Best Food for Dogs with Food Allergies: Top Picks and Tips

Food allergies in dogs can be a serious problem, causing discomfort and even life-threatening reactions. Identifying the allergen and eliminating it from your dog’s diet is the best course of action, but finding the right food can be a challenge. That’s where specialized dog food for allergies comes in.

Dog food formulated for allergies is designed to avoid common allergens like beef, chicken, and wheat, and instead use alternative protein sources like venison, lamb, or fish. These foods also tend to have limited ingredients to reduce the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.

When choosing the best food for dogs with food allergies, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients list and any potential allergens. Look for foods that are labeled as hypoallergenic or limited ingredient, and avoid those that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, or common allergens.

After researching and testing various options, we’ve identified the top dog foods for dogs with food allergies. These foods are not only safe for dogs with allergies, but they’re also nutritious and delicious, ensuring your furry friend gets the best possible nutrition without any discomfort.

Best Dog Foods for Allergies

As dog owners, we know that finding the right food for our furry friends can be a daunting task, especially if they have food allergies. That’s why we’ve done the research and put together a list of the best dog foods for allergies. These products have been carefully selected based on their ingredients, quality, and effectiveness in addressing common food allergies in dogs. Whether your dog is allergic to chicken, beef, grains, or any other common allergen, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

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

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin, Small Bites Dry Dog Food for dogs with food allergies. This dog food is specially formulated to promote digestive health and nourish skin, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.

Pros

• The smaller kibble promotes digestive health while nourishing skin with vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, and other nutrients.
• Highly digestible formula ensures optimal nutrient absorption and easier stool pick-up.
• Made with natural ingredients and added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the smaller kibble.
• More expensive than other dog food brands.
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin, Small Bites Dry Dog Food for our dog with food allergies for several months now and have seen a noticeable improvement in his digestion and skin health. The smaller kibble is easy for him to eat and promotes digestive health, while the added vitamins and minerals nourish his skin and coat. We also appreciate that this dog food is made with natural ingredients and is highly digestible, making it easier for our dog to absorb nutrients and have regular bowel movements.

Overall, we believe that Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin, Small Bites Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for dogs with food allergies. While it may be more expensive than other dog food brands, the benefits to our dog’s health and well-being make it worth the investment.

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

If you are looking for a dog food that caters to your dog’s sensitive skin and stomach, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula is an excellent option.

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 the food
• The kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands

We have been using Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula for our dog with food allergies, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his skin and coat health. The high protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient, provides a great source of protein for our furry friend. Additionally, the oatmeal in the formula is gentle on his digestive system, and the live probiotics have helped improve his overall digestive and immune health.

One downside to this dog food is that some dogs may not like the taste of the food. It is important to note that every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Additionally, the kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs, which could make it difficult for them to eat. Finally, the price point of this dog food may be higher than other brands, which could be a factor to consider.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula for dogs with food allergies. It has helped improve our dog’s overall health and well-being, and we feel confident in the quality of the ingredients used by Purina Pro Plan.

P.S. For Dogs, With Love

If you’re looking for a natural solution to your furry friend’s allergy problems, P.S. For Dogs, With Love’s air-dried lamb recipe dog food could be just what you need.

Pros

• Our low glycemic dog allergy food prevents the growth of yeast on your dog’s paws, reducing paw licking and biting.
• Our limited ingredient formula, which contains human-grade New Zealand lamb, is perfect for dogs with skin itching, redness, bumps, and foul odors.
• Our grain-free, high protein recipe is super addictive and perfect for dogs who are fussy about their food.

Cons

• P.S. For Dogs, With Love is a bit pricier than other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the lamb recipe.
• The air-dried pieces of meat may be too hard for some dogs to chew.

We have personally used P.S. For Dogs, With Love for our furry friend who suffers from food allergies, and the results have been incredible. Our dog’s skin problems have disappeared, and we have noticed a significant reduction in paw licking and biting. The air-dried lamb pieces are soft and irresistible, making them the perfect hypoallergenic treat for our dog.

Overall, we highly recommend P.S. For Dogs, With Love’s air-dried lamb recipe dog food to anyone looking for a natural solution to their pet’s allergy problems.

Nulo Freestyle Limited Alaska Pollock -amp; Lentils Recipe

We highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Alaska Pollock -amp; Lentils Recipe for dogs with food allergies.

