NutriScan food sensitivity testing?????

[Dana]

Has anyone tried this -  NutriScan food sensitivity testing created by Dr. Jean Dodds? Lucy is having skin issues (biting & scratching excessively) Nutritionalist from Fromm's recommended changing protein source & this test. I appreciate any & all  feedback. http://www.nutriscan.org/

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

In the opinions of both Jack's dermatology specialist and his internal medicine specialist, this test (and all blood/saliva tests for food allergies) are inaccurate and a huge waste of money. Neither of them will run them, even if you are willing to pay for it. According to the most current research, there is no accurate test for food allergies. And in fact, even Jean Dodds herself admits that food allergies are extremely rare and cannot be revealed with blood tests; rather, this test is for food intolerances, which are very different from allergies. 

The fact is that food allergies are the least common type of allergy in dogs, and the least likely cause of itching. 

I'm not sure what a "nutritionalist" is, or what qualifications this one from Fromm has, but if your dog has itching and/ore suspected allergies, the best thing to do IMO is to consult a veterinary dermatology specialist. 

[Dana]

Karen, thanks for your input - I thought the test was for intolerances not allergies - I'll have to go back & read it again. I do know food allergies are rare in dogs (learned that here, thanks to you) From all your experience, are you saying that food intolerances wouldn't show themselves as itchy skin? Do they show up more as digestive issues?

I was so thrilled that a representative from Fromm's called back - I didn't ask his credentials as a nutritional specialist  - I assumed (I know what happens when you ass.... ume :)  he seemed knowledgeable - he also said food allergies are rare & suggested changing the source of protein, Lucy has been on the same food for at least 4 years & may now have an intolerance to the pork. It was just his suggestion & asked me to keep in touch after our vet appointment.

We have an appointment with the vet on Thursday & we'll see how it goes.  I will consult a dermatology specialist if we have to. 

Lucy has had seasonal allergies & always did well on Zytec - it doesn't seem to be helping her this year. 

Thanks again for taking the time to respond!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If she has seasonal allergies, chances are that they're getting worse, which is what they do as a dog gets older. And antihistamines are rarely enough. 

Food intolerances don't generally cause itching; that's an IgE immune response, which is a true allergic response.

The Fromm rep's suggestion of changing the protein source is actually a good one. You don;t need a blood test for that. But you do need an LID formula, and Fromm doesn't make one. A limited ingredient formula with a single protein source that she's never eaten. Some good choices would be Wellness Simple Solutions line, Acana's Singles line, or most of the Zignature formulas. 

The problem is that since allergy season is now ending, if you see an improvement in the itching a month from now, you still won;t know if that's due to the food change or the lack of pollens and molds in the air. 

[Dana]

she is getting older - she'll be 6 in Feb. We live in NJ & it seems like this was a bad season for many of my friends with dogs. I was thinking of giving her a therapeutic bath (oatmeal or maybe tea tree oil) tomorrow.

When dealing with allergies getting to the culprit/culprits is a true test of patience!

I will check out those limited ingredient foods - again, thank you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Actually, with Atopic Dermatitis (seasonal allergies, also called environmental or inhalant allergies), it's very simple to get to the causes. But you do need to have skin scratch testing done by a veterinary dermatologist. Some info: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Actually, Fromm does make some single protein formulas. Their Beef frittata veg contains both beef and whole eggs (along with veggies), but their Chicken A La Veg contains only chicken as the protein. There is also a Duck & Sweet Potato, Lamb & Lentil, Pork & Applesauce, Pork & Peas, and Whitefish & Potato. Several others contain two or more proteins - such as Surf & Turf ( has salmon, duck, chicken & eggs), Salmon Tunalini has salmon & tuna, Salmon A La Veg has salmon & cheese, Game bird has duck, turkey, quail & pheasant.  They all have a combination of fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to the protein.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you take a look at the actual ingredients, you'll see that this is not quite correct. The Beef frittata formula contains pork meal,  the Lamb & lentil formula also contains pork, and many of those that do contain a single protein source contain rice, (Chicken a la veg,  the Duck & sweet potato, the Whitefish & potato, and the Pork and applesauce, which also contains chicken.) which can be just as likely as animal proteins to be causing an issue. The Pork and peas might be okay for dogs who've never eaten pork.  But beyond that, the formulas are just too complex, with too many ingredients in general, to be used as trial diets when a food allergy or intolerance is suspected. 

In those cases, you really want an LID formula with a single "novel" protein source (one the dog has never eaten) and a single starchy carb, also preferably one the dog has never eaten, and very little else. 
I love Fromm as a company, but their foods are not right for every dog, and particularly those with digestive or allergy issues. I was feeding it before JD was diagnosed with Atopy, and his dermatologist wanted me to switch to Orijen for the superior Omega 3 fatty acid content and higher protein content. A high Omega 3 fatty acid content and a low Omega 6:3 ratio is crucial for dogs with itching and skin issues. And of course, since he was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, I've had to research every LID on the market to come up with something he could tolerate. We ended up with the Wellness Simple Solutions Salmon formula, which is both LID and has an outstanding Omega fatty acid content and ratio.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Some information on food allergies in dogs: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/facts-a...

[Dana]

Very helpful info & great to have it in one place!
I bookmarked it as well as the other info you sent.