Understanding Dog Allergies and How Raw Elimination Diets Can Help

As dog trainers, we often work with dogs who struggle not just with behavior—but with their health. One common issue we see is allergies. Whether it’s itchy skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive problems, food allergies and intolerances can make dogs miserable and harder to train.

For many pet parents looking for answers, a raw elimination diet can be a game-changing tool in identifying and managing their dog’s food sensitivities. In this post, I’ll break down the signs of allergies, explain what an elimination diet is, and how to do it safely and effectively—all from a balanced, practical point of view.

What Do Dog Allergies Look Like?

Allergies in dogs don’t always show up as sneezing or watery eyes like they do in people. Here are common signs your dog may be dealing with a food sensitivity or intolerance:

• Itchy paws, ears, face, or belly

• Chronic ear infections

• Hot spots or skin rashes

• Red, irritated eyes

• Excessive licking or chewing

• Loose stools or frequent diarrhea

• Gas, bloating, or vomiting

• Poor coat condition or hair loss

If you’re seeing any of these symptoms and your vet has ruled out parasites or infections, food may be the culprit.

What Is a Raw Elimination Diet?

A raw elimination diet is a simplified feeding plan where you feed your dog one novel protein (a protein they’ve never had before) and one carbohydrate source—or no carbs at all—for a period of time, usually 6 to 8 weeks.

This diet helps identify which ingredients your dog can tolerate and which may be triggering allergic reactions. The raw format (as opposed to processed kibble) gives you total control over ingredients and avoids unnecessary fillers, preservatives, and allergens.

Benefits of a Raw Elimination Diet

• Highly digestible: Raw food is often easier on sensitive stomachs

• Fewer ingredients: Makes it easier to pinpoint allergens

• No fillers or additives: Reduces exposure to hidden triggers

• Supports skin, coat, and gut health: Raw diets are nutrient-dense and often lead to healthier skin and digestion

• Customizable: You can tailor the diet to your dog’s needs and add ingredients back in one at a time

How to Do a Raw Elimination Diet Safely

Here’s a basic framework to follow, but always consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making major dietary changes:

Choose One Novel Protein

Pick a protein your dog has never eaten before. Common choices include:

• Rabbit

• Duck

• Venison

• Goat

• Kangaroo (if available)

Avoid chicken, beef, or lamb if your dog has been eating those regularly—they’re common allergens.

Feed the Protein Alone

Start by feeding only raw meat (with appropriate bone and organ portions) from that protein for 6–8 weeks. You may include one starchy vegetable or grain (like pumpkin or quinoa), if recommended, but many raw purists stick to just meat and bone during this phase.

Watch Closely

Track your dog’s symptoms—both improvements and flare-ups. Keep a log of:

• Stool consistency

• Skin condition

• Behavior and energy levels

• Any signs of itching or inflammation

Reintroduce Slowly

After 6–8 weeks, if symptoms have improved, begin adding new foods back one at a time, every 1–2 weeks. Watch for any return of symptoms. This helps identify specific allergens.

Avoid Coddling with Treats

Don’t forget that treats, chews, and table scraps must also be eliminated or carefully chosen during this process—just one bite of a trigger food can reset the clock.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Jumping between proteins too quickly

• Using pre-made raw blends with too many ingredients

• Forgetting to balance the diet with same source organ meat and calcium (raw meaty bones or supplements)

• Giving commercial treats that contain hidden allergens

• Not considering cross-contact in kibble manufacturing: Even if a kibble label says "salmon" or "limited ingredient," it may be produced in the same facility—and on the same equipment—as formulas containing common allergens like chicken, beef, or dairy. This cross-contact can leave trace proteins behind and trigger reactions in sensitive dogs. If you're trying to identify food intolerances, feeding kibble—even the so-called hypoallergenic kind—can muddy the results.

• Not tracking symptoms carefully

A Trainer’s Insight: Why This Matters

When a dog is constantly itchy, inflamed, or in discomfort, it affects their behavior. Allergies can contribute to:

• Irritability or aggression

• Hyperactivity

• Difficulty focusing in training

• Lethargy

Clearing up food-related issues can dramatically improve a dog’s mood, energy, and trainability. A calm, comfortable dog is a teachable dog.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect your dog has food allergies, a raw elimination diet—done properly—can be an incredibly effective tool to uncover the root of the problem. It takes time, patience, and guidance, but the results are often life-changing for both dogs and their humans.

As a trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how much easier it is to work with a dog once their body is healthy and their mind is clear. If you’re struggling with behavioral issues and suspect allergies, nutrition might be the missing link.

Disclaimer: Consult with your veterinarian before beginning a raw diet or elimination protocol, especially if your dog has medical issues.