Food Clarity | Resources
Expert Discussions
Professional perspectives on dog health, food allergies, nutrition, and the scientific studies informing today’s recommendations.
The information provided is curated by HereRicky and is for educational purposes only. It does not necessarily reflect the views of HereRicky.
Dr. Julie Anne Lee. If your dog has chronic allergies, itchy skin, hot spots, ear infections, or keeps going back on Apoquel or Cytopoint, this episode may completely change how you look at the problem.
Dr. Randy Aronson dives into a complex case of a dog named Tucker suffering from severe environmental and suspected food allergies. He explains why environmental and food sensitivities often go hand-in-hand, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing like microbiome testing and full allergy testing.
Dr. Michele Drake from The Drake Center for Veterinary Care explains everything you need to know about Dog Allergies.
The problem of red and inflamed pet skin and constant itching and scratching is a major concern for pet parents—but the solution is rarely just a quick fix. Dr. Randy Aronson, your holistic integrative veterinarian, explains why your dog’s or cat’s skin is red and inflamed and why common treatments like antibiotics and steroids may be doing more harm than good to your pet’s long-term health.
Dr. Bimonte explains oils in dog food. Seed oils—like canola, sunflower, and soybean—are everywhere in pet food. And while they’re marketed as “omega-rich” or “heart-healthy,” the truth is: they could be quietly fueling your dog’s inflammation.
Dr. Jones breaks down the most dangerous ingredients to watch out for, such as artificial preservatives, low-quality meats, and potentially harmful chemicals that could cause long-term health problems for your furry friend.
Dr. Jan Suchodolski, a foremost expert in pet microbiota, shares his journey and explores the intricate relationship between microbiota and pet well-being in this episode. His groundbreaking research opens new treatment avenues and deepens our comprehension of diseases, including chronic and acute GI conditions.
The problem of red and inflamed pet skin and constant itching and scratching is a major concern for pet parents—but the solution is rarely just a quick fix. Dr. Randy Aronson, your holistic integrative veterinarian, explains why your dog’s or cat’s skin is red and inflamed and why common treatments like antibiotics and steroids may be doing more harm than good to your pet’s long-term health.
Prof. Jan Suchodolski DACVM PhD from Texas A&M University, discusses the gut microbiome in dogs and other companion animals as part of a series on the role of biotics in animal health. Prof. Suchodolski’s lab focuses on understanding gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in pets and developing diagnostic tests for research and clinical practice.
Canine Allergy: Recurring Skin (including itch), Ear & Gut Conditions with Dr. Conor Brady. Recurring skin (including chronic itch), ear and gut conditions (ReSEGs) are the #1, #2 and #3 reasons for visiting the vets today. Unfortunately, the information you receive at that point is critical as to whether your dog recovers from the condition plaguing him.
Unlock the secret world inside your dog’s gut with Native Pet’s in-house board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Dan Su, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) and Dr. Shea Beasley, PhD Microbiology. In today’s discussion, Dr. Dan and Dr. Shea chat about how your dog’s gut works and why it affects so much more than digestion.
The Role of the Canine Gut Microbiome, Dr. Ruth Roberts DVM, CVA, CVH. Does your dog suffer from bad breath, constant itching, or a sensitive stomach? Here’s the truth—it all starts in the gut! I’m Dr. Ruth Roberts, and today I’ll show you how to heal your pet’s gut health, so they can feel better, inside and out.
Dr. Emily Coffey, DVM, DACVIM, PhD talks about the microbiome, how it affects pet health, and strategies veterinarians use to promote microbiome health for their patients. Dr. Coffey also discusses exciting new developments in this field, ranging from fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) to the discovery of a urinary microbiome.
Learn how researchers have used multi-omics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to study gut microbiome development, maturation, and other dynamics in puppies with Dr. Xu Wang. This is presentation by the Purina Institute (a veterinary science organization) covering microbiome dynamics, maturation, and how gut communities change in dogs — based on metagenomic research and scientific methods.
