There are instances we note uncertain situations with our dog. For example, without any clear reason, you will notice that has developed a hive, some itchy skin, gastric issue, digestive distress, or anything. Still, you are unsure what caused that issue because you have been taking good care of your canine friend. Then the issue might be in food.
It does not mean that you give spoiled or bad food to your dog. Rather the diet you are giving is not the right dog food. There might be a particular ingredient creating the issue, not food as a whole.
Dogs are vulnerable to allergies. These dog allergies can root in environmental allergens or some food. Unfortunately, you cannot take some permanent measures to stop the environmental allergic reaction; you can just care. But you can cope with food allergies.
So, this article will be a silver lining in grey for all dog owners whose dog suffers from a food allergy. We will tell you how to make food choices for dogs with allergies, identify that your dog is allergic to something, and what are some of the best dog food for allergies you can buy for your furry friend.
Product
Details
Product Details
Best For Body Health
Wellness simple natural dry dog food
- Flavor: Seafood
- Breed: All Breed Sizes
Best For Single Protein
Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Wet Food
- Flavor: Turkey & Potato
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
Best For Simple Ingredients
Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Dry Food
- Flavor: Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
Easily Digestible
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Food
- Flavor: Salmon & Rice
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
High-Quality
Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula
- Flavor: Kangaroo
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
Best For Immune System
Hill’s Prescription Diet Formula Dry Dog Food
- Flavor: Venison
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
Weight Maintenance
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
- Flavor: Pork, Meat
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
Healthy Skin
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets
- Flavor: Venison
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
Flavor Salmon
Canidae Pure Real Salmon
- Flavor: Salmon
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
Best For Bones
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dog Food
- Flavor: Grain Free Adult
- BREED: ALL BREED SIZES
10 Best Dog Food for Allergies
Food allergies are not necessarily to be cured by medication. The food itself can cure an issue. There is food designed especially for allergic dogs. Hypoallergenic dog foods, limited ingredient dog foods, or grain-free dog foods are some of the best-suited foods for such dogs.
From lots of options available, we have picked and reviewed some of the best dog food for allergies because they proved themselves effective against allergies. So next time you decide to buy food for canine allergies, consider giving them a try.
One of your dog’s allergic reactions is stomach issues and indigestion due to sensitive stomachs. If you face this issue, Wellness simple limited ingredient dog food is made for your dog.
This limited ingredient dog food is designed for all breed sizes keeping in view the issue of sensitive issues. It is crafted to meet the issue of food sensitivities and support the dog’s overall well-being.
This food is easily digestible. It is made to facilitate the dog’s digestive system and overcome any issue that up shoots from it.
This limited ingredient food contains salmon, salmon meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes, tomato pomace, and ground flaxseed as main ingredients.
The high-quality nutrient gives optimal energy, and the vitamin supplements such as vitamin e, vitamin b12, and others give your immune system the best fortification and strength.
Key Features
- Poultry-free
- Single protein
- Fish protein ingredients
- Approximately 25% protein
- It contains fiber and probiotics
- Omega fatty acids
Pros
- The levels of probiotics and fiber ensure the food is highly digestible.
- Fatty acids promote healthy skin and coats.
- It contains no fillers or preservatives; the carbohydrates are highly digestible.
Cons
- It may smell so fishy that the dog refuses to eat it.
- It may be an expensive option for large dogs.
Wellness Simple Natural Dry Dog Food
The price of “Wellness Simple Natural Dry Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at
Senior dogs need extra care and attention. Their dietary needs get different, and you can’t treat them like other dogs. So if you notice a dog’s skin allergies or a sensitive stomach, it is high time you bring home Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Limited Ingredient Wet Food.
But why bring blue buffalo? Blue buffalo senior dog food is designed to overcome your senior dog’s stomach sensitivities and allergic skin conditions. It is made with natural ingredients with lots of vitamins and minerals, which enhances the nutritional value of the food.
Turkey, turkey broth, potatoes, flaxseed, cranberries, pumpkin, and blueberries are core ingredients in this dog food.
