Evaluation of selected-protein-source diets for management of dogs with adverse reactions to foods.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate 3 commercially available selected-protein-source diets as maintenance diets in dogs with pruritus caused by adverse food reactions.


METHODS
Randomized crossover trial.


METHODS
40 dogs > 6 months of age with pruritus caused by adverse reactions to foods.


METHODS
Diagnosis was confirmed by use of diet elimination and provocation studies. Subsequently, dogs were fed 3 commercial diets for 3 weeks each in a randomized, blinded, crossover trial. Dogs were evaluated for pruritus, vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence.


RESULTS
Pruritus recurred in 52.5% of dogs fed a chicken-rice diet, 47.5% of dogs fed a catfish-rice diet, and 85% of dogs fed a venison-rice diet. Overall 95% of the dogs could be managed successfully with at least 1 of the 3 diets.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that commercially available limited-allergen diets with selected protein sources may be appropriate for long-term management of pruritus caused by adverse food reactions. Testing of various protein sources is usually required.
Leistra
M H
MH
Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Markwell
P J
PJ
Willemse
T
T
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004285:Dogs; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011537:Pruritus / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*
D004044:Dietary Proteins