Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (3): prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs and cats
Olivry, T. et al.
2017
BMC Veterinary Research

A systematic review of a total of 710 articles on prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR) were evaluated to August dating 18th, 2016. Of these, 31 were selected that had relevant data to determine CAFR in dogs and cats with pruritus and skin diseases.

In dogs presented to their veterinarian for any diagnosis, the prevalence of CAFR was 1 to 2% and among those with skin diseases, it ranged from 0 to 24%, it was higher in dogs with pruritus (9 to 40%) , those with any type of allergic skin disease (8 to 62%) and in dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (9 to 50%). In cats presented to the university hospital, the prevalence was less than 1% (0.2% specifically), while in cats with skin diseases, it ranged: 3 to 6% and was higher in cats with pruritus (12 to 21 %) than in cats with allergic skin disease (5 to 13%).

A dietary challenge-restriction study in dogs and cats would be relevant to rule out those with pruritus and those with suspected allergic skin disease, especially for non-seasonal pruritus or signs of allergic skin disease.