Currently, the best diagnostic procedure to identify adverse food reaction remains an elimination diet in small animals:
Novel or hydrolyzed protein.
Fed exclusively.
For at least 8 weeks.
Approximately 50% of food-allergic dogs may respond to strict prescription diet trials in 30 days; however, 8 weeks may be needed to capture a diagnosis in more than 90% of cases.
Home-cooked or prescription source.
Antipruritic medication is usually needed to provide relief at the beginning of the diet trial. In dogs, consider glucocorticoids and oclacitinib. Lokivetmab can be considered, but because of its long duration of action, the diet should be extended more than 60 days.
Consider a topical or long-lasting isoxazoline at the beginning of the trial to avoid oral flea and tick medication.
