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8 Best Dog Foods for Schnauzers with Skin Allergies – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Samantha Reed

By Samantha Reed

Schnauzer puppy dog eating tasty dry food from bowl Schnauzers are loyal, obedient, and playful and are remarkable canines to have as part of your family. However, Schnauzers are known to suffer from skin allergies. Like humans, canines are susceptible to skin allergies caused by several factors, and the most common is food.

Although chicken is a common food allergen for dogs, it’s also one of the most prevalent ingredients in pet food. Choosing the perfect food for your allergy-prone pup might seem like a herculean task, but don’t worry. We’ve researched and compiled this list of reviews of the best dog food for Schnauzers with skin allergies.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service
  • Human-grade ingredients
  • Recipes are carefully crafted by vets
  • Recipes cater to allergies
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet
  • High-quality fish is the first ingredient
  • Inexpensive
  • Allergy-friendly
  • Third place
    Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient
  • Minimal ingredients
  • No chicken or beef
  • Free from wheat, corn, dairy, and eggs
  • Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy
  • Especially made for Schnauzers
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals
  • Easily digestible for sensitive stomachs
  • Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach
  • Rich in essential fatty acids
  • No soy, wheat, or corn
  • Includes salmon as the first ingredient
  • The 8 Best Dog Foods for Schnauzers With Skin Allergies

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service – Best Overall

    Main ingredients: Beef, sweet potato, carrots, beef liver, kale, salmon oil
    Protein content: 11%
    Fat content: 8%
    Calories: 361 kcal per ½ lb

    The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service that delivers custom, fresh, made-to-order dog food to your door. Regarding dogs with allergies, you can’t get a better custom product than The Farmer’s Dog. Not only is the food formulated for your dog’s individual needs, but it offers the best overall nutrition since it is crafted specifically for your Schnauzer’s age, weight, activity levels, and allergies.

    We created a profile for a Schnauzer with food allergies to see which recipes The Farmer’s Dog would recommend. Since it’s filled with USDA-certified beef, beef liver, and whole vegetables, the pre-portioned fresh beef recipe is ideal for the sensitive Schnauzer’s needs. The Farmer’s Dog is a premium dog food that is our pick for the best overall choice for Schnauzers with skin allergies.

    Pros
    • Human-grade ingredients
    • Recipes are carefully crafted by vets
    • Recipes cater to allergies and dietary restrictions
    Cons
    • US shipping only
    • Food must stay frozen

    2. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Dog Food – Budget Buy

    NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Fish, whole potatoes, water, sunflower oil
    Protein content: 7%
    Fat content: 6%
    Calories: 549 kcal per can

    While this canned food from NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet might not be the best overall, it is a prime choice for a limited-ingredient recipe on a budget. As a limited-ingredient recipe, the main star is high-quality fish as the main ingredient. It’s designed to include fewer ingredients, so it doesn’t trigger your dog’s allergies.

    Chances are, if your dog has food allergies, they are more likely to tolerate a limited-ingredient recipe. Nutro only contains five ingredients. With fish as the first ingredient, it solidifies its place on our list. However, including potatoes is a bit overwhelming; while potatoes are not bad for dogs, there is a large quantity in this formula. While this isn’t the best dog food for skin allergies, it is the best limited-ingredient recipe for the money.

    Pros
    • High-quality fish is the first ingredient
    • Inexpensive
    • Limited ingredient recipe
    • Allergy-friendly
    Cons
    • Lots of potatoes included

    3. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet

    Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Turkey and Potato

    Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, tomato
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 12%
    Calories: 430 kcal/cup

    Wellness’ Simple Limited Ingredient Diet recipe works well for most dogs suffering from food-related skin allergies. Not only does this recipe contain premium ingredients, but the no-nonsense approach to the formula is also a match made in heaven for food-sensitive dogs.

    The Wellness recipe contains turkey, turkey broth, and potatoes: a limited ingredient yet nutritional food profile. The fact that this recipe chooses turkey broth over water gives it even more bonus points on our list. The broth’s excellent protein and nutrient boost adds to the formula without introducing any new potential allergens. In addition, the Wellness recipe has no wheat, gluten, corn, dairy, or eggs.

