Just like human beings experience allergic reactions, dogs, too, go through the same problem. One needs to find the best dog food for allergies. Before you decide to purchase dog food for allergies, first identify the type of allergy with the help of your veterinarian.
Our Recommended Pick For The Best Dog Food For Allergies
Although all of the above-listed dog foods are good for dog allergies, we recommend that you try the Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food . It is our top dog food for allergies because of its key ingredients: potato and turkey. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, while turkey is rich in proteins.
It also has probiotics and prebiotics that make digestion easier. The fact that it also contains flaxseed for keeping the dog’s skin shiny and healthy is a plus! As you can see, it has all the dietary requirements to keep your dog healthy. So, why not go for it?
Read on to find out the different types of allergies in dogs and the best food you can give to your dog that is sensitive to food allergies.
Types of Canine Allergies
Dogs face a lot of challenges when it comes to allergies. The worst thing is that if you don’t treat or prevent allergies, they may even cause death. Discussed in short below are the most common types of dog allergies:
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are also known as allergy dermatitis. They are very common in dogs. Skin allergies in dogs are caused by:
- Food allergens – The dog’s skin can also become itchy when the canine friend is sensitive to a particular food. Dogs that are allergic to food have their ears and paws itchy. The ears and feet are the most affected, but underarms, muzzle, groin, between the toes and around the eyes are also affected. You will also notice gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
- Environmental allergens – pollen, mold, and dust are ecological allergens that cause allergic reactions in dogs. The reactions tend to be seasonal because the dogs will itch during certain times of the year.
- Flea allergy dermatitis – This is an allergic reaction to bites from fleas. A few dogs are allergic to flea saliva that cause itchy dog skin. The itchiness happens especially at the tail’s base. The skin ends up being red and inflamed. If you want to know if it is a flea allergy, you will notice fleas on their feces.
It is good to treat skin allergies. If left untreated, the skin bites and scratches may lead to bacterial and yeast infections.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are a result of the immune system reacting to certain foods. The reactions may be gastrointestinal signs like diarrhea and vomiting, skin conditions like swelling of the face, hives, itchiness, or combined conditions.
Some dogs are on hypoallergenic dog food diets. Most of the time, a food allergy means that a dog is sensitive to food. In this case, the dog’s immunity is not involved. Instead, the dog just reacts to ingredients found in the food.
The signs of food sensitivities in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, infections in the ear or foot, itchiness, and poor skin. In such cases, work with your vet to find out the ingredient causing the reaction. This will be a way of treating your dog.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
There are different types of symptoms depending on the cause of the allergy. For instance, a dog’s blood pressure may drop when it goes into an anaphylactic shock. This is unlike a skin condition. If you see your dog with the following signs, then know it is an allergic reaction:
- Hives.
- Itchiness.
- Red, inflamed skin.
- Diarrhea.
- Swelling of the face, eyelids, ears, lips, or ear flaps.
- Sneezing.
- Vomiting.
- Itchy, runny ears (ear discharge)
- Constant licking.
You need to visit your vet when you see the above symptoms. It would be good for the vet to rule out whether an allergic reaction causes the symptoms. This is important because the symptoms could mean something else apart from certain types of sensitivities.
The Different Types of Food for Dogs with Allergies
Dog food comes in two types. There are hypoallergenic dog foods and limited-ingredient diets.
Hypoallergenic Dog Foods
Most hypoallergenic dog foods are usually prescribed by veterinarians. They are like a hydrolyzed protein dog food meaning they split into amino acid building blocks. Hydrolyzing them makes the allergen invisible. This is to suggest that your dog cannot face an allergic reaction.
Limited-Ingredient Diets
Limited ingredient diets mean the foods contain fewer ingredients. It becomes easier to identify the component causing an allergic reaction with these foods. You can buy them over the counter without having to visit a vet.
The Best Dog Food For Allergies Reviewed
- Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food (Best for Adult Dogs)
- Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach and Skin Recipes (Best for Sensitive Stomach and Skin)
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food and Wet Dog Food (Best for Vegetarian Diets)
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food With Grains (Best for Small Breeds)
- Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Potato and Venison Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Digestive Upsets)
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Dog Food (Best for Dogs With Food Intolerance)
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food (Best for All Life Stages)
- Venture Smoked Turkey and Butternut Squash Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Wholesome Diet)
- Canidae PURE Grain Free, Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Salmon and Sweet Potato (Best for Grain-Free Diets)
Our Recommended Pick For The Best Dog Food For Allergies
Although all of the above-listed dog foods are good for dog allergies, we recommend that you try the Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food . It is our top dog food for allergies because of its key ingredients: potato and turkey. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, while turkey is rich in proteins.
