Diet Trial Feeding Instructions 

Diet Trial Feeding Instructions 

1. It is essential that only one novel protein and carbohydrate is fed exclusively throughout the whole 2 month trial. https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/catsfoodreactions
2. The duration of the exclusion period may be reduced if glucocorticoids (steroids) or janus kinase inhibitors (Apoquel®) are given concurrently to manage the itch.
3. The choice of protein is entirely dependent on the animal’s dietary history.  Cats can be fed the protein source only for the limited duration of the trial.
4. Free access to water (only).
5. No flavoured (‘palatable’) medications nor toothpastes, titbits, scraps or treats etc are to be fed.
6. If treats are required, for example for training purposes, then a small portion of the trial diet or an oven baked portion of the protein source may be given if a single protein source diet is chosen.
7. Use separate feeding equipment for the patient being tested. Wash all items used in feeding (bowls, scales, measuring cups) with soap & thoroughly rinse after every meals. Purchase appropriate sized bags as repeat opening, closing and handling of the diet, in particular, increases the risk of contamination.  Ensure the food bag is completely sealed between meals, within a solid sealed container, in a clean, dry place.
8. Friends, relatives and neighbours may be inadvertently supplying the trial candidate with food items. Their cooperation is often vital to the success of the trial.  The only way to be certain that a perfect diet trial has been performed with a cat is to confine him/her in your house throughout the trial and usually to feed in contact cats with the trial diet also.
9. Keep a diary – scoring itchiness, noting down any inadvertent scavenging/stealing etc.

Here is a peer-reviewed, free-to-access scientific publuication: Conducting a successful diet trial for the diagnosis of food allergy in dogs and cats

Here is a useful guide to exclusion diet trials: RC Understanding Exclusion-Provocation Diet Trials

Here is a helpful Food Allergy Diary: Dechra Specific Diet Food Allergy Diary