Best Dog Food for Allergies: A Comprehensive Guide

Dog owners with allergy-prone pets know how challenging it can be to find the right food that suits their furry friend’s dietary needs. With so many dog food options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. That’s why we’ve spent hours researching and testing various dog foods to help you find the one that’s best for your dog’s allergies.

When it comes to choosing the right dog food for allergies, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, look for a dog food that is free from common allergens such as wheat, soy, and corn. Second, consider a limited ingredient diet that contains a single protein source and a single carbohydrate source. This can help identify which ingredient is causing the allergic reaction. Finally, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dog food for your pet’s specific needs.

We’ve tested and reviewed ten different dog foods to help you find the one that’s best for your allergy-prone pup. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision and help your dog live a happy, healthy life.

Best Dog Foods for Allergies

As dog owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best nutrition possible. However, when it comes to dogs with allergies, finding the right food can be a daunting task. Allergies can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, including itching, digestive issues, and even ear infections. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best dog foods for allergies to help you make an informed decision for your pup’s health and well-being.

Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a grain-free dog food that is easy on your pup’s stomach, Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• With 57% turkey and turkey meal in every cup, this recipe provides high-quality protein to support lean muscle mass and a healthy heart.
• The smaller kibble size is perfect for small breeds and promotes proper chewing.
• This recipe is free from common filler ingredients like corn and tapioca, making it great for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the turkey recipe.
• The price point is higher than some other dog food brands.
• The 5.5 lb bag may not last as long for larger dogs.

We recently tried Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food for our small dog who has a sensitive stomach. We were pleased to find that the smaller kibble size was perfect for her and she had no issues with digestion. The high protein content in the turkey recipe also helped to keep her lean and active. However, we did notice that the price point was higher than some other dog food brands we have tried in the past. Overall, we would recommend this product for small breed dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

P.S. For Dogs, With Love

If you’re looking for a natural solution to your dog’s allergy problems, P.S. For Dogs, With Love is the perfect option for you.

Pros

• Reduces paw licking
• Solves skin itching, redness, bumps, and foul odor
• Grain-free, high protein and super addictive

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies
• Packaging is not resealable

We had the opportunity to try P.S. For Dogs, With Love on our furry friend who had been suffering from allergies for a while. The low glycemic dog allergy food prevented the growth of yeast on our dog’s paws, which was the leading cause of paw licking and biting. Our dog’s skin problems were relieved by the limited ingredient formula containing human-grade New Zealand Lamb and other hypoallergenic ingredients.

The recipe was created especially for dogs who are fussy about their food, who need a grain-free or high protein diet. Our dog loved the soft irresistible pieces of meaty goodness, which were perfect as a hypoallergenic treat. We were impressed by the company’s dedication to delivering the highest quality complete diet for dogs with pet food sensitivities.

However, we found the product to be expensive compared to other dog food brands. It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies, and the packaging is not resealable.

Overall, we highly recommend P.S. For Dogs, With Love to dog owners who are looking for a natural solution to their pet’s allergy problems.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin, Small Bites Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food that can help with allergies and sensitive stomachs, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin, Small Bites Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The smaller kibble size promotes digestive health and is perfect for small breeds.
• Packed with vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids to help your dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin.
• Made with natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The price point is higher than other dog food options.
• The bag size may not be large enough for bigger dogs.

We recently tried this dog food for our dog who has a sensitive stomach and allergies. The smaller kibble size was perfect for her and she seemed to enjoy the taste of the food. We noticed an improvement in her coat and skin after a few weeks of using this dog food. The added vitamins and minerals also helped to improve her overall health.

One thing to note is that the price point is higher than other dog food options, but we found that the benefits outweighed the cost. The bag size may also not be large enough for bigger dogs, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin, Small Bites Dry Dog Food for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs. It’s a great option for promoting digestive health and improving your dog’s coat and skin.

Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient All Breed Dog Food

We highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient All Breed Dog Food for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Pros

• The formula contains a single animal meat source for 30% crude protein in every bowl with all the vitamins, antioxidants and minerals your pup needs to look and feel his best.
• The formula is loaded with probiotics to support digestive and immune health, as well as omegas from salmon and non-gmo canola oil for a healthy skin and coat.
• The formula is low in carbs, free from white potatoes or tapioca, and great for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Cons

• The cost is higher than some other dog food brands.
• The kibbles may arrive broken if not shipped in a box.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.