Dr. Andrew Jones dives into the top 7 reasons why Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your dogs and cats. Omega-3s, found in fish oil and other supplements, play a crucial role in supporting overall pet health. Dr. Jones explains how Omega-3s help with joint health, heart health, immune system support, and even combatting allergies in pets.
Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota, results from changes in microbial taxa populations and/or diversity which, in turn, produces a functional shift in the microbiome. The fecal dysbiosis index reflects microbiota shifts, making it a useful tool in staging intestinal changes in chronic enteropathy cases. A presentation with Jan Suchodolski, MedVet, DrVetMed, PhD, AGAF, DACVM.
Dr. Wendt provides actionable advice on how to identify and treat your dog’s allergies. She explains the key differences between sensitivities and true allergies, offering clear guidance every pet owner can trust.
Learn how food allergies in dogs are triggered by ingredients like corn, chicken, eggs, potatoes, and lentils. This expert also outlines five clear signs that may indicate your pet is suffering from food allergies.
Dr. Andrew Jones shares the best ways to test for dog allergies—whether food, environmental, or flea-related—and offers natural home remedies to ease itching. Learn how simple, home-cooked solutions can support skin health and keep your dog more comfortable.
Dr. Alex explains how rotating proteins can help prevent allergies, explores exotic options like kangaroo, and warns against at-home allergy tests. He also promotes his Dog Allergy Summit, bringing leading experts together to share the latest insights on canine allergies.
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Leading Perspectives
While overall rates in the general dog population are low, among dogs with skin or gastrointestinal issues, food allergies are much more common. Diagnosing them requires careful elimination diets and vet-guided testing.
Dr. Stephen White. DVM
Professor Emeritus of Medicine & Epidemiology
“The most common clinical sign of food allergy affecting the skin in dogs is nonseasonal scratching, which is usually generalized. This also may be primarily directed at the feet or ears.”
School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD
Dr. Amy Randall, DVM,
MS, DACVD
Expertise in skin & food allergies.
“Food allergies in dogs are often misunderstood. The key is careful diagnosis and thoughtful nutrition choices—once you identify the trigger ingredients, most dogs can thrive on a well-balanced, allergen-free diet.”
Dr. Michael Groh, DVM
Active in veterinary dermatology and allergy clinical work.
“Allergies in dogs are rarely simple. Food is just one piece of the puzzle, but identifying triggers and building the right diet can dramatically improve quality of life.”
Elimination Diets
Understanding what’s in the bowl starts here. If allergy test results feel confusing, you’re not alone—false positives can happen. Veterinary literature consistently shows that common tests—like blood, saliva, hair, and even skin tests—aren’t reliable for diagnosing food allergies in dogs. A well-structured elimination diet remains the most trusted way to identify which ingredients are truly safe, so you can move forward with confidence.
Below are helpful research backed articles that explain what an elimination diet is and how to follow one successfully.
Trusted Canine Health Information
Explore educational articles on canine health, including food allergies, featuring research-informed guidance from veterinary professionals like UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Science & Studies
A HereRicky-curated collection of research-backed resources on canine nutrition, food sensitivities, and diet-related health conditions. This section brings together veterinary and nutrition science on allergic reactions, therapeutic diets, supplements, and emerging evidence on long-term canine health, including studies that revisit or refine established assumptions.
It provides direct access to primary research and external sources so you can review the evidence directly.
This section is currently being updated and remains available during construction. Thank you for your patience as we make improvements.
