Canine diet and cutaneous adverse food reactions

Abstract

The veterinary nurse can play an important role in providing nutritional advice to dog owners. With the wide range of commercial diets that are available, it is important to tailor the diet to each individual animal. Selection of a diet to investigate a cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR) should be made after taking a thorough dietary history from the owner and a conversation to decide which diet is most appropriate for each individual. Selection of a diet should involve the use of a novel or hydrolysed protein source for that dog, but other factors such as palatability, convenience, nutritional content and cost need also to be considered. If a diet is carefully matched to owner and pet requirements, the chances of good owner compliance and a response to the diet can be maximised.