Dante Carrillo
An elimination diet is a meticulously designed feeding strategy used to identify whether a dog has allergies or intolerances to specific foods. It involves feeding a dog a restricted diet, containing a single source of carbohydrate and protein that the dog has not previously consumed. The goal is to diagnose food allergies or sensitivities, which cannot be identified as accurately through other testing methods. The diet is simple in theory but not always easy in practice, as it takes time, patience, and willpower to rule out potentially offending foods. It is important to note that an elimination diet should only be administered under the guidance of a veterinarian.
What to Feed Dog During Elimination Diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet Composition | One protein and one carbohydrate |
| Protein Sources | Venison, duck, rabbit, kangaroo, pork, hydrolysed protein, plant-based |
| Carbohydrate Sources | Potatoes, peas, white rice, tapioca, oats, wheat, corn |
| Diet Type | Home-cooked, prescription therapeutic, raw |
| Diet Duration | 6-12 weeks, 16 weeks, or 3 weeks for immature animals |
| Diet Consistency | Strict adherence, no treats or other food products |
| Reintroduction | One new food at a time, typically one per week |
| Symptoms Tracked | Itching, redness, greasy skin, bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea, ear infections |
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What You'll Learn
The elimination diet's purpose
The elimination diet is a meticulously designed feeding strategy used to identify whether a dog has allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities to specific foods. It is often the first port of call for dogs suffering from allergies, intolerances, inflammatory conditions, and behavioural issues. It is a diagnostic procedure and should not be a long-term lifestyle.
The diet involves feeding a dog a restricted diet, containing as little as a single carbohydrate source and a single protein source that the dog has not previously consumed. This diet eliminates all other foods, treats, and sometimes even flavoured medications or supplements to rule out potential allergens. The protein will likely be from an unusual source, because everyday proteins are commonly the source of the allergy. The more uncommon the protein, the less likely it is a part of your dog's normal diet, and the less likely that they are already sensitive to it. Novel proteins might include venison, rabbit, duck, horse, ostrich, kangaroo, and hare, paired with carbohydrates such as potatoes or peas.
The elimination phase generally lasts 6-12 weeks, and the pet can only consume this bland, limited-ingredient diet during this time. After the elimination phase, the suspected food allergen is then fed to "challenge" the system and see how the pet responds. If there is a reaction, the reintroduced food is the cause of their symptoms and can be avoided in the future. If there is no reaction, another suspected allergen is reintroduced, and so on.
It is important to note that an elimination diet should only be administered under the guidance of a veterinarian.
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What to feed and what not to feed
An elimination diet is a meticulously designed feeding strategy used to identify whether a dog has allergies or intolerances to specific foods. It is important to note that an elimination diet should only be administered under the guidance of a veterinarian.
The first step is to identify the signs of food allergies in dogs. Typical signs include excessive itching, red skin, chronic gastrointestinal problems, and recurrent ear infections. If such symptoms are observed and persist, an elimination diet may be necessary.
The next step is to work with your vet to determine a nutritious but bland diet for your dog. This will usually include one protein and one carbohydrate to provide energy while being less aggravating to their immune system. The protein will likely be from an unusual source, as everyday proteins are commonly the source of the allergy. The more uncommon the protein, the less likely your dog is already sensitive to it. Novel proteins may include venison, rabbit, duck, kangaroo, or pork. The carbohydrate component is often highly processed, such as starch-heavy ingredients like white rice, potatoes, or tapioca.
During the elimination diet, it is crucial to ensure your dog only consumes the prescribed diet. This means no other foods, treats, or flavored toys. It is also important to speak to your veterinarian before giving any food-based or flavored medications. Nutritional supplements and vitamins should also be avoided unless recommended by your vet.
After the elimination phase, which typically lasts between 6 to 16 weeks, the suspected food allergen is reintroduced to "'challenge'" the system and observe your dog's response. If your dog has a flare-up, the reintroduced food is the cause of their symptoms and can be avoided in the future. If they do not react, you can continue to the next step, which involves keeping the bland diet and reintroducing another suspected allergen.
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The duration of the diet
The duration of an elimination diet for dogs can vary depending on the age of the dog, the suspected allergens, and the advice of your veterinarian. For adult dogs, the elimination phase typically lasts between 6 to 12 weeks, during which the dog's diet is restricted to a single novel protein and one carbohydrate energy source. This limited ingredient diet helps to identify any food allergies or intolerances by eliminating potential triggers and allowing the dog's immune system to settle.
