Top 9 Best Dog Foods for Allergies

Food allergies are quite rare in dogs, and these are present in dogs that are more physically active and greater stamina such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and other larger pets. But all dog breeds are susceptible to them

Common foods that dogs can be allergic to are chicken, lamb, soy, poultry, dairy products, and fish. There are a lot of factors that can trigger allergies but mainly depends on your dog’s genetic makeup. Dogs can sometimes become allergic to food they have been eating for a while as well.

10% of all allergy cases for vets are food allergy cases. Food allergy, however, is a little different from intolerance, which we will get into later on in this post.

Simply switching to dog food that has omitted the allergen is a great idea. Although, we do recommend that you consult your vet first. Symptoms of allergies can range from swelling of the face and neck, vomiting, diarrheas, rashes and redness and shortage of breathe.

Dog food for allergies is of two types– limited ingredients food and hypoallergenic. Limited ingredient food has fewer ingredients that are visible. Hypoallergenic food is prescribed by vets and contains proteins that are hydrolyzed. Following are our picks of the best dog food on the market for hypoallergenic dogs.

The Top Nine best Dog foods for Allergies

Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Turkey & Potato

This is one of the best-selling dog foods for allergic pets on the market. It is made from few yet powerful ingredients that are easier to digest and absorb by sensitive and hypoallergenic dogs.

It has turkey as its only source of easy protein. This mixed with carbohydrates is easily digested by your pet and is very nutritious. Lean protein can be very harsh and a possible allergen for your dog.

It is made from all-natural ingredients and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Features of the Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Turkey & Potato

• For Dogs With Food Sensitivities, Allergies or Intolerances
• Fewer ingredients that are easily digestible
• Single Protein from Real, High-Quality Turkey
• Easily Digestible Carbohydrates make for energy-boosting nutrition
• Premium, All Natural Ingredients
• No Gluten, Wheat, Fillers Or Artificial Additives
• Made In USA

Overall ratings of Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Turkey & Potato

5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Brothers Complete Turkey Meal And Egg Advanced Allergy Formula, 25-Pound

This is exclusive dog food made especially for hypoallergenic and sensitive dogs. It contains turkey and dried eggs. Turkey is an excellent source of easy protein. Dried eggs part is only a little bit so there is no need to worry.

Most hypoallergenic dog foods have potatoes in them Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates but some dogs can be allergic to the. For those dogs, potatoes have been replaced by cassava plant, which acts as a low GI source of quality carbs.

Antioxidants and digestive enzymes in this recipe help to aid digestion, reduce flare-ups and help strengthen the immune system of your dog.

Features of the Brothers Complete Turkey Meal And Egg Advanced Allergy Formula, 25-Pound

• Specialized dog food for allergic and sensitive dogs
• One-of-its-kind dog food
• Turkey acts as a single source of easy protein
• Dried eggs act as an easy filling
• Antioxidants promote healthy skin and coat
• Digestive enzymes aid digestion

Overall ratings of Brothers Complete Turkey Meal And Egg Advanced Allergy Formula, 25-Pound

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

CANIDAE PURE Real Salmon, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food

This recipe for hypoallergenic dogs only has 7 or 8 ingredients. That doesn’t mean that it’s bland. It comes in a tasty flavor and is fish-based.

The main sources of protein in this dog food are salmon and menhaden. Carbohydrates such as potatoes and peas give the energy boost your dog requires throughout the day.

A healthy mix of probiotics and anti-oxidants helps in aiding digestion and ensuring healthy skin and coat.

Features of the CANIDAE PURE Real Salmon, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food

• Limited ingredients sourced from 7-10 real foods
• Free from any wheat, corn, or soy.
• Probiotics added to every kibble to support healthy digestion,
• Antioxidants to support a healthy immune system,
• Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to support beautiful skin and coat.
• 6 different proteins (Salmon, Lamb, Duck, Boar, Bison Chicken),
• Formulations for all life stages and sizes

Overall ratings of CANIDAE PURE Real Salmon, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food

5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

 Royal Canin — Hydrolyzed Protein Adult

Hydrolyzed protein refers to the process in which proteins are chemically “split” (hydrolyzed) into their basic amino acid form. This can make the original allergen virtually “invisible” to your pet’s immune system.

Some rare dogs can develop allergies to the protein of all kinds and thus hydrolyzed protein food is the best for them.

This variant of the Classic Royal Canine food is vet-approved and even needs a vet’s prescription. It provides full nutrition to your pup with a lower glycemic index.

Features of  Royal Canin — Hydrolyzed Protein Adult

• Hydrolyzed protein for rare dog protein allergies
• Vet approved
• Needs vet’s prescription at times
• Low glycemic index

Overall ratings of  Royal Canin — Hydrolyzed Protein Adult

5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor

Like the Royal Canine Hydrolyzed Protein Dod Food, this dog food from Purina is recommended for dogs that have a rare protein allergy. It has a single protein source- hydrolyzed soy protein isolate

It has a single carbohydrate source of corn starch. This dog food is simple and straight-forward food for allergies. It can be used in transition until you figure out what your pet is allergic to.

This is a part of a veterinary diet, so you will need the vet’s approval and a prescription for it.

Features of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor

• Simple food for rare dogs with protein allergy
• Single source of protein from soy protein isolate
• Single source of carbohydrate from corn starch
• Vet approved and requires a prescription.

Overall ratings of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor

5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Duck & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food

Chicken often becomes an allergen for sensitive dogs. That is why Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Duck & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food is popular among dog owners with sensitive dogs, as it contains no chicken.

It has all-natural ingredients that are limited to 8 or 10 pieces. The main source of protein is lamb, which is pasture-fed and GMO friendly.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help to aid digestion, improve immunity and heal the skin and promote a healthy coat.

Features of Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Duck & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food

• No chicken recipe favored by pet owners with allergic dogs
• All-natural 7 to 10 ingredients
• Lamb as its ole source of protein
• GMO friendly
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids present as well

Overall ratings of Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Duck & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food

5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

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

Limited ingredients on the food list are suitable for allergic dogs. The main source of protein in this dog food is turkey. Potatoes act as the sole source of carbohydrates.

The brand states that this formula contains “ BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance. “

Peas and pumpkin help to aid digestion and provide a filling experience.

Features of the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

• Limited ingredients dog food
• Suitable for allergic and sensitive dogs
• Single source of protein- turkey
• Single source of carbohydrates- potatoes
• Patent LifeSource Bits
• Peas and pumpkins aid in digestion

Overall ratings of Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Go!— Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon Recipe Grain-Free 

The Go!— Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon Recipe Grain-Free is perfect for allergic dogs. this no-nonsense formula contains salmon as its only source of protein.

Prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root helps to aid digestion and support sensitive stomachs. It has omega oils that help to ensure a healthy coat and healthy skin.

The single source of fish protein is ideal for dogs with rare protein allergy.

Features of Go!— Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon Recipe Grain-Free 

• Fish protein as only source of protein
• Zero by-product meals, wheat, corn or soy
• Zero chicken or chicken fat
• Prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root to support sensitive tummies
• Omega oils for healthy skin and coat

Overall ratings of Go!— Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon Recipe Grain-Free 

5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Diamond — Care Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Formula

Eggs are the main source of protein in the Diamond — Care Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Formula. Potatoes are the only source of carbohydrates.

Eggs are rich in protein and amino acids that help to strengthen weak stomachs and immune systems. The probiotic strains that are native to the canine GI tract are added to guaranteed levels.

The limited list of ingredients makes the food tasty and easily digestable.

Features of Diamond — Care Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Formula

• Eggs are the main source of protein
• Potatoes provide cards
• Probiotic strains aid digestion
• Suitable for dogs with sensitivities.

Overall ratings of Diamond — Care Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Formula

5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

How to choose the best dog food for your dog with allergies

At first, you must determine what exact ingredient your dog is allergic to, and then make sure that you look for food that does not contain that ingredient. There is, however, a difference between intolerance and allergies.

Intolerance occurs when an ingredient in your dog’s food is indigestible. Like humans, dogs are lactose and gluten intolerant. The symptoms, in this case, are vomiting, indigestion and diarrhea.

Allergies are more immune system related. Allergens can cause disorders in the respiratory and immunity systems. Allergies can cause rashes, itches, and redness. They can cause a shortage of breath and swell in the face and neck of your dog.

Here is a basic list of ingredients that must be avoided for dogs with allergies

• Dairy products like eggs and milk are not to be included in their pet food or otherwise. Dogs are generally intolerant to these
• Grain-free- Many brands substitute grain for protein. Grain must be avoided at all costs as it can cause an allergic reaction.
• Fillers such as Soy, husk, corn, and grain, although having no nutritional value, can also cause allergies in your dog so it is best to avoid them.

Summary

Dogs with seasonal or lifetime allergies need not be isolated from the wonderful range of pet food on the market these days. Many brands have come up with many variants for hypoallergenic dogs that are tasty and healthy. Always take your pet t the vet if you notice signs of allergies such as swelling of the neck and face, redness and rashes etc.