What Is the Best Dog Food For Food Allergies? (2024)

When a dog is allergic to something they eat, it causes their immune system to respond with symptoms such as itching and sneezing.

Food allergies aren't common, but they can be a problem for many dogs. A veterinarian-recommended hypoallergenic diet, with limited ingredients and single protein sources, can help relieve some of your pup's allergy symptoms.

Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

When your dog has food allergies, it’s important to find the best dog food for their unique needs. Veterinarians often recommend limited ingredient diets to prevent allergic reactions and even help determine which ingredients are causing the problem.

Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a great option for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities. This product is made without wheat or soy and is formulated to be easily digestible thanks to a large amount of prebiotics and probiotics.

This recipe is a great choice for adult dogs and provides a balance of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and fats to support their health. It also contains omega fatty acids to help support their skin and coats.

Deboned turkey and lamb meal provide quality protein, while chickpeas, lentils, and dried beet pulp provide complex carbs and dietary fiber to keep dogs feeling full. Added vitamins and minerals, like amino acids and vitamin D3, complete the balanced nutrition in every bite.

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Merrick is a pet food company that focuses on real whole foods, high-quality ingredients, and guaranteed health benefits. They have traditional dry kibble, wet food, and raw options.

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food is a complete and balanced meal that contains high quality chicken protein as the first ingredient. It also contains wholesome grains like ancient grains and brown rice that provide your cat with the carbs and energy they need to thrive.

It also includes dried egg product and dried cranberries, two ingredients that are rich in antioxidants and can help to support your dog’s immune system. It also contains flaxseed, which is one of the best plant sources of omega fatty acids.

This recipe is free from common allergens, including wheat, corn, and soy. It also has a low level of fillers, preservatives, and artificial colors.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for allergy-sensitive dogs. It is made without corn, wheat or soy and includes Blue Buffalo’s patented LifeSource Bits that contain a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants chosen by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists.

This kibble also contains menhaden fish meal, salmon and potatoes as its main protein sources. It also contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Blue Buffalo is a well-known brand that makes kibbles and canned foods for dogs and cats. Their formulas are formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists and are available in several different flavors.

Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

When choosing a dog food for your allergy-prone pet, it’s important to choose one that’s made with wholesome ingredients. This will help prevent allergic reactions such as itchy skin and upset stomachs.

Fortunately, Nature’s Variety offers a range of dog foods that are free from allergens. The company has two product lines: Instinct (grain free), and Prairie (holistic).

They also make a line of limited ingredient diets, so you’ll be sure your pet is eating healthy.

Their Instinct line includes raw frozen diets, freeze-dried and original kibble, and raw treats. The brand’s products are formulated by a team of holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists at their facility in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Instinct Limited Ingredient line features only one animal protein and a vegetable, a great way to ensure your pet’s diet is free of allergies. The first ingredient is cage-free turkey, which is a good source of high quality proteins and essential amino acids.

What Is the Best Dog Food For Food Allergies? (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food to feed a dog with allergies? ›

Some of the prescription foods your vet may recommend for dogs with food sensitivities include: Canine Hydrolyzed Protein Small Dog Dry Dog Food. Hill's Prescription Diet® d/d Canine Potato & Venison Formula. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula.

What is the number one food allergy in dogs? ›

The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens, and symptoms occur.

What foods help dogs with itchy skin? ›

Add essential fatty acids

Some of the most concentrated sources are fish oils, shellfish, and whole wild-caught fish, eggs, and grass-fed meats.

What is the best meat for dogs with allergies? ›

Salmon, mackerel and catfish all promote skin and coat health because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. Unconventional animal protein sources like rabbit, pheasant, alligator, kangaroo, goat, bison and venison are all healthy options that are rarely allergens for dogs.

What food to avoid for a dog with skin allergies? ›

Often in dogs with food sensitivities, proteins from animal or plant-based ingredients in the diet are the cause. Beef, corn, dairy, and wheat are some of the most problematic ingredients. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can take a long time for symptoms of food allergies to become apparent.

What can I give my dog for allergies daily? ›

Antihistamines for Skin Allergies in Dogs
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ – ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.
  • Loratadine (Claritin): ¼ mg per pound (half of a 10mg tablet per 20 lbs) once daily.
  • Clemastine (Tavist-1, Antihist-1): 0.02mg per pound (one 1.34mg tablet per 65lb dog) twice daily.

How can I tell if my dog is allergic to his food? ›

In dogs and cats, skin problems are the most common symptom of a food allergy. Itching, which persists and is not related to the seasons, is the main symptom. Other skin changes can include rashes, redness, pimples, scabbing, darker skin, thicker skin, and hair loss. Symptoms relating to the gut can be present too.

What dog breeds have the most food allergies? ›

Some breeds, such as co*cker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Poodles, and Chinese Shar-Pei, may be at greater risk for food allergies, though they can appear in any breed. Diet trials are inconvenient and tedious.

What is the most common ingredient in dog food that dogs are allergic to? ›

Protein and complex carbohydrates are the most common canine allergens. In an oft-cited study, beef, dairy products, chicken and wheat were found to cause the most food-related allergies in dogs. These top four allergens are followed by eggs, lamb, soy, corn, pork, fish and rice.

Is farmer's dog food good for allergies? ›

If your dog is allergic to an animal protein source, the Farmer's Dog Custom Fresh Dog Food will bring dog food—made without the source of your dog's affliction—right to your door.

What helps a dog with food allergies itching? ›

Depending on the cause and severity of your dog's allergic reaction, your veterinarian will prescribe different things. For hives, they might suggest antihistamines, cortisones, medicated shampoos, whereas with food allergies they might suggest fish oil or other Omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

What deficiency causes itching in dogs? ›

Dermatitis can be related to diet, for example this condition can occur due to deficiencies in certain nutrients; such as copper, zinc and certain vitamins, although food allergies are more common.

What is the best dog food for dogs that have severe allergies? ›

Hydrolyzed Dog Foods

Hydrolyzed foods are the best dog food for allergies because the proteins are broken down into pieces that are so small the body can't recognize them. Some of these foods include: Hill's® Prescription Diet z/d. Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets HA.

What foods should hypoallergenic dogs avoid? ›

This can be a protein from meat, such as chicken or beef, but also a protein from wheat, maize, rice or soy. The majority of dogs with a food allergy are allergic to beef, dairy products or wheat. These are therefore definitely products that you should avoid in a hypoallergenic diet.

Are eggs good for dogs with allergies? ›

Eggs are packed with nutrients that can be a healthy supplement to your dog's diet. Like humans, some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to eggs, so be sure to check for any signs of allergic reaction after feeding them eggs.

Is rice good for dogs with allergies? ›

Rice can be part of a healthy, balanced diet for dogs and is found in many commercial dog foods. It may be recommended as a carbohydrate source for dogs with a wheat allergy, as well as in the short-term treatment of certain kinds of gastrointestinal upset, like diarrhea opens in a new tab .

What are cooling foods for dogs with allergies? ›

Cooling Foods (Great for pets with allergies, or who always run a little hot)
  • Meats: rabbit, duck.
  • Seafood: clams, codfish, whitefish.
  • Veggies: tomatoes, yellow soybeans, broccoli.
  • Fruit: apples, kiwis, mango.
  • Grains: barley, buckwheat, wild rice.
  • Other: eggs, salt, tofu, yogurt, sesame oil, flaxseed oil.
Mar 3, 2017

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