Diagnosis and management of adverse food reactions in dogs and cats

Background: Food allergies are not as common as clients believe, although they are commonly self diagnosed by pet owners. This phenomenon is also seen in human medicine, where self and parenteral diagnoses of food allergies far outnumber actual diagnoses by trained medical professionals. Adverse food reactions (AFRs) in dogs and cats can manifest with a diverse array of clinical signs; therefore, the diagnosis requires a careful and systematic approach, including the exclusion of many other conditions that can mimic AFRs. Aim of the article: This article outlines the approach to diagnosing AFR in cats and dogs and the diet options available for diet trials and management of food allergies and intolerances.