Food Trial

Food trials (aka diet trials) using a prescription restricted diet are the only way to diagnose or rule out a food allergy in dogs and cats. Diet trials last 8 – 12 weeks and involve changing a pet to a completely different diet (treats included), then monitoring them for improvement. Pet Dermatology Partners will frequently recommend a diet trial when a pet is suspected to be allergic. During your pet’s diet trial, we will also treat them for any skin infections and itching. By the end of the trial, our goal is that your pet will be eating only the prescription food, with no skin infections, and that any itch-control medication will have worn off. If your pet begins to be itchy and develop infections at this point, we will rule out a food allergy and discuss environmental allergies with you. If your pet is uninterested in their prescribed diet, or if the diet makes your pet feel sick we want to know so we can recommend a different food!