The most common protein source used in a food elimination trial is white fish, venison or lamb. The most common carbohydrate source is potatoes or rice. Fish or meat may be fresh or frozen, but not canned, chopped or ground because these products often have residues of other meats or ingredients which interfere with the food elimination trial. The food elimination trial produces the most reliable outcome when a home-cooked diet is used. If home cooking is not feasible, a commercially-prepared diet will sometimes produce a reliable diagnosis.
Food is prepared using the amounts on the chart below.
Visible fat and bone are trimmed from meat, and fish or meat is cut into bite-size pieces. Amounts are weighed on a kitchen scale. Food may be prepared ahead and stored in premeasured bags in the refrigerator or freezer. If the pet is hungry or loses weight, more of the diet can be fed. Treats, table scraps, rawhide bones or any chewable medications must be withheld during the food elimination trial.