15 Best Dog Foods for Skin Allergies, Trusted by Vets in 2025

Dog food comes enriched with various nutrients that are good for your pet’s growth and holistic health. However, when introducing your pet to any new food, allergens can be a big issue. To tackle or prevent skin issues from arising, one must invest in the best dog foods for skin allergies. 

If you are a new dog parent or somebody keen to explore the wide range of dog foods for skin allergies, then it is time to get started! Here, we have the most delicious and pet-friendly foods recommended by experts for all dog breeds

Explore and choose from these highly-rated options, and help prevent skin allergies while feeding your pooch their favorite food.

How to Select the Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies?

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Below, we’ll guide you on how you can choose the best dog food if your pet is suffering from skin allergies:

Opt for a Limited Ingredient Diet (LID)

LID dog foods are formulated with a lesser amount of ingredients, and this makes it easier to identify allergens that may trigger a reaction in your fur baby’s skin.

Novel Proteins Are the Best Choice

Switch to protein sources that your dog hasn’t eaten before, such as duck, venison, or salmon. Avoid common beef and chicken since they’re known to be common allergens.

Prioritize Omega Fatty Acids

Dog food that is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 (usually those that contain fish oil or flaxseed) can help soothe itchy skin while also promoting a healthy, lustrous coat.

Stay Away From Common Allergens

Dog food that has wheat, corn, soy, dairy, or artificial additives can potentially cause skin allergies, so it’s best to avoid them.

A Hypoallergenic or Prescription Diet Can Be Beneficial

A vet-recommended hypoallergenic diet uses hydrolyzed proteins — this is ideal for dogs who are dealing with severe or persistent allergies.

Signs That Your Dog May Have a Skin Allergy

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As far as allergy symptoms are concerned, they vary from dog to dog. Some dogs may show symptoms immediately after eating the dog food, while others may not show they are allergic even after eating the food for two years. What is even trickier is that skin allergy symptoms might resemble other allergies. So, it is a crucial matter that needs your attention.

The most common symptom of a dog’s skin allergy is extremely itchy skin. Intense itching can cause red spots and irritated lesions, which, when persistent, can cause infections. Itching can also lead to dullness of the coat, crusty skin, and thickening of the skin. 

Apart from itching, there are some other signs to look for in your dog to identify a skin allergy:

  • Sneezing
  • Dry skin
  • Increased dandruff
  • Redness of the skin or eyes
  • Oily skin
  • Watery eyes
  • Hot spots on the skin
  • Hair loss
  • Diarrhea, gas, or loose stools
  • Repeated skin and ear infections

Common Allergens in Dog Food

Listed below are the most common allergens in dog food:

  • Dairy
  • Beef
  • Wheat
  • Pork
  • Egg
  • Chicken
  • Lamb
  • Rice
  • Soy

The Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies in 2025

To help you make the right choice, we have reviewed some of the best dog foods for skin allergies. These options have been carefully selected on the basis of quality, vet recommendations, ingredients, and ease of use.

Best Overall Best for Skin Best for Coat Best for Adult Dogs Best Kibble Best Ingredient Best All-Natural

BEST OVERALL

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Wet Food

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive

BEST FOR SKIN AND COAT

IAMS Advanced Health Skin & Coa

BEST FOR ADULT DOGS

Blue Buffalo Basics

BEST KIBBLE

Royal Canin Sensitive

BEST LIMITED-INGREDIENT

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient

BEST ALL-NATURAL

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet

We’ve been independently researching and testing products for over 20 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Easy to store

Simple prep process

Adds luster to the coat

Suits all breed sizes

Improves stools

Good for sensitive skin

But…

Not great packaging

The Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Wet Food for adults is formulated to give your pooch proper nutrition without triggering their allergies. It is made with ingredients like chicken and barley that are not only good for canines’ digestion but also help improve their skin health. Proper emphasis is laid on its purity and nutrient content, as the right combination of nutrients is responsible for your dog’s strength, growth, and energy levels.

The brand claims to be performing top-tier food research to bring your pet the best nutritional food. This grain-free recipe is believed to be easy on your pooch’s digestive system. Enriched with omega-6 fatty acids, natural fibers, and vitamin E, it helps support your dog’s skin and fur health.

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Why We Love

Tastes great

Good quality

High in fish oil

Contains antioxidants

Available in specialized formulas for all breeds

But…

High price

If you want to provide your pet with a nutrient-enriched diet that contains no wheat, soy, or corn, then get your hands on Purina Pro Plan’s Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula. Created with oatmeal, rice, and sunflower oil, this dog food is meant for easy digestion. It is gentle on the digestive system and improves immune health. With the use of real salmon, this is the ultimate protein-packed dog meal. 

