Adverse food reactions in the dog

This article summarises the current information regarding adverse food reactions in the dog. Adverse food reactions in the dog are clinically characterised by gastrointestinal and cutaneous clinical signs. The cutaneous signs are identical to those of canine atopic dermatitis caused by environmental allergens and include pruritus of the paws, face, perianal area, ventrum and ears as well as secondary infections with bacteria and yeast. Vomiting, flatulence, diarrhoea and more frequent defecation are possible gastrointestinal signs. The disease is diagnosed in most patients by a thorough anamnesis, exclusion of all differential diagnoses, good communication with the owner and an elimination diet with subsequent rechallenge. The diagnosis of adverse food reaction is confirmed if after six to eight weeks, the clinical signs have improved, rechallenge leads to recurrence within hours to a maximum of two weeks, and feeding the elimination diet improves the dog again. The prognosis is good, if all offending allergens can be avoided. This is typically achieved by feeding special diets throughout the rest of the patient's life.