    Pros
    • Minimal ingredients
    • No chicken or beef
    • Free from wheat, corn, dairy, and eggs
    • Allergy-friendly
    Cons
    • Lots of potatoes included
    • Contains peas

    4. Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy

    Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy

    Main ingredients: Chicken meal, brewer’s rice, brown rice, chicken fat
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 12%
    Calories: 342 kcal/cup

    If you have a puppy in your family, you want to start them off on the best possible foot with a well-balanced, allergy-friendly diet. It’s hard to pass up a food formulated for your puppy’s needs. Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer is a well-known, vet-supported, and promoted food brand, with good reason.

    The recipe is specifically formulated for your Schnauzer pup and contains all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to grow. With natural fiber to support your pup’s digestive health and less fat, it can help maintain a healthy weight in growing puppies. Since it also has prebiotics for a healthy immune system, Royal Canin’s puppy food is a classic hit. Packed with antioxidants, proteins, and healthy fats, Royal Canin will help keep your puppy active and happy.

    Pros
    • Made for Schnauzers
    • Packed with vitamins and minerals
    • Easily digestible for sensitive stomachs
    • Prebiotics and antioxidant-rich formula
    Cons
    • Contains questionable ingredients
    • Expensive for puppies

    5. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach

    Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice

    Main ingredients: Salmon, barley, oatmeal, fish meal, beef fat
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 467 kcal/cup

    Pet owners should be no strangers to the Purina brand. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach aims to be a more inclusive product line designed for adult dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. It’s a highly digestible formula with carefully selected ingredients to limit your dog’s exposure to potential allergens.

    Featuring salmon and sunflower oil, which are both rich in omega-6 and omega-3, this formula is designed to help soothe and improve your dog’s skin and coat. It’s packed full of vitamin A for brain and eye development, B vitamins for skin and digestive health, and vitamin E as an antioxidant.

    Purina Pro Plan’s formula is a clear winner for supporting your dog’s overall well-being. With a gentle formula that’s packed full of nutritional benefits, it’s hard to overlook this brand in your food search.

    Pros
    • Rich in essential fatty acids
    • No soy, wheat, or corn
    • Includes salmon as the first ingredient
    Cons
    • Strong fish smell
    • Expensive

    6. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Food

    Merrick Limited Ingredient Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe

    Main ingredients: Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice
    Protein content: 8%
    Fat content: 6%
    Calories: 402 kcal/can

    If your beloved Schnauzer suffers from allergies, this is an outstanding option. Merrick’s Limited Ingredient Turkey and Brown Rice recipe is a must-have with a limited ingredient list that uses whole animal proteins and is grain-inclusive. It is made from only a few carefully selected ingredients, including deboned turkey, turkey broth, and turkey liver.

    You can guarantee your dog receives premium nutrition and high-quality protein while eliminating common allergens. For a limited-ingredient formula, the macronutrients are impressive. The recipe has 41% protein, 23% fat, and 28% carbohydrates.

    You can count on Merrick to provide complete and balanced nutrition free from common allergens and irritants like dairy and eggs. We only wish the crude protein content was higher since 8% can be considered low, considering the amount of turkey in the recipe.

    Pros
    • High-quality ingredients
    • Turkey is the first ingredient
    • Well-balanced nutrient content
    • Grain inclusive
    Cons
    • Low crude protein percentage
    • Not friendly to a grain-sensitive dog

    7. Taste of the Wild PREY Turkey Formula

    Taste of the Wild PREY Turkey Formula

    Main ingredients: Turkey, lentils, sunflower oil, tomato
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 416 kcal/cup

    This formula is specially crafted for dogs of all life stages, from puppies to seniors. With turkey listed as the first ingredient, this limited-ingredient recipe is easily digestible and ideal for any dog suffering from food sensitivities. Turkey is not a common allergen for dogs, and it is the primary source of protein in this recipe.

    Most of the other ingredients are nutritional supplements. We like that Taste of the Wild PREY has added probiotics for sensitive stomachs. It also has no grain, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, making it an amazing choice for dogs with skin allergies. Even better, the omega fatty acids can help support and repair your dog’s skin and coat, which take quite a beating during an allergy flair-up.