Primarily known as FOCUS, this sensitive skin and stomach formula is loaded with live probiotics and omega-6 fatty acids to give your pet healthy skin and coat. Veterinarians recommend feeding this dog food to your pet to provide complete nourishment.

Best for the Skin and Coat

IAMS Advanced Health Skin & Coat

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Why We Love

No preservatives

No artificial flavors

Contains live probiotics

Easy to eat and digest

Packed with wholesome grains

But…

Might not suit all breeds

Opt for this premium dog food from IAMS to give your adult canine a formula tailored to their body’s requirements. This dog food is fortified with essential nutrients like zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E to tackle those skin allergies and keep your dog’s coat healthy. The brand ensures that the formula contains high-quality protein to give your dog simply the best. It also provides a good deal of carbohydrates so that your pup stays energetic all day.

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Has real salmon

Supports muscle development

Promotes skin and coat health

Great source of omega-3 fatty acids

Formulated without artificial flavors

It does not contain artificial preservatives

But…

Slightly pricey

This Blue Buffalo dog food offers the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals for your pet. Featuring a single animal protein ingredient, this formula is one of the best dry dog foods for skin allergies. Along with animal protein, it contains peas, pumpkin, and potatoes, which not only support digestion but also help fulfill nutritional needs.

Unlike other dog foods, it is devoid of wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, beef, corn, and chicken, which makes it an excellent option for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities. Due to its unique formula with natural ingredients, this dry dog food stands out as a natural option that supports the immune system.

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Why We Love

Premium quality

Helps with joint issues

Contains EPA, DHA, and GLA

May address dental plaque formation

But…

Slightly expensive

Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this dog food from Royal Canin stands out as a great option for skin support. It is highly suitable for canines who have sensitive skin and digestive systems. It can be mixed with wet food in a can or pouch and served to your pets. 

Moreover, it is highly nutritious and uses kibble technology — it comes in a kibble shape and size, with a satisfying texture and savory aroma. The brand claims that most of its users see a change in their dog’s coat and skin health after 2 months of consumption.

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

No soy

No gluten

No artificial colors

No added grain

Supports bones and teeth

But…

Less quantity

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is created with your pet’s sensitivities in mind. In fact, it is the best salmon dog food for skin allergies. With salmon as the first animal protein source, it is high in protein and amino acids. If you’re looking to provide a nutritionally balanced diet to your furry companion, we suggest that you give this option a try. It is formulated for small breeds, and the meal size is prepared to keep in mind small jaw sizes. 

The best part about this dog food is that it can be used by all dogs, not just those with allergies. The formula is high in nutrition, helping enhance coat, skin, and digestive health.

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Why We Love

No fillers added

Supports body growth

Good for heart health

Supports skin and coat health

Does not contain preservatives

Contains Non-GMO ingredients

But…

Smells a bit weird

Finding an adult dog food that supports your dog’s overall health, including food sensitivities and allergies, is a true blessing. One such product is this limited-ingredient recipe from Wellness Natural. It is an all-natural, single-protein recipe that is easily digestible and highly nutritional. Enriched with natural prebiotics, this dog food is easy on the digestive system and great for the immune system. 

Its composition is quite interesting, as it does not contain corn, wheat, or soy. It also does not contain dairy, eggs, or gluten. The protein it contains is sourced from lamb, along with carbohydrates and oatmeal.

Best Well-Balanced

AvoDerm Lamb Meal & Brown Rice

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Why We Love

Suitable for all breeds

Good for dogs of all age groups

No artificial flavors or preservatives

Can be given to pregnant and lactating dogs

But…

A little too pricey

Avocado is a superfood that is good not just for you but also for your dog. Keeping the goodness of avocado in mind, Avoderm brings you this dry dog food with a combination of lamb and brown rice. This unique blend provides holistic nutrition for your pet. Infused with omega-rich avocados, this food helps keep your pet’s skin allergies under control. 



The formula is good for your pet’s immune and digestive health, as it is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It is also free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, giving your pooch allergy support.

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Has no fillers

No corn or wheat

No artificial flavors

No preservatives or colors

Contains essential hypoallergenic ingredients

Made with scientifically advanced food safety protocols

But…

The aroma isn’t very appealing

This nutrient-rich formula from Diamond Naturals is created to suit your dog’s gut health. It is highly digestible and helps promote probiotics in the GI tract. With premium protein ingredients, like wild-caught salmon, this dog food helps with overall growth, strength, and energy. Since it contains optimal amino acids, it keeps the body lean and muscles strong. Also, the antioxidant content and fatty acids promote skin and fur health. 

It works wonders for the health of all breeds, be it puppies or adult dogs. This recipe gives your pet the taste of vegetables along with a variety of superfoods that support the immune system.

