There are plenty of options on the market when you go shopping for dog foods – from commercial dry food or kibble to canned or moist food, semi-moist, and raw dog food.
The variety of choices from dog food brands makes it somehow difficult for pet owners to choose the best one for their dogs.
Food Allergies in Dogs Explained
Before diving deep into the best food for dogs with allergies, it's essential to have background information about why and how dogs get a food allergy.
Dog food allergies, like food intolerance, are one of the most common hypersensitivity reactions that affect our furry friends.
However, it's important to note that there's a vast difference between these conditions. Understanding this would help you address your pet's discomfort easier.
Food intolerance is when a dog has difficulties digesting a particular ingredient like dairy. On the other hand, food allergies are usually hereditary (passed down from parents to puppies) but can also be caused by a reaction of the immune system to specific allergens found in dog food ingredients.
The common allergens are protein sources from ingredients like dairy, beef, chicken, eggs, soy, wheat, lamb, fish, corn, pork, and rabbit.
When dogs' immune system recognizes the allergen, it perceives it as “harmful,” and, as a result, it reacts by producing antibodies to fight the “invading” ingredient. That's when food allergy symptoms start to develop.
If your dog starts to sneeze, vomit, get itchy, or have diarrhea after consuming a particular type of food, then there's a high chance that it's food allergies.
Hyperactivity, scaly skin, red eyes, ear infections, hair loss, lack of energy, weight loss, and aggression may also occur as allergy symptoms.
If you've ruled out other possible causes like contact allergies and you think that your dog has food allergies, it's still best to consult a vet to get proper guidance on making your dog feel better.
However, one quick and easy way to determine which food ingredient your dog is allergic to is through an elimination diet.
There are available saliva, blood, and skin tests for dogs and cats, but these are reportedly unreliable and ineffective. An elimination diet, on the other hand, is more accurate.
Elimination diet works by removing all of the currently fed foods to determine which particular ingredient triggers the allergy. You start feeding your dog with food that it never had before.
Once it shows improvements throughout the elimination diet trial, that's when you start reintroducing the old foods gradually, one ingredient at a time.
If it exhibits an allergic reaction, then you'd know it has allergies to that particular ingredient.
Our Top Picks: 12 Best Dog Food for Allergies
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Our Pick
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula
Highly digestible formula
Composed of hydrolized protein with chicken flavor
1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula
Main ingredients: Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved With Tbhq, Coconut Oil, and Powdered Cellulose
This is a superb-tasting hypoallergenic dog food infused with chicken flavor. Its formula contains hydrolyzed protein or protein that has been broken down into smaller particle sizes to help reduce allergies in dogs.
Highly palatable and digestible, this vet-recommended dog food for allergies from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets is made with high-quality ingredients. It is available in three bag sizes: 6-lb bag, 16.5-lb bag, and 25-lb bag.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
It contains a single high-quality protein source (hydrolyzed soy protein isolate) and a single source of carbohydrates.
It is formulated in collaboration with in-house veterinarians, nutritionists, and researchers.
Most dogs enjoy this chicken-flavored grain-free ingredient dog food for food allergies from Purina Pro Plan.
Disadvantages
A few dogs did not like the flavor of this product.
The Purina Pro Plan product line is more expensive than other dog foods for allergies.
2. Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein HP
Main ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors, and Dried Plain Beet Pulp
One of the best dog foods on the market for dogs with allergies is this dry dog food from Royal Canin. This hypoallergenic dog food gets a big chunk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein.
It's highly palatable, so you could worry less about your dog disliking its flavor. Three bag sizes (7.7-lb bag, 17.6-lb bag, and 25.3-lb bag) are available, giving you options if you'd like to try out the product first or make an investment.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
Its formula is designed for adult dogs and puppies with sensitive skin, digestive issues, and other allergy symptoms caused by a food allergy.
It features B vitamins, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty for healthy skin and coat.
It also features an exclusive blend of fibers and probiotics that supports healthy digestion and reduces digestive upsets.
It is compatible with matching dog treats such as the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Canine Dog Treats.
