by: Jenise Daigle, DVM, DACVD

Serum testing for food allergies is offered by some commercial laboratories. Typically, IgE antibodies directed against foods are measured. Unfortunately, none of these tests have been shown to be reliable. Both false-positive and false-negative results are common. Likewise, saliva and hair sample tests are not valid even though they are marketed directly to consumers.

An accurate diagnosis of food allergy requires a food trial. First, the animal is introduced to an elimination diet. The trial will fail if owners feed treats, rawhide, human foods, flavored medications, etc. or if the pets have access to scraps, garbage, outdoor feeding, etc.  For the duration, flavored heartworm preventatives and flea/tick products as well as medications in capsules (may contain beef or pork) are avoided and topical medications used instead.

The three options are to prescribe a veterinary therapeutic hydrolyzed protein diet, a veterinary novel protein diet, or formulate a home-prepared recipe. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach.