How do I know if my dog is allergic to his food?
Allergies can be bothersome to dogs like they are to humans. Itchiness, redness of the skin, watery eyes, and runny nose- it’s never comfortable for any dog.
Besides medication, dietary modification can help keep your dog away from these allergy symptoms.
However, before any diet changes, it’s crucial you first consult the vet.
A trained vet will help you understand what is triggering these allergy issues. Afterward, you can get the right hypoallergenic dry dog food fit for your dog with allergies.
VIDEO: Holistic Tips for Pet Allergies
Nevertheless, this blog has detailed everything you need to know about hypoallergenic or dog food for allergies.
We have also reviewed some of the best allergy-free dog food that your pup can eat.
Table of Contents
What food is hypoallergenic for dogs?
The term “novel protein” refers to a protein that is rare and new to your pet (they have never eaten it before). In these diets, there are typically no more common proteins such as lamb, chicken, and beef, but rather rare proteins such as duck, alligator, and kangaroo.
- rabbit.
- fish.
- insect.
- duck.
- venison.
Is Hypoallergenic Food Better for Dogs?
Hypoallergenic dog food reduces the risk of allergic reactions and other health problems. It can improve the condition of your dog’s coat. Your dog’s immune system can benefit from the extra protein, vitamins, and minerals they contain.
Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food The ame As Grain Free?
What is the difference between hypoallergenic dog food and grain-free dog food? Typically, grain-free foods do not contain grains. Some grain-free foods will not be hypoallergenic – often using ingredients such as beef, chicken, and dairy – whereas not all hypoallergenic foods will contain grains.
What Is The Most allergy Friendly Dog?
- Miniature Schnauzer.
- Peruvian Inca Orchid.
- Poodle.
- Portuguese Water Dog.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
- Spanish Water Dog.
- Standard Schnauzer.
- Xoloitzcuintli.
Best Dog Food for Allergies
The best dog food for dogs with allergies is the one that will cater to your dog’s food allergies or intolerance issues while still providing the right nutrition.
There are two types of diets suitable for dogs with allergies. Limited ingredient diet and hypoallergenic diet
What Is A Limited Ingredient Diet?
A limited ingredient compared to standard dog food has fewer ingredients that are easy to digest and gentle on your dog’s tummy. You will find such dog food has 5- 10 ingredients.
Next, we have the hypoallergenic diet.
A hypoallergenic diet contains a novel protein that your pet has never come across. This protein is hydrolyzed, rendering it invisible to the immune system.
The vet should only be the person who should advise you whether it’s the right time for your dog to start eating hypoallergenic dog food.
Pro Plan Hypoallergenic Dog Food
When searching for the best hypoallergenic dry dog food, you will probably come across Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dry Dog Food.
This vet diet is best for managing food allergies in dogs. It has a single hydrolyzed protein and purified carb source too subtle to cause any allergic reaction.
Purina pro plan dry dog food for allergies is perfect for all breed sizes and life stages.
Besides all that, this hypoallergenic dry dog food has omega fatty acids that reduce any inflammation on your dog’s skin.
What are Hypoallergenic Foods?
Hypoallergenic dog food is devoid of common allergens like chicken, lamb, and beef.
This type of dog food has hydrolyzed novel proteins like bison, pheasant, rabbit, and venison, which are less likely to trigger an immune response.
Worth Noting, the phrase hypoallergenic dog food is often misused by manufacturers in that no hypoallergenic dog food is superior to the rest.
Remember, no dog is similar to the other. What might be hypoallergenic food for your dog may not be the same for your neighbor’s dog.
That’s why it’s crucial you first know what triggers allergy issues in your dog.
The best hypoallergenic dog food you pick should consider your dog’s food allergies/ intolerance while providing the needed nutrients.
JustFoodForDogs Joint Skin Support
JustFoodForDogs Joint & skin support is a recipe formulated to improve your dog’s joint and skin health.
This nutrient-dense recipe contains pork loin and tenderloin, a novel protein enriched with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Iceland premium fish oil provides EPA and DHA, important omega fatty acids that promote your dog’s skin health.
Type 2 collagen and chondroitin sulfate reduces wear and tear in your dog’s joints.
Besides that, quinoa, kale, carrots, and Fuji apple are the source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that enrich all your dog’s body systems.
This type of diet is available in three types of sizes, a small box (7.8lbs), a medium box (23.6lbs), and a large box (31.5 lbs).
You can get the small box and watch how your dog reacts before getting the medium or large box. Moreover, you can purchase this formula once or have it on auto-ship.
Despite having this knowledge in your back pocket, descriptive marketing and thousands of options make the choice challenging still!
That’s where the Dog Food Specialists come in! We have taken the guess work out of Hypoallergenic dry dog food for you by analyzing the wide market to compile our top picks for you below!
