10 Best Dog Foods for Allergies – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
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Whether it’s because of environmental allergies, food allergies, or sensitivities to certain ingredients, some dogs can suffer from an array of unpleasant issues. Finding the right kind of food for your allergic pup can be a challenge, but the right nutrition is essential to keep them happy and healthy. To help you pick out the best dog foods for your pooch, we’ve rounded up the top 10 dog food options for allergies, along with reviews of each one.
Each of these products contains balanced nutrition, tailored to help your pup feel their best and address any allergies or sensitivities they may have. Keep reading to find out which option is right for your furry friend!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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The Farmer's Dog |
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Check Price + Get Free Shipping |
Budget Buy
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Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Ric |
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Check Price |
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ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog F |
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Check Price |
| Best for Puppies |
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Forza10 Nutraceutic Legend Puppy Icelandic Salmon & Lamb Recipe Grain- |
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Check Price |
| Vet’s Choice |
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Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Allergies
1. The Farmer’s Dog – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Customized based on dog’s needs |
| Protein content: | Varies |
| Fat content: | Varies |
| Calories: | Varies |
The Farmer’s Dog takes the top spot for best overall dog food for allergies because it offers a fully customized meal plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Their recipes use fresh, whole-food ingredients that are pre-portioned and delivered to your door. The Farmer’s Dog works with veterinarians to create the best possible meal plan for your dog, taking into account their breed, age, weight, and any known allergies or sensitivities. However, it is pricey compared to other options and does require a subscription.
- Fully customized meal plans
- Made with fresh, whole-food ingredients
- Vet-approved recipes
- Pre-portioned and delivered to your door
- Pricey compared to other options
- Requires subscription
2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew Canned Dog Food – Budget Buy
| Main ingredients: | Turkey, Pork Liver, Brown Rice |
| Protein content: | 5% |
| Fat content: | 3% |
| Calories: | 260 kcal/ can |
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew offers the best dog food for allergies for the money, providing a quality, allergy-friendly dog food at an affordable price. This canned dog food is specifically formulated for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin issues. It contains easily digestible ingredients like turkey and brown rice, along with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. However, it may not be suitable for all dog breeds or life stages.
- Affordable option for allergy-friendly dog food
- Specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs and skin
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E
- Not suitable for all dog breeds or life stages
3. ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Oats |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 371 kcal/cup |
ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains is a premium choice for dog owners looking for a high-quality, gluten-free option to address their dog’s allergies. This dry dog food features a protein-rich recipe with free-run chicken and turkey, along with wholesome grains like oats and sorghum. It is also free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. ACANA prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and adhering to strict quality standards. However, it is more expensive compared to other options.
- High-quality, gluten-free option
- Protein-rich recipe with free-run poultry
- Wholesome grains included
- Free from common allergens
- More expensive than other options
4. Forza10 Nutraceutic Legend Puppy Icelandic Salmon & Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, Lamb, Sweet Potatoes |
| Protein content: | 8.5% |
| Fat content: | 9.5% |
| Calories: | 366 kcal/3.5 oz can |
Forza10 Nutraceutic Legend Puppy Icelandic Salmon & Lamb Recipe is an excellent choice for puppies with allergies. This grain-free canned dog food features a combination of Icelandic salmon and lamb, providing high-quality protein sources that are less likely to cause allergic reactions than more common ones such as chicken and turkey. Sweet potatoes serve as a healthy and easily digestible carbohydrate source. The formula also contains added vitamins and minerals to support the growth and development of your young pet. However, when your puppy grows up, you will have to change foods, because this formula is not suitable for adult dogs.
- Designed specifically for puppies and kittens
- Grain-free formula
- High-quality protein sources
- Contains added vitamins and minerals
- Not suitable for adult dogs
5. Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice |
| Protein content: | 24% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Calories: | 240 kcal/cup |
Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe is a veterinarian-recommended option for dogs with allergies. This dry dog food is made from high-quality ingredients like deboned lamb and whole grain brown rice, which are less likely to trigger allergies compared to more common protein and grain sources. The formula is designed to promote a healthy weight, making it an ideal choice for dogs that need to shed a few pounds. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids for overall health and well-being. However, it may not be suitable for puppies and senior dogs
- Veterinarian recommended
- High-quality, allergy-friendly ingredients
- Promotes healthy weight
- Contains essential vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids
- Not suitable for all life stages or breeds
6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Tapioca Starch |
| Protein content: | 11% |
| Fat content: | 4% |
| Calories: | 168 kcal/cup |
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet offers a grain-free option for adult dogs with allergies. This dry dog food features deboned turkey as the primary protein source, along with easily digestible carbohydrates like tapioca starch and potatoes. The limited ingredient formula helps reduce the chance of allergic reactions, while still providing essential nutrients to support overall health. However, like other foods on this list, it may not be suitable for puppies or senior dogs.
