food allergy hypoallergenic diets

3123 North Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 p. 773.281.7522 f. 773.281.1375 www.itchypetchicago.com

Food Allergiesand

Hypoallergenic Diets


Food Allergy OverviewFood allergies can occur in pets as a reaction to

any component in their food. This most often is a protein component or carbohydrate.

Examples of Proteinso Beefo Chickeno Fisho Eggs

Examples of Carbso Corno Wheato Soy

Interesting fact: Problem onset usually has nothing to do with a diet change. Most animals have been eating the food for 2 or more years before any signs or

symptoms emerge!


Itching

• Signs of Itching Include:• Foot Licking• Leg Chewing• Face Rubbing• Armpit, Belly, and Groin Licking

Inflammation

• Signs of Inflammation Include:• Redness of the Skin• Shaking of Head/ Ear Infections

Common Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergies may also present with more unusual signs and symptoms.


Common Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergies

o Clinical signs associated with food allergy persist as long as the aggravating food item is present in the pet’s diet.

o If this item is part of the pet’s daily diet, the clinical signs will persist year round.

o If the food item is only eaten during certain times of the year, then signs may only persist during that time.


Diagnosing Your Pet’s Food Allergy

o There is no quick or simple way to diagnose a food allergy in your pet.

o Blood tests and skin tests are not useful in diagnosing food allergies.

o Veterinary dermatologists use “diet trials” to diagnose food allergies.


Diet Trial: 101

During your pet’s diet trial, he or she will only be permitted to eat certain limited-ingredient foods that have been prescribed by your veterinary

dermatologist.

This restricted diet will require a commitment from all members of the pet’s household and will last approximately 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your

pet’s response.

Oftentimes, allergies may produce secondary infections of yeast or bacteria. These secondary problems must be treated during the time of the diet trial.

Your veterinary dermatologist will monitor your pet’s progress closely. When appropriate, your veterinary dermatologist will provide instructions for

challenging the results of the diet trial.


Diet Trial: 101

Important Factors to Consider During Your Pet’s Diet Trial:

o Since most commercial diets contain similar types of ingredients, simply changing the brand of food is unlikely to help.

o A diet that contains ONE protein source and ONE carbohydrate source must be fed EXCLUSIVELY for the prescribed trial period.• No other foods allowed! During the trial period, your pet will not be

permitted to have treats, table scraps, rawhides, or flavored chewable medications (such as beef-flavored heartworm preventative tablets).

o Hypoallergenic Diets: Foods that are considered to be hypoallergenic are those that contain protein and carbohydrate sources that have never been eaten by your pet. They are considered to be hypoallergenic because your pet’s body will not have developed an allergy to something it has never encountered.


Diet Trial: 101

Other Important Considerations:

o The veterinary dermatologists of Animal Dermatology Center of Chicago recommend that you also wash your pet’s toys or consider purchasing replacements. Thorough washing and decontamination of your pet’s food and water dishes are also recommended. Food residue may still be present on these items and may compromise the results of the trial.

o Tap water is typically permitted. However, in cases of extreme allergy, distilled water may be deemed necessary.

o If the diet trial is compromised in any way, the 8 to 12 week trial period must be started over again.


Hypoallergenic DietsThe actual ingredients in your pet’s hypoallergenic diet will be determined by

what food ingredients that your pet has already been exposed to.

Your veterinary dermatologist will spend time with you to establish a list of ingredients from your pet’s former diets.

Lamb, rice, and fish are in many commercial diets. Therefore, these ingredient will not likely be used in your pet’s diet trial.

Common Proteins Found in Elimination Diets

• Venison• Rabbit• Duck

Common Carbohydrates Found in Elimination Diets

• Potatoes• Peas


Introducing Your Pet’s New Diet

New diets should be introduced slowly over a 4 to 5 day period by mixing the new diet with the former diet. Gradually, you will mix

more of the new diet and less of the old diet. You will do this until you are no longer using any of the former diet. The first day without any portion of the former diet will be considered the first

day of your pet’s diet trial.


After your prescribed period is complete, your veterinary dermatologist will “challenge” the results of your pet’s diet trial. This challenge period is

required in order to produce DEFINITIVE diagnosis of your pet’s food allergies.

If the final results of this trial produce a diagnosis for your pet, you can move forward with the management of your pet’s allergies. The diet that

has been prescribed for your pet by your veterinary dermatologist must be adhered to for the duration of your pet’s life.

If your pet’s diet trial does not produce results, the doctors of Animal Dermatology Center of Chicago are prepared to continue working with your pet until diagnosis, management, and/or treatment have all been

achieved successfully.


This informative presentation has been brought to you by the doctors and staff of Animal Dermatology Center of Chicago.

For any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s food allergies or any other dermatologic condition, please contact us!

[email protected]

Phone: 773.281.7522Fax: 773.281.1375

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