Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Adverse food reactions causing itching and gut issues in dogs and cats
By Udraite Vovk, Laura & Mueller, Ralf S·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2026·Department of Dermatology, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Adverse Food Reactions in Dogs and Cats.
Plain-English summary
Many dogs and cats suffer from food allergies or sensitivities, which can cause symptoms like itching and stomach issues. Diagnosing these adverse food reactions can be tricky because the signs are often vague. The best way to identify the problem is through elimination diets, where specific foods are removed and then gradually reintroduced to see if symptoms return. Hydrolyzed diets, which break down proteins to reduce reactions, are commonly recommended as a first step. While new testing methods are being researched, elimination diets remain the most reliable approach for now.
People also search for: dog itching food allergy · cat gastrointestinal issues diet · how to test for food allergies in pets
Abstract
Adverse food reactions (AFRs) are a frequent cause of chronic pruritus and gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats. They include immunologic (allergic) and nonimmunologic reactions, with diagnosis remaining challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs. Current diagnostic tests (serum immunoglobulin E/immunoglobulin G, saliva, and hair) lack reliability, and elimination diet trials with dietary provocation remain the gold standard. Hydrolyzed diets are practical first-line options, while elemental diets may further improve diagnostic accuracy in the future. Advances in understanding T-cell-mediated mechanisms highlight the potential of lymphocyte proliferation assays, although further validation is required before clinical implementation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41391959/