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Why We Love

Contains antioxidants

No artificial colors and flavors

No preservatives

Formulated as per AAFCO standards

But…

Some may not like its smell

Canidae’s Grain Free Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is a dry dog food made to make your pet fall in love with mealtime. It has salmon as its prime ingredient in addition to wholesome ingredients like peas, sweet potatoes, and menhaden fish meal. Formulated with probiotics, vitamins and minerals, this is the go-to dog food for healthy digestion and better skin and coat. With the goodness of premium protein, this dog recipe helps enhance the immune system.

we also recommend

ZIWI Peak Chicken Recipe

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Why We Love

Boosts energy

Promotes joint health

Optimized for all breeds

Helps reduce inflammation

Ethically sourced ingredients

But…

It needs to be kept in an airtight container to prevent it from going bad

ZIWI Peak’s Chicken recipe is an air-dried dog food that is grain-free with no added fillers. Featuring free-range chicken, this recipe serves as a high-protein formula. This limited-ingredient food is low in carbohydrates, leading to better digestive health

The formula can be trusted, and its superfood content helps deal with food allergies. Enriched with New Zealand green mussels and organic kelp, this recipe boosts digestion, healthy skin, and coat.

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Why We Love

No artificial colors

No preservatives

Suitable for all breeds

Higher quality ingredients

Works for dogs with allergies

Poultry and potato-free formula

But…

The packaging is not very sturdy

Merrick’s Limited Ingredient Diet is a grain-free premium recipe containing lamb as its first ingredient. It is also gluten-free and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and protein, providing balanced nutrition for your pet. 

It can be consumed as a standalone diet or mixed with dry kibble to make it wet. It is considered a wholesome and soft canned dog food that comes in convenient pull-tab packaging for easy access.

We Also Recommend

Zignature Turkey Formula

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Why We Love

Tastes good

High-quality food

For all breed sizes

Suitable for skin allergies

Available in a small bites formula

But…

Not affordable

Zignature’s dog food acts as a dose of daily nutrition for your pet. It is carefully created by selecting top-notch ingredients sourced from farms and fishermen. Enriched with high-quality turkey as its prime ingredient, this formula is rich in selenium and riboflavin. Probiotics are also an essential part of this formula, which helps support gut health. 

The recipe is a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and the limited ingredient formula is also another way to improve gut health. Other important ingredients include peas and chickpeas, which contribute to your dog’s overall wellness.

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

No corn, wheat, or soy

No chicken by-product meal

Good for skin allergies

It comes in sturdy packaging

No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors

But…

Some may find it too wet

Nutro’s Limited Ingredient Diet is made of high-quality ingredients that are sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers. It limits the formula to just 5 key ingredients, which helps minimize dog allergies. The main components of this formula are potatoes and lamb. Being infused with farm-raised lamb, it is high in protein. The formula is created using real, non-GMO ingredients. It is a grain-free recipe, which makes it easy to digest.

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Why We Love

No GMOs

No Wheat and Soy

It helps with dull fur

Deals with bad odor

Made using a cold-pressed patented process

But…

Kibble is slightly hard to break

We all want to keep our dogs safe from allergies, but that doesn’t mean that our pets should be deprived of tasty food. Keeping a balance of nutrition and taste is the USP of Forza 10 Dermo Active Canine Formula. The primary ingredients of this dry dog food are raw fish proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which are easy on a sensitive stomach. It also contains fruit extracts, which aid skin health and reduce dog allergies. 

If your pet is going through a tough time and suffering from skin allergies like dermatitis, hot spots, or dandruff, then this dog food can come to the rescue. Since it contains hydrolyzed fish protein, it helps better with food allergies and frequent bowel movements, making it one of the best dog foods for environmental allergies.

How We Chose the Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies

This list of the best dog food for skin allergies has been brought to you after extensive research and talking to multiple dog owners. With the help of their real-life experiences, we have summed up this list with their most trusted options. Also, having discussed the role of nutrition in a dog’s diet with pet nutritionists, we could curate this list of the top dog foods for skin allergies. All the products mentioned above are recommended by veterinarians and, thus, can be good to try.

FAQ

What protein is good for dogs’ skin allergies?

Salmon, mackerel, and goat protein are good for dogs’ skin allergies. However, dog skin allergies differ from pet to pet, as does the protein content requirement.

Is rice good for dogs with allergies?

Yes, rice is good for dogs with allergies. In fact, it is gentle on the digestive system.

Is milk good for dogs with skin allergies?

Milk is a common allergen for dogs with skin allergies.

What natural food is for dog allergies?

Natural foods like probiotics, butterbur, and spirulina are good for dog allergies.

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