If your dog suffers from allergies, it can be extremely frustrating to find a food that doesn’t make their symptoms worse. What’s the best dog food for allergies? It depends on what your dog is allergic to and some other factors. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best foods for pups who struggle with allergies and information to help you learn more about dog allergies.
Our Top Food Picks for Dogs Sensitive to Allergies
- 1Zignature Duck Formula Dog Food
- 2Earthborn Holistic Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 3Taste of the Wild High Protein Dry Dog Food
- 4Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food
- 5Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 6Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Formula
- 7Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dog Food
- 8CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 9
- 10Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Alkaline Holistic Dog Food
What to Feed a Dog with Allergies?
There are many different types of pet food on the market for dogs who struggle with allergies. Each diet has various features, and every kind of diet may be better for different types of allergies. Here are some of the most popular types of diets for dogs with allergies.
Limited Ingredient Diets
Limited ingredient dog food is just what the name suggests. If you aren’t quite sure what your dog is allergic to, buying food with fewer ingredients as part of an elimination diet may help you nail down a culprit. Limited ingredient diets are also great for dogs with multiple allergies. These foods may contain as little as one protein and one vegetable.
Hypoallergenic Dog Food and Treats
Hypoallergenic dog food and treats use hydrolyzed protein, which is meat that’s been chemically split into smaller parts, so it’s less likely to trigger an allergic response. You may need a prescription from your dog’s veterinarian to get hypoallergenic food or treats, and these diets tend to be very expensive.
Grain-Free Food and Treats
Grains trigger allergic reactions in a lot of dogs, so many owners choose to go with grain-free food and treats. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked grain-free foods to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease, they haven’t proven that grain-free diets cause DCM. DCM still only affects a small number of dogs, so grain-free diets are probably worth the risk for dogs who are allergic or sensitive to grains.
Novel Ingredient Pet Food
Chicken is one of the most common food allergies in dogs, as well as one of the most common pet food ingredients. Novel ingredient pet food uses meat and other ingredients that are less common in dog foods and less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Examples of novel ingredient foods include kangaroo, duck, or bison.
It’s important to note that novel ingredient food may still include common ingredients like chicken fat or chicken meal; those ingredients will just be further down the ingredient list and occur in lower amounts than in traditional dog foods.
Prescription Dog Food
There are many different types of prescription food for dogs with health conditions. Some hypoallergenic dog food is prescription food, but prescription food can also be for things like kidney problems or pancreatitis.
Important Features to Consider in Dog Food for Allergies
How do you pick the best food for your pup? Here are some essential features to consider in dog food for allergies.
Limited Ingredients
It’s not necessarily a requirement to give a dog with allergies a limited ingredient diet, as long as you know what your dog is allergic to and avoid foods that contain those allergens. However, it can make it easier to avoid accidentally feeding your dog something that triggers an allergic reaction, especially if you aren’t sure what your pup is allergic to.
Meat Vs. Meal
Meat meal is highly processed and less nutritious than whole meat. When possible, look for foods that have whole meat as the first ingredient. Also, any “meal” should be listed with the specific animal it came from. While “turkey meal” is acceptable, avoid “poultry meal.”
Grain-Free or Whole Grain
Grains may be a common food allergen, so many dogs with food allergies do best on grain-free diets. If you do choose to include grain in your dog’s diet, look for whole-grain ingredients over “grit” or other grain pieces.
Probiotics
Probiotics can help improve your dog’s digestion. Since food allergies can upset a dog’s digestive system, probiotics are crucial in dog food for allergies.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Most dog foods are high in omega 6 fatty acids, but it’s essential to find a food that also has a healthy amount of omega 3. Both fatty acids are critical for healthy skin and coat. Fish oil and salmon are common sources of essential fatty acids.
Other Important Nutrients
A few other vital nutrients you should look for in your dog’s diet include amino acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. They’ll help with your pup’s overall health.
Best Dog Food for Allergies
1. Zignature Duck Formula Dog Food
If you’re looking for a high-quality grain-free food that doesn’t contain any chicken ingredients, the Zignature Duck Formula is an excellent choice. This limited ingredient recipe uses a single source for the animal protein and doesn’t contain any chicken, grains, potatoes, gluten, or soy.