It also has probiotics and prebiotics that make digestion easier. Of course, the fact that it also contains flaxseed for keeping the dog’s skin shiny and healthy is a plus!
As you can see, it has all the dietary requirements to keep your dog healthy. So, why not go for it?
A Comparison Table on Our Top Rated Dog Food for Allergies
| Name | Best Used For | Highlights Per Serving | ILV Rating Out of Five | Top 5 Ingredients |
| Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food | Best for Adult Dogs | Protein-23.9%Fat-14.7% | 4.7 | Chicken Brewers rice Chicken meal Yellow peas Cracked Pearled Barley |
| Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food and Wet Dog Food | Best for Vegetarian Diets | Protein-18%Fat-8% | 4.7 | Starch Salmon Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Sunflower oil Dicalcium Phosphate |
Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food With Grains | Best for Small Breeds | Protein-21%Fat-10% | 4.8 | Lamb Brown rice Lamb meal Brewers rice Rice bran |
| Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach and Skin Recipes | Best for Sensitive Stomach and Skin | Protein-25%Fat-12% | 4.6 | Deboned Turkey Turkey Meal Potatoes Peas Dried Ground Potatoes |
| Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Potato and Venison Formula Dry Dog Food | Best for Digestive Upsets | Protein-21%Fat-8% | 4.6 | Potatoes Potato starch Venison Potato protein Soybean oil |
| Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Dog Food | Best for Dogs With Food Intolerance | Protein-24%Fat-12% | 4.6 | Deboned Salmon Chicken meal Peas Pea Protein Menhaden fish meal |
| Rachel Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food | Best for All Life Stages | Protein-20%Fat-13% | 4.6 | Lamb meal Brown rice Ground rice Dried plain Beet pulp Chicken fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols) |
| Venture Smoked Turkey and Butternut Squash Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | Best for Wholesome Diet | Protein-20%Fat-12% | 4.5 | Turkey Butternut squash Turkey meal Pumpkin Tapioca |
| Canidae PURE Grain Free, Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato | Best for Grain-Free Diets | Proteins-32%Fat-18% | 4.5 | Salmon Salmon meal Menhaden fish meal Sweet potatoes Canola oil |
Our Best Picks on Dog Food for Allergies
Discussed below are descriptions of our best picks on dog foods that are specifically targeted at allergies.
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by Wellness
Best for Adult Dogs
General description
If you have a dog with a sensitive stomach, Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is the way to go. Its primary source of protein is turkey. The other vital ingredient is potatoes. It is easy to digest and keeps your dog strong and active throughout the day.
To make digestion more manageable, the formula has prebiotics and probiotics. It has no grains that are a common cause of allergies. The flaxseed in it leaves your dog’s skin looking healthy. It has Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin A supplement, among others. It includes minerals such as Calcium Carbonate, Manganese sulfate, Iron proteinate.
Features
- Has no gluten or wheat.
- The formula is easy to digest.
- High-quality protein.
- Omega fatty acids, glucosamine, probiotics, and antioxidants keep the dog’s heart healthy.
Form
It comes as dry food.
Flavor
It has a turkey flavor.
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach and Skin Recipes
Best for a Sensitive Stomach
General description
The Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is formulated to help a dog’s digestive health. It is the best for a sensitive stomach because of the prebiotic fiber found in it. The dog food was developed as a result of many years of thorough research. As a result, it tastes excellent, and adult dogs enjoy it.
The animal feeding tests by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) procedures proved that it is a dog food with balanced nutrition. This makes it the ultimate choice when raising adult dogs.
Features
- Has natural ingredients.
- Highly digestible.
- Contains Vitamin E and Omega-6.
- Veterinarians in the United States recommend it.
Form
It is a dry dog food with natural ingredients, a great source of Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E that nourish your dog’s skin.
Flavor
The available flavors are barley and chicken, but we prefer the chicken flavor.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food and Wet Dog Food
Best for Vegetarian Diets
General description
All dogs need proteins. So, if your dog is allergic or sensitive to meat, you shouldn’t deprive it of other proteins. The Purina Pro Plan diet for sensitive skin and stomachs comes in handy here.
It contains proteins like salmon and also carbs from corn starch. The ingredients are suitable for dogs dealing with gastroenteritis and dermatitis. All Purina Pro Plan diets are FDA approved, meaning you will have to get a veterinary prescription first.
Features
- Has oatmeal that is good for digestion.
- Free from grains like wheat or corn.
- High in proteins like real salmon.