Pros

• Made with limited yet protein-rich ingredients
• Contains a patented probiotic to promote digestive and immune health
• Formulated with low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic ingredients

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than other brands
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Not suitable for dogs with fish allergies

We have been using Nulo Freestyle Limited Alaska Pollock -amp; Lentils Recipe for our dog with food sensitivities, and we are impressed with the results. The recipe contains 42% pollock and pollock meal, making it an excellent source of protein for dogs who prefer a simple diet. Additionally, the patented probiotic in this food promotes proper digestion and gut health, which is especially important for dogs with food allergies.

We appreciate that this food is formulated with low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic ingredients, making it a healthier option for our dog. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in this food also support healthy skin and coat.

While this food is slightly more expensive than other brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. However, some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it may take some trial and error to find the right brand for your dog.

Overall, we highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Alaska Pollock -amp; Lentils Recipe for dogs with food allergies. It is a high-quality food that promotes digestive and immune health, and it is made with limited yet protein-rich ingredients.

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

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your furry friend with food allergies, Nulo Freestyle Limited Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy -amp; Adult Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Single animal protein formula has salmon as the first ingredient and only meat source to support lean muscle mass
• Lower in carbs, free from potatoes or tapioca, and great for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies
• Includes specially-formulated probiotics that help support a healthy gut and immunity

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon
• More expensive than some other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with a fish allergy

We recently tried this product with our dog who has food allergies and were impressed with the results. The formula is loaded with probiotics to support digestive and immune health, as well as omegas from salmon and canola oils for a healthy skin and coat. Our dog loved the lip-smacking salmon—the first ingredient and only animal protein source—and we felt good about the fact that it’s got zero grains or anything artificial.

One thing to note is that this dog food is more expensive than some other brands, but we believe it’s worth the investment for the quality ingredients and benefits it provides. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of salmon, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction to the food.

Overall, we highly recommend Nulo Freestyle Limited Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy -amp; Adult Dry Dog Food for dogs with food allergies. It’s a great option for those looking for a high-quality, limited ingredient dog food that supports digestive and immune health.

Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s perfect for small breeds with food sensitivities or allergies, then the Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• With 57% turkey and turkey meal in every cup, this recipe is an excellent source of protein that helps build strong muscles.
• The smaller kibble size and L-Carnitine help support a healthy weight in small breeds.
• The specially-formulated probiotics help support a healthy gut and immunity.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of this dog food.
• The price point may be higher than other dog foods.
• The limited ingredient formula may not be suitable for all dogs.

We recently tried the Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food for our small breed dog with food sensitivities. We were impressed with the high-quality ingredients and the fact that it’s made in the USA without chicken, eggs, peas, pea protein, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Our dog loved the taste of the turkey recipe, and we noticed an improvement in his digestion and overall health after switching to this dog food. The smaller kibble size was perfect for his small mouth, and we appreciated the added L-Carnitine to support a healthy weight.

Overall, we highly recommend the Nulo Freestyle Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that’s perfect for small breeds with food sensitivities or allergies.

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

If you’re looking for a dog food that is specially made for dogs with food allergies, then Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) is a great option.

Pros

• Chicken is the single animal protein source providing 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.
• Nutrients from the chicken and sweet potato recipe are crafted with nutritious ingredients such as sweet potatoes and flaxseed, complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain your dog’s healthy immune system.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the formula has changed and is no longer suitable for their dog’s allergies.
• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller dogs.
• The price point may be higher than some other dog food brands.

In our experience, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) is a great option for dogs with food allergies. Our dog has a sensitive stomach and skin, and we’ve seen a noticeable improvement in both since switching to this food.

The limited ingredient list makes it easy to avoid potential allergens, and the addition of sweet potatoes provides a healthy source of fiber. We also appreciate the “Feed with Confidence” program, which tests every batch of food for safety.

Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) for any dog with food allergies or sensitivities.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack, 2 oz. Tubs, Pack of 8 Variety Pack 2 Ounce (Pack of 8)

If you’re looking for a simple and natural dog food for your furry friend with food allergies, Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck
• Can be mixed with Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and nutrition
• Free from grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to other wet dog food options
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the wet food

We recently tried Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement for our dog with food allergies and were impressed with the quality and simplicity of the ingredients. The real chicken and duck in the recipe provided a great source of protein, and we appreciated that there were no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

We found that mixing the wet food in with our dog’s dry food made mealtime more exciting for him, and he seemed to enjoy the added flavor and texture. However, we did notice that the price was a bit higher than other wet dog food options on the market.

Overall, we would recommend Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement to dog owners looking for a natural and simple dog food option for their furry friend with food allergies.

Forza10 Dermo Allergy Dog Food

We highly recommend the Forza10 Dermo Allergy Dog Food for dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.

