Diet for a Food Allergy

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 diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., treatment, and preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. 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 allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. 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), chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. otitis externa (inflammation of the external auditory canal).
• GastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. Symptoms: Vomiting, DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., Flatulence, AbdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain.
• ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. symptoms: Recurring Skin infections, poor coat growth, general malaise.

Diagnosis of food allergies

EliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet
The gold standard for diagnosing a food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. is to perform an eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet. In this diet, the animal is fed exclusively with a food that contains only one proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. 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 eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet, a provocation test is carried out, in which the original food is gradually reintroduced. This helps to identify the specific allergenAn allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitized individuals. These reactions vary in intensity and can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions. by observing whether the symptoms reappear.

Nutritional Management of Food Allergies

Hypoallergenic diets
Hypoallergenic diets are specially formulated feeds that contain either novel proteins or hydrolyzed proteins that have been broken down so much that they are not recognized as an allergenAn allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitized individuals. These reactions vary in intensity and can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions. by the animal’s immune systemThe immune system is the body’s defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body.. These diets are available in various commercial variants and are suitable for both the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. 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 allergenAn allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitized individuals. These reactions vary in intensity and can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions., it should be permanently excluded from the animal’s diet. This requires careful selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. 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 proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. sources can develop a broader tolerance.

Conclusion

Nutrition is a central element in the management of food allergies in dogs and cats. A careful selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. of the diet, coupled with a precise diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. 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