Also known as: Futtermittelallergie
Eine kutane unerwünschte Futterreaktion, gemeinhin Futtermittelallergie genannt, ist eine abnorme Reaktion auf einen oder mehrere Bestandteile der Nahrung, meist Proteine. Sie verursacht ganzjährigen Juckreiz und mitunter Magen-Darm-Beschwerden und wird durch eine Eliminationsdiät diagnostiziert. Das lebenslange Meiden des auslösenden Bestandteils kontrolliert die Symptome.
Food allergy is a less common but important cause of itchy skin in dogs. Affected dogs react to dietary ingredients, most often animal proteins such as beef, dairy, or chicken.
The reaction involves the immune system responding abnormally to specific food proteins. It can develop at any age, even to foods the dog has eaten for years.
The main sign is non-seasonal itching, often affecting the face, ears, paws, and rear. Recurrent ear and skin infections are common, and some dogs also have soft stools or frequent bowel movements.
The only reliable test is a strict elimination diet trial using a novel or hydrolysed protein for 8 to 12 weeks, followed by a challenge with the original diet. Blood and skin allergy tests are unreliable for food allergy.
Management means feeding a diet free of the offending ingredient for life. Secondary skin and ear infections are treated, and other concurrent allergies are addressed.
There is no proven prevention, but avoiding known trigger ingredients and maintaining a consistent suitable diet keeps affected dogs comfortable.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