- Has zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium sulfate.
- Contains Vitamin E supplement, B-12, K, C, B6, B-9, D-3.
Form
It comes as a dry food.
Flavor
The flavor is salmon and rice.
Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food With Grains
Amazon’s Choice for Natural Balance Dog Food
Best for Small Breeds
General description
The Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food With Grains is a healthy dog food that is safe for your canine friend. The ingredients used to formulate it are free from gluten. In addition, the lamb content of the dog food helps to develop strong muscles in your pup, while the whole grain ensures your dog has no digestion issues.
It also contains minerals and vitamins that make it a balanced meal. The vitamins are Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, Folic acid, to name a few. The minerals are Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, among others.
Features
- Contains real lamb.
- Provides amino acids that aid in the growth of muscles.
- Contains the finest ingredients in the world.
Form
It comes as dry food.
Flavor
Lamb and brown rice.
Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Potato and Venison Formula Dry Dog Food
Best for Digestive Upsets
General description
The Hill’s Prescription Diet contains proteins that will prevent your dog from getting allergic reactions. Veterinarians recommend it; you only need a prescription issued by a vet before purchasing and using it. It also contains vitamins such as Vitamin A, l-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin D3 supplement. Minerals include Dicalcium phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, and Choline Chloride.
Features
- Has limited ingredients, e.g., one animal protein.
- No grains, gluten, and soy protein.
- Antioxidants are present to help in keeping the skin healthy.
- The potato and venison ingredients are suitable for food sensitivities and the dog’s skin.
Form
It comes as dry dog food.
Flavor
The flavor is venison
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Dog Food
Amazon’s Choice for Pet Supplies
Best for Dogs With Food Intolerance
General description
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Dog Food comes in three forms: Hydrolyzed, Novel Protein, and Gastrointestinal Support. They are suitable for dogs that have shown signs of intolerance to proteins. With every bite of Blue Buffalo, your dog will get vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. The vitamins include Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B7. Minerals include Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, among others.
Features
- Has deboned salmon that helps in building muscles.
- It contains Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that make the dog’s skin healthy.
- Has natural ingredients that are free from grains, preservatives, and poultry.
- Sweet potatoes and peas found in the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Dog Food are suitable for keeping dogs strong.
- It contains natural fiber that helps indigestion.
Form
It comes in as a dry food
Flavor
The flavor is turkey and potato.
Rachel Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Best for All Life Stages
General description
Rachel Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food Food consists of natural ingredients and added minerals and vitamins. It doesn’t contain any grains or gluten ingredients. Also, it has no chicken by-products or artificial flavors. It is simply wholesome food! The vitamins include Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12 supplements, and others. For the minerals, there are Copper Proteinate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, to name but a few.
Features
- Contains minerals and vitamins.
- Has natural ingredients with no added flavors.
- The formula is easy to digest.
Form
It comes as dry food.
Flavor
The flavor is Lamb meal and brown rice.
Venture Smoked Turkey and Butternut Squash Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Amazon’s Choice for earthborn venture dog food
Best for Adult Dogs
General description
The Venture Smoked Turkey and Butternut Squash Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food consist of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and probiotics. All the ingredients ensure your dog has the best health. There are no grains, potatoes, or gluten. Most of the elements come from butternut squash, chickpeas, and turkey meal.
Features
- Contains Vitamins A and E from the butternut squash.
- Has proteins from turkey meal and chickpeas that help in bodybuilding.
- Fiber from the butternut squash is good because it helps indigestion.
- It doesn’t have grains that cause allergies.
Form
It comes in as dry dog food.
Flavor
The flavor is turkey.
Canidae PURE Grain Free, Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato
Best for Grain-Free Diets
General description
The Canidae PURE Grain Free, Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato is formulated with ingredients that will nourish your canine friend. It is a meal that has salmon, which is a source of proteins. Other benefits include wholesome vegetables, probiotics, antioxidants, and fatty acids that help build your dog’s immunity.
The best part is that it is free from grains or any other artificial ingredients. The vitamins present include vitamins B6, B12, D3, and A. Minerals include Potassium iodide, Manganese sulfate, ascorbic acid.
Features
- Contains eight food ingredients for a complete and balanced diet.
- No artificial flavors.
- It is fortified.
- It is grain-free.
- Contains Omega-6 and-3 fatty acids for good skin.
Form
It comes as dry dog food.
Flavor
Its flavor is salmon and sweet potatoes.