This dog food is made with wholesome ingredients. It has no preservatives, fillers, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, and artificial flavors.
Key Features
- Poultry-Free
- Real turkey as the first ingredient
- Grain-free
- Wet food
Pros
- Ingredients like pumpkin and potato help with smooth digestion in the dog
- Protein sourced from turkey support healthy muscle
- Glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility
Cons
- There is no specific con, but in rare cases, it might not suit your dog and cause diarrhea
Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Wet Food
The price of “Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Wet Food” varies, so check the latest price at
Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Dry Food is one of the best foods for sensitive dogs. If you have lots of furry friends, you don’t have to buy different dog food for allergies for each breed. Rachael ray dog food is best suited for all breed sizes.
Lamb is the first ingredient and protein source; this dog food comprises six ingredients only, which will minimize the chances of allergy in your dog. There is another grain-free turkey meal flavor also available. You can opt for whatever suits your dog best.
Curious to know what makes this magic formula? This food contains lamb meal, brown rice, ground rice, dried plain beet pulp, and chicken fat with natural pork flavor to give a delicious finish to this recipe.
The protein source and all vegetables give a perfect blend of minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients, ensuring your dog’s best taste and quality.
Key Features
- Lamb as the only protein source
- 6 ingredient food
- 20% protein
- Added vitamins, minerals, and taurine
Pros
- Fiber-rich beet helps to overcome digestion issues in your dog.
- As a source of carbohydrates, Brown rice provides energy to your dog.
- Amino acids and vitamin b ensures healthy organs and maintain lean muscle mass.
Cons
It is high in sodium content which can lead to a congested heart.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Dry Food
The price of “Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Dry Food” varies, so check the latest price at
One of the most common issues dogs faces as a food reaction is stomach and skin issues. With each life stage, the formula to cure them needs to be changed; you cannot give the same food to all the dogs. So, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach food targets to solve this issue specifically in adult dogs.
This food comes in different flavors, including salmon and rice flavors. It contains seafood as protein rather than animal protein. It is dry dog food for allergies with fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and all essential nutrients to give balanced nutrition to your dog.
The main ingredients of this dog food are salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, canola meal, fish meal, beef fat, salmon meal, dried yeast, natural flavors, sunflower oil, dried chicory root, and fish oil.
Key Features
- Optimal nutrient delivery
- contains antioxidants.
- Fortified with probiotics
- Veterinarians recommended
Pros
- Sunflower oil, containing fatty acids, contributes to healthy skin and coat.
- Natural prebiotic fibers nourish natural bacteria in the intestines, supporting digestive health.
- Fish oil supports the joint health and mobility of your dog.
- Antioxidants ensure a healthy immune system in your dog.
Cons
- Beef fat in fish food may not suit some dogs because of multiple protein sources.
- This food is relatively high in fat and calories.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Food
The price of “Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Food” varies, so check the latest price at
If you are done testing different food with somehow similar protein sources, and your dog allergy remains the same, then it is high time you shift to the novel ingredients. It is noted that dogs are relatively less allergic to them. Zignature Limited Ingredient Dog Foods are one of a kind with novel ingredients.
Though we are reviewing zignature food with kangaroo as a protein source, it also comes in other flavors like catfish, goat, guinea fowl, lamb, pork, salmon, trout & salmon, whitefish, duck, venison, and turkey.
Zignature recipes contain meat as the first ingredient, fulfill nutritional needs, and satisfy the meat craving. It is limited ingredient food and is very low on the carb.
Kangaroo, kangaroo meal, chickpeas, peas, sunflower oil (preserved with citric acid), dehydrated alfalfa meal, natural flavors, and flaxseed are the main ingredients of this hypoallergenic food.
Key Features
- Contains novel ingredients
- Vitamin B12
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- L-carnitine and taurine
Pros
- Taurine in this food supports your sensitive dog’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and eye health.
- L-carnitine helps with the conversion of food into energy.
- A picky eater consumes the unique protein.
