Elimination Diet Crash Course

The elimination diet gives you a strategic approach to identifying and eliminating what proteins are best for your dog as an individual. But this is a time-consuming and mentally investive task to take on. It is a long-term commitment but gives you the most accurate data about your dog.

Before starting, check with the vet to ensure there is no underlying cause for current issues such as yeast, environmental allergies, or an unbalanced diet. After the all-clear, it's time to start a long journey…

Step 1

Feed a novel protein (such as rabbit, duck, bison, turkey, lamb) for 6 weeks as a reset period. If symptoms intensify on the novel protein, change the protein.

Step 2

Introduce new/old foods in small portions one at a time for 2-4 weeks. Monitor closely for symptoms that it is not safe to feed. If symptoms reappear, resort to step 1 until they return to normal.

Step 3

Repeat step 2 with more ingredients. Don't rush the process. Focus on foods that help achieve nutritional balance.

Tips + Tricks

Secret Triggers

It is essential during this time to avoid treats of different proteins, joint supplements, eggs, vitamin E oils, gel capsules, and supplements with added ingredients. These all may have hidden triggers and throw the process off course.

Supporting the Microbiota

Incorporate gut-supporting foods such as pre & probiotics and bone broth. However, slow-cooked bone broth is higher in histamines, but using a pressure cooker will reduce cooking time and thus histamines.

Since dogs cannot communicate and say, "Hey, THIS is making me feel icky," as the person who knows your dog the best, you essentially get to play detective to give your dog the best quality of life! It can be a tremendously fatiguing journey, but you got this!