How to do a food elimination trial

What are the key nutritional aspects required to prevent a food allergy occurring?

Although food allergies cannot be prevented, nutritional intervention aims to minimize the risk of adverse food reactions in patients diagnosed with hypersensitivity. If an allergy is suspected, a strict elimination diet trial followed by a provocation test is necessary to identify the ingredients that should be excluded.

Are certain proteins more ""allergenic"" than others?

Some proteins are more likely to trigger an adverse response than others, though this risk depends on an individual’s prior exposure, which can vary across different countries and regions. A 2016 literature review identified the most common food allergens causing canine cutaneous adverse food reactions as beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat, while in cats, the main culprits were beef, chicken, and fish products.

What about other parts of the diet? Can carbohydrates cause an IgE response?

Carbohydrates are generally not allergenic, but proteins in carbohydrate-rich ingredients like wheat or soy can trigger reactions in some animals. Gluten intolerance in dogs is rare, documented only in two lines of Irish Setters. Evidence also suggests that processing techniques, such as heat treatment, may alter protein structures in pet foods, potentially affecting the animal's response to these ingredients.

What are the key types of elimination diets available?

An elimination diet can be a home-cooked diet or a prescription veterinary therapeutic diet. Therapeutic diets include hydrolyzed protein diets (with proteins chemically broken down to the amino acid level) and selected protein diets (with a protein source the animal has never encountered).

Are these always the best diets to then use long term if a food allergy is confirmed?

Veterinary prescription diets, including those indicated for elimination diet trials, can be used for the long term. Owners can transition their pets to non-prescription diets as long as the formula chosen does not contain the known allergen. However, it is important to note the literature has found over-the-counter diets may contain ingredients not listed on the label.

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