What Is The Best Dog Food For Allergies? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide
Allergic symptoms and reactions are not limited to humans; it also extends into the animal kingdom, and this includes dogs of all ages and breeds. The allergens could range from bugs to pollen, amongst other objects in your dog’s environment.
Allergies often call for exceptional care in several areas, with one of the top priorities being food. Food allergies are the most common, where commercially popular ingredients like dairy products, mainstream meat meals, wheat, soy, eggs, grains, corn, etc. may trigger canine allergies.
This calls for specially-curated foods for dogs with allergies. Eliminating common allergens, they comprise high-quality meat alternative and gluten-free ingredients that keep a check on your allergic dog’s immune system health and stomach issues.
Are you wondering what is the best food for dogs with allergies? This guide would help you pick out the best food for allergies in dogs, without compromising on the nutritional needs of your pooch.
Contents
- Top 7 Best Dog Food For Allergies
- 1. TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
- 2. Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Limited Ingredient, Fish Recipe
- 3. Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free, Smoked Salmon Recipe
- 4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein For Adult, Salmon Recipe
- 5. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free For Adult, Lamb Recipe
- 6. NutriSource Great Northwest Select Grain-Free, Salmon & Lamb Liver Protein
- 7. Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Peas & Potatoes
- Types Of Dogs That Are Hypoallergenic
- 6 Most Common Food Allergens
- Important Features To Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best dogs food for allergies, here are our top choices.
PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
- 100% freeze-dried raw beef meal
- Simple limited ingredients
- Can be rehydrated for softer pieces
- Appropriate for canines of all ages and breeds
- Easy to digest and fulfills energy requirements
- Consists of only six natural ingredients, with the inclusion of novel proteins
- GMO-free and ideal for all life stages
- Delicious fish and coconut recipe
- Ideal for dogs with stomach sensitivities
- Human-grade pet food that develops quicker antibodies
- Limited to fish as the protein sources
- Sweet potatoes and potatoes for digestible carbs
- Includes real greens and fruits to combat parasites
- No grain, corn, wheat, or fillers
- Made with components from trusted, sustainable sources
Top 7 Best Dog Food For Allergies
1. TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
The first of the best dog foods for allergies, the TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw food uses beef as a single protein source. It includes beef lung, ground-up bone, liver, lung, kidney, blood, and natural fat, using the top components of cattle that your dog would love.
It is free of all common allergens and has no added vitamins minerals. This makes it kind to the digestive system of allergic pooches. Fish oils and natural oxidants take care of itchy skin and rashes while providing healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Mixed tocopherols and d-alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) would boost your dog’s immunity system just as well as probiotics and prebiotics formulas. The kibble pieces can be rehydrated by adding some water, while still retaining their crunch and ability to fight dog allergies.
PROS
- Grain-free dog food
- Single source of protein, also available in turkey meal flavor
- Plenty of essential fatty acids
- Chickpeas and peas are the only carbohydrate source
- Freeze-drying keeps bacteria away from the kibbles
CONS
- Maybe a bit expensive
2. Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Limited Ingredient, Fish Recipe
This limited ingredient dog food brand started from a kitchen, and until today, maintains its production in human kitchens, unlike most dog food brands. The Honest Kitchen offers a wide range of hypoallergenic dog food, and this one focuses on ocean fish meal, making it a great candidate for the best dog food for allergy neutralization.
The other meat proteins included are free-range chicken meal, turkey, duck meal, and menhaden fish meal. Other incorporated factors in the formula are dehydrated whole foods such as chickpeas, celery, pumpkin, and organic coconut. This list ensures that the dog food is full of nutrients and omega 3 fatty acids ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs.
Since it is one of the few brands with kitchen quality food, pet parents can be assured that there are no by-products, unregulated poultry products, antibiotic supplements, or preservatives added. It could be a part of wellness meals for both pups and old dogs.
