When selecting dog food, it is important to consider your dog’s taste and texture preferences, as well as take into account any allergies they may have. Several ingredients commonly found in dog food, such as chicken and grain, have the potential to trigger skin allergies.
If some dogs eat grain, they may develop skin allergies, but grain can also be beneficial for many dogs. If you and your vet believe that a grain-free diet is the most effective way to ensure your dog’s health, here are 10 reviews of well-known grain-free brands. As you read, take into consideration your dog’s specific requirements, and hopefully, you will discover the appropriate grain-free dog food for your pet.
The 12 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods for Skin Allergies
1. The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Service — Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken liver, bok choy, brussels sprouts |
| Protein content: | 11.5% |
| Fat content: | 8.5% |
| Calories: | 1,300 kcal/kg |
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe is considered the top choice for grain-free dog food for skin allergies. It is included in a subscription plan that can be tailored to your dog’s needs with input from veterinarians. Apart from chicken, other options include beef, pork, and turkey recipes, all containing real meat and vegetables. None of the recipes contain preservatives, ensuring a healthier meal for your dog.
The meals are sorted into pre-portioned packets, with helpful name tags for multi-dog households, making them fully customizable for single or multiple dogs. Furthermore, the meals are conveniently delivered to your door, with the shipping being free.
The Farmer’s Dog takes pride in providing dogs with fresh and nutritional meals, which require refrigeration and can occupy a significant amount of space in your refrigerator.
- Pre-portioned and ready to serve
- Customizable meal plans
- No preservatives
- Free shipping
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Beef, chicken, pork, and turkey recipes
- Needs to be kept in the fridge to maintain freshness
2. VICTOR Purpose Hero Grain-Free Dog Food — Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Beef meal, peas, sweet potato |
| Protein content: | 33.0% |
| Fat content: | 16.0% |
| Calories: | 3,914 kcal/kg |
Although Victor Purpose Hero Grain-Free Dog Food may not be the most affordable option among grain-free dog foods, it is considered superior in terms of being the best value for money when it comes to addressing skin allergies in dogs, especially when compared to other recipes that incorporate natural ingredients.
VICTOR, made for highly active dog breeds, is rich in protein to assist in the development of your dog’s muscles, joints, and energy levels, as well as to enhance the condition of its skin and fur. It also contains prebiotics and probiotics to promote good digestive health.
The inclusion of legumes in this grain-free dog food is being investigated as there may be a possible link to heart disease in certain dogs.
3. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned salmon, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes |
| Protein content: | 24.0% |
| Fat content: | 14.0% |
| Calories: | 3,548 kcal/kg |
By selecting a limited-ingredient diet, you can prevent your dog from being exposed to typical allergens found in dog food and decrease the likelihood of your dog experiencing allergic reactions. The Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is formulated without grain or chicken, thus avoiding the more prevalent allergens that dogs are susceptible to.
Deboned salmon is rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, supporting the health of your dog’s skin and coat. It also provides natural amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, ensuring a nutritionally balanced diet for your dog. The presence of sweet potato in the recipe aids in promoting their digestive health.
Due to its use of natural ingredients, Merrick is considered one of the pricier brands on this list. In addition, some users have observed an unappealing burnt scent upon opening this particular recipe.
4. American Journey Puppy Food — Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Deboned lamb, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas |
| Protein content: | 30.0% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 3,630 kcal/kg |
The American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe contains salmon oil and flaxseed to assist with skin allergies in puppies by promoting skin and coat health. Additionally, the omega fatty acids and DHA derived from natural sources aid in the development of their brain and eyes. The inclusion of animal-based protein from deboned lamb also helps maintain a balanced diet and supports healthy muscle growth.
This option is specifically formulated to assist puppies in achieving optimal growth, unlike other recipes that cater to both adult dogs and puppies.
The American Journey puppy recipe includes chicken, which has the potential to worsen specific allergic reactions. Additionally, it consists of legumes, which are currently under investigation by the FDA due to their connection with heart disease.
- Some dogs can be allergic to the chicken content
- Contains legumes
5. Merrick Grain-Free Canned Dog Food — Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Deboned duck, duck liver, turkey broth |
| Protein content: | 8.0% |
| Fat content: | 7.0% |
| Calories: | 996 kcal/kg |
Our vet recommends the Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck Dinner as it can be difficult to select a grain-free recipe with the appropriate nutrition and ingredients among the various options available. This specific recipe is suitable for adult dogs of any breed.
The product contains trusted farmers’ natural ingredients and has real meat as its primary protein source. It does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, aiding in maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. Additionally, the recipes are prepared in the U.S.A., alleviating concerns about using an imported product.
The wet food option is beneficial for a dog’s health due to its high moisture and protein content. However, it is important to note that the presence of chicken in the recipe may trigger allergic reactions in certain dogs. It has been reported that the pâté formula can be predominantly liquid in certain instances.
6. Health Extension Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Buffalo, deboned whitefish, buffalo meal, whitefish meal, chickpeas |
| Protein content: | 25% minimum |
| Fat content: | 15% minimum |
| Calories: | 405 kcal/cup |
Dogs allergic to grain may find it difficult to digest common proteins such as beef or poultry. Health Extension Grain-Free Buffalo & Whitefish is beneficial as it contains unique proteins. The 4-pound bags are budget-friendly and suitable for sampling or transitioning. Once you confirm your pup’s preference for this food, you can save money by purchasing larger bags. We believe that Health Extension offers the best grain-free dog food option for skin allergies considering the cost. The company provides a money-back guarantee if you or your dog are not satisfied with the food. Chickpeas are the fifth ingredient in this product. It is important to discuss with your veterinarian before switching to this or any other food that contains peas or legumes, as there may be a potential connection to canine heart disease.
7. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas |
| Protein content: | 32.0% minimum |
| Fat content: | 18.0% minimum |
| Calories: | 422 kcal/cup |
The name “Taste of the Wild High Prairie” accurately reflects the fact that water buffalo is the primary ingredient of this dog food. The manufacturing of this food is carried out in multiple facilities in the United States by a family-owned company. According to Taste of the Wild, your dog desires the protein sources that its ancestors consumed. Including sweet potatoes in the formulation is certain to be pleasing to your canine and serves as an important source of fiber. A potentially concerning aspect is that peas are listed as the fifth ingredient, which may have a possible association with canine heart disease 1 . It is advisable to consult with your veterinarian prior to transitioning to a food that incorporates legumes like peas as a significant component.
8. ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), flounder, whole mackerel |
| Protein content: | 38% min |
| Fat content: | 20% min |
| Calories: | 475 kcal/cup |
Although there are numerous grain-free choices available for adult dogs, the options for puppies are limited. If your young dog has a skin allergy, our suggestion is to opt for Orijen Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. All of Orijen’s pet foods prioritize animal proteins as the first five ingredients. It is important to note that Puppy Grain-Free has a greater caloric content compared to other puppy foods, so be cautious with your measurements.
Before deciding, it is important to consider that your puppy may enjoy the various meat options available, such as poultry and fish. However, it is worth noting that a protein content of 30% is appropriate for all life stages, including puppies. Therefore, it is advisable to seek advice from your veterinarian regarding the higher protein content in this particular product. Additionally, the fact that this food is conveniently packaged in a 4.5-pound bag is appealing as it allows for easier sampling without being overly expensive.
9. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Dry Dog Food – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic sweet potatoes, organic potatoes, organic peas |
| Protein content: | 26.0% minimum |
| Fat content: | 15.0% minimum |
| Calories: | 387 kcal/cup |
Our vet recommends Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Dry Dog Food as an organic and grain-free option. We selected this flavor specifically for smaller breeds with skin allergies. Castor & Pollux also offers grain-free food for larger breeds, senior dogs, and puppies. The brand stands out by using only free-range chicken, resulting in a higher price. Although transitioning to grain-free food can be challenging, dogs who already enjoy chicken and sweet potatoes will be enticed by Castor & Pollux. However, it’s important to note that peas, the fifth ingredient in this food, may be linked to canine heart disease 1 . Before switching to a product that contains peas or legumes, consult with your vet.
10. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, dried peas, whole dried potatoes |
| Protein content: | 26.0% minimum |
| Fat content: | 14.0% minimum |
| Calories: | 355 kcal/cup |
Rachael Ray is known for her delicious recipes and also produces pet food, including Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Chicken & Sweet Potato, for cats and dogs. If your dog isn’t interested in chicken, Nutrish Zero Grain is available in beef, salmon, and turkey flavors. We appreciate that Nutrish Zero Grain is available in smaller 5.5-pound bags that are more budget-friendly. It’s a brand that you can feel good about purchasing because a portion of the proceeds is donated to animal charities through the Rachael Ray Foundation. The foundation has supported animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA and Best Friends. Nutrish is a great choice for those looking for a grain-free brand. However, it’s important to note that peas, the fourth ingredient in Nutrish, have been associated with canine heart disease. Before switching to a grain-free food that contains legumes, consult with your veterinarian.
11. Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas |
| Protein content: | 26.0% min |
| Fat content: | 6.5% minimum, 9.5% maximum |
| Calories: | 320 kcal/cup |
Many grain-free dog foods have a high-calorie content, posing a problem for overweight dogs. Dogs require food that provides satiety and meets their specific dietary needs. Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control Grain-Free solves this issue by offering a delicious combination of chicken and sweet potatoes. With only 320 calories per cup, your dog can savor a flavorful meal while still feeling satisfied. Established since the 1970s, Solid Gold proudly claims to be the pioneer in holistic pet food in America. However, it is important to note that this product includes peas as the fifth ingredient, which has been associated with the development of heart disease in dogs. It is advisable to consult with your veterinarian to determine if your dog is at risk for heart disease and to ascertain whether this grain-free option, or any other, is suitable for your dog’s needs.
12. True Acre Foods Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Beef, peas, pea starch, poultry by-product meal, canola meal |
| Protein content: | 24% minimum |
| Fat content: | 13% minimum; 16% maximum |
| Calories: | 349 kcal/cup |
True Acre Foods Grain-Free Dry Food is adored by dogs for its delectable beef taste. It is appreciated by owners for its ability to alleviate skin allergy symptoms and minimize gas; nonetheless, a few pet parents have expressed that True Acre may result in increased flatulence. Nevertheless, when transitioning to a new dog food, it is common for digestion issues to arise. To mitigate this, it is advisable to gradually introduce the new food by initially incorporating a small portion alongside the current brand.
True Acre Foods is a grain-free option that is relatively cheaper, and it contains peas as the second ingredient. Peas have been associated with canine heart disease 1 . It is advisable to consult with your veterinarian regarding the potential risk of heart problems in your dog.
