Finding Answers Through Simple, Natural Nutrition
That's where an elimination diet can help. An elimination diet is considered one of the most effective ways to identify potential food sensitivities by simplifying your dog's diet and feeding a single protein source.
Is Your Dog Constantly Itching, Licking Their Paws or Suffering Recurring Ear Infections?
The challenge is that food sensitivities can present in many different ways. While some dogs show obvious digestive symptoms, others may develop chronic itching, red inflamed skin, recurrent ear infections, hot spots, excessive shedding, dull coats or persistent paw chewing.
Because these symptoms can have many possible causes, one of the most effective ways to identify potential food triggers is through a structured elimination diet.
Common Signs Your Dog May Benefit From An Elimination Diet
Food sensitivities can affect every dog differently, but some of the most common signs include:
✅ Excessive itching or scratching
✅ Constant licking or chewing of paws
✅ Recurring ear infections
✅ Red, irritated or inflamed skin
✅ Hot spots
✅ Digestive upset
✅ Loose stools
✅ Chronic diarrhoea
✅ Excessive gas
✅ Anal gland issues
✅ Tear staining
✅ Poor coat condition
✅ Seasonal symptoms that never fully resolve
If several of these symptoms sound familiar, an elimination diet may help identify whether food is contributing to the problem.
What Is an Elimination Diet?
An elimination diet is a simple feeding approach designed to help identify potential food sensitivities.
Rather than feeding multiple proteins, treats and extras, you feed just one carefully selected protein source while removing all others from your dog's diet.
Think of it as hitting the reset button.
By simplifying everything, you can better understand how your dog responds to a particular protein and whether their symptoms begin to improve over time.
Why Simplicity Matters
One of the biggest challenges pet owners face is knowing exactly what their dog is eating.
Many commercial foods marketed as "single protein" can still contain additional meats, meals, by-products or hidden protein sources. This makes it incredibly difficult to work out what may be causing a reaction.
When investigating food sensitivities, every ingredient matters.
The simpler the diet, the easier it becomes to pinpoint potential triggers and gain confidence in what you're feeding your dog.
Why Processed Kibble Can Be More Challenging During an Elimination Diet
Many dry foods rely on a wide range of ingredients to create a complete product, including multiple protein sources, grains, starches, legumes and flavour enhancers. Even foods marketed around a single protein may contain additional ingredients that can make it harder to identify which component may not agree with your dog.
High levels of starches and carbohydrates are commonly used in kibble manufacturing to help create the biscuit structure. For some dogs, these ingredients commonly contribute to digestive upset, skin irritation, ear issues and ongoing inflammation, particularly if they already have underlying food sensitivities. Elimination diet guidance specifically notes that some dogs may react to the high levels of starch, carbohydrates and sugars commonly found in dry kibble diets, as these are known to cause inflammation in the body, which can be associated with symptoms such as itchy skin, hot spots, paw chewing, ear issues and digestive disturbances.
While every dog is different, one of the biggest benefits of a raw elimination diet is removing much of the complexity. By feeding a clearly defined, single-protein recipe, you're reducing the number of ingredients entering your dog's system and making it easier to understand exactly what may be helping or causing a reaction.
Raw feeding also aligns with the philosophy of keeping things simple while you work towards understanding your dog's individual nutritional needs.
Because the goal of an elimination diet isn't simply to find a food your dog can eat.
The goal is to better understand your dog, identify the ingredients they thrive on, and build a feeding plan that helps them enjoy a happy, healthy and comfortable life.
When you're searching for answers, knowing exactly what's in the bowl can make all the difference.
What Is a Novel Protein?
A novel protein is simply a protein your dog hasn't eaten regularly before.
Because your dog has had limited exposure to it, a novel protein can be a useful choice when starting an elimination diet.
At Somerford Raw & Natural, we've created elimination diet bundles based around two carefully selected novel proteins:
Kangaroo
A lean Australian protein that many dogs have not been exposed to regularly.
Tasmanian Salmon
A fish-based protein naturally rich in omega oils and often chosen by pet owners looking for an alternative to traditional meat proteins.
How to Successfully Complete an Elimination Diet
One of the most common questions we hear from pet parents is:
"How do I actually do an elimination diet?"
The good news is that it doesn't need to be complicated. The key is keeping things simple, staying consistent and giving your dog's body enough time to respond.
Step 1: Feed Only Your Elimination Diet Bundle
For the best chance of success, feed only the products included in your chosen Elimination Diet Bundle for 8 to 12 weeks.
For our Kangaroo Elimination Diet Bundle, this includes:
- Adult Kangaroo & Veg
- Kangaroo Meaty Bones
- Roo Nibbles
- Roo Jerky
During this time, it's important to avoid anything outside the elimination diet, including:
- Table scraps
- Commercial treats and biscuits
- Additional proteins
- Dental chews
- Flavoured supplements
- Flavoured medications unless advised by your veterinarian
Think of this period as giving your dog's body the opportunity to reset, free from the confusion of multiple ingredients and protein sources.
Step 2: Watch for Positive Changes
As the weeks go by, keep a close eye on your dog's progress.
