Is your dog having allergies? Well, you are definitely not alone. Food allergies in dogs are rare, but they can be hard to point out.
You cannot ignore the symptoms, and it is also not pleasant to watch your dog in distress over dermatitis. The painful part is that your dog might be suffering due to the food it eats, and it can boil down to just one ingredient in the food.
The best solution to this issue is to switch to the best dog food for dogs with allergies. Many dog food brands are now aware of common health issues associated with dogs, and almost all the top brands are now making dog foods that cater to the unique needs of dogs with allergies.
Here are our top picks of this best dog food for allergies:
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The brand “Purina” is no longer strange to pet owners across the globe, and many know it as one of the top brands in the pet food market. This dry dog food is formulated for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.
It contains highly digestible recipes and carefully selected ingredients to minimize the exposure of your dog food allergens. This food is ideal for dogs of all sizes and breeds. The number one ingredient of this food is Salmon.
It also contains sunflower oil and fish oil, which provide your pet with sufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. This food contains vitamins including Vitamin B such as B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12 for skin, heart, and digestive health, and vitamin A for maintaining and developing the brain and eye. Also found in this food is natural prebiotic fiber for enhanced digestive health.
This food is also very easy for dogs to digest and it is gentle on the digestive system, thanks to the perfect blend of ground rice, barley, canola meal, and oatmeal. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin from sources like salmon meal and fish meal, to provide your pet with healthy joints and bones.
Other ingredients in this food include natural flavoring, brewers dried yeast, and chicory root inulin. It is free from corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, and other artificial ingredients.
The protein content of this food is 26 percent while the crude fat is 16 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent with a calorie content of 429 kilocalories per cup.
The Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for allergies, and it is the number one choice for many pet owners with sensitive dogs.
As the name states, this dog food has limited ingredients with Turkey as the major source of protein. Turkey is a novel protein, as it is not a common protein source in many dog foods. If your dog is sensitive to chicken, then the best alternative you have is turkey.
This food also contains potato, which is a great source of easy to digest carbohydrates. To aid digestion and improve the digestive system of your dog, this food contains natural sources of prebiotics and probiotics.
It is completely free of corn, grains, gluten, soy, wheat, and other fillers that might be detrimental to the health of your dog. It is not artificially preserved, colored, or flavored, making it a great option for dogs with skin allergies.
It also contains flaxseed, which is an excellent source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy and shiny. It contains 26 percent protein and 12 percent fat. The crude fiber content is 5.5 percent while the calorie content is 430 kilocalories per cup.
The Acana Singles Limited Ingredients Dry Dog Food contains an impressive 60 percent of its featured meat protein, and the remaining 40 percent consists of some veggies, fruits, and a serving of probiotics for enhanced digestive health.
This formula is 100 percent grain-free and it does not contain tapioca or other allergens that upset the stomach of your dog. This food also features a generous infusion of freeze-dried lamb liver for additional nutritional benefits.
This highly palatable formula is a great pick for fussy eaters, and many pet owners testified that their dog’s allergy symptoms reduced enormously a few months of switching to this food. It is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but it is worth the cost, as it contains high-quality ingredients that are gentle on the digestive system.
It contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, and it is ideal for dogs of all breed sizes and age range. It also contains an impressive 27 percent protein and 17 percent fat.
The crude fiber content of this food is 6 percent, with a calorie content of 392 kilocalories per cup. This food features the right amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also supports healthy bones and joints, thanks to the added chondroitin and glucosamine.
This advanced allergy care dog food from Brothers is one of the best dog food for dogs with allergies. This food is super rich in protein and it is 100 percent grain-free. The first five ingredients of this food are turkey meal, whole eggs dried, pea starch, cassava, and peas. With the turkey meal and dried eggs as the primary protein sources.
This food does not contain potatoes, and it is also free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Rather, this food contains cassava plant as a low GI source of quality carbohydrates. This dry dog food tends to stand out from the market because of its unique formula that focuses on healing as much as prevention.
This food contains digestive enzymes to improve digestion and enhance nutrient absorption during the process. It also contains a powerful blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system of your dog and to help with quick recovery. This food contains a whopping 36 percent protein and 16 percent fat. The crude fiber content is 4 percent with a calorie content of 415 kilocalories per cup.
Veterinarians and pet nutritionists formulated this dry dog food, and it caters to the different needs of dogs such as weight management, sensitive stomach & skin, and allergies. This is one of the best dog food for dogs with skin allergies, as it was formulated to help enhance their coat and skin.
