How to Start an Elimination Diet (Step-by-Step for UK Owners)

How to Start an Elimination Diet (Step-by-Step for UK Owners)

1. Choose One Novel Protein + One Carb Source

A novel protein is one your dog hasn’t eaten before.

Good UK options include:

  • Duck and potato

  • Salmon and sweet potato

  • Venison and potato

  • Whitefish and rice

  • Insect protein (gaining popularity in the UK)

Your vet may also recommend a hydrolysed diet, where proteins are broken down so small the immune system ignores them.

Avoid:

  • Chicken

  • Beef

  • Anything your dog has eaten regularly

  • Mixed-protein foods

 

 

2. Feed ONLY the Trial Food for 6–8 Weeks

This is the part most owners find difficult — but it is crucial.

For the entire trial:

  • No treats

  • No dental sticks

  • No human food

  • No flavoured medications

  • No stolen snacks from other pets

If your dog eats something else, the entire trial resets.

 

 

3. Track Symptoms Every Week

Make notes of:

  • Itching level

  • Paw chewing

  • Ear condition

  • Redness

  • Stools

  • Behavioural changes

Most dogs improve between week 3 and week 5.

 

 

4. Reintroduce Foods One by One

If your dog improves, start reintroducing past foods one ingredient per week.

If symptoms return:
 → you have found the allergen.

If your dog does not improve after 8 weeks:
 → food may not be the issue — environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites) may be to blame.

 

 

Best Foods for Elimination Diets Available in the UK

Veterinary-Prescribed Options

(Highly reliable for true allergy testing)

  • Royal Canin Hypoallergenic

  • Hill’s z/d

  • Purina HA

Commercial Limited-Ingredient Diets

(Good for novel protein trials)

  • James Wellbeloved (duck, lamb, fish formulas)

  • AATU 80/20 single protein

  • Eden 80/20 fish

  • Fish4Dogs (fish-based, simple ingredients)

Raw Diet Options

(If your dog is used to raw or prefers fresh)

  • Venison & sweet potato raw mixes

  • Duck & potato

  • Whitefish-based raw meals

Always choose single protein options only.

 

 

Supporting Your Dog’s Skin While Doing the Trial

Food elimination takes time — and itchy dogs still need relief during the process.

You can support them with:

1. Soothing Supplements

While you must avoid treats and flavoured chews during the trial, you can use supplements that are:

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Low-ingredient

  • Do not contain potential allergens

A good option for alleviating itching is our best seller Stop Itching :
 https://abletu.com/products/stop-itching

It helps reduce anxiety-driven scratching or discomfort, especially if your dog becomes irritable during flare-ups.

2. Omega-3 Oils

Fish oils can reduce inflammation and itchiness.

3. Medicated Baths

To soothe sore, inflamed skin.

4. Flea & Parasite Control

Because even mild flea allergies can mimic food allergies.

 

 

How Long Before You See Improvement?

Most dogs show a noticeable reduction in itching between:

  • Week 3 and 5 for food allergies

  • Week 6 and 8 for more severe cases

If nothing improves after 8 weeks, speak to your vet — environmental allergies may be the root cause instead.

 

 

Common Mistakes That Ruin an Elimination Diet

Avoid these at all costs:

  • Accidentally feeding treats or dental chews

  • Choosing a food with hidden chicken or mixed proteins

  • Letting other pets’ food be accessible

  • Changing foods too quickly

  • Stopping the diet early

Consistency = accurate results.

 

 

When to See Your Vet

Consult your vet if:

  • The itching is severe or sudden

  • There are recurring ear infections

  • Your dog has open sores or hot spots

  • You suspect environmental allergies

  • You’re struggling to find a suitable food

Most UK vets are supportive and can guide you through the process.

 

 

Conclusion

Elimination diets are the most reliable way to diagnose food allergies in itchy dogs. While the process takes patience, the results can transform your dog’s comfort and long-term health.

By choosing the right UK-available trial food, tracking symptoms, and reintroducing ingredients carefully, you’ll discover exactly what triggers your dog’s itchiness.

To help your dog stay calm, comfortable, and less stressed during the trial, many UK owners use Stop Itching :
https://abletu.com/products/stop-itching

A focused approach today can bring your dog a lifetime of relief.

 

 

FAQs About Elimination Diets for Itchy Dogs (UK)

How long does an elimination diet take for dogs?

Between 6–8 weeks. Most dogs improve around week 3–5.

What is the best food for an elimination diet?

A single protein + single carbohydrate food your dog has never eaten before, such as duck & potato or venison & sweet potato.

Can I give treats during an elimination diet?

No. Any treat can re-trigger symptoms and reset the trial.

What if my dog doesn’t improve after 8 weeks?

They may have environmental allergies instead. Speak to your vet for next steps.

Can calming supplements help itchy dogs?

Yes — stress worsens itching. A natural calming aid like Keep Calm can help soothe anxiety-linked scratching during the trial.

 

Back to blog