Introducing New Foods as Part of an Elimination Diet Protocol
Reintroducing Foods & Building a Long-Term Balanced Diet
Following a successful elimination diet, the next phase is systematic food reintroduction. This process identifies which ingredients can be safely included in the dog’s long-term diet and which are likely to trigger adverse food reactions (AFRs), such as skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, or ear infections.
When to Begin Reintroduction
Reintroduction should only begin when:
Clinical signs have improved or resolved during the elimination phase (typically after 8–12 weeks).
No other external factors (e.g., seasonal pollen, parasites, infection) are influencing the dog’s symptoms.
How to Reintroduce Foods
Introduce one new food at a time and monitor for signs of relapse. Each new ingredient should be fed for 7 to 14 daysbefore introducing the next.
Steps:
Select a single ingredient not used in the elimination diet (e.g., beef muscle meat).
Add the ingredient in isolation—ideally, without mixing it into the main diet—to assess tolerance.
Monitor for reactions, including:
Increased itchiness or redness
Ear inflammation or discharge
Soft stools, gas, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Behavioural changes (restlessness, lethargy)
Stop the new food if symptoms return. Wait for the dog to return to baseline on the elimination diet before trialing the next item.
If no signs appear after 10–14 days, the food is likely tolerated and can be included in the long-term rotation.
Reintroduction Priority List
It’s advisable to first test nutrient-dense whole foods required for a balanced diet. Order will vary depending on the original elimination formula, but might include:
Muscle meat from common proteins (e.g., beef, lamb, turkey, chicken)
Organ meats (e.g., liver, kidney)
Bone or calcium source (if not yet included)
Whole fish or shellfish (e.g., sardines, mussels)
Eggs
Low-reactivity plant materials (e.g., pumpkin, zucchini, berries, leafy greens)
Avoid testing highly processed or multi-ingredient items (treats, biscuits, flavoured supplements) during this phase.
Tracking Responses
Keep a daily record of:
Skin and coat condition
Stool consistency and frequency
Any signs of pruritus, redness, or ear changes
Appetite and energy levels
Clear documentation is critical, especially when symptoms fluctuate or delayed reactions occur.
Building a Balanced Maintenance Diet
Once several ingredients have been reintroduced and tolerated, the diet must be expanded to ensure nutritional completeness. This includes:
Rotate tolerated proteins to minimise sensitisation and provide a full amino acid profile.
Include liver (as a source of vitamins A and B12, copper, and folate), and ideally kidney or spleen (source of selenium, zinc, and iron).
Use appropriate raw meaty bones, eggshell powder, or calcium carbonate to achieve a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
If oily fish is tolerated, include sardines or mackerel. Otherwise, use an omega-3 supplement (e.g., marine algae oil) tailored to the individual’s tolerance.
Consider seafood, kelp (if tolerated and appropriate), or a custom supplement to provide zinc, iodine, and selenium.
Some dogs may tolerate certain vegetables or fruits (e.g., pumpkin, broccoli, blueberries) to support digestion, microbiome health, and antioxidant intake.
When to Use Supplements
If key ingredients remain excluded due to food reactions, a custom supplement plan may be needed to avoid nutrient deficiencies. This is especially critical for:
Calcium, if bones are not included
Vitamin D, if oily fish is excluded
Zinc and iodine, if seafood is not tolerated
Manganese, often low in animal-only diets
Support and Guidance
Reintroduction and maintenance planning should be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or certified nutritionist, particularly when:
The dog is a puppy, senior, or lactating female
The elimination diet was highly restrictive
The dog requires therapeutic support for a concurrent condition
Summary
Reintroduction is a critical phase in determining which foods trigger adverse responses and which can be included in a balanced maintenance diet. This phase must be approached systematically, with thorough documentation and professional oversight to ensure long-term health.