It contains essential nutrients and various vitamins to boost the immune system. One fascinating thing about this food is that it is ideal for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and activity levels such as blue heelers..
This high-protein formula contains a single protein source, which is hydrolyzed salmon, and it also helps to aid digestion. This food also contains salmon oil and sunflower, which are rich in omega fatty acids to benefit coat and skin health. This food contains a limited number of ingredients, which help to minimize the chances of potential allergen whilst still providing your pet with all the nutrients it needs.
It also contains natural salmon flavor flaxseed, and other vitamins and minerals sources. The probiotics in this food support optimal gut health, while vitamin A helps with the maintenance and development of the brain and eyes.
This formula is completely grain-free and it does not contain potato. Rather, it uses peas as an alternative carb source to maintain healthy energy levels.
Furthermore, this food is free from gluten, wheat, corn, soy, fillers, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This food contains 25 percent protein and 13 percent crude fat. The maximum fiber content is 3 percent with a calorie content of 338 kcal/cup.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or itchy skin, the Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive System Adult Formula Dry Dog Food is one of the best options to consider. This dry kibble formula is super rich in protein and it is also very tasty.
The primary protein source of this food is salmon, and it is less likely to trigger allergies in dogs compared to other protein sources. Salmon is also rich in essential fatty acids, to provide your pet with a healthy coat and skin.
This food also contains a great source of glucosamine to enhance the mobility and joint health of your dog. Other ingredients in this food include pearled barley, corn gluten meal, liver flavor, oatmeal, fish oil (a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids), dried peas, and carrots. These ingredients also provide natural antioxidants to provide your pet with a healthy immune system.
It also supports a healthy heart and strong muscles, thanks to the vitamin A content. The vitamin B group in this food helps to maintain healthy gums, teeth, bright eyes, and healthy energy levels.
All the ingredients used to make this food are stomach-friendly and they are easily digestible. This food contains 26 percent protein and 16 percent crude fat. The maximum crude fiber content is 3 percent with an impressive calorie content of 438 kilocalories per cup.
If you are looking for the best dog food for dogs with allergies that will not leave a hole in your pocket, then this is the dog food for you. This dry dog food was formulated by Chef Rachel Ray and it is 100 percent grain-free.
This food contains only 6 ingredients and it comes at a pocket-friendly rate. It also features a blend of chelated minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to help your dog maintain optimal health.
The number one ingredient in this limited ingredient formula is lamb, and it is a healthful protein. This food does not contain common allergens such as wheat, corn, or soy, making it a great option for pets with sensitivities. It is also free of poultry by-product meals, fillers, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
It also contains chicken fat, which is a rich source of fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The protein content of this food is 20 percent while the fat content is 13 percent. It contains a maximum of 4 percent fiber with a calorie content of 321 kilocalories per cup.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the best dogs for allergies. This formula is very rich in protein and it contains high-quality protein sources. The first five ingredients of this food are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, and menhaden fish meal.
This formula is 100 percent grain-free and it is also calorie-dense. It is an adult formula and it is suitable for small, medium, and large breed dogs. This food is formulated to keep allergies at bay.
It is nutrient-rich and tasty as well. It also contains the patented LifeSource Bits of Blue, which is a special blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system, a healthy oxidation balance, and life stage requirements. This food also contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help maintain the coat and skin of your furry friend.
It is made with a precise mix of calories and carbs to fuel the active life of your dog. This food does not contain any poultry by-product meals, wheat, soy, or corn. It is not artificially preserved, colored, or flavored.
The protein content of this food is a whopping 34 percent while the fat content is 15 percent. It also boasts of an impressive calorie content of 415 kilocalories per cup with a crude fiber content of 6 percent.
It is loaded with plenty of veggies and fruits, which are also natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy and strong bones. Dogs love this food, as it is packed with the delicious real salmon dogs instinctively craves.
CANIDAE is another top brand in the dog food market. This is another protein-rich formula that caters to the common health issues of dogs. The ingredients in this food are gentle on the digestive system, and it is also suitable for dogs with allergies and sensitivities.
The first five ingredients of this food are salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, and peas. Despite having limited ingredients, this food is not low on taste.
This highly delicious and nutrient-filled diet is made with about eight ingredients. The number one protein source is real salmon. The sweet potato is there to provide your pet with complex carbs, which are easier to digest. This dog food is not only for dogs with sensitivity, but it is also a healthy option for all dogs.
This food is completely free of grains, and it does not contain any filler, corn, wheat, gluten, and soy. It is also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It contains a blend of probiotics to aid digestion.