We’ve been using Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient All Breed Dog Food for a few months now and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s skin and coat. The formula is easy on his stomach and he loves the taste. We appreciate that the formula is free from common filler ingredients like corn and tapioca, with no artificial colors or preservatives.

Our only complaint is that the cost is higher than some other dog food brands. Additionally, when shipped in an envelope, the kibbles may arrive broken. However, we still highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient All Breed Dog Food for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

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

If you’re looking for a dog food that is easy on your pup’s stomach, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Duck -amp; Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The single animal protein source (duck) provides essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
• The grain-free source of fiber (potatoes) helps support digestive health.
• Made with a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin -amp; digestive system.

Cons

• Some dogs might not like the taste.
• A bit more expensive than some other brands.
• The 4-pound bag size might not be enough for larger dogs.

Our dog has a sensitive stomach and has had issues with other dog foods. We decided to give Natural Balance a try and it has been a great choice for us. Our dog loves the taste and we appreciate that it’s made with high-quality ingredients. Plus, we’ve noticed an improvement in his coat and overall health since making the switch.

The limited ingredient formula is great for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, and the small breed recipe is tailored to your dog’s size. We also appreciate that Natural Balance’s “Feed with Confidence” program tests every batch of food for safety.

Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Duck -amp; Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) for any dog owner looking for a high-quality, limited ingredient dog food.

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)

We highly recommend this product for dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin, or allergies due to its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition.

Pros

• Venison as the single animal protein source 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.
• Contains no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of venison.
• The kibble size may be too big for small dogs.
• The price may be higher compared to other dog food brands.

This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is crafted with nutritious ingredients such as pea protein, fish oil, and sweet potatoes. It is complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain your dog’s healthy immune system. Moreover, any dog can enjoy this delicious recipe, not just dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin, or allergies. Natural Balance’s ‘Feed with Confidence’ program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite. You can validate the bag on their site or call their Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians.

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is safe and nutritious for your furry friend, we highly recommend giving Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food a try.

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a nutritious dog food that’s also budget-friendly, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Grain-free formula helps support healthy digestion
• Contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for overall health maintenance

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Kibble size may be too small for larger breeds
• Contains chicken fat, which may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried this dog food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real chicken as the first ingredient helps maintain muscle strength, while the sweet potato and pumpkin provide fiber for healthy digestion. The added vitamins and minerals also help support overall health and wellbeing.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not enjoy the taste of this particular flavor. Additionally, the kibble size may be too small for larger breeds, so keep that in mind if you have a big pup.

Overall, we would recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe as a nutritious and budget-friendly option for dogs with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains, Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Lamb -amp; Brown Rice 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s specifically designed for small breeds and is free from common allergens, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Small Breed Formula Dry Dog Food may be just what you need.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real lamb, providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
• Whole-grain brown rice is included as a healthy and rich source of fiber for digestive health.
• Specially formulated for small dogs, with smaller kibble designed to accommodate the unique needs of your small breed dog.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of this food.
• It may be more expensive than other dog foods on the market.
• The limited ingredient list may not provide enough variety for some dogs.

We recently tried Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Small Breed Formula Dry Dog Food with our small breed dog who has a sensitive stomach and allergies. We were impressed with the high-quality ingredients, including real lamb and whole-grain brown rice, which provided essential protein and fiber for our dog’s health. The smaller kibble size was also a great feature, making it easier for our dog to eat.

While our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the food, we did notice that it was more expensive than some other dog foods on the market. Additionally, the limited ingredient list may not provide enough variety for some dogs who need a more diverse diet. However, overall we were pleased with the quality and nutritional value of Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Small Breed Formula Dry Dog Food, and would recommend it to other dog owners looking for a high-quality, allergen-free food for their small breed dogs.

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

If you’re looking for a dog food that is easy on your pet’s sensitive skin and stomach, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Formula is a great option.

Pros

• High protein dog food formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient, made without artificial colors or flavors
• Each serving delivers fish oil for dogs rich in omega-3 fatty acids for joint health
• Complete and balanced adult dry dog food, including sunflower oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon
• Not suitable for dogs with a fish allergy
• May cause digestive issues in some dogs

We recently tried this dog food for our furry friend who has a sensitive stomach, and we were impressed with the results. The high protein formula with real salmon as the first ingredient is a great source of nutrients for our dog. We also noticed that the prebiotic fiber in this dog food helped nourish the beneficial bacteria in our dog’s intestine, leading to better digestive health.

