Best Dog Food for Allergies

Is your furry friend constantly scratching, suffering from digestive issues, or dealing with chronic ear infections? These could be signs of food allergies. Choosing the right dog food can make all the difference in improving your pup’s health and comfort. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dog food for allergies, covering top recommendations, ingredients to avoid, and tips for transitioning your dog to a hypoallergenic diet.

written by

Barbara Perez

Source: Freepik

Common Food Allergies in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to specific ingredients in their food. The most common allergens include:

Proteins: Chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs.
Grains: Wheat, soy, and corn.
Artificial Additives: Colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Identifying and eliminating these allergens can help reduce symptoms and improve your dog’s well-being.

Top Vet-Recommended Dog Foods for Allergies

Here are the best vet-approved dog foods for pups with allergies, carefully selected to support their sensitive skin and stomachs.

Best Overall

Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Vet’s Top Pick for All-Around Allergy Relief

Price: $20.68

Best Dry Food for Dogs With Allergies

Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Medium Sensitive Skin Care Dry Dog Food

Ideal for medium-sized dogs with skin sensitivities

Price: $37.99

Best Wet Food for Dogs With Allergies

Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Lamb Wet Dog Food

Gentle on digestion, packed with high-quality protein

Price: $39.49

Best Food for Small Dogs With Allergies

Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Small Sensitive Skin Care Dry Dog Food

Tailored for small breeds with skin and digestive issues

Price: $27.99

Best Food for Large Dogs With Allergies

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon Adult Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food

Specially formulated for large breeds with sensitive stomachs

Price: $58.41

Best Food for Senior Dogs With Allergies

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach 7+ Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Supports aging dogs with dietary sensitivities

Price: $20.68

Best Food for Puppies With Allergies

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Gentle on growing puppies with food sensitivities

Price: $23.99

Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Allergies

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin Grain-Free Chicken & Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Perfect for dogs with grain intolerances

Price: $83.99

Best Prescription Veterinary Dog Food for Allergies

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Ultamino Dry Dog Food

Vet-recommended for severe food allergies and intolerances

Price: $74.99

Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food for Allergies

Purina ONE +Plus Adult Skin & Coat Formula Dry Dog Food

Affordable yet effective for dogs with sensitive skin

Price: $47.48

How to Identify Food Allergies in Dogs

Wondering if your dog has a food allergy? Look out for these symptoms:

Skin Issues: Excessive itchy skin, hot spots, or rashes.
Digestive Problems: Vomiting, diarrhea, or chronic gas.
Ear Infections: Recurring ear infections with redness and odor.

To pinpoint the exact allergen, veterinarians often recommend an elimination diet, where you introduce new proteins and ingredients gradually.

Types of Dog Food for Allergies

If your dog has food allergies, switching to specialized dog food can help. Here are some of the best options:

Limited-Ingredient Diets (LID)

LID dog foods contain a minimal number of ingredients, making it easier to identify and avoid allergens.

Grain-Free Dog Food

While not all dogs need grain-free diets, some pups with grain allergies benefit from formulas free of wheat, soy, and corn.

Hydrolyzed Protein Diets

These diets break down proteins into smaller molecules, preventing allergic reactions. They are often prescribed by veterinarians.

Novel Protein Diets

Novel proteins like kangaroo, venison, and duck can be beneficial for dogs allergic to common proteins like chicken and beef.

Homemade Dog Food for Allergies (Optional)

If you prefer a natural approach, making homemade meals can help control your dog’s diet. Here’s a simple allergy-friendly recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb cooked turkey or venison
1 cup cooked sweet potatoes
½ cup steamed carrots
1 tbsp fish oil (for skin and coat health)

Instructions:

Cook the meat thoroughly.
Mash the sweet potatoes and mix them with the cooked meat.
Add steamed carrots and fish oil.
Serve after cooling to a safe temperature.

Always consult your vet before switching to homemade food.

Tips for Transitioning to Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Switching your dog’s diet to hypoallergenic food requires a careful approach to avoid digestive issues and ensure a smooth transition.

Here’s how to do it properly:

Make the switch gradually (7–10 days). Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% of the old food, then slowly increase the new food’s portion.
Monitor for improvements in skin health, digestion, and energy levels.
Consult your vet if symptoms persist.

Key Takeaways

Food allergies in dogs often manifest as skin irritation, digestive issues, and chronic ear infections.

Choosing the right dog food can help manage allergies, with options like limited-ingredient, novel protein, and hydrolyzed protein diets.

Vet-recommended brands such as Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, and Hill’s Science Diet offer specialized formulas for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs.

Different dietary needs exist for puppies, seniors, small breeds, and large breeds, requiring tailored nutrition for optimal health.

Grain-free and prescription diets can benefit dogs with specific food sensitivities or severe allergies.

Budget-friendly options are available without compromising on quality, ensuring every dog can get the right nutrition.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Allergic to His Food?

If your dog has a food allergy, you may notice symptoms such as:

Skin issues: Itchy skin, redness, hot spots, or recurring ear infections
Digestive problems: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, or bloating
Chronic licking or scratching: Especially around the paws, ears, or face

To confirm a food allergy, vets often recommend an elimination diet, where you remove common allergens (like chicken, beef, dairy, or grains) and slowly reintroduce ingredients to identify the trigger.

Which Dog Food Is Good for Itchy Skin?

Fish-based diets are often the top choice for dogs with itchy skin, as they provide both a novel protein source and high levels of natural fish oil. This combination makes them comparable to a specialized skin care diet, relieving various skin allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Barbara Perez

Barbara Perez is the Lead Pet Expert and an avid animal advocate at ThePetWorld.org, bringing over a decade of experience in pet care, training, and animal welfare. With a deep passion for improving the lives of pets and their owners, Barbara combines expert knowledge with a heartfelt commitment to educating and empowering pet lovers everywhere. Whether it's through her insightful articles or hands-on advice, she is dedicated to fostering a stronger bond between humans and their furry companions, one wagging tail at a time.