In the realm of pet health, food allergies play a significant role in causing skin diseases. Understanding Adverse Food Reactions is crucial, as they can either be immunological (allergic) or non-immunological in nature.
Previously, Food Allergy was considered separate from Atopy (non-seasonal allergic dermatitis), but new discoveries show that both share IgE antibodies, making it appropriate to call it Food-Induced Atopy.
It is essential to note that animals susceptible to Food Allergy can develop it to proteins they have been exposed to over time. The common allergens from 20 years ago may not hold true today due to changes in commercial pet food ingredients.
Misconceptions surround "grain-free," "limited ingredient," and "raw" diets as solutions to avoid food allergies. Grain allergies in pets are less prevalent than perceived, and limited ingredient diets can have undeclared allergens. Raw diets may pose health risks for both pets and their owners due to potential bacterial contamination.
Cross-reactivity between meat proteins from different species is another challenge in finding suitable diets for allergy trials. Hydrolyzed protein diets are an alternative, with varied effectiveness in detecting allergies. Home-prepared novel protein diets can be considered, but they must be carefully chosen to avoid cross-reactivity.
Food allergy blood tests can be unreliable due to false positives, making diet trials essential for accurate diagnosis. Understanding the negatives from these tests can help in selecting future food options.
At All Natural Raw, we believe in providing accurate information to help you make informed decisions about your pet's diet and health. Rely on our expertise and trust our commitment to your pet's well-being.
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