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Best overall | |
First runner up | Zignature Venison Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
Low-fat hypoallergenic diet | |
Best for digestive upsets | Purina Beyond Simple Ingredient Farm-Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food |
Best veterinary exclusive diet | Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food |
First runner up vet exclusive vet | |
Best vegetarian diet | |
Best for skin allergies | Team Dog Salmon Meal & Herring Meal 30/25 Elite Blend Premium Dry Dog Food |
Best Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food
Brothers Complete Goat Meal & Egg Formula Advanced Allergy Care Healthy Weight Control Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Choosing this grain-free dry dog food from Brothers Complete will stop your dog’s skin allergy and tummy issues.
This dog food for skin allergies and digestion issues utilizes goat, turkey, and eggs as the primary protein source. These animal proteins promote healthy growth and repair of muscles.
Furthermore, this diet suitable for all dogs has intricately balanced nutrients to provide your Fido with complete nutrition.
The added probiotics strengthen the gut health of your dog’s tummy.
After starting your dog on this diet, episodes of bloating or loose stools will be a thing of the past!
First five ingredients; goat meal, whole eggs dried, turkey meal, cassava/tapioca, peas
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 30.0 % min |
Crude fat | 15.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 4.0 % max |
moisture | 10.0 % max |
Pros
- No high glycemic grains
- High protein content
- Enriched with prebiotics and probiotics
Cons
- Some dogs don’t like the taste of this diet
Best Hypoallergenic dog food
Zignature Venison Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Are you tired of dog foods labeled as the best hypoallergenic food for dogs but not living up to your expectations?
Well, you’re not alone. However, pet owners who have started their dogs on this limited ingredient diet from Zignature can attest that this dog food fulfills all their pet needs!
This grain-free hypoallergenic dog food is free of prime canine allergens like wheat, soy, or sorghum.
Moreover, this dry dog food utilizes venison, a novel protein, as its primary protein source, plus this dry dog food has taurine to keep your dog’s heart healthy. The added l-carnitine also promotes weight loss too!
The first five ingredients; venison, venison meal, chickpeas, peas, chickpeas flour
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 27.0 % min |
Crude fat | 16.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 5.0 %max |
moisture | 10.0 % max |
Pros
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Free of grains that trigger stomach issues
- Made from farm-raised venison- a novel protein source
Cons
- The pellets are too hard to chew for some dogs
Low Fat Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food
American Natural Premium Sensitive Care Dry Dog Food
The best dog food for ear allergies will keep your dog at ease while meeting its nutritional needs.
One of the best anti-allergy dog food that will not frustrate you is this American Natural Premium Dry Dog Food
Besides being good for allergies, this low-fat hypoallergenic dog food is suitable for dogs on a weight management program.
The chicken meal is the primary source of proteins that nourish your dog’s muscles.
The slow-release carbohydrates sources, oatmeal and oatmeal flour, are slow to digest—perfect for dogs with stomach issues.
First five ingredients: chicken meal, oatmeal, oat flour, potato, brown rice
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 22.0 % min |
Crude fat | 11.0% min |
Crude fiber | 6 % max |
moisture | 10.0 % max |
Pros:
- Highly digestible ingredients
- Made in the United States
- Enriched with probiotics
Cons:
- Dog owners say that the packaging is not easy to open or reseal
Best Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food for Digestion
Purina Beyond Simple Ingredient Farm-Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
This Purina beyond Simple Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a limited ingredient formulated in the United States. This diet has farm-raised chicken free of antibiotics as the primary source of proteins.
The fiber-rich ancient grains added to this diet ensure your dog has smooth digestion and well-formed stool.
This dog food has no corn, wheat, or soy, common culprits notorious for triggering allergy issues in dogs.
Moreover, this dog food is enriched with other minerals and vitamins to promote your furry friend’s general well-being.
Lastly, the omega fatty acids improve your dog’s skin and coat health.
First five ingredients: chicken, rice, whole barley, canola meal, chicken meal
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 24.0 % min |
Crude fat | 14.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 4.0 % max |
moisture | 12.0 % max |
Pros:
- This dog food has natural probiotics for gut healthy
- Free of byproduct meals, corn, wheat, or soy
- With omega fatty acids
Cons:
- Some dogs don’t find this dog food interesting
Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food
If you are afraid of over-the-counter hypoallergenic dry dog food, you should probably go for vet-exclusive dog food for allergies.
A great alternative is this dry dog food from Royal Canin. This Royal Canin Veterinary Diet for Adult Dogs has a hydrolyzed protein that is easily digestible and less likely to trigger an immunological reaction.
Besides that, this dog food has a single source of carbohydrates that is negligible to trigger any allergic reaction.
The EPA and DHA long-chain omega fatty acids promote proper cognitive function and your dog’s skin health.
The fiber and probiotics ensure your dog has a healthy tummy and smooth digestion.
This diet is suitable when practicing elimination diet trials or for the long-term management of dogs with allergy issues.
