Why are pet food allergy blood tests unreliable? Are food trials best?

Question

I have read in some articles that when it comes to food allergies in our pets, blood work is unreliable and inconclusive, and that food trials are recommended. Could you help me understand a little more as to why that is? Or direct me to an article to explain it better?

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

You are correct. A diet trial is the only reliable method to determine if a food allergy is present (you can read more about diet trials at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952600 ). There has not been consistent links between detection of antibodies on bloodwork (IgG) and clinical signs of allergies in dogs. You can see a study on this issue at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023317300230

Why are pet food allergy blood tests unreliable? Are food trials best?

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