Some signs pet parents commonly look for include:
- Less scratching and itching
- Reduced paw licking
- Improved ear health
- Better digestion
- Firmer stools
- Fewer hot spots
- Reduced skin irritation
- Improved coat condition
- Greater comfort and wellbeing
Every dog is different. Some families notice changes within a few weeks, while others may take six weeks or longer to see significant improvements.
Step 3: Reintroduce Foods Slowly
Once your dog's symptoms have settled, you can begin introducing other foods back into their diet.
We recommend introducing one new protein or ingredient at a time and waiting 1 to 2 weeks before introducing another.
By taking things slowly, it becomes much easier to identify whether a particular ingredient may be contributing to your dog's symptoms.
If symptoms return after introducing a specific protein or ingredient, you've gained valuable insight into what may trigger your dog.
Step 4: Create a Long-Term Feeding Plan
The goal of an elimination diet isn't restriction.
The goal is understanding.
Once you've identified the proteins and ingredients your dog thrives on, you can confidently build a feeding plan tailored to their individual needs.
Every dog is unique, and every journey is different. Taking the time to understand what works best for your dog can have a lasting impact on their comfort, wellbeing and quality of life.
The Somerford Elimination Diet Difference
Starting an elimination diet can feel overwhelming, so we've taken the guesswork out of the process.
Our Elimination Diet Bundles have been carefully created to provide a simple, transparent feeding solution using quality Australian ingredients.
Every bundle includes:
✔ Single Protein Nutrition
✔ Human Grade Australian Ingredients
✔ No Artificial Colours
✔ No Artificial Flavours
✔ No Artificial Preservatives
✔ Added Probiotics & Prebiotics
✔ Complete Feeding Solution
✔ Delivered Frozen Australia Wide
We've made it easy so you can spend less time reading ingredient labels and more time focusing on your dog's wellbeing.
Kangaroo Elimination Adult Diet Bundle
Our Kangaroo Elimination Diet Bundle has been designed for dog owners looking to try a novel protein feeding approach.
Featuring single-protein kangaroo recipes and carefully selected companion products, it offers a straightforward way to begin your elimination diet journey.
Ideal For:
- Dogs with suspected food sensitivities
- Owners wanting a novel protein option
- Adult dogs
- Pet parents beginning an elimination diet
Simple. Transparent. Australian made.
Tasmanian Salmon Elimination Adult & Puppy Diet Bundle
Our Tasmanian Salmon Elimination Diet Bundle provides a fish-based novel protein option that's naturally rich in omega oils.
Available in Adult and Puppy varieties, it's an excellent option for owners looking for a complete elimination diet solution built around a single fish protein.
Ideal For:
- Dogs requiring a fish-based novel protein
- Growing puppies
- Dogs needing a calorie-dense feeding option
- Owners looking for a simple elimination diet program
Fresh nutrition made simple.
More Than Just Food. A Community That Cares.
One of the things we're most proud of at Somerford Raw & Natural is the incredible community we've built together.
Every day, we hear stories from dog owners who have been searching for answers and looking for a feeding approach that feels simple, natural and transparent.
We know every dog is unique.
What works for one dog may not work for another, which is why understanding exactly what you're feeding is so important.
Our goal isn't just to provide great food. It's to help Australian pet owners feel confident in their feeding choices and supported throughout their journey.
Because when our dogs thrive, we all do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my dog be on an elimination diet?
We recommend a minimum of 8 weeks, with many dogs remaining on the elimination diet for 8 to 12 weeks before foods are gradually reintroduced.
Can my dog have treats during an elimination diet?
Yes, but they should only be treats included within your chosen elimination diet program and contain the same protein source being fed.
What is a novel protein?
A novel protein is simply a protein source your dog hasn't been regularly exposed to before.
Which elimination diet bundle should I choose?
Many owners choose Kangaroo as a starting point, while others prefer the fish-based option of Tasmanian Salmon. Both have been selected to help simplify the elimination diet process.
Do I need to add supplements?
No. Our elimination diet bundles include recipes containing probiotics and prebiotics, so there's no need to add anything extra.
Can puppies follow an elimination diet?
Our Tasmanian Salmon Elimination Diet Bundle is available in both Puppy and Adult varieties, making it suitable for growing puppies when fed according to feeding guidelines.
Ready to Start Your Elimination Diet Journey?
If you've been searching for answers and want a simpler, more transparent approach to feeding, our Elimination Diet Bundles are a great place to start.
✔ Single Protein Recipes
✔ Human Grade Australian Ingredients
✔ Added Probiotics & Prebiotics
✔ Delivered Frozen Australia Wide
✔ Trusted by Thousands of Australian Dog Owners
Join Thousands of Australian Pet Parents Feeding the Somerford Way
Fresh food. Simple ingredients. Transparent nutrition. A community of dog lovers helping dogs thrive.
A Little Consistency Today Can Make a Big Difference Tomorrow
As a community of dog lovers, we know how hard it is to see your dog uncomfortable.
An elimination diet takes commitment, but for many families it's one of the most valuable tools for understanding their dog's unique nutritional needs.
Stay consistent, trust the process, and remember that every step brings you closer to finding the foods that help your dog feel their very best. 🐾
🐾 Somerford Raw & Natural ................ Changing Pets Lives !
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