Detection of DNA from undeclared animal species in commercial canine and feline raw meat diets using qPCR.

The best diagnostic test for cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR) in companion animals is an elimination diet and subsequent provocation trials. Many commercial diets contain novel protein ingredients used in elimination diets, and selection is based on label ingredients. Raw meat-based diets (RMBD) have become increasingly commercially available, gaining popularity despite potential health risks. Reliability of RMBD based on label ingredients has not been investigated. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), 9 canine and 9 feline commercial RMBD were assessed for reliability of species-specific animal DNA. Two separate batches of each diet were assessed for content consistency. The DNA of 1 or more unlisted animal species was identified in > 60% of diets, as was discrepancy between batches. The unlisted DNA most frequently detected was lamb in canine diets and turkey in feline diets. Based on these findings, use of commercially available RMBD cannot be recommended as an elimination diet in clinical diagnosis of CAFR.