Small Animal Dermatology, 3rd edition

CHAPTER 18 CUTANEOUS ADVERSE FOOD REACTIONS 289

 Novel food elimination diets:
Diet must be restricted to one protein and one carbohydrate to which the animal

has had limited or no previous exposure

Frequently used components of a novel diet include kangaroo, lamb, white-

fish, rabbit, venison, ostrich, vegetarian, oats, quinoa, rutabaga, yams, and pinto

beans

Avoid using ground meats; they may be contaminated with other meat types

Over-the-counter diets are not sufficiently restrictive for the diagnosis of CAFR

Over-the-counter diets may be unintentionally contaminated by diet ingredients

from other formulations manufactured at the same location (similar in concept

to individuals sensitive to nut allergy)

Tofu is a potential soybean allergen

For home-cooked diets: canine: 1 part protein and 2 parts carbohydrate; feline:

1 part protein and 1 part carbohydrate.

 Hydrolyzed food elimination diets: ingredients processed to a molecular weight that

is considered too small to be allergenic or to induce a reaction.

 Hydrolyzed food elimination diets should be considered in patients for which a diet

history is unknown and/or those with concurrent gastrointestinal symptoms.

 Diet trials must be continued for up to 10 weeks to note improvement of clinical signs

(8 weeks=common length of trial); noticeable improvement typically seen by the

fourth week of the trial.

Diet Trial Tips

 No other foods or treats (including rawhide) are allowed during a diet trial; advise all

family members and friends that pet is on a diet trial.

 Advise the owner to feed all household pets the same diet or feed them separately.

 Keep pets out of the family dining room during meals to avoid picking up dropped

food.

 If pills are prescribed, only administer them in the specific diet.

 Flavored products, such as those found in medications, pill pockets, toothpaste, and

certain plastic toys must be avoided during a diet trial.

 If the pet is in the habit of eating dropped food or garbage when exercised outside,

keep him/her on a leash.

 Cats must not be allowed to roam free and scavenge mice, birds, etc.

 Avoid medications known to have antiinflammatory effects during the last phase of

the trial; might alter the results of the diet trial.

Challenge and Provocation Diet Trials

 Used if the patient improves on the elimination diet.

 Challenge:
Feed the patient with the original diet
Return of the signs confirms that an ingredient in the diet is producing a reaction
Challenge period should last until the signs return but no longer than 10 days.