9 Best Dog Food For Allergies (Limited and Hypoallergenic)

If you have a dog that has a sensitive stomach, Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is the best option. This dog food’s main protein source is turkey, and it also contains potatoes, which are a crucial ingredient. It is easily digestible and ensures your dog remains robust and lively all day long.

The formula contains prebiotics and probiotics to improve digestion. It does not contain allergenic grains. Flaxseed in the formula promotes a healthy coat for your dog. Additionally, it includes various vitamins like Vitamin E, Vitamin B-12, and Vitamin A supplements. It also contains minerals such as Calcium Carbonate, Manganese sulfate, and Iron proteinate.

Features

• Has no gluten or wheat.
• The formula is easy to digest.
• High-quality protein.
• Omega fatty acids, glucosamine, probiotics, and antioxidants keep the dog’s heart healthy.

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

Best for a Sensitive Stomach

The Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is designed for dogs’ digestive health. It is ideal for sensitive stomachs due to its inclusion of prebiotic fiber. This dog food was created after extensive research, resulting in its exceptional taste that adult dogs greatly appreciate.

The tests carried out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) demonstrated that the dog food has a well-balanced nutritional composition, making it the ideal option for raising adult dogs.

Features

• Has natural ingredients.
• Highly digestible.
• Contains Vitamin E and Omega-6.
• Veterinarians in the United States recommend it.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food and Wet Dog Food

Best for Vegetarian Diets

In order to provide all dogs with essential nutrients, it is important to ensure they receive proteins. Therefore, if your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to meat, it is necessary to offer alternative protein sources. The Purina Pro Plan diet specifically designed for sensitive skin and stomachs proves to be useful in such situations.

The ingredients present in the diet include proteins such as salmon, as well as carbs derived from corn starch. These ingredients are appropriate for dogs who are experiencing gastroenteritis and dermatitis. All Purina Pro Plan diets have received FDA approval, indicating that a veterinary prescription will be required prior to obtaining them.

Features

• Has oatmeal that is good for digestion.
• Free from grains like wheat or corn.
• High in proteins like real salmon.
• Has zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium sulfate.
• Contains Vitamin E supplement,  B-12, K, C, B6, B-9, D-3.

Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food With Grains

Best for Small Breeds

The Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food With Grains is a safe and healthy option for your dog. It is made with gluten-free ingredients and contains lamb, which promotes strong muscles. Additionally, the inclusion of whole grain prevents any digestion problems for your canine companion.

In addition to the minerals and vitamins, it is a well-rounded meal. Some of the vitamins provided include a Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, and Folic acid. Among the minerals included are Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and Calcium Iodate, among others.

Features

• Contains real lamb.
• Provides amino acids that aid in the growth of muscles.
• Contains the finest ingredients in the world.

Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Potato and Venison Formula Dry Dog Food 

Best for Digestive Upsets

To prevent your dog from experiencing allergic reactions, the Hill’s Prescription Diet includes proteins. In order to purchase and use this product, a prescription from a veterinarian is necessary. Additionally, the diet includes various vitamins such as Vitamin A, l-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, and Vitamin D3 supplement. The inclusion of minerals consists of Dicalcium phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, and Choline Chloride.

Features

• Has limited ingredients, e.g., one animal protein.
• No grains, gluten, and soy protein.
• Antioxidants are present to help in keeping the skin healthy.
• The potato and venison ingredients are suitable for food sensitivities and the dog’s skin.

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Dog Food 

Best for Dogs With Food Intolerance

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Dog Food is available in three variants: Hydrolyzed, Novel Protein, and Gastrointestinal Support, specifically designed for dogs with protein intolerance. Blue Buffalo provides essential nutrients like vitamins (Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B7) and minerals (Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, and others) with every bite to support your dog’s overall health.

Features

• Has deboned salmon that helps in building muscles.
• It contains Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that make the dog’s skin healthy.
• Has natural ingredients that are free from grains, preservatives, and poultry.
• Sweet potatoes and peas found in the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Dog Food  are suitable for keeping dogs strong.
• It contains natural fiber that helps indigestion.

Canidae Pure Real Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food

The dry food is created with a small number of safe and natural ingredients, consisting of salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and sun-cured alfalfa. Moreover, to support good health, the recipe includes extra natural flavors, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

If you’re trying to determine an allergen for your dog, the small number of ingredients in this food can be beneficial. Additionally, if your dog is allergic to common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs, this food is a suitable option as it does not contain any of these ingredients in its formula.

This food contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that are designed to promote healthy skin and coat, which can be particularly advantageous for dogs with skin allergies. Furthermore, this formula is packed with antioxidants to boost your pet’s immune system.

Canidae provides a variety of limited ingredient recipes, allowing you to select the most suitable one for your pet. Yet, while this food boasts many advantages, the price exceeding $70 for a bag of food might be hard to accept.

Zignature Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

The available flavor options for this food include kangaroo, catfish, goat, guinea fowl, lamb, pork, salmon, trout, whitefish, duck, venison, and turkey, providing dogs with a variety of novel proteins that are less likely to cause allergies.

Each variant of flavor includes only one type of protein and lists the meat (or fish) as the primary ingredient. The purpose of this dog food is to offer dogs complete and balanced nutrition for their happiness, health, and growth. Allergenic ingredients like dairy, corn, wheat, soy, chicken eggs, and chicken-by products are not included in the ingredient lists of these unique protein flavors.

The formula of this food contains taurine and L-carnitine, which are beneficial for a dog’s immune system, cardiovascular system, eye health, and energy conversion from fat.

