Best Dog Food for a Dog with Allergies: Top Picks and Tips

Finding the right dog food for a dog with allergies can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your furry friend. In this article, we will explore the world of dog food for dogs with allergies and help you find the best option for your pet.

When it comes to dog food for dogs with allergies, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to identify the type of allergy your dog has. Is it a food allergy, or is it an environmental allergy? Once you have identified the allergy, you can begin to explore the various dog food options available.

There are several types of dog food available for dogs with allergies, including limited ingredient diets, hypoallergenic diets, and grain-free diets. Limited ingredient diets typically contain a single source of protein and carbohydrate, making it easier to identify and eliminate potential allergens. Hypoallergenic diets are designed to be highly digestible and contain a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Grain-free diets eliminate wheat, corn, and soy, which are common allergens in dogs.

In this article, we will explore the various types of dog food available for dogs with allergies and help you find the best option for your furry friend.

Best Dog Foods for Allergies

We understand that finding the right dog food for a furry friend with allergies can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best dog foods for dogs with allergies. Our team of experts has researched and tested various dog foods to ensure that the products we recommend are of the highest quality. We’ve taken into consideration the ingredients, nutritional value, and customer reviews to provide you with a comprehensive list of the best dog foods for allergies. So, whether your dog suffers from skin allergies, food sensitivities, or digestive issues, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin -amp; Coat Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon, 11-lb Salmon 11 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a natural dog food that can help with your dog’s sensitive skin, Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin -amp; Coat Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• The high-quality salmon in this dog food is a great source of protein and is easy to digest.
• This dog food is formulated with omega 3 -amp; 6 fatty acids, which are clinically proven to support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Blue Buffalo True Solutions is made with natural ingredients recommended by veterinarians and includes antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits.

Cons

• This dog food is quite expensive compared to other options on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• While this dog food may help some dogs with sensitive skin, it may not work for all dogs.

We recently tried Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin -amp; Coat Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for our dog who has sensitive skin. We were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the fact that it contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of this dog food, and we noticed an improvement in her skin and coat after a few weeks of feeding her this food. However, we did find that this dog food is quite expensive compared to other options on the market.

Overall, if you’re looking for a natural dog food that can help with your dog’s sensitive skin, Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin -amp; Coat Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is worth considering. However, it may not work for all dogs, and it is quite expensive compared to other options.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula

If you’re looking for a dog food that’s gentle on your furry friend’s stomach and skin, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula could be an excellent choice. Made with high-quality ingredients, this dog food is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition while being easy to digest.

Pros

• Oat meal is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system
• High protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient
• Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this particular formula
• The kibble size is relatively large, which may not be ideal for smaller breeds
• This dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market

We’ve been using Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula for several months now, and we’ve been impressed with the results. Our dog has a sensitive stomach, and this food has helped to reduce the frequency of digestive issues. We also appreciate that it contains high-quality ingredients, including real salmon, which is a great source of protein.

One of the things we like most about this dog food is that it’s fortified with guaranteed live probiotics. These probiotics help to support digestive and immune health, which is especially important for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We’ve noticed that our dog seems to have more energy and fewer health issues since we switched to this food.

Another benefit of Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula is that it’s made with easily digestible ingredients like oatmeal. This makes it easier for our dog to digest and absorb the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. We also appreciate that it’s free from corn, wheat, and soy, which can be common allergens for dogs.

Overall, we would highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that’s easy to digest and gentle on the stomach and skin. While it may be more expensive than some other options, we believe that the benefits it offers are well worth the investment.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you want to feed your dog a simpler premium dry dog food diet with fewer ingredients, then Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets provides a dog food option to help you feed your dog’s greatness. Our Small Breed Bites small breed dog food kibble is designed for smaller jaws and formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of your dog.

Pros

• The salmon and sweet potato formula has everything you want to feed your dog and nothing you don’t, with no added peas, pea protein, lentils, legumes, corn, wheat, or soy.
• Specially formulated for small dogs, every bite is packed with flavor and rich in nutrients, and the crunchy texture of this premium dry dog food helps promote clean teeth and healthy gums.
• With over 125 years of combined pet food experience across Board-Certified Clinical Veterinarians, Animal Nutritionists, Research Scientists, Design Engineers, and Pet Feeding Analysts working to design our proprietary formulas, we’ve got you — and your dog — covered in delivering nutrition, quality, and taste in dry dog food formulas you can feel good about.

Cons

• The food is more expensive than some other brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The bag is small, so you may need to purchase multiple bags if you have a larger dog or more than one dog.

If you have a dog with allergies, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets is a great option to consider. The salmon and sweet potato formula is free from many common allergens, and the food is specially formulated for small dogs. We’ve found that our dogs love the taste and texture of the food, and we appreciate the high-quality ingredients and the fact that the food is free from artificial colors and flavors. Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their furry friend.

Nulo Freestyle Limited Alaska Pollock -amp; Lentils Recipe

We highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Alaska Pollock -amp; Lentils Recipe for dogs with food sensitivities. This dog food is made with limited yet protein-rich ingredients, with pollock and pollock meal making up 42% of the recipe. It contains a patented probiotic to promote proper digestion and gut health, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

• Made with a single animal protein, ideal for dogs who prefer a simple diet.
• Contains 30% crude protein to support lean muscles.
• Formulated with low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic ingredients, making it a healthy option for dogs.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than some other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the Alaska Pollock flavor.
• The kibbles may arrive broken due to shipping.

Nulo Freestyle Limited Alaska Pollock -amp; Lentils Recipe is a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities. The single animal protein and low-carbohydrate, low-glycemic ingredients make it a healthy option for dogs, while the patented probiotic promotes proper digestion and gut health. We have personally seen positive results in our own dogs after switching to this dog food. However, the price point may be higher than some other dog food brands, and some dogs may not like the taste of the Alaska Pollock flavor. Additionally, the kibbles may arrive broken due to shipping, but the resealable bag helps to keep the kibbles fresh. Overall, we highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Alaska Pollock -amp; Lentils Recipe for dogs with food sensitivities.

Nulo Freestyle Limited Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy -amp; Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s perfect for pups with allergies, Nulo Freestyle Limited Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy -amp; Adult Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with 30% crude protein from salmon
• Includes vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals for a complete and balanced diet
• Loaded with probiotics to support digestive and immune health

Cons

• More expensive than some other options
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Contains fish as the primary protein source, which may not be suitable for all dogs

We’ve been using Nulo Freestyle Limited Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy -amp; Adult Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’re impressed with the results. Our dog has a sensitive stomach and has had issues with other dog foods in the past, but this one seems to agree with him.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it’s made with high-quality ingredients. The primary protein source is salmon, which is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, it’s grain-free and doesn’t contain any artificial colors or preservatives.

Another great thing about Nulo Freestyle Limited Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy -amp; Adult Dry Dog Food is that it’s loaded with probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help support digestive and immune health, which is especially important for dogs with allergies.

Overall, we highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy -amp; Adult Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that’s perfect for pups with allergies. While it may be more expensive than some other options, we believe that it’s worth the investment for the health and well-being of our furry friends.

Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s friendly to dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, then Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food is an excellent option.

Pros

• This dog food is grain-free, made with a single animal protein source, and free from common filler ingredients like corn and tapioca.
• It provides high-quality protein to support lean muscle mass and a healthy heart, and includes specially-formulated probiotics that help support a healthy gut and immunity.
• This dog food is manufactured in the USA without chicken, eggs, peas, pea protein, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, so you may need to experiment with different flavors to find one that your dog enjoys.
• This dog food can be more expensive than other brands, but the high-quality ingredients make it worth the investment.
• This dog food may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

We recently tried Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food for our dog who has food sensitivities, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food. Our dog seemed to really enjoy the turkey flavor, and we noticed that her coat looked shinier and healthier after just a few weeks of eating this food.

