I really think the easiest way to start “eliminating” is going to vegetarian, as I ended up doing per dermatologist vet recommendation. That eliminates like no other. Then you could try some animal proteins.
http://www.royalcanin.us/vetdiet/
Royal Canin now owns IVD, but apparently doesn’t bother mentioning it any more on the website. In their sites, you’ll find the various kinds of food they offer. In this case, you needn’t go to “Atopy” (which IS allergy), but to what they list as “adverse reaction”. Vegetarian, e.g., is listed, along with rabbit, venison, duck, etc.
This is just an example; possibly you could try readily available foods off the shelf if the dogs like it. IVD usually needs special access.
Of course, this is all in case it really is food allergy!
Well, we’ll see what we actually decide to do. Still mulling it over.
I feel like with any National Brand we’re just one screw up away from the next recall. That’s part of my fatigue is with national large scale distribution of not just dog food, but all our food. Food should be local, larger factories, bigger batches just aren’t better for any one.
So that’s part of my issue.
And my instinct is not that it’s the meat they’re allergic to. Yours is, apparently, but I just don’t have that instinct about mine. Dogs are supposed to eat meat. I think it’s the wheat and corn and gluten and meal and ~whatever~ that’s in all the kibble foods.