- Limited ingredient diet
- Grain-free formula
- High-quality protein source
- Supports overall health
- Not suitable for puppies or senior dogs
7. Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal |
| Protein content: | 32% |
| Fat content: | 14% |
| Calories: | 480 kcal/cup |
Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is another excellent choice for dogs with allergies. This dry dog food features a high-protein formula with salmon as the main ingredient, along with sweet potatoes for a healthy and easily digestible carbohydrate source. The limited ingredient recipe helps minimize potential allergens and is free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives. However, it’s a little higher in fat than other options so it may not be ideal for an overweight dog.
- Limited ingredient diet
- High-protein formula
- Healthy carbohydrate source
- Free from common allergens and artificial additives
- Higher in fat than other options
8. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes |
| Protein content: | 30% |
| Fat content: | 8% |
| Calories: | 366 kcal/treat |
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula is a grain-free dry dog food designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. The formula features sweet potatoes and fish as the main ingredients, providing a healthy balance of protein and carbohydrates without common allergens like corn, wheat, or soy. This dog food also includes essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
- Limited ingredient diet
- Grain-free formula
- Healthy protein and carbohydrate sources
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- Not suitable for all life stages
9. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Chicken-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Lamb, Lentils, Chickpeas |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 341 kcal/cup |
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Chicken-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe is a grain-free dry dog food specifically designed for dogs with allergies. This formula features deboned lamb as the main ingredient, with lentils and chickpeas providing an easily digestible carbohydrate source. The limited ingredient recipe helps reduce the risk of allergic reactions while still providing essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
- Limited ingredient diet
- Grain-free formula
- High-quality protein sources
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- Not suitable for puppies or senior dogs
10. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes |
| Protein content: | 25% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 417 kcal/cup |
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula is a dry dog food designed to minimize the risk of allergies in adult dogs. The formula features salmon as the primary protein source, along with potatoes for a healthy and easily digestible carbohydrate source. This limited-ingredient diet is free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, and contains essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health. However, it’s a little higher in calories than other foods on the list.
- Limited ingredient diet
- Grain-free formula
- High-quality protein source
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- Higher in calories
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Dog Foods for Allergies
When choosing dog food for allergies, it’s essential to consider your dog’s specific needs and sensitivities. Here are some tips to help you find the right dog food for your furry friend:
Consult Your Veterinarian
If you aren’t sure what your dog is allergic to, consult your veterinarian. This is an important first step before trying to find dog food to decrease your dog’s allergies and can save you money since you won’t have to try different foods to narrow down ingredients. Your vet can help you identify your dog’s specific allergies and recommend appropriate dog food options that fit your dog’s needs and your budget.
Look for Limited Ingredient Diets/Novel Proteins
Limited-ingredient diets often feature fewer potential allergens, making them a good choice for dogs with allergies. Common allergens for dogs include chicken, beef, wheat, and soy. Limited ingredient diets usually lack wheat and soy and often use novel proteins such as salmon and lamb instead of chicken and beef.
Consider Grain-Free Options
Some dogs have allergies or sensitivities to grains, so opting for a grain-free formula can help alleviate these allergies. Note that grains are actually beneficial to dogs unless they’re allergic, and grain-free diets have been linked to heart disease in dogs, possibly due to the peas that are usually used to replace grains. So, unless your dog has a grain allergy, a grain-free diet may not be necessary for your dog. It’s important to speak to your vet if you have any concerns about grains in your dog’s diet.
Prioritize High-Quality Protein Sources
Opt for dog foods with high-quality and specific protein sources that are less likely to cause allergic reactions, such as salmon, turkey, or lamb. Avoid foods containing generic ingredients such as “meat by-products” because they could have potential allergens mixed in.
