Allergies can be a pain to deal with, not just for humans, but dogs are susceptible to them, too. And if you’re wondering what the reason could be, well, it most commonly has something to do with the food that you’re feeding them —- the best dog food for allergies can be a fix.
However, before deciding to make any changes, you first need to determine the root cause and find out what exactly your dog is allergic to. A visit to the vet would provide you with all the answers that you need.
Once you know what kind of allergy your pooch is dealing with, then you can decide to switch out their food. Many brands on the market offer formulas tailored to various dietary restrictions and catering to all breeds — you should have no problem finding one.
However, since there are quite a few options, you may not be aware of what exactly is the best. That’s why we’ve done all the work for you — we discussed with veterinarians to help curate this list of the best dog food for allergies.
How to Tell if My Pet Is Experiencing Dog Food Allergy Symptoms
Food allergies in pets usually happen because their immune system mistakes food for something that is harmful, causing a reaction. The following symptoms can be a sign that your dog may be having a food allergy:
Itching
This is the most common type of allergy that pets deal with. Itchy skin or allergic dermatitis can appear in any area on your dog’s body but the most common spots would be their paws, ears, stomach, or the rear end.
Hives
Skin issues such as hives or urticaria may appear 6 to 24 hours after your dog has consumed the food they’re potentially allergic to. With long-haired dogs, it’s harder to spot these red lumps — you may have to feel to check for them. If you notice your pooch constantly scratching or biting a particular area, there is a chance it may be affected.
Stomach Problems
Gastrointestinal issues such as gas, vomiting, or diarrhea can be a sign of food allergies.
Swelling in the Face
A swollen face or swelling in the lips, eyelids, or ear flaps could indicate that your dog has a food allergy.
How to Choose the Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Selecting the right hypoallergenic dog food can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Follow the tips mentioned below to make things easier for you.
Avoid Ingredients That Are Common Allergens
If you know exactly what your dog is allergic to, then you take a look at the product’s ingredients list and skip it if it contains any of them. If you don’t but still want to follow a hypoallergenic diet for your dog, then we suggest that you stay away from common allergens such as grains, beef, and chicken. In most cases, by opting out of these ingredients, your pet’s allergies may disappear.
Choose Products With High-quality Ingredients
It’s essential that you prioritize quality when you’re choosing a hypoallergenic food for your pet. Opt for products with a single source of protein such as salmon or duck — very few pets are allergic to these ingredients.
Thoroughly Review the Information on the Packaging
Most of the time, everything that you need to know about a product is already on the packaging — take some time to go through all of it. If you find anything that could trigger an allergic reaction in your dog, skip it. Also, sometimes a product could be labeled grain-free but still contain trace amounts of this allergen due to cross-contact manufacturing. Information like this will most probably be mentioned.
Opt for Reliable Brands
Always purchase hypoallergenic food from brands that are reliable and have made their name in the market. We’ve mentioned them all in this article, so if you’re clueless about this part, you don’t have to worry.
Consultant a Veterinarian
Lastly, but most importantly, we suggest that you get advice from a vet. They will be able to conduct tests and inform you if your dog is actually facing a food allergy or if it could be an environmental allergy. Once this is determined, they will be able to check for specific food allergies.
The Best Dog Food for Allergies
Now that you have a better idea of how to choose the best food for your dog who may have an allergy; let’s get to narrowing one down from our list of the top picks:
BEST OVERALL
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Tastes great
No artificial preservatives or flavors
No synthetic colors
Contains prebiotic fiber
Gentle on the stomach
Made in the USA
But…
Quite expensive
This dry dog food for adults comes in a smaller kibble size and promotes better digestive health while also nourishing the skin. It contains vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, and other nutrients that are beneficial for your pet’s skin while helping maintain a lustrous coat. Since it’s formulated to be highly digestible, it supports optimal nutrient absorption and makes your dog’s stool easier to pick up.
The recipe uses natural ingredients and contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. A review on Amazon reads, “My dog was having stomach problems. So far it has helped him a lot. Not getting sick like he was”.
BEST VET-RECOMMENDED
IAMS Advanced Health Healthy Digestion
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Why We Love
Promotes healthy skin and coat
Guaranteed live probiotics
Supports bone and joint health
The crunchy kibble scrubs your pet’s teeth
Large size
Value for money
But…
Trace amounts of wheat and preservatives may be present
Your adult dog requires complete and balanced nutrition, and this vet-recommended dog food from IAMS offers that along with essential nutrients and 0% fillers. The formula is very easy to digest and promotes regular and healthy stool, all thanks to the natural fiber and prebiotics present. The recipe contains no wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives, and the main ingredient is real, farm-raised chicken.
