Nutrition for Food Allergies

Food allergies are a common cause of health problems in dogs and cats. These allergies can lead to a variety of symptoms that significantly affect the well-being and quality of life of the animals. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of food allergies. This article provides a detailed overview of current approaches in nutritional medicine for the treatment of food allergies.

Common Allergens

The most common triggers of food allergies in dogs and cats are:

• Proteins from beef
• Poultry proteins (especially chicken)
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soy

Symptoms of food allergies

The symptoms of a food allergy can be very diverse and affect both the skin and the digestive tract. The most common signs include:

• Dermatological reactions: Itching, redness, alopecia (Hair loss), chronic otitis externa (inflammation of the external auditory canal).
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Flatulence, Abdominal pain.
• Chronic symptoms: Recurring Skin infections, poor coat growth, general malaise.

Diagnosis of Food Allergies

Elimination diet
The gold standard for diagnosing a food allergy is to perform an elimination diet. In this diet, the animal is fed exclusively with a food that contains only one protein and one carbohydrate source that the animal has not received before. This diet is carried out over a period of 6 to 8 weeks to determine whether the symptoms subside.

Provocation test
After a successful elimination diet, a provocation test is carried out, in which the original feed is gradually reintroduced. This helps to identify the specific allergen by observing whether the symptoms reappear.

Nutritional Management of Food Allergies

Hypoallergenic diets
Hypoallergenic diets are specially formulated feeds that either contain novel proteins or hydrolyzed proteins that have been broken down so much that they are not recognized as allergens by the animal’s immune system. These diets are available in various commercial variants and are suitable for both the diagnosis and long-term nutrition of animals with food allergies.

Homemade diets
In certain cases, a homemade diet may also be considered. However, these diets should only be carried out under veterinary supervision and after careful planning to ensure that all necessary nutrients are contained in the correct amount and balance.

Long-term nutritional strategies
After identifying the triggering allergen, it should be permanently excluded from the animal’s diet. This requires careful selection of feed and snack products to avoid relapses. Continuous monitoring of the animal is necessary to ensure that no new allergies develop.

Preventive Measures

A varied diet in the early stages of life can help reduce the risk of developing food allergies. The introduction of different protein sources can develop a broader tolerance.

Conclusion

Nutrition is a central element in the management of food allergies in dogs and cats. A careful selection of the diet, coupled with a precise diagnosis and continuous monitoring, can effectively control the symptoms and significantly improve the well-being of the animal. Veterinarians and pet owners should work closely together to ensure that the nutritional needs of animals with food allergies are optimally met.

Source

Kölle P. Nutrition for food allergies. Handson 2024; 6: 36-42