Elimination diet for dogs

Is it a food allergy? Find out in 12 weeks

Itching, licking or soft stools? 12 weeks on IMBY, and nothing else, tells you whether food is behind it.

Start with IMBY GI Sensitive
The signs

Food allergy shows up on the skin

Blood and skin tests can't reliably diagnose food allergy in dogs. A strict elimination diet with IMBY can: insect protein your dog has never eaten.

  • Licking or chewing paws
  • Scratching ears and face
  • Itching all year round
  • Soft stools or more poos

Most common culprits in dogs

  • Beef
  • Dairy
  • Chicken
  • Wheat

Sudden severe itching, open wounds, vomiting or bloody diarrhoea? See your vet first. Rule out fleas before you start.

Illustration of a dog scratching itself
12 weeks at a glance

What to expect and when

  1. Day 1–7 Switch to IMBY25%, 50%, 75% and then 100% IMBY over 7 days.
  2. Week 2 Stools settleFirmer, more regular stools often come first.
  3. Week 5–8 Itch fadesIn studies, over 80% of food-allergic dogs improved by week 5, and over 90% by week 8.
  4. Week 12 Evaluate with your vetStill itchy? Ask your vet about the next step.
12 weeks, nothing else

The house rules

One snack can reset the clock. Share this with everyone who feeds your dog.

Yes, during the diet

  • IMBY dog foodGI Sensitive, Insect-Based or Plant-Based
  • Fresh water
  • IMBY kibble as rewardsfrom the daily portion
  • IMBY snacks & supplementsBedtime, Daytime & the ones below
  • Vet medicationunflavoured if possible

Not for now

  • Rawhide & animal chewspig ears, bully sticks, yak
  • Table scraps
  • Cheese & dairy
  • Other brands' treats
  • Flavoured tablets
  • Other pets' bowls

Why we're strict about snacks

Ordinary chews, treats and flavoured tablets often hide chicken, beef or dairy. IMBY foods and snacks use insect or plant protein, so you can keep treating your dog.

Every week, same day

Score it weekly

A few counts and two scores, done the same way every week, show you the trend.

  1. Count the paw lickingHow often does your dog lick or chew its paws each day?
  2. Count the head shakingHow often does your dog shake its head or scratch its ears each day?
  3. Take photosOnce a week: paws, ears and belly, in the same spot and light.
  4. Weigh your dogEvery 2 weeks, on the same scale.

Itching (0–10)Goal: 0

  1. 0
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. 6
  8. 7
  9. 8
  10. 9
  11. 10

NormalExtreme

  1. Normal: itching isn't a problem
  2. Very mild: an occasional episode, slightly more than before
  3. Mild: a bit more often, but not while sleeping, eating, playing or distracted
  4. Moderate: regular episodes, maybe at night, not while eating, playing or distracted
  5. Severe: long episodes, also at night and while eating, playing or distracted
  6. Extreme: almost non-stop, even when distracted; has to be held to stop

Owner-scored itch scale (PVAS) after Hill, Lau & Rybnicek, Veterinary Dermatology 2007;18:301–308, validated in dogs. Mark where your dog sits on the line, from 0 to 10.

Stool score (1–7)Ideal: 2–3

  1. Stool score 1: Hard, dry pellets1 Hard, dry pellets
  2. Stool score 2: Firm, segmented, easy to pick up2 Firm, segmented, easy to pick up
  3. Stool score 3: Log-shaped and moist, leaves a slight mark3 Log-shaped and moist, leaves a slight mark
  4. Stool score 4: Very moist log, loses its shape when picked up4 Very moist log, loses its shape when picked up
  5. Stool score 5: Very moist piles that still have a shape5 Very moist piles that still have a shape
  6. Stool score 6: Shapeless, some texture6 Shapeless, some texture
  7. Stool score 7: Watery, no texture7 Watery, no texture

Illustrated 1–7 stool chart. Our vets aim for a score between 2 and 3.

Fits the diet

IMBY foods and supplements

Tap a product to see what to expect week by week.

Claims are nutritional, not medical: always work alongside your vet for diagnosed conditions.
Complete foods for the elimination diet
Our first choice for an elimination diet: insect protein your dog has most likely never eaten, plus extra support for the gut.

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Switch over
25%, 50%, 75% and then 100% IMBY over 7 days. Slightly softer stools for a few days are normal.
Weeks 2–4
Stools
Stools often become firmer and more regular: aim for a score of 2–3.
Weeks 5–8
Itch
If food was the trigger, licking and scratching usually ease: watch your itch score drop.
Week 12
Evaluate
Compare your scores and photos with week 0, together with your vet.
What to track
  • Diet Diary (strict): Log every single food item your dog consumes.
  • Stool score (1–7): Aim for 2–3: firm, moist and easy to pick up.
  • Skin Symptom Score (1–5): Rate itching, redness, hotspots and licking weekly.

IMBY GI Sensitive Dog Food is a complete pet food for adult dogs with food sensitivities. Consult your vet if symptoms are severe.

View IMBY GI Sensitive Dog Food
Complete food with insect protein, a protein most dogs have never eaten. Still itchy or low on energy after 12 weeks? Try IMBY GI Sensitive.

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Switch over
25%, 50%, 75% and then 100% IMBY over 7 days. Slightly softer stools for a few days are normal.
Weeks 2–4
Stools
Stools settle as your dog gets used to the new food.
Weeks 4–8
Coat
Many owners notice a softer, shinier coat.
Week 12
Evaluate
Still itchy or low on energy? Try IMBY GI Sensitive and talk to your vet.
What to track
  • Stool Quality (days 1–14): Some softening during transition is normal.
  • Coat Sheen (monthly photo): Insect protein + algae oil DHA typically shows coat improvement by weeks 6–8.
  • Scratching / Licking Frequency: If switching due to suspected food allergy — track weekly scratching from day 1.

IMBY Insect-Based Vitality Dog Food is a complete pet food for adult dogs (all breeds). Follow feeding guide on pack by body weight.

View IMBY Insect-Based Vitality Dog Food
Complete plant-based food for adult dogs. Dogs can thrive on well-formulated plant-based diets — gradual transition and consistent exclusive feeding are key.

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Switch over
25%, 50%, 75% and then 100% IMBY over 7 days. Slightly softer stools for a few days are normal.
Weeks 2–4
Stools & appetite
Watch stool score and appetite while your dog adjusts.
Weeks 4–8
Weight
Weigh every 2 weeks: the lower calorie density suits dogs that gain weight easily.
Week 12
Evaluate
Compare scores, photos and weight with week 0.
What to track
  • Body Weight (fortnightly): Plant-based diets are often lower in calories — monitor to adjust portion size.
  • Muscle Condition Score: Palpate the spine and hindquarters monthly, especially in working or very active dogs.
  • Stool Quality & Volume: Higher fibre typically means slightly larger stools — normal.

IMBY Plant-Based Dog Food is nutritionally complete for adult dogs. Consult your vet before switching growing puppies or dogs with medical conditions.

View IMBY Plant-Based Dog Food
Supplements that fit the diet

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Settling in
Watch appetite and stools while the gut adjusts.
Weeks 1–2
Stools
Stools often become firmer and more regular.
Weeks 2–4
Comfort
Many owners notice less wind and a more comfortable tummy.
Weeks 4–8
Steady
Check whether stools stay steady through changes in food or routine.
What to track
  • Stool score (1–7): Aim for 2–3.
  • Defecation Frequency: Note changes from normal routine.
  • Appetite & Eating Speed: Bolting food or reluctance can indicate gut discomfort.
View Guts & Glory Supplement

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Stools
The added fibre often helps loose stools firm up within days.
Weeks 1–2
Regular
Bowel movements often become more regular.
Weeks 2–4
Comfort
Many owners notice less wind and fewer upsets, for example after antibiotics.
Weeks 4–8
Steady
Stools stay steadier during changes in food or routine.
What to track
  • Stool score (1–7): Aim for 2–3.
  • Defecation Frequency: Note changes from your dog's personal baseline.
  • Gas & Bloating: Note frequency and intensity.
View IMBY Probiotics Supplement

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Weeks 1–2
Baseline
Photograph coat and skin now, in the same light every week.
Weeks 2–4
Scratching
Some dogs already scratch a little less.
Weeks 4–8
Coat
A softer, shinier coat is the change owners see most.
Weeks 8–12
Skin
Omega-3s take time: give it at least 8 weeks before you judge the skin.
What to track
  • Scratching Frequency: Count or rate daily scratch sessions (1–5).
  • Coat Sheen (monthly photos): Same lighting condition.
  • Skin Lesions / Hotspots: Note location and size of any redness, scaling or hair loss patches.
View Immune & Tune Supplement

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Weeks 1–2
Settling in
Most dogs take the chew easily.
Weeks 2–4
Coat
Many owners notice more coat shine.
Weeks 4–8
Energy
Owners often describe steadier energy and a brighter dog.
Weeks 8+
Keep going
A daily foundation: keep it going alongside a complete food.
What to track
  • Energy & Vitality (1–5): Rate your dog's enthusiasm for walks, play and interaction weekly.
  • Coat Quality (monthly photo): Sheen and texture in the same lighting condition each time.
  • Stool Consistency: General gut health is a good proxy for micronutrient absorption.
View IMBY Multivitamin Supplement

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Weeks 1–2
Baseline
Film your dog getting up after rest and on a short walk.
Weeks 2–4
Getting up
Watch how easily your dog gets up in the morning.
Weeks 4–8
Movement
Many owners see more fluid movement and more willingness on walks.
Weeks 8–12+
Keep going
Joint support is a long game. Compare your videos once a month.
What to track
  • Stiffness After Rest (1–5): Rate how stiff your dog is getting up from rest.
  • Gait Video (monthly): Short video walking and trotting on a straight line.
  • Willingness to Exercise: Does your dog hesitate before stairs, jumping in the car, or longer walks?
View Smooth & Supple Supplement

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Baseline
Rate morning stiffness from 1 to 5 and film a short trot.
Weeks 2–4
Getting up
The first minutes after rest are often where you see the change first.
Weeks 4–8
Stairs & car
Note how willingly your dog takes the stairs or jumps into the car.
Weeks 8–12+
Longer walks
Senior dogs often show the biggest difference on longer walks.
What to track
  • Morning Stiffness (1–5): Rate ease of getting up, especially after a night's rest.
  • Exercise Tolerance: Maximum comfortable walk/run distance before signs of fatigue or reluctance.
  • Gait on Camera (monthly): Short trot video on a straight line.
View IMBY Hip & Joint Supplement

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Getting started
The liquid mixes easily into food.
Weeks 1–3
Recovery
Watch how your dog moves after exercise or stressful periods.
Weeks 3–6
Comfort
Many owners report a more supple, comfortable dog.
Weeks 6+
Keep going
Useful as an ongoing routine for active and senior dogs.
View Restore & Revive Supplement

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Start a diary
Write down what triggers stress and how strongly your dog reacts (0–10).
Weeks 1–3
Routine
Give it daily, alongside training and a calm routine.
Weeks 3–6
Compare
Compare your diary with week 1: many owners see calmer reactions.
Weeks 6–8+
Keep going
Keep it going during stressful periods, such as fireworks or moving house.
What to track
  • Stress Trigger Reaction (1–5): Rate your dog's response to the same known trigger weekly.
  • Resting Behaviour: Does your dog settle easily?
  • Destructive / Anxious Behaviours: Log frequency of pacing, barking, destructive chewing, or inappropriate elimination.
View IMBY Calm & Chill Supplement
Contains bovine colostrum (cow's milk protein). Dairy is one of the most common food allergens in dogs, so give it after the elimination diet, or only in consultation with your vet.

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Baseline
Score itch (0–10) and photograph paws, ears and belly.
Weeks 2–4
Licking
Count how often your dog licks paws and scratches each day.
Weeks 4–6
Comfort
Many owners notice less licking and calmer skin.
Weeks 6–12
Coat & skin
Coat and skin keep improving: compare your photos with week 0.
What to track
  • Scratch / Lick / Chew Frequency (1–5): Observe daily and rate each week.
  • Skin Lesion Map: Note location and severity of any redness, scaling or hotspots monthly.
  • Stool Quality: The gut-skin axis means gut health directly affects skin — improved stools often precede skin improvement.
View IMBY Allergy & Itch Supplement
Snacks that fit the diet
IMBY Bedtime Dog SnacksPlant-based · peas, potato & lupin · chamomile
View product

No meat, fish, dairy or wheat.

IMBY Daytime Dog SnacksInsect protein · peas & potato · skin & coat herbs
View product

No meat, fish, dairy or wheat. Same insect protein as IMBY food.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Why 12 weeks?

In studies, more than 80% of food-allergic dogs improved within 5 weeks and over 90% within 8 weeks. Twelve weeks gives slower responders time too, so you don't stop just before it works.

Can I give treats?

Yes: IMBY Bedtime and Daytime snacks fit the diet, and so does kibble from the daily portion. Other treats and animal chews wait until after the 12 weeks.

Is insect protein suitable?

Most dogs have never eaten insect protein, which is exactly what you want for an elimination diet. IMBY uses black soldier fly.

My dog is still itchy after 12 weeks. Now what?

Talk to your vet: itching often has more than one cause, such as an environmental allergy to pollen or dust mites. If your dog is on another IMBY food, try IMBY GI Sensitive.

Can I use IMBY Allergy & Itch during the diet?

It contains bovine colostrum, which is cow's milk protein. Give it after the elimination diet, or only in consultation with your vet.

Need personalised support?

Our team of vets and animal health experts is available Monday–Friday, 9–5 CET. We aim to respond within 24 hours, usually faster.

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