Featuring prebiotics and fiber from beetroot pulp, this dry food helps nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently. And if your pet requires that extra boost of energy, the carbs from the wholesome grains will help with that.
BEST WET DOG FOOD
Purina Beyond Cage-free Turkey & Green Bean Recipe
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Why We Love
Good portion size
Highly palatable
Enticing aroma
Comes in a pack of 12
High in protein
Offers immune support
But…
The cans get damaged easily
This canned dog food from Purina is made with cage-free turkey and contains natural prebiotic fiber — the turkey is raised without steroids or hormones. It’s also devoid of corn, soy, poultry by-product meal, or artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Plus, it contains vitamins and minerals, along with accents of green beans.
Crafted in the USA, it’s made in facilities that are actively trying to reduce the usage of water and limit waste reduction. It’s not just good for your pooch; it’s great for the planet too!
BEST FOR ADULT DOGS
Blue Buffalo Perfect Skin & Coat
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Why We Love
Made with real salmon
Contains wholesome grains
Suitable for pets with food sensitivities
Cold-formed to preserve potency
Great flavor
Suitable for adult dogs
But…
Takes a while to see good results
This dog food for allergies is deliciously wholesome — it contains premium salmon, fruits, and vegetables that will take care of your pooch’s skin the natural way. The formula also features omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that have been clinically proven to make your pooch’s skin healthier and their coat shinier. All of the ingredients are natural and are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients — vets recommend this dry food!
Moreover, it comes with antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits and is free from poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Vitamins E and C are also present, helping support your pet’s overall immunity.
BEST FOR SMALL-BREED DOGS
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made with high-quality ingredients
Supports cardiovascular health
Contains calcium and phosphorus
Strengthens the joints
Made with real salmon
Every batch is tested
But…
Causes foul-smelling poop
With salmon as the main source of protein and amino acids, this limited-ingredient recipe helps your four-legged friend maintain strong muscles. It also contains sweet potato, a grain-free source of fiber that aids in the proper functioning of your digestive system. All of the ingredients present have been chosen with sensitive pets in mind — they make your pet’s skin and coat healthy. There are no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors and preservatives.
It’s specifically tailored for small dogs, not just the nutritional part, but the size too is smaller, for pets with small jaws. Lastly, you can rest assured that the formula is crafted to perfection — there are no fillers, and every ingredient serves a specific purpose.
BEST HUMAN-GRADE
Dr.Harvey’s Speciality Diets Allergy Turkey Recipe
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Why We Love
Contains visible vegetables
Made with limited ingredients
Trial size bag
Easy to digest
156 grams makes 1 lb of food
No artificial additives
But…
Picky eaters may take time to get used to it
If your pooch is struggling with skin, stomach, and environmental sensitivities, this dog food for allergies is just what they need! With a blend of premium, balanced superfoods, it fights against canine vulnerabilities from the inside out. The first ingredient in this organic recipe is turkey, and it also contains vegetables, providing your dog with natural nutrition.
All you have to do is add hot water to this food, and you’ll be able to provide your pet with a complete, homemade meal in minutes. Plus, the formula is grain-free and contains prebiotic and probiotic cultures that promote good gut health and a fortified immune system.
BEST GRAIN-FREE
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe
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Why We Love
Made with raw ingredients
Loaded with protein
Internationally sourced ingredients
Delicious flavor
Suitable for dogs of all sizes
Contains vitamins and minerals
But…
Gets crumbly after a while
This grain-free dog food is made with a single source of protein and one vegetable — it contains no grains, dairy, egg, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors and preservatives. It has an all-natural recipe and is specially crafted for dogs with allergies — it contains grass-fed lamb — a healthy and easily digestible protein that provides essential amino acids. Furthermore, it features a unique raw coated kibble, where every piece is freeze-dried raw to retain nutrition and taste.
Furthermore, it’s made in the USA with premium ingredients and is minimally processed. You can rest assured that it’s just as good or even better than big, known brands in the pet market.
BEST NATURAL DOG FOOD
The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken Recipe
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Why We Love
Great for lactating mothers
Superior quality ingredients
Makes your pet active
Offers allergy-relief
Ideal for weight management
Maintains the coat
But…
Expensive
As the world’s first human-grade dry dog food, this recipe contains all-natural ingredients that are produced in a human food facility — this means that the ingredients are of the highest quality and meet more safety standards. It offers complete and balanced nutrition and can be fed to both puppies and dogs of all breeds and sizes. If you’re wondering what exactly it’s made of, the formula contains human-grade muscle meat and liver, low glycemic carbs, beneficial fats, and live probiotics — all of this is cold pressed into lip-smacking, bite-sized pieces that are ready to eat out of the bag.