First five ingredients: Brewer’s rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp
Guarenteed Analysis
Crude protein | 19.5 % min |
Crude fat | 17.5 % min |
Crude fiber | 3.1 % max |
moisture | 10.0 % max |
Pros:
- Enriched with B vitamins and amino acids that promote skin health
- Compromises of hydrolyzed protein and single carbs source
- Enriched with omega fatty acids
Cons:
- Some pet owners say they found fungus in this dog food- probably might not be the manufacturer but how the product is stored during transit.
Vet Prescription Hypoallergenic Dog Food
First runner up vet exclusive diet: Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Dry Dog Food
Are you still looking for the best hypoallergenic dry dog food to ease your dog’s skin or stomach allergy issues? Then you should get this premium dog food from Hill’s prescription.
This unique formulation labeled as hills derm complete caters to dogs’ environmental and food allergies.
Moreover, this dog food for dogs with allergies has a single animal protein source that’s easy to digest.
The added nutrients in this Hills Allergy Dog Food support your dog’s immune system.
First five ingredients: brown rice, brewers rice, egg product, rice protein concentrate, soybean oil
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 13.5 % min |
Crude fat | 13.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 3.0 % max |
moisture | 10.0 max |
Pros:
- Best for all adult dogs
- Has a single protein source
- Enriched with vitamins
Cons:
- Small pellet size
Best Vegetarian Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care Dry Dog Food
Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care Dry Dog Food is allergy-free dog food perfect for dogs showing signs of intolerance to animal proteins.
This vegetarian formula features plant-based proteins that are easy to digest for your pup.
Moreover, this formula has no animal byproducts, GMOs, or added growth hormones, which is perfect for dogs with allergy issues.
The added coconut and omega fatty acids from flaxseed keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy.
There is also a healthy punch of chelated minerals that allows better nutrient absorption.
Also, you can either get the 4 lbs bag or 33 lbs bag per your preference.
First five ingredients: oats, soybean meal, rice, peas, coconut oil
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 22.0% min |
Crude fat | 9.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 7.5 % max |
moisture | 10.0 % max |
Pros:
- Features taurine perfect for heart health
- No animal byproducts or GMOs
- Enriched with omega fatty acids
Cons:
- This dog food has lots of carbohydrates sources
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Skin Allergies
Team Dog Salmon Meal & Herring Meal 30/25 Elite Blend Premium Dry Dog Food
This Team Dog Salmon Dry Dog Food is a hypoallergenic dog that caters to your dog’s allergy issues while leaving it yearning for more.
This mouthwatering meal has high-quality protein sourced from salmon and herring meal. These are novel protein sources less likely to cause tummy or skin allergy issues.
This Team Dog Salmon Meal and Herring Meal has a high EPA and DHA – omega fatty acids that promote skin and coat health, making it the best dog food for skin allergies.
Grains like corn, wheat or soy, and dairy products are all locked away, ensuring what your dog chows down will not cause any allergy issues.
Each cup supplies 577 calories, perfect for high-energy dogs.
First five ingredients: salmon meal, whole oats, canola oil, red lentils, herring meal
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 30 % min |
Crude fat | 25 % min |
Crude fiber | 3 % max |
moisture | 10 % max |
Pros:
- High-quality protein
- Gluten and GMO-free
- Enriched with prebiotics
Cons:
- Overall this dog food has good reviews- only a few complaints of some dogs getting diarrhea during the first few days of starting this diet.
Can You Give A Dog Homemade Dog Food For Allergies?
Anytime your dog is diagnosed with allergy issues, one of the best options is to place it on hypoallergenic homemade dog food.
This dog food is always a perfect option, more so practicing elimination diet trial as one now has control over what to feed the dog
Although a hypoallergenic raw dog food made at home might improve your dog allergy issues, it’s never a great option to follow.
Here is why it might not be the right path;
- There is always that risk of giving your dog a nutrient-deficient diet- more often because a dog owner might lack that capacity of correctly knowing how much protein/carbs/fats are in each recipe.
- There are always risks of having hypoallergenic raw dog food with salmonella or other bacteria infestation. The reason being you might have inadequate ways of sterilizing every food ingredient.
- Homemade hypoallergenic dog food might also aggravate allergy issues.
Thus, consult the vet or canine nutritionist before placing your dog on hypoallergenic homemade dog food.
What Is Food Allergy And Food Intolerance In Dogs?
Most pet owners will confuse food allergies and food intolerance in dogs as they have similar symptoms
Food allergy in dogs occurs when the immune system misidentifies certain ingredients. In turn, the immune system responds by attacking the misidentified ingredient.
Food intolerance does not involve the immune system. Instead, food intolerance occurs when your dog’s digestive system finds it hard to digest a particular ingredient in the food. An example is lactose intolerance.
Final Thoughts
Your dog with allergies deserves the best nutrition you can find out there in the market. After reading this blog, we know you are better informed as you prepare to purchase the best dry dog food for allergies for your troubled pup.
However, like any dog food, ensure you consult the vet on the best nutrients that should be included in your dog’s diet.
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract!
Discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health-read our blog on: The best Probiotic for Dogs.