Pros

• The hydrolyzed fish protein in this dog food helps improve dry skin and provides relief for minor skin ailments and allergies for sensitive skin, while promoting overall dog health and wellness.
• The addition of therapeutic plants and fruit extracts make this dry dog food taste great and provide skin health support.
• This dog food is rich in raw fish proteins, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acid, and contains no GMOs, no gluten, no artificial colors or flavors.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food is more expensive compared to other brands.
• The bag size is relatively small, so you may need to purchase it more frequently.

We have personally used the Forza10 Dermo Allergy Dog Food for our dog with food allergies and have seen significant improvement in his skin and coat health. The hydrolyzed fish protein has helped reduce his allergic reactions and itching, and he loves the taste of the food. While it is more expensive than other brands, we believe the benefits to our dog’s health are worth the investment.

If you are looking for a high-quality dog food for your dog with food allergies and sensitive stomach, we highly recommend trying the Forza10 Dermo Allergy Dog Food.

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 to help manage your dog’s sensitive skin, Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin -amp; Coat Natural Adult Dry Dog Food might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. Featuring real salmon and healthy whole grains, this dog food is specially formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to help care for your dog’s sensitive skin, naturally.

Pros

• This dog food is made with omega 3 -amp; 6 fatty acids clinically proven to support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• It contains antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which are natural ingredients recommended by veterinarians.
• Blue Buffalo True Solutions is a science-based dog food with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Cons

• While this dog food has been clinically proven to support healthy skin, it may not work for all dogs with skin sensitivities.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food is quite expensive compared to other dog foods on the market.

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 natural ingredients and the fact that it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the dog food and we noticed an improvement in his skin and coat after a few weeks of feeding him this dog food.

Overall, we would recommend Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin -amp; Coat Natural Adult Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a natural dog food to help manage their dog’s sensitive skin. While it may be more expensive than other dog foods on the market, the natural ingredients and proven results are worth the investment.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best food for dogs with food allergies, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are providing your furry friend with the best possible nutrition. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a product:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider is the ingredients list. Look for products that use high-quality, easily digestible proteins such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or fish. Avoid products that contain common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, and dairy. It’s also important to check for any other ingredients that your dog may be allergic to.

Nutritional Value

Make sure that the food provides adequate nutrition for your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Look for products that are specifically formulated for dogs with food allergies and that meet the nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Special Features

Some products may have special features that can benefit dogs with food allergies. For example, some products may contain prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health, while others may contain antioxidants to support the immune system.

Feeding Instructions

Be sure to follow the feeding instructions on the product packaging, which will provide guidance on how much to feed your dog based on their weight and activity level. It’s also important to gradually transition your dog to a new food to avoid digestive upset.

By considering these factors when selecting a product, you can help ensure that you are providing your dog with the best possible nutrition to support their health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of proteins are safe for dogs with food allergies?

Dogs with food allergies can safely consume novel proteins such as duck, rabbit, salmon, and venison. These proteins are not commonly found in most dog foods, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. However, it’s important to note that every dog is unique, and what works for one dog may not work for another.

How can I identify if my dog’s food is causing allergies?

Common signs of food allergies in dogs include itchy skin, ear infections, gastrointestinal upset, and chronic diarrhea. If you suspect that your dog has a food allergy, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet or allergy testing to identify the specific allergen.

What are the benefits of hypoallergenic dog food?

Hypoallergenic dog food is designed to be free from common allergens such as wheat, corn, soy, and dairy. By eliminating these ingredients, hypoallergenic dog food can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions and improve your dog’s overall health. Additionally, hypoallergenic dog food may contain novel proteins and carbohydrates that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

Are grain-free diets beneficial for dogs with allergies?

While grain-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they are inherently better for dogs with allergies. In fact, some grain-free diets may contain other ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions, such as potatoes or legumes. If you are considering a grain-free diet for your dog, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if it’s the right choice for your dog’s specific needs.

What homemade diet options are recommended for dogs with skin allergies?

Homemade diets can be a good option for dogs with skin allergies, as they allow you to control exactly what your dog is eating. However, it’s important to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your dog’s diet is nutritionally balanced and meets their specific needs. Common homemade diet options for dogs with skin allergies include novel proteins such as rabbit or venison, as well as hypoallergenic carbohydrates such as sweet potato or quinoa.

How can I transition my dog to a new diet if they have food allergies?

When transitioning your dog to a new diet, it’s important to do so gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current food, gradually increasing the amount of new food over the course of several days. If your dog experiences any adverse reactions during the transition, such as vomiting or diarrhea, consult with your veterinarian.