Cons
The combination of kangaroo protein and lentils can be dangerous for certain breeds.
Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula
The price of “Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula” varies, so check the latest price at
The first thing most commonly when a food mess-ups with your dog is either it will get constipated or have diarrhea. This is hard to deal with because none of us will bear the mess in our living and lounges. But, or even if the skin gets messed up, Hill’s Prescription Diet Formula would best suit your dog.
Hill’s dry kibble for sensitive skin and stomach is a limited ingredient formula designed to make your dog get relief from these allergies. It uses all-natural ingredients, ensuring that no filler, corn, soy, or gluten may trigger an allergic reaction.
This dog food contains potatoes, potato starch, venison, potato protein, soybean oil, coconut oil, and powdered cellulose.
Hill’s dry food is rich in omega fatty acids and clinically proven antioxidants. This high-quality protein food can be used for all life stages of your dog with sensitive tummies.
Key Features
- High levels of antioxidants
- Contains antioxidants
- Novel protein Venison
- Veterinarians recommended
Pros
- The antioxidants present in this dry food give a healthy immune system.
- The gluten-free formula helps create a healthy skin barrier.
- It improves digestion and stool quality.
Cons
The kibble is relatively larger for small breeds.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Formula Dry Dog Food
The price of “Hill’s Prescription Diet Formula Dry Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at
As a dog owner, you will agree that your dog loves those tasty wet foods more than the dry kibble. The reason it is avoided is most of the time, it is high in fat content or contains ingredients that are not suitable for the sensitive stomach. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets have sorted this issue.
Royal Canin veterinary diet is one of the best dog foods: a gastrointestinal low-fat loaf canned food that can help cure short- and long-term food sensitivities.
The primary ingredients of this wet food are pork by-products, pork liver, brewers rice flour, corn grits, cornmeal, pork plasma, powdered cellulose, dried plain beet pulp, calcium carbonate, and natural flavors.
This nutritionally rich food is designed for all breed sizes from small to large, and it is special food. You would need a vet recommendation to buy it. If the vet approves, you may use it as a treat or full fledge meal while dealing with canine allergies.
Key Features
- Dietary fibers
- Single protein source
- Contains prebiotics
- Exclusive S/O Index
Pros
- The dietary fibers support healthy digestion and optimal stool quality.
- Prebiotics maintain good bacteria in the gut.
- The s/o index supports urinary health and refrains crystal formation in the bladder.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, from fish oil help nourish and soothe the GI tract.
- It helps with weight management.
Cons
- It is not a good pick if your dog is a picky eater.
- It contains pork by-products
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
The price of “Royal Canin Veterinary Diet” varies, so check the latest price at
Creating limited ingredient food for 15 years, Natural Balance is now a pro for coming up with food that will help your dog cope with its food allergy. Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diet is made to counter issues regarding food allergies.
Natural balance combines the effect of grain-free and novel proteins like Venison to give a nutritionally balanced dry dog food.
It is designed to sort digestive issues and provide healthy skin and coats to your furry friend.
Sweet potato, venison, pea protein, potato protein, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), brewers dried yeast, natural flavor, and essential minerals and vitamins combine to give the best dog food for allergies.
Key Features
- Provides amino acids
- Contains fibers
- 20% protein
- Grain-free diet
- No preservatives
Pros
- The protein source provides essential amino acids which keep the muscle mass strong.
- The fibers included will helps with digestive health.
- The essential minerals and vitamins provide a balanced diet for your dog.
Cons
The products cost higher than other options available in the market.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets
The price of “Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets” varies, so check the latest price at
Filled with all goodness, Canidae Pure Real Salmon dog food is designed to help overcome food allergies in your dog. It is available in different flavors. In addition, the grain-free formula supports a healthy stomach.
It uses salmon as the first ingredient and protein source. This protein, paired with fibrous ingredients, provides your dog a food with fewer ingredients that guarantees no food allergies.
This food is packed with essential proteins and healthy fats to support overall well-being and keeps your dog healthy.
Salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, canola oil, sun-cured alfalfa, potatoes, natural flavor, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are core ingredients of this dry dog food for allergies.
Key Features
- Fewer ingredients
- Hypoallergenic dog food
- Various flavors
- It contains probiotics and antioxidants.
Pros
- Vitamins and minerals give a healthy coat and skin.
- Antioxidants and probiotics present in this food support a healthy digestive and immune system.
- Salmon benefits the joint and provides anti-inflammatory solutions.
Cons
- It is not fine with picky eaters.
- It may have a disgusting fish odor.
Canidae Pure Real Salmon
The price of “Canidae Pure Real Salmon” varies, so check the latest price at
Made with globally sourced salmon, Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream dog food is grain-free dog food for allergies. If you feel food is causing allergies to your dog, then it is time you switch to this option.
This pellet-shaped kibble is a diet made considering your dog’s needs while taking inspiration from nature and helping overcome your dog’s allergies.
This egg-free recipe is perfect for adult dogs though it can be used for all breed sizes. It contains probiotics, antioxidants, and fibers, hence everything you may ask for.
The key ingredients are salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, canola oil, lentils, salmon meal, smoked salmon, tomato pomace, and natural flavor.
Key Features
- Specie specific probiotics
- Egg-free
- Grain-free food
- Guaranteed probiotics
- High protein 32%
Pros
- Fish protein sources omega fatty acids that help keep the skin and fur healthy and smooth.
- Specie-specific probiotics help support digestive health and immune systems and provide 80 million live active cultures.
- It gives sleek condition and good health to your adult dog.
- High protein content gives strong bones and healthy muscle mass.
- Essential nutrients in vegetables, legumes, and fruits ensure your dog’s overall well-being.
Cons
If not stored properly, it can cause a bad odor and lose freshness.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dog Food
The price of “Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
If your dog has some food allergy, how will you know it? Whenever they are exposed to food allergens and consume them, they will exhibit certain symptoms that will give a clear-cut indication that your dog has consumed something that its symptom cannot tolerate. Therefore, it would be best to reconsider your dog’s food recipes.
These symptoms can be in the form of skin allergies; your dog may present some common allergies such as digestive issues, gastrointestinal problems, or other indications that your pet’s immune system is compromised.
These symptoms include
- Excessive itching
- Skin irritation
- Red patches
- Hair loss
- Ear infection
- Yeast infection
- Irritated eyes
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Sneezing
There can be other food allergy symptoms, but these are some of the most common ones. If you notice these symptoms in your dogs, It might indicate that your food might be creating issues.
How to Determine Food Allergens
You cannot define which food items and ingredients are allergens for which breed, but you can find out. It requires some time and effort, but ultimately you can find what to avoid for your dog’s allergies.
The most recommended method for finding food allergens is an elimination diet that veterinarians recommend. Just a bit about the elimination diet so that you may not get confused about it is?
An elimination diet is a process in which you stop giving your dog everything you are already giving. Instead, the diet is replaced by a vet-prescribed homemade food or any therapeutic diet. They consist of animal protein; grain remains optional.
This will help cure the previous allergy. Once they cure, you can start giving previous foods one by one and then notice which food is unsuitable. Then, simply put it on the denylist for your dog.
Common allergens are chicken, dairy, eggs, meat, soy protein, wheat, corn, pork, artificial preservatives, etc.
Food Allergies vs Food Intolerance
Most of the time, people think these two are the same but often mix in their meaning; food allergy and food intolerance refer to two different conditions.
Food intolerance occurs when your dogs cannot digest food. Some digestive system issues will occur whenever you give the food they are intolerant to.
For example, suppose a dog has lactose intolerance. In that case, there is a probability that every time you feed them something with traces of lactose, they might exhibit intolerance in vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, etc. As a result, they won’t be able to digest it properly.
On the other hand, food allergies are different. It is an issue related to the immune system. Sometimes your immune system may recognize an ingredient as dangerous, and they will build antibodies against them. So every time your dog food contains that ingredient, you will observe allergic reactions.