Read Reviews
Check customer reviews to see how other dogs with allergies have fared on the dog food you’re considering.
Common Food Allergies in Dogs
Dogs, like humans, can also suffer from food allergies. These allergies occur when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a protein in their food as harmful and mounts an immune response. The most common food allergies in dogs are primarily related to proteins found in specific ingredients. Here are some of the most common food allergens in dog food:
- Beef: Beef is a common ingredient in many dog foods and can be a source of allergies for some dogs. If your dog shows signs of an allergy, consider trying a different protein source.
- Chicken: Chicken is another common ingredient in dog food that can cause allergies. Some dogs may react to chicken proteins, necessitating a switch to alternative protein sources.
- Dairy: Dogs can also be lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products like milk and cheese. It’s best to avoid giving your dog dairy-based treats if they show signs of intolerance or an allergy.
- Eggs: Eggs are sometimes included in dog food as a protein source, and some dogs may develop an allergy to egg proteins. If you suspect an egg allergy, opt for dog food without egg ingredients.
- Soy: Soy is occasionally used as a protein source or filler in dog food. Some dogs may be allergic to soy, so it’s essential to check the ingredients list if your dog exhibits allergy symptoms.
- Wheat: Wheat is a common ingredient in dog food and can cause allergies in some dogs. If your dog has a wheat allergy, look for grain-free or alternative grain options in their food.
Recognizing the Signs of Food Allergies in Dogs: Short-Term and Long-Term Signs
Food allergies in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways, both in the short term and long term. Recognizing the signs of food allergies is crucial for identifying the presence of a food allergy and taking appropriate action to manage it. Here’s a breakdown of short-term and long-term signs of food allergies in dogs:
Short-Term Signs
- Itching and Scratching: One of the most common short-term signs of food allergies in dogs is excessive itching and scratching. This may be concentrated around the head, neck, or ears, but it can also affect other areas of the body.
- Skin Irritation: Along with itching, food allergies can cause skin irritation, such as redness, bumps, or rashes. These may appear soon after consuming the allergen.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea can be an immediate response to a food allergy. If you notice these symptoms shortly after your dog eats, it could be a sign of a food allergy.
- Swelling: Some dogs may experience swelling, particularly around the face or paws, as a short-term reaction to a food allergen.
Long-Term Signs
- Chronic Ear Infections: Recurring ear infections can be a sign of a long-term food allergy in dogs. If your dog frequently suffers from ear infections, it’s worth considering whether a food allergy could be the underlying cause.
- Persistent Gastrointestinal Issues: Ongoing gastrointestinal problems, such as chronic diarrhea or vomiting, can indicate a long-term food allergy. If these symptoms persist despite treatment, consult your veterinarian about the possibility of a food allergy.
- Hair Loss and Skin Lesions: Continuous itching and scratching due to a food allergy can lead to hair loss and skin lesions over time. These issues may become more severe if the allergy remains unaddressed.
- Weight Loss: Long-term food allergies can cause weight loss in dogs, particularly if they are experiencing persistent gastrointestinal issues.
- Lethargy: Dogs with long-term food allergies may exhibit signs of lethargy or decreased energy levels, especially if they are not receiving proper nutrition due to an allergen in their diet.
If you notice any of these short-term or long-term signs of food allergies in your dog, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for guidance. They can help you identify the allergen and recommend an appropriate diet to manage the allergy. In some cases, an elimination diet may be necessary to pinpoint the specific allergen and find a suitable alternative. Remember, your dog’s health and well-being depend on your vigilance in identifying and addressing any potential food allergies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 5 picks for the best dog foods for allergies are The Farmer’s Dog for Best Overall, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew Canned Dog Food as the Budget buy, ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food, Forza10 Nutraceutic Legend Puppy Icelandic Salmon & Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food as the Best for Puppies, and Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food as our Vet’s Choice.
If you’re looking for dog food that will help alleviate your pup’s allergies, any of these options are sure to be a great fit. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations and advice when choosing the best food for your pup. You can help keep your canine companion healthy and happy with the right diet! Remember, it’s essential to read reviews and consult with your veterinarian before making a decision on the best dog food for your pet’s allergies.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