Moreover, it’s minimally processed and always made fresh in small batches. Plus, it’s devoid of feed-grade ingredients such as meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives.
BEST ANTIOXIDENT-RICH
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken And Brown Rice Recipe
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Supports healthy joints
Fortifies immunity
Contains wholesome grains
Made with healthy fruits and veggies
The first ingredient is deboned chicken
Contains calcium for the bones and teeth
But…
Packaging rips easily
You can always depend on Blue Buffalo to provide your four-legged friend with top-notch meals — this amazing dry food contains high-quality protein from real chicken to help your pet build strong and healthy muscles. With essential proteins and carbohydrates, you don’t have to worry about your pooch’s energy needs being met. Plus, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help make their skin healthy and coat shiny.
Most importantly, this formula contains antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits — a meticulous blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients selected by holistic vets and animal nutritionists. Moreover, it’s made with natural ingredients and contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors and preservatives.
BEST NUTRIENT-DENSE
Nature’s Recipe Grain Free
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Why We Love
Maintains optimal muscle strength
Supports healthy joints
Strengthens the teeth
Value for money
Vet recommended
Highly palatable
But…
Aroma isn’t great
Crafted with chicken, sweet potato, and pumpkin, your fur baby will love this food, even if they happen to be a picky eater. It features an all-natural recipe with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for adequate maintenance of adult dogs. Moreover, it’s free from poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or other artificial additives.
The fiber present helps support healthy digestion, while calcium, copper, and other essential minerals strengthen your pet’s bones. Taurine is also present to promote a healthy heart and omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat health.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made with high-quality ingredients
Value for money
Good aroma
Complete and balanced nutrition
Contains powerful antioxidants
Passed stringent food safety protocols
But…
Kibble is quite large in size
Wild-caught salmon and potato come together in this grain-free dog food recipe to help your pet build and maintain lean, strong muscles. Ideal for all life stages, this formula features premium and essential hypoallergenic ingredients with added vitamins and minerals, superfoods, and fatty acids. It’s also highly digestible — this dry food contains species-specific probiotics that thrive in the gastrointestinal tract.
To add on, it’s made without any corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Here’s what a customer on Amazon has to say — “Been using this food for years and my dogs love it. It makes their coats and skin so nice as well”.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Formula
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Offers hip and joint support
Promotes good skin and coat health
Suitable for all life stages
Easy to digest
Formulated specially for food sensitivities
Grain-free formula
But…
There may be traces of grains because of cross-contact manufacturing
All-natural and crafted with limited ingredients, this dry dog food for allergies features a single source of protein from turkey. The formula is expertly balanced and is very easy to digest with carb sources like potatoes and no added fillers. It contains natural prebiotics to help your pet maintain good digestive health, and the vitamins present support a strong immune system.
There are no poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, artificial colors, or preservatives present in the formula. Plus, it’s made in the USA with ingredients sourced from across the globe.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Royal Canin Sensitive Skin Care
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Highly nutritious
Satisfying texture
Savory aroma
Size-specific kibble
Protects sensitive skin
Makes the coat shiny
But…
Your pet needs to exclusively be fed this dry food to notice visible improvement
Tailored especially for dogs with a dry coat, this dry dog food works best for small-breed dogs who are 10 months or older. The formula features omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that nourish the skin and make the coat healthy. Plus, it also takes extra care of sensitive skin and coats prone to dryness.
In research conducted by the brand, it was noticed that 91% of owners saw improvements in their pet’s skin within just two months of feeding them this dry food. And to top it all off, the formula is also rich in protein.
How We Chose the Best Dog Food for Allergies
Our team of experts spent time scouring the online pet food market — we came across well-known brands as well as ones that are new, both offering unique and effective formulas. We spoke to vets, animal nutritionists, and pet parents, finding out their experience with the products and how their dogs with allergies reacted to the food.
Apart from that, we also considered the quality of ingredients, how palatable they are, and whether the recipes were healthy — only if they met all of our criteria, they went on the list.
FAQ
What is the best food to feed a dog with skin allergies?
If your dog has skin allergies, you should consider feeding them a hypoallergenic diet that contains ingredients such as venison or duck which are novel protein sources.
What dog food allergy is most common?
Dogs are most commonly allergic to proteins such as beef, chicken, and dairy or ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy.
Is rice good for dogs with allergies?
Yes, rice can be a good choice if your dog is dealing with allergies. It’s an easy-to-digest ingredient and is very unlikely to trigger any reactions when compared to allergens such as corn and wheat.
What protein is good for dogs with allergies?
Novel protein sources like duck, venison, or fish are the most suitable choices for dogs with allergies — they are less likely to cause issues.
