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cats eosinophilic plaque, miliary dermatitis or alopecia 1-6% of all feline dermatoses (animal presented to
caused by excessive grooming can be the only clinical veterinary practices) (Reedy et al. ‘97). Most food
sign present (White 1986, Scott et al. 2001). ingredients have the potential to induce adverse
reactions because they contain intact proteins.
An estimated 10 to 15 % of the cases of food
allergy in dogs and cats are believed to result into Now, intact proteins are part of all products made by
gastrointestinal (GI) signs such as: diarrhoea and our industry including all pet foods (except special diets
vomiting (Scott et al. 2001). However, the GI signs with hydrolysed proteins as the sole source of protein).
can be very discrete (e.g. more frequent bowel All products containing intact protein can potentially
movements) (Scott et al. 2001) and their prevalence cause allergic/adverse reactions in predisposed
may be underestimated (Loeffler et al. 2004 & 2006). animals (McDonald 1997). There are proteins against
which dogs and cats seem to react more often (Wills
In cats and dogs immune mediated reactions are 1994). Milk, beef, eggs, cereals and dairy products
seldom confirmed in practice. Therefore, the term are mentioned most often whereas more controlled
adverse reactions to food is generally accepted and studies mentioned wheat, soy, chicken and maize as
used for cats and dogs. the most important allergens. However, it is not always
clear whether these data are taken over from human
In dogs and cats, adverse reactions to food are literature or not. In addition, the data do not always
only diagnosed through the elimination of the enable to see whether the high incidence is not simply
food component (eviction diet) following either the consequence of the fact that those proteins have
dermatological or digestive symptoms (or both). been eaten more frequently by dogs and cats.
Ideally this should be confirmed by a challenge
(reintroduction of the suspected component) after Through veterinarians, special diets made with
clinical signs have disappeared when feeding the selected protein sources or hydrolysed proteins
eviction diet (Wills J. 1994, Helm 2002). are available for dogs and cats suffering of adverse
reactions to food; the formulation and the label
Adverse reactions to food are deemed to account declarations for those foods are regulated by the
for about 1-5 % of all skin conditions in dogs and specific EU legislation on dietetic foods for animals.

6.5 Conclusions

1. Most protein containing ingredients have the are not, as far as we know, reported in literature
potential to induce allergic reactions if they are relating to cats and dogs. The hallmark of adverse
regularly fed to dogs and cats. reaction in dogs and cats to food is pruritus.

2. Anaphylactic reactions to food as seen in humans

6.6 References

1. Hall E J. Gastro-intestinal aspects of food allergy: A review. 4. Helm RM. Food allergy animal models: an overview. Ann N Y
Journal of Small Animal Practice 1994; 35: 145 – 152. Acad Sci 2002 May; 964:139-150.

2. Halliwell R E W. Comparative aspects of food intolerance. 5. Loeffler A, Lloyd DH, Bond R, et al. Dietary trials with a
Veterinary Medicine 1992; 87: 893 – 899. commercial chicken hydrolysate diet in 63 pruritic dogs. Vet.
Rec. 2004; 154: 519-522.
3. Halliwell R E W. Management of dietary hypersensitivity in the
dog. Journal of Small Animal Practice 1992; 33: 156 – 160. 6. Loeffler A, Soares-Magalhaes R, Bond R, Lloyd DH. A retrospective

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