Disadvantages
Some pet owners report changes in the formula and quality of this hypoallergenic dry dog food. Because of the changes, some dogs start refusing the food.
The price is high for other buyers.
3. Blue Buffalo Basics LID Turkey & Potato Recipe
Main ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Pea Starch, and Peas
This recipe contains a single animal protein source using real turkey first which includes pumpkin and easily digested carbohydrates like potatoes and peas.
If your dog prefers dry dog food or kibble over canned dog foods, the brand also offers an excellent limited ingredient grain-free dog food in turkey-flavored kibble form.
This is a good-tasting food that your dog could eat without having to worry about allergy symptoms.
It's made with fewer ingredients, a single animal protein source from deboned turkey, and essential carbohydrates.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
It is a vet-approved formulation that helps adult dogs with food sensitivities.
This Blue Buffalo product is a limited ingredient dog food that includes real turkey for animal protein and other high-quality ingredients.
It does not contain meat protein sources like chicken and beef and other ingredients that trigger allergies like corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs.
Disadvantages
A few canine companions that are not even picky eaters won't touch this turkey-flavored pet food.
4. Wellness Simple LID Salmon & Potato Formula
Main ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, and Dried Ground Potatoes
This list of best dog food includes this one right here from Wellness.
This product line is a grain-free hypoallergenic dry dog food that features five carefully chosen main ingredients.
You don't have to worry about your canine's allergies as it contains a single protein source from a salmon meal.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
The recipe is limited ingredient grain-free dry food that uses a single source of protein (salmon meal) balanced with easily-digestible carbohydrates.
It helps against sensitive skin and food allergies and promotes healthy skin and coat.
It includes antioxidants, natural probiotics, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
It does not contain chicken and other usual allergens.
It is made in the USA with ingredients sourced from the USA (except for the small portion of Green Tea Extract/Mixed Tocopherols that is sourced from China).
Disadvantages
Some canines did not like that the recipe changed.
The kibbles are too large for small breed dogs.
5. Nutro LID Small Bites Adult Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
Main ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Dried Potatoes, and Dried Sweet Potato
This recipe features small kibble bites for easy chewing and digestion.
This particular dry dog food from the Nutro is perfect even for small breed canines with grain allergies and food sensitivities.
The formula is specially crafted with essential nutrients for improved metabolism, omega 6 fatty acids, B vitamins, and zinc. Not only does it address food allergies, but it also promotes healthier skin and coat and good gut health.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
This limited ingredient dog food contains pasture-fed lamb meal as the primary source of protein and sweet potatoes for carbs.
This vet-approved grain-free diet does not contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
The smaller kibble size (9mm in diameter) makes chewing easier for your dog.
It is suited for all dog breeds: small breeds, medium breeds, and large breeds.
It is made in the USA with non-GMO ingredients.
Disadvantages
Some find the kibble size too small for their canines, especially for large breeds.
This limited ingredient diet makes the stool of some pets too hard.
6. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula
Main ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, and Chicken Fat
Formulated using novel proteins such as buffalo and bison, this recipe has zero grains and has peas and sweet potatoes that deliver highly-digestible energy.
This is a top-rated and vet-recommended grain-free recipe for food allergies, including skin sensitivities.
It is formulated with novel proteins such as bison and buffalo, sweet potatoes, and peas to give your dog the energy it needs.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
It is a grain-free dog food recipe from Taste of the Wild that includes real buffalo meat protein and other protein-rich ingredients.
It also contains vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids for optimum health and improved skin and coat conditions.
It is highly palatable, easily digestible, and good for the immune system.
The smell is fantastic. It's more aromatic than most dry dog food formula for food allergy, according to most buyers.
According to some reviews, it can be mixed with other food and brown rice.
A kibble that is devoid of any grains and boasts a premium protein source: Deboned Salmon. Salmon is not only highly satisfying on the palate but it is also nutrient-filled and full of Omega rich fatty acids which is very good for the coat and skin.
American Journey offers a kind of dog food for your canine's food allergy, this recipe is one example.
This formula improves the immune system of your dog and gives enough energy for its day-to-day activities.
It contains real, deboned salmon, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and more to make your furry friend healthier and allergy-free.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
These grain-free, limited ingredient dog foods help against dogs' skin allergies and food allergies.
The formula does not contain soy, wheat, corn, and other common allergens that trigger allergies in a dog.
The formulation improves your dog's skin and coat due to its formula that contains flaxseeds (for omega-3 fatty acids) and sunflower oil (for omega-6 fatty acids).
The kibble features 25% protein with real, deboned salmon as the primary source of animal protein. It is rich in protein, which is excellent for lean muscle mass.
The price of this dog food for a food allergy is not as high as the others.
These hypoallergenic dog foods suit dogs of all ages, from pups to senior dogs.
Disadvantages
Some dogs did not like the fishy taste and smell of this dog food.
9. Natural Balance LID Sweet Potato & Venison Formula
Main ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Venison, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, and Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
This grain free formula uses only a select few protein and carbohydrate sources, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to foods commonly used in dog kibble.
This formula brings allergy-free and delicious meals to a dog's food bowl.
This grain-free diet is one of the top limited ingredient dog foods that feature a few animal proteins and carbohydrate sources.
It's a great option if your dog has skin and food allergies or a sensitive stomach that may require frequent visits to the vet. Feed your dog with this diet for a healthier state and shinier coat.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
The kibble size is about 2/3 of an inch.
This limited ingredients diet features a single animal protein to eliminate common allergens.
It is vet-recommended against loose stools and other digestive issues related to dog allergies
Disadvantages
Some buyers expressed concerns about the smell of this diet.
10. Blue Buffalo Basics LID Turkey & Potato Canned Recipe
Main ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Potatoes, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), and Pea Protein
Starts with real turkey and packed with garden fruits and veggies then enhanced with vitamins and minerals. Formulated with healthy carbohydrates to promote an active lifestyle.
If you're looking for turkey and potato-flavored canned pet food for your grown-up canine's skin and food allergies, then this recipe is one of your best dog food options.
It's a grain-free limited ingredient diet that will help strengthen your dog's immune system and reduce allergy symptoms.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Wet food
This canned food features a tasty turkey flavor that many dogs enjoy.
It is formulated using a grain-free limited ingredient diet for adult dogs.
This turkey-flavored wet food is available in a 12-pack of 12.5-ounce cans.
This dog food can be used as the primary food or mixed with other dog food and dog treats.
It improves digestion in dogs with food allergies.
The Blue Buffalo product line is manufactured in the USA and is known for its good-tasting food.
Disadvantages
A few dogs did not like the runny flavor of this product.
It's even more frustrating for some buyers when their dogs refuse to it this wet food since they bought a 12-pack.
Some pet owners report that some cans of these limited ingredient dog foods came damaged when shipped.
11. CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Chicken, Lamb & Fish Formula
Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Brown Rice, Chicken Liver, Lamb, and Ocean Fish
This is a Vet-formulated canned food made with real chicken, lamb and fish and simmered slowly in a savory broth. This is a unique recipe that boasts 3 delectable proteins.
This is a wet food for canines with allergies worth trying. It features chicken, lamb, fish, and brown rice for your pet's optimum health.
It's also an excellent option for dog owners with several food-allergic dogs of different ages because this pet food is suitable for all life stages, from puppies to adult dogs and senior dogs.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Wet Food
This hypoallergenic dog food from Canidae is a vet-formulated canned dog food that fuels dogs for day-to-day adventures.
It is deliciously prepared through slow cooking and simmering in natural broth for that savory taste and smell.
The formulation features high-quality ingredients like chicken, brown rice, lamb, and fish.
The food is suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It can be consumed by puppies, adult dogs, and even senior dogs with known allergies to food.
Trusted veterinarians and many dog owners highly recommend it.
It is rich in protein and does not contain common allergens such as wheat, soy, and corn.
Disadvantages
Some pets wouldn't touch this pet food unless they're starving.
12. Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Menhaden Recipe
Main ingredients: Whitefish, Potatoes, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chickpeas, and Dried Ground Potatoes
This is a natural and grain-free dog food option for your canine companion.
