Feeding Your Allergic Dog
Dog Elimination Diet: How to Do It Right
The elimination diet is the most reliable way to diagnose food allergies in dogs. Learn how to conduct it properly to identify your dog's allergens.
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Dog Elimination Diet
What Is It For?
It helps you discover which food ingredient your dog is allergic to.
The Basic Rule
For 8–12 weeks, your dog receives only two ingredients:
- A protein source your dog has never eaten before
- A carbohydrate source your dog has never eaten before
Nothing else: no treats, no flavored medications.
Good Combination Examples
- Duck, Pumpkin
- Kangaroo, Sweet Potato
- Fish, Rice
- Venison, Peas
How the Diet Works
- Weeks 1–4: Elimination diet only
- Weeks 5–8: If improvement is seen, continue
- Weeks 9–12: Food challenge (reintroduction)
- If symptoms return, you've found the allergen
When to Consult a Vet?
Ideally, conduct under veterinary or pet nutritionist supervision.
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Enter weight and activity level — 10 seconds and you get the daily portion.
References
- 1.Olivry T, Mueller RS, Prélaud P — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (1): duration of elimination diets. BMC Veterinary Research 11:225, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0541-3 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research 12:9, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0633-8 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.Olivry T, Mueller RS — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (3): prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research 13:51, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.Olivry T, Mueller RS — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (5): discrepancies between ingredients and labeling in commercial pet foods. BMC Veterinary Research 14:24, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-018-1346-y (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