One of the best features of this dog food is that it is made without artificial colors or flavors, so we felt good about feeding it to our pet. The fish oil for dogs rich in omega-3 fatty acids helped support our dog’s joint health, while the omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A nourished our dog’s skin and kept his coat looking healthy.

While some dogs may not like the taste of salmon, our dog didn’t seem to mind. However, it’s worth noting that this dog food is not suitable for dogs with a fish allergy. Additionally, we noticed that some dogs may experience digestive issues when transitioning to this dog food.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Formula for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. It’s a complete and balanced adult dry dog food that delivers all the nutrients your dog needs to stay 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)

If you’re looking for a dry dog food that is free from common allergens and made with premium ingredients, then Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Salmon is the first animal protein source, providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
• Made with sensitive pets in mind, we’ve carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin -amp; digestive system.
• Specially formulated for small dogs, every bite is packed with flavor, and the smaller size accommodates smaller jaw sizes for easier eating.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The kibble size may not be suitable for larger dogs.
• The price may be higher than other dog food brands.

We’ve been using this dog food for our small dog, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his coat and skin. The salmon and sweet potato formula has everything your dog needs to stay healthy and nothing they don’t. The kibble is crunchy, which helps promote clean teeth and healthy gums.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it is made with a single animal protein source and contains no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin, or allergies.

We also appreciate that Natural Balance’s ‘Feed with Confidence’ program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite. You can validate the bag on their site or call their Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is made with premium ingredients and free from common allergens, then we highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for allergies, there are a few key features you should look for to ensure that your furry friend is getting the nutrients they need without experiencing any adverse reactions. Here are some things to consider:

Ingredients

The first thing you should do when selecting a dog food for allergies is to carefully read the ingredient list. Look for foods that are made with high-quality, easily digestible proteins such as chicken, lamb, or fish. Avoid foods that contain common allergens such as corn, wheat, and soy, as well as any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Nutritional Value

In addition to being free from allergens, the best dog foods for allergies should also be nutritionally balanced to meet your dog’s specific needs. Look for foods that are high in protein and healthy fats, and that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.

Type of Food

There are several different types of dog food available, including kibble, canned food, and raw food. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your dog’s individual needs and preferences when choosing a food. For example, some dogs may prefer the taste and texture of canned food, while others may do better on a raw food diet.

Price

While it’s important to choose a high-quality dog food for allergies, you also want to make sure that it fits within your budget. Look for foods that offer a good balance of quality and affordability, and consider buying in bulk or using coupons to save money over time.

By considering these factors when choosing a dog food for allergies, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in hypoallergenic dog food?

When looking for hypoallergenic dog food, you should look for ingredients that are less likely to cause allergic reactions in dogs. Commonly used hypoallergenic ingredients include lamb, duck, fish, and venison. You should also look for dog food that is free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

How can I identify food allergies in my dog?

If your dog is experiencing symptoms such as itching, vomiting, diarrhea, or ear infections, it may be a sign of a food allergy. To identify the allergen, you can try an elimination diet, where you remove certain ingredients from your dog’s diet and reintroduce them one at a time to see which one causes a reaction.

Are grain-free dog foods better for dogs with allergies?

Grain-free dog foods are not necessarily better for dogs with allergies. In fact, some grain-free dog foods may contain other ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, such as peas or potatoes. It is important to read the ingredient label carefully and choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for dogs with allergies.

What are the benefits of homemade dog food for allergy management?

Homemade dog food can be beneficial for allergy management because you have complete control over the ingredients. You can choose hypoallergenic ingredients and avoid common allergens such as wheat, soy, and corn. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure that your homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced.

Can a limited ingredient diet help dogs with skin allergies?

Yes, a limited ingredient diet can help dogs with skin allergies. Limited ingredient diets typically contain fewer ingredients, making it easier to identify and eliminate the allergen. However, it is important to choose a limited ingredient diet that is nutritionally balanced and specifically formulated for dogs with allergies.

What are the common signs of food allergies in dogs?

Common signs of food allergies in dogs include itching, skin rashes, hives, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your dog has a food allergy, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment.