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 when

  1. Day 1–10 Switch to IMBYMix IMBY GI Sensitive into the old food, a little more each day.
  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.
Illustration of a happy dog running
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

  • Chewsrawhide, pig ears, yak
  • Table scraps
  • Cheese & dairy
  • Other brands' treats
  • Flavoured tablets
  • Other pets' bowls

Why we're strict about snacks

Many chews, treats and flavoured tablets contain chicken, beef or dairy, and it isn't always clear on the label. IMBY foods and snacks are made with insect or plant protein, and our supplements are plant-based, so you can keep treating and caring for your dog without disturbing the diet.

Every week, same day

Score it weekly

Two scores and a few counts are all you need to see the trend.

ItchingGoal: 0

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

No itchingNon-stop, wakes up for it

StoolIdeal: 2

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

Hard and dryWatery

  • Paw lickingtimes per day
  • Head shakingtimes per day
  • Photospaws, ears, belly
  • Weightevery 2 weeks
Illustration of a dog doing its business
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.

Transition & benefit timeline

Days 1–10
Dietary transition
Switch over gradually in 7–10 days.
Weeks 2–4
Gut adaptation & stool improvement
Beet pulp and linseed fibre normalise gut transit.
Weeks 4–8
Allergy & skin symptoms reduce
As previous dietary allergens are eliminated, skin symptoms (licking, scratching, hotspots) typically show measurable improvement.
Weeks 8–12+
Long-term GI & skin health
Full elimination of previous allergens is complete.
What to track
  • Diet Diary (strict): Log every single food item your dog consumes.
  • Stool score (1–7): Aim for 2: 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.

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.

Transition & benefit timeline

Days 1–10
Dietary transition
Transition gradually: 25% IMBY / 75% old food (days 1–3) → 50/50 (days 4–6) → 75% IMBY (days 7–9) → 100% IMBY (day 10+).
Weeks 2–4
Digestive adaptation complete
The gut microbiome fully adapts.
Weeks 4–8
Coat & vitality improve
Algae oil DHA, vitamin E and zinc contribute to skin and coat quality.
Weeks 8–12+
Long-term allergy & vitality support
Novel protein minimises allergen exposure.
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.

Complete plant-based food for adult dogs. Dogs can thrive on well-formulated plant-based diets — gradual transition and consistent exclusive feeding are key.

Transition & benefit timeline

Days 1–10
Dietary transition
Transition gradually over 10 days.
Weeks 2–4
Protein & energy adaptation
The gut fully adapts to plant proteins.
Weeks 4–8
Weight & body condition stabilise
Lower calorie density contributes to healthy weight management in overweight or older dogs.
Weeks 8–12+
Long-term maintenance
Plant-based nutrition is fully integrated.
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.

Snacks that fit the diet
Plant-based: peas, potato, sweet lupin and coconut oil. No meat, fish, dairy or wheat on the ingredient list.
Days 1–14
Weeks 2–4
Weeks 4–6
Weeks 6–8+
How to use it during the diet
  • Count them in: keep treats to a small part of the daily ration.
  • Log them: note snacks in your weekly score sheet, so you can spot anything that doesn't suit your dog.
Made with peas, potato, sweet lupin and insect protein. No meat, fish, dairy or wheat on the ingredient list. Pairs naturally with IMBY's insect-based foods.
Days 1–14
Weeks 2–4
Weeks 4–6
Weeks 6–8+
How to use it during the diet
  • Count them in: keep treats to a small part of the daily ration.
  • Log them: note snacks in your weekly score sheet, so you can spot anything that doesn't suit your dog.
Supplements that fit the diet

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Digestive enzymes activate
α-amylase, cellulase and β-glucanase support optimal digestion from the first serving.
Weeks 1–2
Gut wall support
Curcuma longa and L-glutamine contribute to intestinal barrier integrity.
Weeks 2–4
Microbiome balance
Microbiome diversity improves as probiotics establish alongside prebiotic fibres.
Weeks 4–8
Microbiome resilience
Vitamin D3, zinc and selenium contribute to normal immune function.
What to track
  • Stool score (1–7): Aim for 2.
  • Defecation Frequency: Note changes from normal routine.
  • Appetite & Eating Speed: Bolting food or reluctance can indicate gut discomfort.

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Immediate stool support
Psyllium husk and apple pectin immediately add prebiotic fibre, helping to bulk and normalise loose stools.
Weeks 1–2
Microbiome seeding
Probiotic strains establish alongside chicory root inulin.
Weeks 2–4
Gut flora balance
Microbiome diversity improves.
Weeks 4–8
Resilient, stable microbiome
Balanced gut flora established.
What to track
  • Stool score (1–7): Aim for 2.
  • Defecation Frequency: Note changes from your dog's personal baseline.
  • Gas & Bloating: Note frequency and intensity.

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–14
Fatty acids enter circulation
EPA and DHA begin integrating into the diet.
Weeks 2–4
Membrane remodelling underway
EPA and DHA gradually replace arachidonic acid in immune and skin cell membranes.
Weeks 4–6
Coat starts to shine
As omega-3 integration progresses, skin barrier function and coat quality visibly improve.
Weeks 6–12
Immune balance established
Full EPA + DHA membrane remodelling is complete.
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.

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Nutritional gaps begin to close
Vitamin D3 and zinc start filling common nutritional gaps.
Weeks 2–4
Coat & energy respond
Zinc contributes to normal maintenance of skin and coat.
Weeks 4–6
Immune & whole-body support
Vitamin D3 and zinc contribute to normal immune function.
Weeks 6–8+
Foundation for long-term health
Full nutritional foundation established.
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.

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–14
Settling in
Boswellia serrata and turmeric are part of the daily routine from day one, with blackcurrant as an antioxidant source.
Weeks 2–4
Connective tissue building blocks
MSM and silicon from horsetail provide structural building blocks for cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
Weeks 4–8
Mobility & circulation support
Meadowsweet and horse chestnut support healthy microcirculation to joint tissues.
Weeks 8–12+
Sustained joint support
Cumulative connective tissue support established.
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?

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Settling in
Turmeric, black pepper and Boswellia serrata are part of the daily chew from day one.
Weeks 2–4
Cartilage building blocks accumulate
Glucosamine contributes to cartilage matrix glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
Weeks 4–8
Joint resilience & movement improve
Type II collagen and vitamin C support structural cartilage health.
Weeks 8–12+
Long-term joint support
Full cumulative benefit established.
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.

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Getting started
The liquid curcuma extract mixes easily into food.
Weeks 1–3
Recovery support activates
Watch how your dog moves after exercise, minor procedures or stressful periods, and write it down each week.
Weeks 3–6
Joint & gut support
Curcumin contributes to normal joint function and supports the intestinal mucosa.
Weeks 6+
Ongoing support
Continued use maintains healthy antioxidant status.

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Settling in
L-tryptophan and magnesium are part of the daily chew from day one.
Weeks 1–3
Building a routine
Passionflower and lemon balm are given daily alongside training and a calm routine.
Weeks 3–6
Compare with your diary
Ashwagandha is part of the daily chew.
Weeks 6–8+
Sustained emotional balance
Full adaptogenic benefit established.
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.
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.

Results week by week — with consistent daily use

Days 1–7
Gut-skin axis support begins
Probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, E.
Weeks 2–4
Skin-supportive fatty acids integrate
Evening primrose oil (GLA) and algae oil (EPA+DHA) begin incorporating into skin cell membranes, supporting barrier function.
Weeks 4–6
Skin barrier & comfort improve
As the microbiome stabilises and fatty acid levels build, the skin barrier is better supported.
Weeks 6–12
Immune balance & skin comfort
Full EPA+DHA membrane integration complete.
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.
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 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.

Email info@curafyt.comRead customer reviews
Before & After Photo Contest

Get a free product

Snap clear before & after shots of your dog using IMBY and email them to info@curafyt.com. If we can see real progress, we'll send you a complimentary product of your choice.

Send Photos