Elimination diets and adverse food reactions

Article by Associate Professor Dr Amanda Burrows

BSc BVMS MANZCVS FANZCVS

Associate Professor in Small Animal Medicine (Dermatology)

Cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR) are well recognised as a cause of skin and ear disease affecting dogs and cats. Food allergens are usually proteins, although carbohydrates are allergenic in some cases. The offending protein is usually present in a basic food ingredient. In dogs, foods most commonly associated with CAFR include beef, dairy and chicken. In cats, the foods most commonly associated with CAFR are chicken, dairy and fish.

CAFR are usually non-seasonal and often occur suddenly after months or years of consuming the diet containing the inciting foodstuff.  The most common clinical sign is a non-seasonal pruritus.

Gastrointestinal tract symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, borborygmi and an increase in faecal mucous, faecal blood, tenesmus, and frequency of defecation occur in some dogs with cutaneous clinical signs of CAFR. Gastrointestinal problems may not be reported by owners during a dermatology consultation and are often accepted as unrelated problems.

The gold standard to achieve a diagnosis of canine and feline CAFR is based on feeding an elimination diet and documenting the resolution of clinical signs followed by a demonstrated relapse of clinical signs after the introduction of the previously fed foods (provocative challenge). Diagnosis is confirmed after resolution of clinical signs when fed the elimination diet again.

A thorough and extensive review of the pet’s dietary history is critical including the conventional diet, other dog or cat foods in multiple animal households, pet treats, dietary supplements and chewable or flavoured heartworm preventative medications.

The Prime100 foods offer a reliable and palatable alternative for elimination diet trials in dogs. A diagnosis of AFR is confirmed by demonstrating that the clinical signs recur when previously fed foodstuffs are re-introduced. This is achieved by feeding a test meal of the dog or cat’s previous diet including treats for 10 to 14 days. Once a documented reaction is noted the animal should be placed back on the elimination test diet.

Find out more about Prime100 diets by heading to www.prime100.com.au or by contacting info@prime100.com.au