PROS
- Free of filler ingredients - keeps intestines clean
- Dehydration preserves all the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients
- Enhanced with ocean whitefish and coconut oil
- 10lbs of dry food gives 40lbs of fresh food after rehydration
- Free of additives, rich in vegetables
CONS
- Picky pets may not like the taste
3. Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free, Smoked Salmon Recipe
The Taste of the Wild brand offers a range of highly digestible and tasty dog food, with this one focusing on fish as its source of hydrolyzed protein. It is a hearty dog food with salmon meal, with added antioxidant benefits of plants and fruits like tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries. The limited ingredient recipe also consists of an omega fatty acid blend for skin and fur health.
Each kibble helps the immune system combat allergies. Moreover, the company offers varieties of flavor and protein categories, all of which satisfy experts recommendations. Along with taking care of food allergies, it also reduces skin problems, inflammation, and food intolerances. One of its top-selling points is its delicious flavor.
This ingredient blend would tempt all the picky eaters in your home, without activating their sensitivity to certain foods.
PROS
- Perfect for dogs with meat allergies
- Rich in salmon oil and novel proteins
- Chelated minerals for better absorption of nutrients
- Dried herbs serve the purpose of pre-biotic properties
CONS
- Complaints of bloating and loose stools
- Chemical compounds may be allergy triggers
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein For Adult, Salmon Recipe
The Blue Buffalo product line utilizes a protein structure that would satisfy your dog’s carnal meat needs. The limited ingredient list includes dog food salmon, tomato pomace, dried chicory root, pea protein, potato protein, and other essential parts of a dog’s diet. It is grain-free dog food, with healthy carbohydrates being sourced from sweet potatoes and peas.
The Blue brand is known for its exclusive feature, called LifeSource Bits – a formula of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support life stage requirements, healthy oxidative percentage, and immunity. It maintains the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids ratio at 2.5:1, ensuring support to the skin and coat health.
Blue Buffalo promises all pet owners a great meal for their pooches, as it closely imitates the protein sources eaten by their counterparts in the wilderness. While it does contain chicken meal, it is free of chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
PROS
- Contents promote immune system development
- Heavily relies on raw animal protein
- Treats multiple forms of skin allergy, reduces scratching
- Also available as dog treats and wet food
CONS
- Unsatisfactory product output
- Change in the recipe may result in sudden digestive illnesses in grooming dogs
5. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free For Adult, Lamb Recipe
It is considered one of the best dog food for allergies, as it is compatible with any food allergy your dog might have. It is truly a simple limited ingredient product, using the lowest amounts of meat protein. In this case, the protein source is lamb meal. Beef and chicken flavors are also offered, but the lamb option would be the safest for dogs with a sensitive stomach or negative immune responses.
This dog food is perfect for dogs with sensitive tummies, severe food intolerance, allergic reactions, and lactose intolerance. The primary animal protein sources used are lamb and turkey. It does contain chicken meal, but the amount is too little to dethrone this dog food product included in the hypoallergenic diet for dogs.
PROS
- Ideal dog food for elimination diets
- Free of oatmeal, soy, corn, eggs, dairy, wheat, grains, and other food allergens
- Rich in probiotics and antioxidants
- Great hypoallergenic dog food for certain breeds
CONS
- Some dogs may reject new formula mix
- No exciting options available
6. NutriSource Great Northwest Select Grain-Free, Salmon & Lamb Liver Protein
Nutrisource has always been one of the most loved by cat and dog parents alike, but fewer people know that it offers a range of foods for pooches with food allergies.
The main animal proteins used here are salmon meal and lamb liver, which have a way lower risk of setting a food allergy in your dog. The other superfoods nutrients involved in this formula are omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, amino acids, brewers dried yeast, kelp, riboflavin supplements, and vitamin A substances.
The lamb protein diet eliminates the danger of common food allergies in dogs and helps maintain sensitive skin and reduce food allergy symptoms. It helps keep up the nutrition levels while going easy on the stomach.
PROS
- Low glycemic index
- Often prescribed by nutritionists as puppy food
- Suitable for both cat and dog food for allergies
- Helps fight an upset stomach, poor breathing, and intestinal disease
- Holistic recipe free of fillers, additives, artificial flavors, and colors
CONS
- Addition ingredients may set off food allergies in dogs
- May not provide enough protein
7. Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Peas & Potatoes
Natural Balance has many options for dry dog food with meat alternatives. Still, it also has this ingredient formula, utterly devoid of animal products, making it a vegan dog food for allergies.
After examining your dog’s allergies, the vet may suggest a vegetarian option since they know the protein not recommended for your little guy would not be included. It is mainly used as a substitute dog food for allergies to cut back the effects of the various non-vegetarian dog foods you try for your pup’s well-being.
It has the same essential nutrients as food with common allergens like meat would have. With sweet potato for protein, the other high-quality ingredients used are canola meal, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and vitamin E. The food is free of poultry by-product meal.
PROS
- Often prescribed by the veterinarian
- Vegetarian formulation approved by the nutritionist
- High fiber content due to brown rice
- Helps in the maintenance of healthy hair and skin
- Stinky breath reduces through frequent use
CONS
- Dried spinach is the only vegetable used
- Needs another dog food to back it up
Types Of Dogs That Are Hypoallergenic
Now that you know what are the best dog foods for allergies, here are some types or breeds of dogs are more vulnerable to developing a food allergy. Before that, some of the symptoms of the allergic reaction may include:
- Sensitive skin
- Weak immune system
- Itchy, red, moist skin
- Redness or itchiness in the eye
- Vomiting
- Discomfort in daily lifestyle
- Problems with organs
- Tummy troubles
There might be a variety of other sensitivities developed, depending on the breed. The purebred types have a high chance of developing them, although there is also a possibility with mixed breeds. Here are some breeds that may encounter food sensitivities:
- Cocker Spaniel
- Maltese
- Bichon Frise
- Boxer
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Labrador
- Bull Terrier
Though the issues vary, a vet visit is necessary, to check your pup for allergies. Apart from providing allergy shots, the veterinarian would work on testing various limited ingredient dog food to find the ideal one for your pup.
It could be any of the above-stated foods, made up of novel proteins, and devoid of cereal grains, wheat gluten, and other triggers for allergies in dogs. Depending on the size, activeness, age, and food processing capability of your dog’s breed, veterinarians would suggest the right wet or dry dog food following the prescription diet.
6 Most Common Food Allergens
1. Dairy
Dogs naturally do not have strong lactose tolerance. While negligible dairy products in dog food may not cause any problems, the state of your dog’s digestion and food allergies could make him extremely sensitive to it, usually resulting in diarrhea. Fatty acids typically make up for the lack of dairy content. [1]
2. Chicken
Any poultry product, such as chicken fat or chicken by-product meal, may smell delicious for many dogs. But it can set off a nasty food allergy. Turkey meal or duck can be used as a protein source instead.
3. Beef
Surprisingly, beef is one of the most common food allergies, and the ingredient is majorly used in dog foods. Look for foods that have menhaden fish meal, pumpkin seeds, pea flour, etc. as their source of protein.
4. Egg
Your dog’s digestive system may react negatively to the proteins present in egg yolks. Many dog foods utilize eggs as a binding agent, so look out for the ingredient lists.
5. Wheat
Just like humans, dogs may develop food allergies towards gluten, primarily wheat. However, hypoallergenic foods are mindful of using ingredients like sweet potato and ground potatoes for carb content, rather than wheat.
6. Soy
Allergic reaction to soy could range from slightly itchy skin to developing hives. A manufacturer may use soy as a cheap plant protein filler.
Important Features To Consider
Protein Source
The principal trigger of food allergies is usually proteins. Dog food for allergies would utilize lamb meal, fish meal, bison or kangaroo meat, venison, or any other ‘exotic’ meat to make up for the absence of commercial protein sources.
Limited Ingredients
Prescription dog foods usually have a single source of protein and a few veggies. If the ingredient box is too complicated and lengthy, there’s a higher risk of common allergens being added in. Words like omega three and omega 6 fatty acids and amino acids are acceptable, but too many chemical names should be a red flag.
Grain-Free
After proteins, many food allergies stem from your furry friend being unable to break down carbs contained in grains. Many puppies and adult dry dog food in the market utilize wheat, corn, and other grains as fillers. Look for dog foods marketed as a limited ingredient diet, along with the non-GMO tag attached.
Hypoallergenic
You may have gotten yourself a hypoallergenic breed of dog to save yourself from fur shedding. But these dogs are more susceptible to food allergies due to their weak immune system. Many foods could be allergens for dogs like these, so try choosing hypoallergenic dog foods only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if your dog is allergic to certain foods?
Allergy symptoms like skin allergies, slow immune response, ear infections, skin inflammation, and diarrhea could immediately point out certain dog food allergies.
Check up on your dog’s food, anything newly introduced or anything he has managed to eat sneakily. Visit your vet, who would recognize the exact causes for your dog’s allergy after a few check-ups. Their recommendation would be a limited ingredient diet, composed mainly of specialized food for dogs with allergies, along with medication.
What are some natural remedies to treat allergies?
To help your dog with food allergies, you could use some home remedies along with the prescription dog food products:
- Bromelain and Papain – Enzymes that break down protein, found in pineapple and papaya, respectively. It reduces pain and inflammation caused by certain food items.
- Quercetin – A flavonoid present in plants that impart their natural colors acts as an antioxidant, probiotics, antihistamine, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Oat Baths – Unless your dog is itching due to a yeast infection, you can boil oat straw in the water and mix it in your dog’s bath for a soothing effect on allergic itching.
- Thyme – The herb contains the same properties of flavonoids, but also has antiseptic and antifungal features, healing skin and yeast infections between your dog’s toes. Rub a combination of dry and fresh thyme on the affected areas to see results.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Using a mix of 50% warm water and 50% apple cider vinegar comes as great pet care advice. While washing away allergens accumulating on your dog’s paws, it would also combat rashes and itching. It’s usable on pet ears, but never on rashes and open wounds.
- Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera is acclaimed for its health benefits for people and is just as useful for dogs. Using only the gel part of the plant, many conditions like burns, itches, and hotspots on the skin can be soothed.
How long does it take for food allergies symptoms to subside?
The symptoms of food allergies are identified when they persist for more than two weeks without losing their intensity.
Dog owners should visit their veterinarian immediately, following which the canine would be put under a diet trial for another 2 weeks, which would also consist of the best food for dog with allergies.
How can I help my dog with allergies?
Allergies in a dog can significantly affect their immune system unless you include ingredients like fish oil, canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, beet pulp, or other limited ingredient diets. You need to identify the cause of allergy in your dog first. In case of any contact or inhalant allergies, consider dog home renovations, or changing the surroundings for your dog, completely.
Sensitive dogs’ reactions to certain foods can be severe. Finding the common culprit amongst the many things in your dog’s regular food is just a google search away. Reach out to your vet, who would suggest a limited ingredient diet comprising mainly of any of the best dog food options for allergies.
Lastly, dog owners must take care of their dog’s sensitive skin, nose, ears, and mouth.
Conclusion
Food allergies in dogs can turn nasty. From explosive loose motion to itchy skin and patchy fur, allergies in dogs could ruin both yours and your dog’s quality of life. Your pet dog has an immunity that takes care of himself in case of allergies, as humans do.
Your job is to take care of your dog’s diet and look out for the ingredient section for malicious ingredients. We think you can’t go wrong with TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef.
Dietary allergies are frustrating for both the owner and dog, but the food issue can only be solved by another food, which is much better. The bottom line here is that you will need to choose a good quality dog food for allergies, maybe even consulting a vet. Hopefully, this guide has helped answer your question regarding what dog food is best for allergies!
Editor's Choice
TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
- 100% freeze-dried raw beef meal
- Simple limited ingredients
- Can be rehydrated for softer pieces
- Appropriate for canines of all ages and breeds
- Easy to digest and fulfills energy requirements