Food Clarity 101
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Broccoli for Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Safely? Risks Vs Benefits
Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Insect-Based Pet Foods
Comprehensive Review of Alternative Proteins in Pet Food
Insect-Based Diets: Novel, Sustainable, Nutritious Options
Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog…
Diet-Associated DCM: Research Update
Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Diet-associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Vegetable oil supplementation and adverse food reactions in dogs
Should Dogs Be Fed Seed or Vegetable Oils
Quality Claims Associated with Fresh Pet Food
Hydrolyzed Salmon and Poultry Feather to Diagnose Food Allergies
Understanding the diversity and roles of the canine gut
Good Bugs/Bad Bugs – The Confusing World of Probiotics
Effects of Postbiotic Administration on Canine Health
Puppyhood diets with 20% raw animal foods linked to
Raw: Pet owners frequently underestimate human health risks
An Indole-Rich Postbiotic Reduces Itching in Dogs
A novel therapeutic diet can significantly reduce medication score
What Nutritionists Wish You Knew: 5 Homecooked Diet Mistakes
Allergies in pets manifest in the skin, ears, eyes and anal glands
The microbiome on healthy and inflammatory altered canine skin
Probiotics ameliorate atopic dermatitis in the gut microbiota
Current Knowledge on Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD)
Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs (Malassezia)
Cutaneous Food Allergy in Animals
Dog Food’s Effect on Yeast Infections and Severe Allergies
Everything You Need to Know About Food Allergies in Dogs
Dermatitis in Dogs: What to Know
Probiotics for Dogs: Foods and Supplements
Alligator, wild boar, ostrich – oh my!
Organic Pet Foods: Optimal Health or Overhyped?
A Guide to Dog Food Ingredients and Reading Dog Food Labels
Top 10 Dog Food Ingredients TO AVOID & Why
Is Homemade Food Good or Bad for Your Dog?
What is gut health? Understanding your pet’s digestive system.
The Canine Gut Health
Evaluate the Impact of a Novel Probiotic and Supplement
Is it the food? Pet food-associated illness
The Impact of Fresh, Raw, and Home-Cooked Food
What are food allergies?
Food Allergies and Intolerances in Dogs
Cutaneous Food Allergy in Animals
Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Insect-Based Pet Foods
Comprehensive Review of Alternative Proteins in Pet Food
Insect-Based Diets: Novel, Sustainable, Nutritious Options
Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog…
Diet-Associated DCM: Research Update
Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Diet-associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Think Your Pet has a Food Allergy? Eliminating mistakes
Implementing an Elimination-Challenge Diet Trial: Dog
Vegetable oil supplementation and adverse food reactions in dogs
Should Dogs Be Fed Seed or Vegetable Oils
Quality Claims Associated with Fresh Pet Food
Hydrolyzed Salmon and Poultry Feather to Diagnose Food Allergies
Understanding the diversity and roles of the canine gut
Good Bugs/Bad Bugs – The Confusing World of Probiotics
Effects of Postbiotic Administration on Canine Health
Puppyhood diets with 20% raw animal foods linked to
An Indole-Rich Postbiotic Reduces Itching in Dogs
A novel therapeutic diet can significantly reduce medication score
What Nutritionists Wish You Knew: 5 Homecooked Diet Mistakes
Allergies in pets manifest in the skin, ears, eyes and anal glands
The microbiome on healthy and inflammatory altered canine skin
Probiotics ameliorate atopic dermatitis in the gut microbiota
Current Knowledge on Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD)
Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs (Malassezia)
Cutaneous Food Allergy in Animals
Dog Food’s Effect on Yeast Infections and Severe Allergies
Everything You Need to Know About Food Allergies in Dogs
Dermatitis in Dogs: What to Know
Probiotics for Dogs: Foods and Supplements
Alligator, wild boar, ostrich – oh my!
Organic Pet Foods: Optimal Health or Overhyped?
A Guide to Dog Food Ingredients and Reading Dog Food Labels
Top 10 Dog Food Ingredients TO AVOID & Why
Is Homemade Food Good or Bad for Your Dog?
What is gut health? Understanding your pet’s digestive system.
The Canine Gut Health
Evaluate the Impact of a Novel Probiotic and Supplement
Is it the food? Pet food-associated illness
The Impact of Fresh, Raw, and Home-Cooked Food
What are food allergies?
Food Allergies and Intolerances in Dogs
Cutaneous Food Allergy in Animals
