Efficacy of hydrolyzed soy dog food and homemade food with original protein in the control of food-induced atopic dermatitis in dogs

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Trophoallergens are specific components of food or its ingredients, able to precipitate the atopic eczema at 19.6% to 30% of the dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). This study evaluated the efficacy of hydrolyzed soy dog food and homemade food with unusual protein in the control of chronic pruritus in dogs with AD. For this, twenty-eight dogs with AD were selected. AD diagnosis was based on Favrot’s criteria. The animals were separated in two groups; one group consumed hydrolyzed soy dog food while the other group consumed homemade food with protein sources and original carbohydrates. They were evaluated every two weeks by the Rybnicek and CADLI scale over 60 days. Animals in the group that consumed hydrolyzed soy dog food presented a reduced score of pruritus (Rybnicek scale) on days +15, +30, +45 and +60 (P<0.01) compared to day 0. While the dogs in the homemade food group have not presented a significant difference (P>0.05) in 60 days of treatment. When evaluated by the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI), dogs treated with soy hydrolyzed dog food had a partial improvement on days +45 (P<0.05) and +60 (P<0.01) compared to day 0, while the dogs in the second group did not show improvements (P>0.05) in 60 days of treatment. In conclusion, soy hydrolyzed dog food has proved effective to partially control clinical signs of food-induced atopic dermatitis; however, it is not effective for the complete control of the disease.