Dieta de eliminación en perros: guía paso a paso para hacerla bien

What it is and why it is the gold standard

The elimination diet consists of feeding the dog exclusively a protein and carbohydrate source that it has never consumed before for a minimum of 8 weeks.

How to structure the diet correctly

Before you begin, take a complete food history of the dog:

• Choose ONE animal protein that the dog has never eaten.
• Combine it with ONE source of carbohydrate that is also novel.
• Duration: minimum 8 weeks.
• Drinking water only.

Errors that invalidate the diet (complete list)

Any of these elements can ruin the effort:

• Non-approved treats or snacks.
• Flavored toothpaste.
• Flavored chewable medicines.
• Access to garbage or food from other pets.
• Supplements with undeclared proteins.
• Change to a 'different' feed with the same protein.

Week by week: what to expect

Digestive symptoms usually improve in the first 2-4 weeks. Skin symptoms take longer because complete skin turnover takes several weeks.

Provocation test: the step that confirms the diagnosis

At the end of 8 weeks, if there is clear improvement, reintroduce the original diet for up to 2 weeks. If symptoms reappear, the diagnosis is confirmed.