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?
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
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.
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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.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin And Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
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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.
Best for Adult Dogs
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin And Stomach Care
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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.
Best Limited-Ingredient Recipe
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
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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.
Best All-Natural
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet
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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.
Best for All Breeds
Diamond Naturals Skin And Coat Salmon & Potato Formula
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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.
Best Wholesome
Canidae Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
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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.
We Also Recommend
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
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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.
BEST We Also Recommend
Nutro Feed Clean Limited Ingredient Diet
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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.
We Also Recommend
Forza 10 Dermo Active Canine Formula
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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.
