Article

Evaluation of marketing claims, ingredients, and nutrient profiles of over-the-counter diets marketed for skin and coat health of dogs

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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate marketing claims, ingredients, and nutrient profiles of over-the-counter diets marketed for skin and coat health of dogs. Design: Cross-sectional study. Sample: 24 over-the-counter dry and canned diets marketed for skin and coat health of dogs. Procedures: Data on marketing claims and ingredients were collected from diet packaging and manufacturer websites. Concentrations of selected nutrients were obtained by contacting the manufacturers and were compared against minimum values for Association of American Feed Control Officials Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult dog maintenance based on calorie content. Results: Most diets incorporated marketing terms such as digestive health, sensitive, or premium that are poorly defined and may have limited relevance to skin, coat, or general health. The types and numbers of major ingredients (ie, potential to contribute protein to the diet) differed. The total number of unique major ingredients in each diet ranged from 3 to 8 (median, 5.5), but the total number of unique ingredients in each diet ranged from 28 to 68 (median, 38). Concentrations of nutrients associated with skin and coat condition also differed widely. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Results indicated that the large variation among over-the-counter diets marketed for skin and coat health may cause confusion for owners during diet selection. Owners of a dog with dermatologic problems should consult their veterinarian to select a good-quality diet that meets specific nutrient goals.

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... The interest of pet owners to use commercial over-thecounter (OTC) diets for dietary trials rather than veterinary prescribed products has increased because of cost and convenience (Raditic, Remillard, & Tater, 2011;Willis-Mahn, Remillard, & Tater, 2014). However, the confusion over marketing can make informed diet choices challenging (Johnson, Heinze, Linder, & Freeman, 2015) For example, the use of the popular term "hypoallergenic," referring to products suitable for AFR diagnosis, is considered not entirely correct because of the enhanced complexity of pet foods (Ricci, Berlanda, Tenti, & Bailoni, 2009;Verlinden, Hesta, Millet, & Janssens, 2006). ...
... Johnson et al., 2015;Raditic et al., 2011;Willis-Mahn et al., 2014), were selected from the inventory of commercial dry extruded foods for adult dogs, potentially applicable in dietary elimination trials for diagnosing adverse cutaneous and gastrointestinal tract reactions to chicken protein. The presence of chicken-derived products (in concordance with the definition of the major ingredient given in Johnson et al., 2015) listed on the label was avoided if possible. ...
... of product labelling is an essential issue in the avoidance of safety risks caused by the introduction of particular ingredients potentially challenging to animal health. In spite of the existing mandatory traceability requirements for pet foods, labels were previously reported to provide insufficient information about the sources of various nutrients in the product(Johnson et al., 2015;Pegels, González, García, & Martín, 2014).TA B L E 3 Concentrations of chicken DNA (%) ...
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Chicken is a common protein source in pet foods and is concurrently listed among food allergens. Commercial over-the-counter (OTC) diets with an alternative animal protein source are considered suitable for dietary elimination trials by pet owners. The potential presence of undeclared chicken-derived ingredients in these diets can compromise the outcome of the trial during the diagnosis of adverse food reactions. The aim of this study was to selectively verify the absence or presence of chicken DNA in 10 OTC dry canine foods, using qualitative and quantitative approaches. The method of identification of chicken-derived protein was elaborated with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, whereas quantitative real-time PCR was used for the quantitative assessment. In most of the analysed samples, the chicken DNA was detectable; however, the quantified amounts were predominantly low, although differences between batches were observed.
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Over a period of one year, 251 dogs were presented to a UK-based dermatology referral clinic. Eighty-five of these were either diagnosed as having symptoms compatible with atopy (58 dogs), or suffered from chronic otitis or recurrent pyoderma. All 85 were placed on a carefully restricted diet for eight to nine weeks in an attempt to establish whether the symptoms were due to food sensitivity. In total, 19 were shown to have food sensitivity, representing 7.6 per cent of all dogs presented to the clinic, and one-third (32.7 per cent) of those dogs with signs compatible with a diagnosis of atopy. In five dogs with proven food sensitivity, otitis was the principal clinical sign and, in two others, recurrent pyoderma. In the population studied, labradors appeared to be predisposed to the condition. Improvement was monitored by asking owners to assess their dog's symptoms on an ordinal scale of pruritus. In those cases in which food sensitivity was confirmed, significant reduction in pruritus occurred. Most of these could be maintained long term on a commercial restricted-component diet. Particular effort was made to ensure owner compliance with the diet trials, using an explanation and model based upon a Venn diagram showing assumed links between atopy and several 'flare factors'. It was found that this approach significantly enhanced client understanding and cooperation. It is concluded that a careful approach, monitored by active clinical audit, will help to establish the true incidence of food sensitivity.
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Twenty-nine dogs were included in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial and were orally supplemented for 10 weeks with either flax oil (200 mg/kg/day), eicosapentaenoic acid (50 mg/kg/day) and docosahexaenoic acid (35 mg/kg/day) in a commercial preparation, or mineral oil as a placebo. For each dog, clinical scores were determined based on a scoring system developed prior to the trial. Total omega-6 and omega-3 intake and the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 (omega-6:3) were calculated before and after the trial. The dogs' clinical scores improved in those supplemented with flax oil and the commercial preparation, but not in the placebo group. No correlation was identified between total fatty acid intake or omega-6:3 ratio and clinical scores. Based on the results of this study, the total intake of fatty acids or the omega-6:3 ratio do not seem to be the main factors in determining the clinical response.
Article
Food allergy (FA) is defined as "all immune-mediated reactions following food intake," in contrast with food intolerance (FI), which is non-immune-mediated. Impairment of the mucosal barrier and loss of oral tolerance are risk factors for the development of FA. Type I, III, and IV hypersensitivity reactions are the most likely immunologic mechanisms. Food allergens are (glyco-)proteins with a molecular weight from 10-70 kDa and are resistant to treatment with heat, acid, and proteases. The exact prevalence of FA in dogs and cats remains unknown. There is no breed, sex or age predilection, although some breeds are commonly affected. Before the onset of clinical signs, the animals have been fed the offending food components for at least two years, although some animals are less than a year old. FA is a non-seasonal disease with skin and/or gastrointestinal disorders. Pruritus is the main complaint and is mostly corticoid-resistant. In 20-30% of the cases, dogs and cats have concurrent allergic diseases (atopy/flea-allergic dermatitis). A reliable diagnosis can only be made with dietary elimination-challenge trials. Provocation testing is necessary for the identification of the causative food component(s). Therapy of FA consists of avoiding the offending food component(s).
Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on canine atopic dermatitis
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Food allergy in dogs and cats: a review
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Identification of undeclared sources of animal origin in canine dry foods used in dietary elimination trials
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AAHA nutritional assessment guidelines for dogs and cats
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Effects of dietary flax seed and sunflower seed supplementation on normal canine serum polyunsaturated fatty acids and skin and hair coat condition scores
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Skin surface lipids and skin and hair coat condition in dogs fed increased total fat diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids
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An attempt to produce spinal cord degeneration in dogs fed a high cereal diet deficient in vitamin A. The incidental development of a syndrome of anemia, skin lesions, anorexia and changes in the concentration of blood lipoids
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ELISA testing for common food antigens in four dry dog foods used in dietary elimination trials
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