This paper describes food and food ingredients from the literature that have been associated with adverse reactions in dogs and cats. In these studies, adverse reactions to beef, dairy products, chicken and wheat have accounted for over three quarters (78%) of all the reported cases in dogs.
In cats, only 10 different studies, representing a total of 56 animals, have described cutaneous lesions, gastrointestinal signs, or both, associated with adverse reactions to specific foods or ingredients. In these studies, adverse reactions to beef, dairy products, and fish accounted for nearly 90% of all the reported cases in cats. Animal proteins were reported to cause primarily cutaneous lesions or a combination of cutaneous and gastrointestinal signs, while wheat and corn were more often associated with gastrointestinal signs. No specific food allergens have been identified in cats, thus more research is needed. [MK]
See also:
Gaschen FP and Merchant SR. Adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2011; 41: 361-79.
Mandigers P and German AJ. Dietary hypersensitivity in cats and dogs. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. 2010; 135: 706-10.