Elimination Diets for Dogs: Step-by-Step Guide

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
5 min read

What It Does: Pinpoints food triggers causing symptoms like itching, skin issues, and digestive problems.
Common Allergens: Chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soy often cause reactions.
Steps to Follow:
1. Gradually transition to a limited-ingredient diet.
2. Stick strictly to the diet for 8–12 weeks.
3. Track symptoms with a food diary.
4. Reintroduce foods one at a time to find triggers.
Key Tools: Airtight containers, measuring cups, a food journal, and a calendar.

Tip: Always consult your vet before starting. They’ll guide you in choosing the right food and monitoring progress. Consistency is crucial - no treats or other foods during the trial period.

This method ensures a healthier, allergy-free diet tailored to your dog’s needs.

Before You Start

Talk to Your Vet First

Before beginning an elimination diet for your dog, it's important to consult with your veterinarian. They will review your dog's medical history, assess whether food allergies are causing the symptoms, and help you create a customized plan. Your vet will also monitor your dog's progress, ensuring the process is safe and effective.

"Consulting a veterinarian before starting an elimination diet is essential to ensure that your dog receives the right nutrition and to accurately identify any food allergies." - Dr. Jane Smith, Veterinarian, Loyal Saints Pets

Bring these details to your vet appointment for a more thorough evaluation:

A list of your dog's current symptoms
Notes on any previous dietary changes and reactions
Information about medications or supplements
The brand and ingredients of your dog's current food

This step helps set a strong foundation for the elimination diet.

Pick the Right Food

Selecting the right food is key. Look for options that are:

Limited-ingredient or use novel proteins
Free from common allergens like beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, and soy
Made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients
Certified by AAFCO to meet nutritional standards

Consider trying products like Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw dog food, which offers limited-ingredient, human-grade formulas specifically designed for sensitive dogs.

Food Characteristics	Why It Matters
Limited ingredients	Helps pinpoint allergy triggers
Novel proteins	Lowers the risk of allergic reactions
Human-grade quality	Easier to digest
AAFCO certified	Provides balanced nutrition
No fillers or additives	Reduces potential irritants

Once you've chosen the right food, make sure you're prepared for the transition.

Get Ready

To make the process smooth, gather these essentials:

Airtight containers for food storage
Measuring cups to portion meals accurately
A food journal to track symptoms and progress
A calendar to mark the 8–12 week trial period

Make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of sticking to the plan. Even small amounts of treats or other foods can interfere with the diet and delay results. Staying consistent is crucial for success.

4 Steps to Follow

Step 1: Gradually Transition Foods

Switching your dog's food too quickly can upset their stomach. Use this 10-day plan to make the transition smoother:

Days	New Food	Current Food
1–3	25%	75%
4–6	50%	50%
7–10	75%	25%
After Day 10	100%	0%

Once the transition is complete, stick to the new food exclusively.

Step 2: Stick to the Elimination Diet

Commit to the elimination diet for 8–12 weeks. This period allows allergens to leave your dog's system and provides time to observe any improvements in symptoms.

Step 3: Keep a Food Diary

Track your dog's progress with a detailed food diary. Include observations like:

Skin issues (itching, redness, or swelling)
Digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea, or gas)
Changes in energy or behavior
Weight changes
Any other noticeable differences

"Monitoring your dog's response to an elimination diet is crucial for identifying food allergies and ensuring their health." - Dr. Jane Smith, Veterinarian, Pet Health Clinic

Step 4: Reintroduce Foods Carefully

After documenting changes, reintroduce ingredients one at a time to identify potential triggers. Here's how:

Test only one ingredient at a time.
Add a small portion of the ingredient to the elimination diet.
Watch for reactions over 3–7 days.
Note any symptoms that reappear.
Remove the ingredient immediately if a reaction occurs.
Wait for symptoms to clear before testing the next ingredient.

This step-by-step process helps you determine which foods are safe and which ones to avoid.

After the Diet

Reading the Results

Take a close look at your notes to spot any patterns. If your dog showed improvement during the diet but symptoms returned when certain foods were reintroduced, you've likely identified allergens.

"The key to identifying food allergies in dogs is careful observation during the reintroduction phase of the elimination diet." - Dr. Jane Smith, Veterinarian, Loyal Saints

These observations will help you create a personalized, balanced food plan for your dog.

Making a Food Plan

Once you've pinpointed safe and problematic foods, it's time to build a diet that works:

Component	Action Steps
Base Diet	Use the foods your dog tolerates well
Protein Source	Choose 1-2 proteins your dog can eat without issues
Carbohydrates	Add safe grains or vegetables
Supplements	Include any recommended by your vet
Portion Size	Adjust based on your dog’s weight and activity level

Work closely with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s diet provides all necessary nutrients.

Other Options

If the elimination diet doesn’t give clear answers, consider these alternatives:

Specialized Testing: Your vet might suggest blood tests or other diagnostic methods.
Prescription Diets: Foods specifically designed for certain health conditions.
Limited Ingredient Options: Products like Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw dog food can be a good choice for sensitive dogs.

How To Do An Elimination Diet For Dogs To Improve Gut Health & Skin Allergies

Summary

To identify food allergens, it's crucial to follow an elimination diet for 8–12 weeks. Here's how to ensure success:

Tips for Success

Pick High-Quality Foods: Opt for limited-ingredient options with novel proteins. For example, Loyal Saints offers freeze-dried raw dog food made with human-grade ingredients.

Stay Consistent: Stick to the plan without deviations:

Phase	Duration	Key Actions
Initial Diet	8–12 weeks	Feed only the approved foods
Food Testing	3–7 days/item	Add one new food at a time
Monitoring	Ongoing	Track all reactions and changes

Work With Your Vet: Regular vet check-ins are essential to adjust the diet as needed.

Track Everything: Record ingredients, portion sizes, meal times, and any symptoms or changes.

Some dogs may take longer to react to allergens, so patience and detailed tracking are crucial. If there's no improvement after 12 weeks, consult your vet to discuss other tests or dietary options.