The allergic reaction is subjected to what type of ingredient they are allergic to, so watch out for symptoms and eradicate allergens from your dog’s diet.
Types of Food for Dogs with Allergies
If you find your dog allergic to a certain food, you can shift their diet to ones that will suit them. The most common food for allergies is mentioned below.
Hypoallergenic Dog Food:
In most cases, the allergy element is the protein source. Hypoallergenic foods included hydrolyzed proteins. The long protein chains are converted into amino acids, which makes allergen somehow invisible.
It will refrain from triggering allergies. Unfortunately, there are not many hypoallergenic foods available, and at the same time, you need a prescription for them.
This food costs higher than usual foods, but you must choose them, especially if your dog has multiple allergies.
Limited Ingredient Dog Food
As the name suggests, limited ingredient diets are the ones that have fewer ingredients used in the recipe. This helps you find which food your dog is allergic to because your dog’s food already has minimal ingredients, which makes it easier to locate allergens.
These foods are easily and widely available in the market, you don’t even need a prescription for them, and they are comparatively cheaper than hypoallergenic dog foods.
Things to Consider While Buying the Best Dog Food for Allergies: Buying Guide
Buying food for your dog who has allergies is a critical decision. Given that you are unsure about the ingredients it might be allergic to or if it is allergic to multiple ingredients, what would you do?
We have reviewed some of the best dog food for allergies, but if you want to choose something other than these options, our buying guide below will help you make a better decision.
Short Ingredient List
If the ingredient list is long, it would be very difficult to look for the root cause of the allergy. However, if your dog is allergic, choosing a limited ingredient recipe would be better as the ingredients are known, and it is easy to locate the allergy triggers.
They are usually single protein food where there might be a natural carbohydrate, though usually it is preferred to go by alternatives for carbohydrates.
Having a short or limited ingredient list assures that there are lesser synthetic ingredients or contamination which might cause illness, allergies, and other health issues in your dog.
Grain-Free
Grains are a common ingredient that may cause allergies in your dog. However, choosing grain-free diets can overcome a lot of allergies. The first ingredient is protein works best for any dog.
Wholesome grains can be a part of your dog food, but it is best to avoid them as a whole. There are other alternatives that you can use instead of grains for carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, peas, quinoa, etc.
If you are sure your dog is allergic to grains, you must shift to grain-free dog food.
Novel Proteins Ingredients
Certain ingredients were a part of the canine clan diet long ago, but they were not commonly used. These proteins are referred to as novel protein ingredients.
These novel ingredients can be used as alternate protein sources if your dog has developed constant allergies to common protein as chicken, beef, soy protein, lamb, etc. It is noted that these ingredients cause 79% of food allergies.
As they are commonly used, the chances of allergies arising from them are very low or rare. These proteins can source from rabbit, herring, venison, kangaroo, bison, duck, and salmon.
Additives and Preservatives
If your dog food contains additives or preservatives, your dog may be prone to allergic reactions. It has been noted that if you give an organic elimination diet to your dog, they cure allergy. So, additives, preservatives, and fillers are not good.
They must be avoided in dog food because their implications might not be as favorable. Rather they might be dangerous. Preservatives include high amounts of sodium and salts, which can cause havoc for your dog.
Natural ingredients and food are best to eliminate the risk of allergy and provide a healthy alternative.
Conclusion
This was our pick of top dog foods for allergies. The allergies don’t have a permanent solution as it is a one-on-one war of allergens with the immune system, but a good food choice can control them.
A veterinarian’s recommendation is best if you can get one. Food can be one of the ways you can control them. Hydrolyzed proteins or novel ingredients would be the best option though it costs higher than other foods.
If you find your dog not overcoming allergies with these particular diets, visit your vet. Probably your dog will need some medications.
How do you treat food allergies in your dog? We would love to hear from you about some particular foods or innovative ways. Meanwhile, you may read one of the other articles if you want more options for hypoallergenic dog foods.