This food helps to keep your dog smart and sharp, thanks to its precise blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is also an excellent choice for fussy eaters, thanks to its savory aroma and delicious taste.
The protein content of this food is 32 percent while the fat content is an impressive 18 percent. It is calorie-dense, with a calorie count of 496 kilocalories per cup, while the maximum crude fiber content is 4 percent.
Popular with pet nutritionists and veterinarians, Hill’s Science is one of the top brands in the dog food and supplements market. This food is formulated to combat the effect of allergies or a poor diet that reflects on the physical appearance of a dog.
This dog food is ideal for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes such as large breed pitbulls.. This food contains great protein sources such as real chicken, lamb, and salmon. It also features a blend of whole-grain sorghum, brewers rice, pork fat, and cracked pearled barley.
The recipe also contains special ingredients for the coat health of your dog. All the ingredients used to make this food are a product of the United States. This food also contains optimal levels of probiotics and prebiotics to enhance digestibility. It also contains Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which are good for dogs with coat and skin allergies.
In addition to improved digestibility, this formula also enhances the immune system of your dog with the help of vitamin C and vitamin E. This dry dog food is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making it ideal for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs. It is made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients with an optimal blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
However, the protein content of this food is a bit low, as it contains only 21 percent protein. The crude fat content is 12 percent, the maximum fiber content is 4 percent, and the calorie content is 392 kcal/cup.
The next dog food on our list is the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredients Grain-Free Formula. This is undoubtedly one of the best dog food for dogs with allergies. This limited ingredient diet does an amazing job for dogs with skin allergies and food sensitivities. This food offers three major benefits: healthy muscle development, healthy skin & coat, and healthy immune system.
It contains essential carbs and proteins to provide your pet with a nutritionally balanced diet. It also comes with optimal levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to enhance the skin and coat health of your dog. This food is loaded with vitamins and minerals and it contains a single-animal protein source, which is deboned salmon.
It does not contain any ingredient that may trigger allergic reactions. This food contains great carb sources such as brown rice, oatmeal, potatoes, and peas. The salmon meal in the food is also a great source of glucosamine, which helps to keep the bone and joint of your dog healthy and strong.
Other ingredients in this food include cranberries, blueberries, parsley, dried kelp, barley grass, yucca extract, and rosemary oil. It also contains probiotics for gut health.
It is not artificially preserved, colored, or flavored, and it is also free of corn, soy, eggs, and wheat. The protein content of this food is 20 percent while the fat content is 12 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 6 percent with a calorie content of 352 kilocalories per cup.
The last on our list is the Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Beef Grain-Free Recipe. This dry dog food from Blue is a remedy to skin and food allergies. This food digests easily and it is highly beneficial to dogs that are sensitive to gluten and grain.
It is ideal for adult dogs of all sizes and breeds. This food is made with real, wholesome ingredients such as high-quality deboned beef, which is the number one protein source of this food.
This food also contains flaxseed, which is a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and they help in maintaining the skin and coat health of your dog. The carb sources in this food are peas and potatoes, and they help to meet the energy requirements of your dog.
Other ingredients in this food are sweet potatoes, dried chicory root, pea fiber, and carrots for enhanced digestion. It also contains cranberries, barley grass, blueberries, and dried kelp, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help boost the immune system of your dog.
It is crafted with Blue’s LifeSource Bits, which helps with healthy oxidative balance, life stage requirements, and immune health. The food is free of poultry by-product meals, wheat, soy, corn, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
The protein content of this food is 24 percent with a crude fat content of 14 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 6 percent while the calorie count is 373 kilocalories per cup. This food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints.
When you notice that your dog has allergy issues, you need to be careful when picking its food. Your dog might just be allergic to one or more ingredients and you need to avoid those ingredients when shopping for your dog’s food.
With this guide, you will be able to make a better buy decision for a dog with sensitive stomachs and allergies.
The best way to help a dog with allergy issues is to stay away from common allergens. There are some ingredients in dog foods that trigger allergic reactions in dogs. However, these ingredients are not bad, they are just not accepted by the immune system of some dogs.
This is why it is very important to identify the ingredient(s) that your dog allergic reacts to. You may find this surprising, but dogs develop allergies to ingredients that they eat most frequently.
As such, your dog might be reacting to food it has been enjoying for years, and it could be just one or two ingredients commonly found in dog foods. The most common food allergies in dogs include:
Before you embark on your quest of looking for the best dog food for dogs with allergies, you need to understand if your dog has food intolerance or allergy. These are two different issues.
