title: Detection of DNA from undeclared animal species in commercial elimination diets for dogs using PCR.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Elimination diets are the gold standard for the diagnosis of adverse food reactions (AFR). A broad variety of commercial diets are available containing either hydrolysed protein or novel ingredients which claim to be suitable for elimination diets. Contamination may be one factor accounting for the failure of commercial elimination diet trials.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To test commercial diets labelled as suitable for elimination diets for dogs, for DNA of animal origin other than that declared on the label.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve commercial dry and tinned dog food products were investigated for DNA of animal origin (chicken, turkey, beef, mutton and pork) using PCR testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In nine of 10 over-the-counter diets, DNA of one or more animal species other than declared on the label was identified. The DNA most frequently detected was derived from beef (n = 8) and pork (n = 6). Two hydrolysed diets only contained DNA of the declared animal source.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Over-the-counter "single protein diets" or canned meat products cannot be recommended for the diagnosis of dogs with AFR because contamination may cause the elimination diet to fail.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Christa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Horvath-Ungerboeck
authors.affiliation: Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Karoline
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Widmann
authors.affiliation: Futterambulanz nutritionist practice, Strohgasse12/15, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Handl
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000235:genetics; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D012756:Sheep / Q000235:genetics; D013552:Swine / Q000235:genetics; D014422:Turkeys / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D004247:DNA