How will a food trial help diagnose my pet's allergy?

Food allergies account for only a fraction of the allergies in cats and dogs. But food allergies are hard to diagnose, so your veterinarian might order a food trial. Here's what you and your pet can expect.

For twelve weeks, your pet will give up his regular diet. He'll eat nothing but a meat protein he's never had before, combined with specific carbohydrates - say, rabbit-and-rice or venison-and-potato. If the allergies disappear, you might be told to return to the original diet, and see what happens. Or you might start adding back individual proteins such as beef or chicken - one by one. If the allergy returns with beef, you know what not to feed.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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