Best Dog Food for Allergies

What is the best food for dogs with allergies?

• Our favorite
  NomNomNow
• Our pick for sensitive stomachs
  Wellness
• Great for grain-free diets
  Canidae
• Good for novel protein diets
  Taste of the Wild
• Our favorite semi-moist food
  FreshPet
• Great for vegetarian diets
  Purina
• Good for dogs with food intolerance
  Blue Buffalo
• Our pick for limited ingredient diet
  Nutro

What is my dog allergic to?

If your dog is suffering from a food allergy, you’re most likely to see irritation concentrated to the paws and ears and an increased potential for stomach upset. Proteins that come from ingredients like beef, dairy, wheat and chicken can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. An elimination diet can help determine which ingredient is causing the allergic reaction in your dog.

If your dog seems to suffer from itchiness or distress sometimes more than others, they may be suffering from an environmental or seasonal allergy and not a food allergy. The best dog food for skin allergies will have high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help promote healthy skin.

Common dog food allergies

The most common allergy-inducing ingredients in dog food include:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Wheat
• Yeast
• Corn
• Soy
• Egg
• Dairy

Dogs with food allergies

Allergies can affect any dog, but some breeds are more susceptible than others.

Dog breeds most prone to allergies:

• Beagle
• Bichon Frise
• Boxer
• Bulldog
• Chinese Crested
• Cocker Spaniel
• Collie
• Dachshund
• Dalmatian
• German Shepherd
• Lhasa Apso
• Maltese
• Pekinese
• Poodle
• Pug
• Retrievers
• Setters
• Shar Pei
• Shih Tzu
• Terriers

What to feed a dog with food allergies

A number of dog foods are formulated for dogs with allergies of all kinds:

• Limited ingredient dog food has become popular due to concerns over allergens present in many dog foods. It often only has one protein source, like chicken or lamb, and may also have one carbohydrate source. A “complete and balanced” claim is the most important thing to look for in limited ingredient dog foods like this one, along with an endorsement from the Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO).
• Grain-free dog food and grain-free dog treats are for dogs with sensitivity to grains like wheat, barley, corn and rye. Grain-free dog foods are always gluten-free. However, not all grains contain gluten, which means a gluten-free dog food is not necessarily grain free. Grain-free dog food is also corn-free dog food, which can help dogs who have corn sensitivity. Switching foods can be unappetizing—mixing in a gluten-free or grain-free wet food might be more palatable for your pup.
• Novel ingredient dog food refers to a diet centered around a protein your dog hasn’t been introduced to before. Instead of opting for a common protein like beef or chicken that may be causing irritation in a dog with food allergies, a novel diet may be centered around a less-common protein like venison, duck or salmon. Novel proteins are often found in limited ingredient dog foods, as well.
• Prescription dog food can be pricey, but if your dog is suffering from severe reactions it may be necessary. Prescription dog foods can only be obtained from a veterinarian. Often, veterinary nutritionists will suggest other dietary changes before trying prescription dog food. Be sure to consult your veterinarian to discuss whether prescription dog food is necessary.
• Hypoallergenic dog treats are generally limited ingredient treats and can be found in most pet food stores.

How can I help my dog with allergies?

The first step to helping your dog with allergies is to consult a veterinarian. Only a professional will be able to verify whether your dog’s symptoms are truly caused by food. Once you’re sure it's a food allergy, you’ll need to identify the allergen.

Veterinarians often recommend an elimination diet to help you determine what ingredients are causing your dog’s allergies. An elimination diet entails switching to food with a different protein source and carbohydrate source than before—you could switch from chicken and rice to lamb and sweet potato, for example. If you find that your dog responds better, you’ll know to make the switch to chicken-free dog food.

Switching to a hypoallergenic dog food is a reliable way to find your dog’s food allergy. Hypoallergenic dog foods are made with “novel” proteins and carbohydrates (ones that your dog has never had before), like venison and potato, or duck and pea. Your dog must eat hypoallergenic dog food for at least 8–10 weeks to notice any change.