First 5 Ingredients: Duck, duck meal, chickpeas, peas, sunflower oil (preserved with citric acid)
Customer Reviews: Some dogs didn’t like the taste, and a couple of shipping problems were reported. However, most dogs like the taste enough to take the kibble as a treat, and there are many reports of dogs experiencing improvement in their allergy symptoms after switching to this food.
Our Take: This food contains premium ingredients and is highly rated by customers. We feel comfortable recommending it as our top pick for the best dog food for allergies.
2. Earthborn Holistic Venture Turkey & Butternut Squash Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Earthborn Holistic cares nearly as much about the environment as they do about your dog. The bag is made partially from plant-based plastic, which helps reduce greenhouse gases and is also recyclable. The food inside the bag comes from high-quality ingredients without any by-products or artificial preservatives.
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, turkey meal, butternut squash, tapioca, pumpkin
Customer Reviews: A couple of dogs didn’t care for the taste, but most dogs, even those with multiple allergies or chronic diarrhea, thrive on this food.
Our Take: If you’re trying to avoid giving your dog grains, peas, and potatoes, this is one of the best foods you’ll find.
3. Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food with Smoked Salmon
Salmon is an excellent protein source that is high in fatty acids, which helps your dog have a healthy skin and coat. While we’ve listed the grain-free version, if your dog is not allergic to grains, this food is also available in an ancient grains formula.
First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas
Customer Reviews: While some dogs got sick after eating this food, most dogs do really well on this food and enjoy the taste.
Our Take: With grain-free and grain-inclusive options to pick from, many dogs with allergies may do well on this food.
Our Take: With grain-free and grain-inclusive options to pick from, many dogs with allergies may do well on this food.
4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Are you looking for a chicken-free limited ingredient recipe for your dog? Blue Buffalo has several grain-free Limited Ingredient Diet flavors to choose from, including salmon, duck, lamb, or turkey.
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned salmon, tapioca starch, potatoes, peas, salmon meal (source of omega 3 fatty acids)
Customer Reviews: Some people reported quality control issues when ordering from Amazon, but most people mention how much their dog’s allergies have improved after switching to this food.
Our Take: Chicken is a common allergen and tends to pop up even in foods you wouldn’t expect it. If you suspect your dog is allergic to chicken, this food is an excellent choice.
5. Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Turkey & Potato
With Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient, you get maximum nutrition with minimum ingredients. With a single protein source and easily digestible carbohydrates, your dog should be able to eat this food without experiencing digestive upset.
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes
Customer Reviews: Most of the negative reviews were from people who received a bad bag from Amazon. However, dogs generally enjoy this food, and most dogs showed improved allergy or digestion symptoms.
Our Take: This limited ingredient grain-free food is an excellent choice that will work well for many dogs.
Our Take: This limited ingredient grain-free food is an excellent choice that will work well for many dogs.
6. Brothers Complete Lamb & Egg Advanced Allergy Formula
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and they’re the second ingredient of this ultra-premium allergy formula. It’s important to note that this food does contain chicken, although it isn’t in the top 5 ingredients, so it may not be a good choice for dogs with chicken allergies.
First 5 Ingredients: Lamb meal, whole eggs dried, turkey meal, cassava/tapioca, peas
Customer Reviews: While some dogs don’t like the flavor, most dogs experience vast improvements in their skin or stomach issues after switching to this food.
Our Take: As long as your dog isn’t allergic to chicken, this is an excellent food that may help clear up even the worst allergy symptoms.
7. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe Natural Dog Food
The Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet features freeze-dried raw meat on every piece of kibble and three chicken-free flavors, so it’s safe for most dogs with common food allergies.
First 5 Ingredients: Lamb meal, peas, tapioca, pea protein, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid)
Customer Reviews: A handful of dogs got sick after eating this food, but most dogs experience a vast improvement in symptoms after being switched to this food.
Our Take: While this food may not agree with all dogs, it’s still an excellent option for most dogs that struggle with allergies.
8. CANIDAE PURE Real Salmon, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for a premium limited ingredient recipe with a variety of flavors to choose from, you should check out Canidae Pure. With 6 different grain-free recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that relieves your dog’s allergy symptoms.
First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas
Customer Reviews: There are occasional reports of people getting a bad bag from Amazon, although most dogs thrive on this food, and owners report improved skin, coat, and digestion.
Our Take: While there’s a chance you could get a bad bag of this food, we still highly recommend it for dogs with allergies.
