A recent article in Today’s Veterinary Practice discusses elimination diets, or elimination diet trials (EDT) for dogs. The article mentions one of the most reliable EDTs is a novel ingredient homemade diet. Other options include prescription diets or other commercial pet foods. Also noted is the importance of owner compliance, as these diets tend to be very strict.
Part of my work is to empower and motivate clients through the emotional process of dealing with an ill pet. Please contact me at [email protected] if you have a client in mind who needs assistance and we can collaborate on possible solutions.
Be Careful of Undeclared or Adulterated Foods
Importantly, the TVP article also address the issue of mislabeling or undeclared ingredients in many over the counter pet foods. I covered this issue in a research paper during graduate school, and I discuss it in my audio clip, “Taking Care of the Individual: Mislabeling, Sensitivities and More.”
The article notes:
“Because most diets intended for particular nutritional purposes are more expensive than an OTC commercial diet, pet owners often elect to feed their pets OTC diets…However, numerous studies have shown that many OTC diets have potential contamination with common known food allergens or contain ingredients that are not declared (i.e., adulterated diet).”
This makes it all the more important to do our best to see that dog parents feed their dogs a diet that actually helps solve a problem.
Consider Vitamins, Minerals, Medications and Other “Side Dishes” That May Cause a Problem
Finally, the article shares, “If a novel-ingredient home-cooked diet is elected, the owner must prepare a well-balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals.”
I am proud to share that I have access to professional software that allows me to formulate balanced recipes that adhere to AAFCO standards.
One issue to keep in mind during an EDT, however, is that if we are feeding a limited ingredient diet, it will be difficult to achieve balance short term. The good news is that there are high quality vitamin and mineral supplements available – with another caveat that those supplements or any medications do not contain an offending flavoring or other agent.
For example, one case I read was about a dog undergoing an EDT – his symptoms were not clearing up, despite weeks of an EDT. Turns out, one of his medication had a flavoring containing a protein he was sensitive to. Once that was removed, he got better! So this will be something we need to keep in mind during our elimination diets.
Contact me or visit my Services page for information.
Thank you!
Sarah Whitman, MS
Founder, Dog Food Coach
PS – You can read the original article in Today’s Veterinary Practice here: Elimination Diet Trials: “Steps for Success and Common Mistakes.“