Many symptoms associated with food allergies in dogs are related to the release of histamine and other substances by the mast cells of the immune system.
Some of the signs and symptoms of food allergies in a dog include:
The best dog food for allergies should provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs without triggering any allergy symptoms. Here are some of the things you need to consider when shopping for dog food for dogs with allergies.
As we mentioned earlier, some of the most common ingredients that dogs are allergic to include dairy, chicken, beef, fish, lamb, corn, wheat, yeast, and soy.
However, not all dogs with allergies react to these ingredients; your dog might react to one or two of these ingredients. As such, you need to make sure you know the ingredient that your dog is allergic to and avoid foods that contain those ingredients.
Many dog foods out there contain some of the protein sources that dogs are most allergic to, hence finding a novel protein source that your dog has not been exposed to can help prevent allergic reactions.
As such, we recommend you stick with a single or simple protein source until you figure out the protein source that your dog is allergic to. In this case, your best options are dog foods with limited ingredients or those with just one source of protein.
Again, whichever food you are settling for, make sure the label clearly indicates what type of protein the food contains. Make sure the protein source is clearly stated, so you will be able to know if it contains a protein source that your dog is allergic to.
Sometimes when your dog is having allergy issues, the problem is not what you think it is. For instance, if your dog reacts to a particular type of meat, it might not be the meat but the meal that the food also contains.
When you look at the list of ingredients used to make the food, you should see a vegetable or meat listed as the first ingredient and the food list should not include a “bone meal” or “chicken meal” for your allergy-susceptible dog.
That is so many processes and they leave the food exposed to all kinds of allergy triggers. If your dog is having severe allergy issues, then you might want to stay away from dog foods with meat meals or bone meals.
Artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, and fillers are not healthy for dogs that suffer from allergies to consume. As such, you should make sure that your dog’s food is not artificially flavored, colored, or preserved. Avoid every form of additives, including fillers such as corn, soy, and wheat.
When it comes to buying the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, skin, and allergies, your best bet is to settle for one with limited ingredients.
The fewer the ingredients used to make the food of your dog, the lesser the chances of an allergic reaction. The sad part about having a dog that is sensitive or allergic to foods is that you may never know the exact cause of its allergic reactions.
To make things easier, instead of spending money on a series of expensive tests and drugs, you could start by trying dog foods with limited ingredients.
Most of the products reviewed in this article have limited ingredients. They are formulated to cater to the unique needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs, skin, allergies, and digestive issues. They also cater to the immune system of the dog.
According to studies, improving the overall nutrition of a dog can significantly help in managing the allergic reactions of the dog. Recall the GALT system and mucosal barrier in the gastrointestinal tract?
If you greatly care for these two components and enhance their overall well-being, then you would be able to prevent the immune system from going berserk.
Selenium, copper, zinc, and iron all help to boost the functionality of the immune system. Vitamins such as Vitamin A, E, C, and B6 are also highly beneficial in moderating the responses that the immune system initiates.
Yes, there are slight differences between regular dog foods and those that are formulated for dogs with allergies. Dog foods for dogs with allergies come with fewer ingredients, as they try to minimize the chances of allergies in dogs.
There are certain ingredients that cause allergies in dogs, and many dog foods for allergies do not contain those ingredients. Hence, if your dog is having allergy issues or a sensitive stomach, we recommend you only opt for dog foods that are formulated for dogs with allergies and sensitivities.
High-quality dog food will contain meat as the number one ingredient. You should go for low inflammation dog food, as the underlying cause of many dog allergies comes from inflammation.
The most common allergens in dog foods are wheat, beef, chicken, egg, soy, lamb, pork, fish, rabbit, and diary. Also, many dogs are often allergic to more than one ingredient.
If after eating a particular dog food and your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, then chances are your dog is reacting to an ingredient or more in the food.
Some of the symptoms are sneezing, hot spots, itching, itchy paws, skin rashes, pigmented skin, leathery skin texture, scaly and/or oily skin, and more.
The best dog food for dogs with allergies are those made with real, natural ingredients with no fillers or additives. A precise blend of vegetables, meats, starches, and fruits to help give your pet all the nutrition it needs.
When picking a dog food for dogs with allergies, one has to be very careful, as the wrong option could be detrimental to your dog’s health. With the top picks and reviews in this article, picking the best dog food for your dog with allergies should no longer be an issue.
From the above dog foods, our top recommendation is the Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach because of its high-quality, premium ingredients. This food caters to the needs of dogs with allergies and it is super rich in protein, fat, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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