9. NUTRISCA Dry Dog Food Bag, Grain Free High Protein
For high protein and high-quality protein, look no farther than Nutrisca. With real salmon and no grains or potatoes, this is an excellent choice of dog food for allergies.
First 5 Ingredients: Most of the negative reviews are more than a year old and seem to revolve around bad batches. By and large, dogs love the taste and experience fewer allergy symptoms after switching to this food from something else.
Customer Reviews: Most of the negative reviews are more than a year old and seem to revolve around bad batches. By and large, dogs love the taste and experience fewer allergy symptoms after switching to this food from something else.
Our Take: This is a good option for many dogs with allergies.
10. Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Alkaline Holistic Dog Food
Highly digestible Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Alkaline Holistic is complete and balanced nutrition that is gluten-free and hypoallergenic. There are several different formulas to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that works for your dog.
First 5 Ingredients: Dehydrated lamb, pearl millet, lamb fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), coconut, sun-cured alfalfa
Customer Reviews: Some dogs don’t like the flavor of this food, and some owners report that their dog had more frequent or voluminous bowel movements. However, most dogs liked the taste and showed symptom improvement.
Our Take: This food isn’t right for every dog, but many dogs experience improvement in their allergies after switching to this food.
Food Allergy Vs. Food Intolerance
Here’s where we need to clarify something. True food allergies trigger an immune response, where your dog’s immune system starts attacking them after eating an allergen. Your dog may experience skin or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Most dogs with “allergies” actually have a food intolerance, also known as a food sensitivity. While the symptoms may be similar, your dog’s immune system isn’t involved. Think about it as the difference between a peanut allergy, which can kill a person, and being lactose intolerant, which can cause miserable gastrointestinal issues.
The Most Common Food Allergens for Dogs
Whether your dog has a true food allergy or food intolerance, the most common allergens include:
Dog Breeds More Prone to Food Allergies
While any dog may struggle with food allergies, some dog breeds are more prone to food allergies than others. Dog breeds who are more likely to deal with food allergies include:
Who Should Buy Dog Food for Allergies?
If you know or suspect that your dog is struggling with allergies, you should buy food that will help reduce their symptoms. Dogs with food allergies tend to have sensitive stomachs, skin allergies, or chronic ear or foot infections.
How Can I Help My Dog with Allergies?
The best thing to do is to identify what is triggering your dog’s allergies. While you may be able to do that with a food elimination diet, allergy testing from your dog’s vet may be the best way to identify precisely what your dog is allergic to.
Once you discover what triggers your dog’s allergies, you want to keep your dog away from it as much as possible. That’s more difficult with some environmental allergens, but you can keep allergens out of your dog’s food with diligence and a lot of attention to the ingredient list of anything you feed your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Dog Food for Allergies
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best dog foods for allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions About What is the Best Dog Food for Allergies
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best dog foods for allergies.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Food Allergies?
The most common symptoms of food allergies include:
How Is Dog Food for Allergies Different from Regular Dog Food?
Dog food for allergies helps reduce your dog’s allergy symptoms by keeping out or breaking down allergens. It may contain limited ingredients, novel proteins, or hydrolyzed protein to help prevent allergic reactions. Not all food for allergies is hypoallergenic dog food, although it is one option.
What Is the Best Protein for Dogs with Allergies?
There is no one best protein for all dogs with allergies since every dog has their own unique allergies. However, if you suspect your dog has a food allergy, the first proteins you should eliminate are chicken and beef, since those are the most common meat allergens for dogs.
What Can I Give My Dog for Allergy Relief?
Always talk to your vet before giving your dog anything for allergy relief. While you may be able to give your dog Benadryl to help their symptoms, you’ll want to discuss the dosage with your vet first. Depending on the severity of your dog’s allergies, they may also recommend a more potent antihistamine or steroid shots.
Is Dry Food or Wet Food Better for My Dog?
Dry food and wet food each have pros and cons. Kibble is more convenient, for example, while wet food has more moisture. Whether you choose dry or wet food for your dog, make sure it’s labeled as “complete and balanced nutrition.” This is especially important to pay attention to in wet food since many canned foods are only intended to supplement a dog’s regular diet.
Some people may prefer to make homemade or raw diets for their pets, but it’s much more challenging to ensure that your dog is getting the proper amount of nutrients when you make their food yourself. If you want to make your dog’s food, make sure you talk to a veterinary nutritionist to be sure you aren’t causing nutritional deficiencies.