• Hair loss
• Dry and itchy skin
• Scratching
• Unsettled and irritated tummy
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing and wheezing
• Swollen paws
• Dandruff type of white flakes around the eyes and ears

Treatment
Change the food, if their bedding is clean and they are in a clean environment. Observe the reaction after the change. If you find the symptoms reducing, then continue with the same food. Make the change slowly and you can introduce them to some safe vegetables and fruits. Read the food labels carefully. If there you find a food dye that contains the letter E in the description, avoid that food. If the symptoms continue for more than 48 hours, take them to a vet. They will prescribe mild antihistamines to relieve them of the symptoms. Always complete the course of medicine.

Food allergies in rabbits
Rabbits have a unique and specialized digestive tract. Their diet should consist of hay that will keep them happy. They can be fed hay, grass, an occasional carrot, leafy green vegetables, among others. Frequent changes and combinations in their diet can result in allergies.

Symptoms of allergies

• Red-eye
• The rabbit would rub its face on the ground constantly
• Discharge from nose
• The rabbit would constantly touch its nose with the paws

Treatment
A vet is likely to prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids for reducing symptoms of allergies.