I Love Veterinary Buying Guide to Best Dog Food for Allergies
There are so many alternatives to dog foods for allergies in the market. Some are dry, and others are wet. It can be a tough choice since there are different brands on the market. What is vital is putting considerations into the following points before purchasing one:
Allergens
To prevent an allergic reaction, you need to identify and avoid the most common allergens. The most common ones are chicken, dairy, beef, and eggs. The most surprising thing is that dogs react to ingredients they eat regularly. It could be the food that they enjoy most. So, it’s good to identify an allergen.
Difference between food allergies and food intolerance
You need to know whether your dog suffers from food intolerance or an allergy. This will help you know which dog food to purchase because they are two different things. Intolerance happens when your dog cannot digest an ingredient. For example, dogs tend to have lactose intolerance, just like humans. When your dog feeds on a particular element, it will react by vomiting, have flatulence, or diarrhea.
On the other hand, allergies are related to the immune system. Usually, the immune system would identify a harmful item and release antibodies to fight it. An allergic reaction could be rashes or disorders associated with the respiratory system.
Specific Symptoms of food allergies
You shouldn’t buy dog food for allergies if you are not sure what your dog is allergic to. The only way to identify whether your dog is allergic to certain ingredients is by knowing the symptoms. Watch out for the following signs, and if you notice any of these, please consult your veterinarian:
- Non-seasonal itching
- Skin rashes.
- Shortness of breath.
- Swelling of the ears or face.
- Irregularities when it comes to digestion.
- You are most likely to find rashes in the paws and the ears.
Ingredients to look for in dog food for allergies
Knowing what your dog is allergic to is very vital. You need to know the elements that make your dog react to avoid them. You can purchase dog food with and without the following ingredients:
- Novel proteins- these are sources of proteins that are not common. Therefore, they present a lower risk of allergies. Examples include lamb, rabbit, Venison, herring, and bison.
- No eggs– buy dog food with no eggs since eggs are a significant cause of allergies.
- No dairy– dairy products cause allergic reactions. Purchase dog food with no dairy.
- No fillers-fillers are like husk, soy, or corn. They are of no nutritional value to dogs, and they cause allergies. So it’s good to avoid dog food with fillers.
Type of dog food
Consider the type of dog food before purchasing. Here are examples of dog food for allergies:
- Grain-free dog food is for dogs sensitive to grains like corn, barley, wheat, and rye. They are also gluten-free. However, not all grain-free dog foods are gluten-free.
- Novel ingredient dog food– this is a diet around a protein that your dog has never tasted. They include proteins like venison, salmon, or duck. You can find novel ingredients in limited ingredient dog foods.
- Prescription dog food– they are expensive, and you must give them under instructions from a veterinarian. Most of the time, a vet will prescribe it to you when your dog has severe reactions.
Design
Get to know whether you need limited-ingredient dog food or hypoallergenic dog food. Limited-ingredient dog foods are the most common, and they contain only one source of proteins. Get one that is endorsed by the (AAFCO). Hypoallergenic dog treats are limited ingredient foods that you can always find in a pet food store.
Profile
Companies manufacture different dog foods for various breeds of dogs. There are dog foods for large breeds, small breeds, and those that dogs of all stages can feed on. Select the best dog food for your dog breed.
The nutritional content and its various percentages
Not all dog foods have the same nutritional content! For instance, some have natural meats, while others don’t. Get to know the nutritional content and the percentages before buying a dog food product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are probiotics important to dogs with allergies?
They don’t help directly with allergies but make the digestive system strong. In return, the symptoms may not be harsh to the stomach.
Q: Can I prepare home food for my dog with an allergy?
The best thing to do is buy hypoallergenic dog food that is safer than meat from a local grocery shop.
Q: Are there any home treatments for dogs with allergies?
Yes, you can use herbs like thyme, coconut oil, or aloe vera for skin allergies. However, the best thing is to visit a veterinary doctor.
Q: What should one do when a dog has an allergy?
Consult your veterinary doctor so that you get a prescription.
Q: Can a diet with high proteins cause allergies?
Yes, most common allergies are a result of high proteins in a diet.
Summary
From the above read, it is clear that dogs suffer allergic reactions, and one of the remedies is getting dog food with certain ingredients. The most important thing is identifying the symptom and then choosing the right dog food.
From the reviews, you most definitely have one in mind depending on your dog. We, as I Love Veterinary, have tested and prefer the Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food for adult dogs with allergies.
We like it because it contains both grain-free and grain-friendly dog foods. It also has a moderate amount of meat as its source of animal protein. For those reasons, we highly recommend it!
Project dedicated to support and help to improve Veterinary Medicine. Sharing information and raising discussions in the veterinary community.