It is important to note that the elimination diet should be followed consistently during this period, and any treats or supplements should be approved by your veterinarian. The strictness of the diet is crucial to its success, and any deviation can result in having to restart the diet. In some cases, a shorter trial period of 3 weeks may be recommended for immature animals.
After the elimination phase, the suspected food allergen is reintroduced to "'challenge'" the system and observe the dog's response. If the dog experiences a negative reaction, the elimination diet may need to be continued or modified to further narrow down the culprit. This process may involve multiple rounds of elimination and reintroduction of different foods until the offending ingredient is identified.
Once the offending ingredient is identified, it is typically recommended to avoid it for at least 12 months or even permanently. The duration of avoidance depends on the severity of the dog's reaction and the advice of the veterinarian. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian throughout the elimination diet process to ensure the health and well-being of your dog.
While the elimination diet is a valuable tool for identifying food allergies and intolerances, it is not meant to be a long-term solution. In some cases, a holistic approach that considers the role of food as medicine may be explored after the elimination diet. This may involve trialling other diets, such as ultra-processed diets or hypoallergenic options, to meet your dog's nutritional needs and promote overall health.
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Reintroducing foods
Duration of the Elimination Diet:
Before reintroducing foods, it's essential to follow the elimination diet strictly for the recommended duration. Typically, this diet should be maintained for around 8 to 12 weeks, although some veterinarians suggest up to 16 weeks for a comprehensive assessment. During this time, it's crucial to ensure your dog consumes only the restricted, bland diet with a single protein and carbohydrate source, avoiding all other foods, treats, and flavoured medications.
Gradual Reintroduction:
After the successful completion of the elimination diet phase, it's time to start reintroducing potential trigger foods. This process should be gradual and systematic, with one new food or ingredient introduced at a time. It's important to space out these introductions, typically allowing for a two-week period to monitor for any reactions. Some dogs, especially those with severe gut issues, may require a slower approach, with one ingredient added per fortnight.
Monitoring for Reactions:
During the reintroduction phase, it's crucial to closely observe your dog's response to each new food. Common symptoms of food allergies or intolerances include itchiness, redness, greasy skin, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Reactions can occur within hours or may take up to two weeks to appear. If your dog experiences a flare-up of symptoms after consuming a particular food, discontinue feeding that item immediately, as it is likely a trigger.
Identifying Food Sensitivities:
The reintroduction phase helps identify specific food sensitivities or allergies. If a reaction occurs, you've likely found a source of your dog's allergy or intolerance. However, it's important to note that many dogs may have sensitivities to multiple foods, so continue reintroducing other suspected allergens one at a time until you've identified all the triggers.
Re-challenge and Provocation Testing:
Once you've identified a trigger food, you can discuss the next steps with your veterinarian. They may suggest a re-challenge or provocation test, which involves feeding the original diet or the identified allergen again after a period of improvement to confirm the diagnosis. This step ensures that the identified food is indeed the cause of your dog's symptoms.
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The benefits and drawbacks
Benefits and Drawbacks of an Elimination Diet for Dogs
An elimination diet for dogs is a meticulously designed feeding strategy used to identify whether a dog has allergies or intolerances to specific foods. It is often the first port of call for dogs suffering from allergies, intolerances, inflammatory conditions, and behavioural issues.
Benefits
An elimination diet can help dog owners identify the exact components that cause adverse reactions in their dogs. It is a great way to discover if your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, or preferences with their food. It is also a means to give the immune system a break.
Drawbacks
The downside of an elimination diet is that it is very strict, and these novel limited-ingredient diets are as limited in nutrition as they are in ingredients. The carbohydrate component is often highly processed and a source of empty calories, which, if fed for long periods, can contribute to health issues such as obesity and diabetes. It should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian and should not be continued long-term, as it could lead to harmful nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.
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Frequently asked questions
An elimination diet is a meticulously designed feeding strategy used to identify whether a dog has allergies or intolerances to specific foods. It involves feeding a dog a restricted diet, containing as little as a single carbohydrate source and a single protein source that the dog has not previously consumed.
The foods generally recommended for an elimination diet are novel protein sources such as venison, duck, or rabbit. However, plant-based options and hydrolysed proteins are usually better alternatives. It is also recommended to consult a board-certified nutritionist before feeding a home-cooked diet.
If you have other pets, feed them separately. Make sure all other foods are picked up before your pet is allowed access to that area, or they may sneak a bite or two.
