As a pet owner, it's natural to want the best for your pet, especially when it comes to their health. Food allergies can be a confusing and frustrating issue to navigate. An elimination diet trial is the gold standard when it comes to diagnosing food allergies in pets. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you understand how to identify and manage food allergies through an elimination diet.
Can Blood, Saliva, or Hair Tests Diagnose Food Allergies?
While several commercial tests claim to diagnose food allergies in pets, none have been scientifically proven to be effective. The gold standard for diagnosing Cutaneous Adverse Food Reactions (CAFR) is a positive response to an Elimination Diet Trial (EDT), followed by a food challenge to confirm the diagnosis.
Choosing the Best Diet for an Elimination Diet Trial
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to an EDT. The best diet for your pet depends on their dietary history and your preferences. However, there are two broad categories of test diets you could consider:
Novel Protein Diets
These diets contain a protein and carbohydrate source that your pet has never been exposed to before. They can be either commercially prepared or home-cooked.
Hydrolyzed Protein Diets
In these diets, proteins are broken down into smaller peptides, theoretically making them easier to digest and less allergenic.
Pro Tip: Always consult your veterinarian and consider protein cross-reactivity when selecting a diet for an EDT.
Should You Use Over-the-counter Diets?
We strongly advise against this. Over-the-counter diets often contain unlabeled ingredients or contaminants that could interfere with the diet trial's outcomes, making interpretation difficult.
Duration of the Elimination Diet Trial
Gastrointestinal symptoms may improve within 2 weeks, but skin-related signs could take up to 8 weeks to improve.
Can I Feed Fruits and Vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables outside of what is in the chosen EDT diet should generally be avoided. Sticking with the food prescribed in the diet trial is best to ensure accurate results.
Safe Treat Options
Treats can be a part of the EDT diet. You can use dry and canned versions of the selected food as a treat. Ensure that any treats align with the protein and ingredients in the chosen elimination diet.
Managing a Diet Trial in Multi-Pet Homes
Conducting a diet trial in a household with multiple pets can be a logistical challenge. It might require separate feeding locations and careful monitoring. In some cases, it may be easier to feed all pets the same hypoallergenic diet for the trial duration.
What About Flavoured Oral Medications?
If your pet is already on oral medications or supplements, consult your veterinarian for alternative options that won't interfere with the trial. Some flavored-coated medications can stimulate an allergic response.
The Final Verdict: Does My Pet Have a Food Allergy?
If your pet shows significant improvement during the diet trial, the next step is a food challenge to confirm a CAFR diagnosis. Now you need to add one protein source back into the mix. We recommend a small amount of that protein every day for 1-2 weeks and observe the response. If you add too much at once, it can be difficult to interpret.
If however, your pet does not show any improvement, other variables such as medication, food contaminants, or poor compliance might be the reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Pet Feels Better After the Food Trial. Does This Mean They Have a Food Allergy?
If your pet seems better after switching foods, that's a good sign but not a guarantee that food allergies are the culprit. Other factors, like seasonal changes, or new medications could also play a role in their improvement. The surefire way to know if it's a food allergy is to reintroduce the old food and see if the problems come back. This is known as a 'food challenge,' and it should be done under your vet's guidance.
Do I Have to Keep My Pet on the Special Diet Forever?
Many pet owners worry that their pets will be stuck eating bland, special food forever. That's not necessarily the case. Some pets can gradually go back to eating regular food or different kinds of protein without issue. Always work closely with your vet to reintroduce foods and monitor for any signs of allergies coming back. But if your pet has a severe reaction during the food challenge, it might be safer to stick with the special diet long-term.
My Pet Isn't Better After the Food Trial. Does This Mean They Don't Have a Food Allergy?
If your pet isn't showing improvement, it doesn't automatically mean they don't have a food allergy. They could have other skin issues or allergies that are masking the food-related symptoms. Sometimes, it takes a little detective work involving additional tests and maybe even skin or blood tests to get to the bottom of what's causing your pet's discomfort.
Understanding and managing food allergies in pets can be a complex process. An elimination diet trial is the most reliable method for diagnosing food allergies in dogs and cats. Your commitment as a pet owner plays a vital role in the success of this process. Remember, each pet is unique, so consult your veterinarian to tailor the best approach for your beloved companion.
For more information or specific queries, don't hesitate to contact your trusted veterinary professional. We're here to help you and your pet navigate the journey towards better health.