    Pros
    • Suitable for all life stages
    • Real turkey as the first ingredient
    • Allergy-friendly
    Cons
    • High carbohydrate content

    8. Canidae PURE goodness Limited Ingredient

    Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon and Sweet Potato

    Main ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, lentils, sweet potatoes
    Protein content: 32%
    Fat content: 14%
    Calories: 459 kcal/cup

    Packed with high-quality protein like salmon, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal, Canidae’s limited ingredient recipe deserves a place on our list. Despite opposition to meal products in dog food, they are not actually harmful ingredients. Salmon meal, for example, is just cooked down salmon that is more concentrated because it has less moisture.

    Meal products are typically more condensed protein sources than whole meat, though the ideal food will have a healthy mix of both. The fact that all the protein sources come from fish in this recipe gives it bonus points; dogs are rarely sensitive to fish in their foods.

    Boasting just eight simple ingredients, this powerhouse meal includes hearty vegetables and a blend of probiotics, antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. Without any fillers or common allergy triggers like corn, wheat, soy, chicken, dairy, or eggs, this formula is a great choice for your pup.

    However, the formula includes peas, so we had to knock it down a few spots on our list.

    Pros
    • Quality fish protein as the first ingredient
    • Limited ingredient recipe
    Cons
    • High carbohydrate content
    • Includes peas

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    Buyers Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Schnauzer With Skin Allergies

    We understand that finding the best food for your Schnauzer is a daunting task. If your dog has food sensitivities, that task becomes insurmountably more difficult.

    Following this buyer’s guide will help you navigate the multitudes of recipes, brands, formulas, labels, and ingredients saturating the dog food market. Our list is a great starting point, but here are some tips and tricks to navigate the dog food market for your Schnauzer.

    General Nutritional Recommendations for Schnauzers

    Protein in your dog’s food should come from animal-based sources. Look for premium proteins like red meats, poultry, and fish. They are also called complete proteins because they contain the essential amino acids your dog needs for growth and maintaining their muscles. Schnauzers have difficulty processing excess fat in their diet, and many are prone to conditions like pancreatitis. You can feed your dog a lower fat diet as a preventative measure.

    Also, carbohydrates in your dog’s food need to come from digestible sources. Whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal are digestible carbohydrates. However, some dogs, especially dogs with food allergies, are sensitive to grains.  Substitutions like sweet potatoes, potatoes, or beans can be good alternatives.

    Shopping Tips

    When shopping for food for your pet, trying to decipher ingredients can cause a major headache. Here are some of the most beneficial ingredients and combinations you should be on the lookout for when selecting food for your Schnauzer.

    Protein

    Protein is one of the most essential ingredients for your dog’s food. Look for recipes with at least one whole protein source, like beef, turkey, or fish.

    Fiber and Probiotics

    Finding foods with added fiber and probiotics is necessary for your dog to have a healthy digestive tract.

    Antioxidants

    They are necessary for your dog’s immune system, brain functions, and eye health. When choosing a recipe, make sure there are added antioxidants from fruits and veggies or supplements to ensure your dog gets the well-rounded nutrition they need.

    Omega Fatty Acids

    Omega-fatty acids in your dog’s meals will help nurture their skin and coat. Omegas, like fish oil, will soothe your dog’s skin and keep it healthy. They will also aid in keeping their fur shiny, strong, and healthy. If your dog suffers from skin allergies, omega-fatty acids are essential to help them rebuild their skin and fur.

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    Final Thoughts

    You can enter the pet store well-armed with the knowledge of what to look for in your dog’s food. The Farmer’s Dog is our best overall choice; it’s hard to beat the pure customization levels it provides your dog. NUTRO’s limited-ingredient wet dog food provides an excellent, low-cost solution for mealtime.

    If you’re on a tight budget, the Wellness Limited Turkey and Potato recipe is a perfect premium choice for your needs.  For puppies, there is no better than Royal Canin’s Miniature Schnauzer Puppy formula. Lastly, the vet’s choice, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, can’t be beaten in terms of allergy-friendly formulas. Nutrition is essential for your dog, and ensuring your furry friend gets the necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein they need should be easier with these reviews.


    Featured Image Credit: Maximilian100, Shutterstock

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