However, there have been reports from some owners that not all dogs are fond of this food.

How to Determine What is Causing a Dog’s Allergies

The initial step is to establish if your dog is experiencing food allergies. The subsequent step involves identifying the root cause of their allergies, which may require a considerable amount of time and effort. Numerous veterinarians suggest employing an elimination diet as a means of pinpointing the source of a dog’s allergies.

The initial step of an elimination diet involves discontinuing the consumption of all existing foods by your dogs. Next, you should provide them with a simplistic diet consisting of new food. Allow sufficient time for the allergic symptoms caused by the previous allergens to subside in the dogs, and then gradually reintroduce the old foods that might be accountable for the allergy.

If you observe a reaction to any of these foods, it will indicate that this food caused your dog’s allergies, and you should refrain from feeding them any food containing that ingredient.

Some of the most common allergens for dogs include any ingredient in their food to which they could potentially be allergic.

• Chicken
• Beef
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Corn
• Soy
• Lamb
• Fish
• Pork
• Rabbit

Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerances

Food intolerances are frequently confused with food allergies, but despite sharing some symptoms, they are distinct conditions.

Food allergies occur when a dog’s immune system mistakenly perceives a particular ingredient as harmful, prompting the production of antibodies as a defense mechanism. This can present itself through various symptoms such as itchy or sensitive skin, ear and yeast infections, irritated or red eyes, a sensitive stomach, or digestive problems.

Food intolerances occur when a dog is unable to digest a certain ingredient in their food, resulting in digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or vomiting.

Limited Ingredient Dog Diets

If your dog is showing signs of food sensitivity, you can opt for limited-ingredient dog foods which contain fewer ingredients and less harmful fillers. This simplifies the process of identifying food intolerances and allergies. Moreover, limited-ingredient foods are typically healthier as manufacturers prioritize essential components like animal protein (such as salmon or chicken) or vegetables (like peas or carrots).

Today, there is a wide range of excellent choices for limited-ingredient food. These options, unlike numerous hypoallergenic dog foods, can be easily found at major retailers such as Amazon, Petco, and Chewy, without the need for a prescription.

Treating Skin Allergies With Dog Food

If your dog is showing signs of skin allergies, trying a limited-ingredient dog food is a recommended initial step to determine the root cause. It is suitable to opt for a dog food that contains the fewest ingredients, typically ranging from five to seven. There are various ways in which skin allergies can appear, but the most frequent indications comprise:

• Chewing or biting the skin
• Excessive scratching
• Rubbing the rear on the floor
• Excessive licking (more than just the paws)
• Unexpected hair/fur loss
• Flakey skin
• Red, irritated skin

If a limited ingredient dog food is not successful in pinpointing the issue, it is advisable to seek advice from your veterinarian regarding the possibility of switching to a prescription hypoallergenic food.

The 5 Best Dog Foods for Allergies (Adult, Puppy, Senior) FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What type of food is most suitable for dogs with allergies?

In order to determine the best food for your dog with allergies, it is important to consider the specific foods to which they are allergic. Dogs can have allergies to various foods, so it is recommended to collaborate with your veterinarian to identify the specific ingredient or ingredients causing their allergies. Once identified, you can select a dog food that does not contain this particular ingredient.

Does a grain-free diet for dogs contribute to relief from skin allergies?

When a dog develops skin allergies, some veterinarians may suggest switching to a diet without grain, such as corn, wheat, or other grains, to determine if it can help alleviate the condition.

Which ingredient in dog food is the cause of allergies?

All dogs can have unique characteristics and might have allergies to certain ingredients in their food. Certain ingredients are more likely to trigger a reaction in dogs, such as wheat, corn, beef, chicken, egg, soy, lamb, pork, rabbit, and fish.

What can I do to assist my dog with allergies?

If you suspect your dog has allergies, the most effective course of action is to arrange a vet appointment. The vet will assist in identifying the cause of the allergies, be it food or another factor. If the vet suspects food allergies, they will collaborate with you to identify the specific cause.

In numerous instances, a suggestion they might make is to try an elimination diet. This involves transitioning to a different type of food that contains a protein different from what was present in your dog’s original food. This can assist in determining whether the protein, such as chicken, in your dog’s diet was the underlying factor behind the allergies.

Your veterinarian can assist you in removing other possible allergens from your dog’s diet so that you can identify the specific allergen responsible for their allergies.

What are the primary signs of food allergies in dogs?

Food allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, such as ear infections, yeast infections, sensitive skin, itching, patchy coats, irritated eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.

What distinguishes a food allergy from a food intolerance?

Dogs may experience digestive issues or a sensitive stomach as a result of food intolerance. In contrast, food allergies can be more severe. While they can also cause a sensitive stomach, food allergies are interconnected with the immune system, potentially leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or even anaphylactic shock.

What advantages does a hypoallergenic diet offer to my dog?

Dogs allergic to multiple ingredients may be advised to follow a hypoallergenic diet. This diet can provide relief for dogs experiencing allergies, resulting in decreased itchiness, reduced stomach discomfort, and lowered risk of anaphylactic shock. Not only will switching from allergenic foods make the dog more comfortable, but it can also contribute to a longer and healthier life.

Can you explain what an elimination diet is?

To determine the cause of a dog’s allergies, an elimination diet is implemented. The initial step involves removing all previously consumed food from the dog’s diet and solely feeding them basic ingredients for a few days. Subsequently, new foods can be gradually introduced and observed for any allergic reactions. These reactions will indicate that the newly introduced food is responsible for the dog’s allergies.