Elimination Diet Trials for Dogs and Cats
Elimination diet trials are the most reliable method for diagnosing food-related skin or ear conditions in dogs and cats. These trials are used when a food allergy, adverse food reaction or intolerance is suspected, particularly in cases where symptoms persist despite other treatments.
When Is an Elimination Diet Trial Recommended?
An elimination diet trial is typically recommended for dogs and cats with ongoing or recurrent skin or ear disease where a food-related trigger is suspected. It is most often considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, or where there is a need to distinguish between environmental and dietary causes of allergic disease.
This may include pets showing signs such as:
- persistent itching, scratching or chewing at the skin in dogs or itching, scratching or overgrooming in cats
- recurrent ear problems or ear infections in dogs or ear problems, irritation or discharge in cats
- ongoing skin redness, irritation or rash in dogs or scabs, sores or skin lesions in cats
In many cases, these signs are associated with conditions such as:
- dog allergies or cat allergies (environmental, food or flea allergy)
- ear disease in dogs or ear disease in cats
- skin infections in dogs or skin infections in cats
An elimination diet trial is used as part of a structured diagnostic approach to confirm or exclude a dietary trigger and guide long-term nutritional management.
What an Elimination Diet Trial Involves
An elimination diet trial involves feeding your pet a carefully selected diet containing either a novel protein or a hydrolysed protein source that they have not previously consumed. This diet must be followed strictly for six to twelve weeks, with no other foods, treats, table scraps or flavoured medications given during this time. Any lapses can affect the accuracy of the results.
- Most pets with food related allergies begin to show improvement within six to eight weeks. A positive response is assessed based on changes in itch, skin lesions and ear inflammation rather than laboratory testing.
- If signs resolve during the trial, the original diet is reintroduced gradually over one to two weeks. A return of symptoms during this challenge phase confirms a food allergy and allows a clear diagnosis to be made.
This approach remains the only reliable method to confirm a dietary trigger. Blood, saliva or hair testing is not considered accurate for identifying food allergies.
A successful trial allows us to create a tailored long-term diet plan that manages your pet’s condition while ensuring their ongoing health and comfort.
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The Three Phases of a Trial
Transition Phase
- Source the prescribed diet and plan meals to prevent accidental exposure.
- Ensure all household members understand the importance of strict dietary control.
- Transition onto the prescribed diet as instructed by your clinician.
Trial Phase
- Feed only the prescribed trial diet for the full duration.
- Avoid treats, table scraps, flavoured medications or supplements unless approved.
- Identify and manage hidden sources of dietary exposure in your home environment.
Challenge Phase
- Gradually reintroduce your pet’s original diet following our clinicians' instructions.
- Track any return of symptoms such as itch, skin lesions or ear inflammation.
- Our clinician will support you in assessing your pet’s response.
Ongoing Care and Management
After a successful elimination diet trial, we suggest a tailored long-term diet plan designed to manage your pet’s condition while supporting their overall health and wellbeing. This plan considers your pet’s nutritional needs, food preferences, and lifestyle to ensure ongoing comfort and control of allergic symptoms.
It’s important to monitor your pet for any changes in skin, coat, or ear health, and note any unexpected reactions or flare-ups. While many pets do very well on their long-term diet, occasional follow-ups can help fine-tune the plan if needed.
You are always welcome to book a revisit appointment if anything unexpected occurs, or if you have questions about your pet’s diet or condition. Our clinicians and nursing team are here to ensure your pet continues to maintain their best possible quality of life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if my pet doesn’t improve during the trial?
Not all pets with skin or ear disease have a food allergy. If there is no improvement, this helps rule out a dietary trigger and allows your clinician to focus on other potential causes and treatment options.
Can my pet stay on the trial diet long term?
Some pets can remain on the trial diet long term if it is nutritionally complete and well tolerated. In other cases, the results of the trial help guide selection of a suitable long-term diet.
What if my pet accidentally eats something else during the trial?
Accidental exposures can affect the reliability of the trial. If this happens, let your clinician know so they can advise whether the trial needs to be extended or restarted.
Should I book a revisit during or after the trial?
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled as part of an elimination diet trial to assess your pet’s response and guide next steps.
Additional revisit appointments are available if there are unexpected changes, concerns about your pet’s response, or questions about the challenge phase or long-term diet plan.
Can puppies or kittens undergo an elimination diet trial?
Yes, but diet selection must be carefully considered to ensure nutritional requirements for growth are met.
Pricing
Initial consultation: $425
Revisit consultation: $205
Cytology: $99
Intradermal allergy testing: $900
All other fees discussed during consultation
Referring Vets
If you are a veterinarian referring a patient for this service, please use our referral form or contact our team with relevant history, previous test results, current medications and treatment response.