It is ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes, from the smallest to the largest ones. It features premium protein from whitefish and menhaden fish meal and healthy carbohydrates from potatoes.
Key Features and Benefits
Food form: Dry Food
The formula uses premium, high-quality grain-free ingredients.
It provides support for a stronger immune system and a shinier coat and skin.
It also promotes whole-body health for your dog.
This dry dog food chicken-free formula does not contain wheat, soy, and corn.
This pet product is made in the USA.
Disadvantages
This grain-free dog food from Wellness Complete Heath is specially formulated for adult canine companions; thus, it may not be suitable for puppies. For large breed puppies, it's best to consult with a veterinarian first before giving this product.
Though overall perceived as good, the price is way too high for some dog owners.
What food is best for dogs with skin allergies?
Once you're sure that your dog has food allergies through an elimination diet or a vet, the next step is to give your pet the right food. Avoid food with ingredients that trigger any symptom.
You can use prescription dog food from your vet, make food from scratch, or try various types of allergy-safe food until you find what's best for your pup.
Types of Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Hypoallergenic dog food could be misleading since an ingredient that triggers food allergies in dogs varies from one dog to another.
For example, for a dog that's allergic to chicken, any food that does not contain this common allergen can be considered hypoallergenic dog food.
But that's not the case for dogs that are allergic to various ingredients other than chicken, like rice or beef, pork, and others.
A vet typically recommends this type of dog food once your dog's food allergies are determined. Though hypoallergenic dog foods are often regarded as “prescription dog foods,” some are readily available over-the-counter and online.
Here are the common types of hypoallergenic food for dogs: Limited Ingredient Diet, Hydrolyzed Dog Food, and Grain-Free Diet.
Limited Ingredient Diet
Limited ingredient dog food, otherwise known as limited ingredient diets (LID), refers to dog foods with fewer ingredients. This diet helps eliminate and identify food ingredients that trigger dog food allergies.
Generally, limited ingredient diets include a novel protein and a different carbohydrate source.
A novel protein is a “new protein” that is not usually present in common dog foods. Examples of sources include kangaroo, venison, duck, venison, turkey, and ostrich.
Usual novel carbohydrate sources for limited ingredients diet are brown rice, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal.
Hydrolyzed Formula
Hydrolyzed dog foods are food with hydrolyzed protein and carbohydrates or protein and carbohydrate that has been broken down into smaller particle sizes.
The dog's immune system will not recognize the protein and carbohydrate as an allergen because of the smaller size.
Grain-Free Formula
A grain-free dog food diet does not include grains that are typically part of dog foods. This type of food for dog allergies is any dog food not containing corn, rice, wheat, soy, or other grains.
Since dogs still require carbohydrates for energy, a grain-free dog food uses alternative carbohydrates like white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas.
Conclusion
Anyone with pets is aware of how allergies and other hypersensitivities are quite common in our canine companions. Whether it's caused by their genes (inherited from a parent with similar allergies) or triggered by specific allergens, we could all agree on how uncomfortable and sometimes inconvenient it gets.
Food allergies are just one of the types of allergies in dogs. Unlike food intolerance, which is also a common hypersensitivity, food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a particular food ingredient that it mistakenly identifies as “harmful.”
It's essential to determine the specific ingredient that triggers the allergic reactions to help our canine friends with their food allergies. However, keep in mind that knowing that is just the first step of many.
Many options for hypoallergenic dog foods are available on the market, making things a lot easier for dog owners and dogs with allergies. Despite that, these countless options could also result in confusion and misinformation.
The bottom line is that different dogs have various food allergies. Their immune system reacts differently to common allergens. For example, one dog could be allergic to chicken while another is allergic to beef.
When looking for the best pet food for allergies for dogs, it would be best to gather sufficient information about your pet's condition before giving it any hypoallergenic pet food.
Observe its overall health and note the food and food ingredients it consumes. Also, pay attention to any symptoms that occur and any reaction or improvements in its conditions. It's also recommended to pay a visit to your vet when necessary.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
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