Rudinsky, A. J. et al.
2018
Veterinary Pathology

Chronic enteropathies encompass a diverse range of persistent gastrointestinal conditions, marked by symptoms lasting for a minimum of two weeks. Achieving an accurate diagnosis and classification of these is vital for proper nutritional management, which involves ruling out systemic disorders and primary gastrointestinal diseases that may be less responsive to dietary management. Nutritional factors play a significant role in managing these diseases, and it's worth noting that nutrient profiles of diets often change, necessitating regular updates every 6 to 12 months.

Furthermore, the efficacy of different diets in managing chronic enteropathies in dogs and cats is a subject of ongoing research. Currently, there's limited noncomparative evidence to support the use of specific nutritional management strategies, such as limited-ingredient, hydrolyzed, or easily digestible diets. However, it's believed that if a pet fails to respond to one type of diet, another dietary approach may yield better results. The distinction between food allergy and food intolerance is often blurred in studies, leading to confusion in the diagnosis and nutritional management of food-responsive diseases and food allergies. Therefore, diet selection should be based on a thorough clinical and dietary history, considering the potential impact of different protein and carbohydrate sources on the overall macronutrient profiles of diets.