One thing we really appreciated about this dog food is that it’s made without any artificial colors or preservatives, which gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re feeding our dog a healthy and natural diet. We also like that the kibble size is smaller, which is perfect for our small breed dog.

Overall, we highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food for any dog that has food sensitivities or allergies. It’s a high-quality, nutritious, and tasty option that will help keep your dog healthy and happy.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for dogs with allergies. This premium dog food is formulated with fewer ingredients, making it easier to control what your dog eats. Our experience with this product has been nothing but positive.

Pros

• The first animal protein source is salmon, which provides essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
• Sweet potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health.
• Specially formulated for small dogs, the smaller size accommodates smaller jaw sizes for easier eating.

Cons

• The price point is higher than some other dog food brands.
• The kibble size may not be suitable for larger dogs.
• The formula may not work for all dogs with allergies.

We have been using Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for our dog with allergies for several months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his coat, skin, and digestive system. The formula is specially designed for small dogs like ours, and every bite is packed with flavor. We appreciate that this dog food is made with a single animal protein source and contains no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors.

One thing to note is that the kibble size may not be suitable for larger dogs. Additionally, the formula may not work for all dogs with allergies. However, we highly recommend giving Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food a try if you are looking for a high-quality dog food for your furry friend.

In conclusion, if you want to feed your dog a premium dry dog food diet with fewer ingredients to help support their digestive health, then Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the perfect option. With over 125 years of combined pet food experience, you can trust that this formula delivers nutrition, quality, and taste in dry dog food formulas that you and your dog can feel good about.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato -amp; Venison Recipe, 12 Pound (Pack of 1) Sweet Potato -amp; Venison 12 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s perfect for dogs with allergies, then Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato -amp; Venison Recipe, could be the perfect choice for you. We highly recommend this product for its high-quality ingredients and its ability to provide your dog with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Pros

• The formula contains venison, a single source of animal protein that helps maintain strong, lean muscles.
• The sweet potato included in the recipe is a grain-free source of fiber that helps support digestive health.
• The product is made with premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin, and digestive system.

Cons

• The product is a bit more expensive than other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the venison flavor.
• The 12-pound bag may not be enough for larger dogs.

We’ve been using Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato -amp; Venison Recipe, for our dog with allergies for a while now, and we’re extremely satisfied with the results. Our dog has had no issues with the food, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his coat and skin.

One of the things we love about this product is that it’s made with premium ingredients that are carefully selected to provide a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs. The formula is crafted with nutritious ingredients such as pea protein, fish oil, and sweet potatoes, and it’s complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain your dog’s healthy immune system.

Another thing we appreciate about this product is that it’s made with sensitive pets in mind. The manufacturer has carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin, and digestive system. The product is made with a single animal protein source, and there are no added grains, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors.

Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato -amp; Venison Recipe, for any dog with allergies. It’s a high-quality product that’s made with premium ingredients and designed to provide your dog with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin Adult Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food that promotes digestive health while nourishing skin, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin Adult Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Prebiotic fiber promotes a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
• Highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption -amp; easier stool pick up
• Packed with vitamin E -amp; omega 6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• More expensive than other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with severe allergies

We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin Adult Dog Food for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s digestive health. The prebiotic fiber has helped support a balanced gut microbiome, and the food is highly digestible, which has made it easier for our dog to absorb nutrients and have regular bowel movements. We have also noticed an improvement in our dog’s coat and skin since switching to this food, as it is packed with vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids.

While our dog seems to enjoy the taste of this food, we have heard from other dog owners that their pets did not like it. Additionally, this food is more expensive than other dog food brands, which may be a concern for some pet owners. Finally, while this food is formulated to be suitable for dogs with allergies, it may not be appropriate for dogs with severe allergies.

Overall, we would recommend Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin Adult Dog Food to pet owners looking for a high-quality dog food that promotes digestive health and nourishes skin.

AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that can help your furry friend with allergies, AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Promotes healthy skin -amp; coat with natural omega-rich avocados
• Provides allergy support with wheat-free, corn-free, and soy-free formula
• Supports a healthy immune system with a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant nutrients

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
• A bit more expensive than some other brands
• The bag is quite large and may be difficult to store in smaller homes

We’ve found that AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option for dogs with allergies. The high-quality ingredients, including lamb meal and brown rice, provide a balanced and nutritious meal that your dog will love.

One of the standout features of this dog food is its use of natural omega-rich avocados. This helps to promote healthy skin and coat, which is especially important for dogs with allergies. Additionally, the formula is wheat-free, corn-free, and soy-free, making it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities.

Another benefit of AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is that it supports a healthy immune system. The formula is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant nutrients, which can help keep your dog healthy and happy.

While some dogs may not enjoy the taste of this dog food, we’ve found that most dogs love it. However, it is a bit more expensive than some other brands, so it may not be the best choice for pet owners on a tight budget. Additionally, the bag is quite large, so it may be difficult to store in smaller homes.

Overall, we highly recommend AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for pet owners looking for a high-quality dog food that can help their furry friend with allergies.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best dog food for a dog with allergies, there are several factors to consider. Here are some important features to look for:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider is the ingredients in the dog food. Look for products that contain high-quality, easily digestible proteins such as chicken, turkey, or lamb. Avoid foods that contain common allergens such as beef, dairy, and wheat. It’s also important to avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Nutritional Value

Make sure the dog food you choose is nutritionally balanced and meets the nutritional needs of your dog. Look for products that contain essential vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy fats and carbohydrates.

Special Formulas

There are several special formulas available that are designed specifically for dogs with allergies. These formulas may contain novel proteins such as duck or venison, or they may be grain-free. If your dog has a specific allergy, such as a sensitivity to gluten, look for products that are labeled as gluten-free.

Brand Reputation

Choose a brand with a good reputation for producing high-quality dog food. Look for brands that have been in business for a long time and have a proven track record of producing safe, healthy, and nutritious products.

Price

Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing the best dog food for a dog with allergies. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend. Look for products that fit within your budget while still meeting your dog’s nutritional needs.

By considering these factors when choosing the best dog food for your dog with allergies, you can ensure that you are providing your pet with a safe, healthy, and nutritious diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in dog food for a pet with skin allergies?

When choosing dog food for a pet with skin allergies, we recommend looking for limited ingredient diets that avoid common allergens such as chicken, beef, and dairy. Instead, look for dog food that contains novel protein sources such as lamb, fish, or duck. Additionally, look for dog food that contains easily digestible carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, peas, or lentils.

How can I identify if my dog has a food allergy or yeast infection?

It can be difficult to differentiate between a food allergy and a yeast infection, as both can cause similar symptoms such as itchy skin and ear infections. However, a food allergy is typically accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, while a yeast infection is not. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy or yeast infection, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are there any benefits to feeding my allergic dog a homemade diet?

While homemade diets can be beneficial for some dogs, it can be difficult to ensure that your dog is receiving all the necessary nutrients they need. Additionally, homemade diets can be time-consuming and expensive to prepare. We recommend consulting with a veterinary nutritionist before switching your dog to a homemade diet.

What are the common signs that a dog’s food is causing itchy skin?

Common signs that a dog’s food is causing itchy skin include scratching, biting, and licking at their skin, as well as redness and inflammation. Additionally, dogs with food allergies may develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Which human foods are safe for dogs with dietary allergies?

While some human foods can be safe for dogs with dietary allergies, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog’s diet. Some safe options may include cooked lean meats such as chicken or turkey, as well as certain fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and green beans.

What is the most effective protein source in dog food for dogs with skin allergies?

The most effective protein source in dog food for dogs with skin allergies varies depending on the individual dog. However, novel protein sources such as lamb, fish, and duck are often recommended as they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Additionally, hydrolyzed protein diets may be beneficial for dogs with severe food allergies.