Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by
Free of those annoying ingredients that can cause allergies, many wet dog foods are nutritionally balanced and come in complete and natural forms. Choosing the right food could mean fewer potential problems for your pooch. That’s why we’ve done all the hard work for you and picked out the best dog food for allergies, as well as how to find the right food you think your dog deserves to eat in his or her new life.
If you struggle with allergies, or are just looking for the best dog food for dogs with allergies, then this is an article you need to keep reading. We’ll also discuss what causes allergies in dogs and how different dog foods can help prevent them.
If you struggle with allergies, or are just looking for the best dog food for dogs with allergies, then this is an article you need to keep reading. We’ll also discuss what causes allergies in dogs and how different dog foods can help prevent them.
Best Wet Dog Food For Allergies
Have you noticed that your dog is suffering from recurring ear infections or yeast infections? Does your dog seem to be excessively biting to scratching their skin, ears, or paws? Do they have a sensitive stomach or suffer from bloating, gas, vomiting, or diarrhea?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your dog may be suffering from allergies. Allergies in dogs are often caused by an ingredient in their food, so trying a new food may help eliminate the cause of their allergies. Before trying new food, it is important to consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog is suffering from allergies. They can help you identify the cause of the allergies, so you can eliminate the right food(s) from your dog’s diet.
In most cases, veterinarians will recommend a limited ingredient diet with allergies. These diets include fewer ingredients, which can help you pinpoint the specific ingredient that is causing your dog such troubles.
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If a limited ingredient diet is effective, a veterinarian may recommend switching to hypoallergenic dog food. Hypoallergenic foods are formulated with chemically split, or hydrolyzed proteins. This process prevents the allergen from irritating a dog’s immune system. In many cases, a veterinarian will need to prescribe hypoallergenic dog food, but there are a few that can be purchased online as well.
For 2022 we’ve updated our rankings for the best dog food for allergies and replaced our previous ‘best for puppies’ choice with a new limited ingredient option.
Our Criteria
Having a dog with a sensitive stomach or even allergy to a particular ingredient in dog food can be very tricky, as many dog foods on the market don’t cater to these pups. Luckily, brands are adapting quickly or coming out with new products to better suit the different needs of dogs pretty much yearly. When looking into which food may suit your pup best, it is always important to discuss the change with your doctor, as there might be another, deeper issue going on. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, your veterinarian can help you come up with a plan to eliminate ingredients from the diet and narrow down which foods may suit your pup. While it may seem a long and arduous process, it is 100% worth it to keep your furry friend as healthy and happy as possible and to lessen your stress over potty issues or your pet’s discomfort.
In my personal experience, my dog can eat pretty much whatever he wants (and can get into). However, he will randomly have bouts of upset stomach for seemingly no reason. My veterinarian has helped me come up with a plan and simple diet to feed in these times of turmoil and is always willing to discuss a further plan-of-action if anything changes in his normal eating habits. Working as a veterinary technician, on the other hand, I have encountered many pups with sensitive skin or stomachs based on everyday proteins in their food that may be unsuspecting. So, while not too common, these issues definitely occur and I have seen so many be relieved through correct changes in diet.
CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
$71.27
The limited number of ingredients in this food can help when you’re trying to identify an allergen for your pup.
The formula is rich in omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that will help improve your dog’s skin and enhance the shine on their coat.
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ZIGNATURE Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
ZIGNATURE Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
$98.99
Dogs who are allergic to many of the typical proteins found in dog food might like the Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
The formula for this food is enriched with taurine and L-carnitine. Taurine is an amino acid that supports a dog’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and eye health.
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PURINA PRO PLAN Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
PURINA PRO PLAN Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
$83.98
The formula is fortified with live probiotics to aid with digestion and support overall immune health
The first ingredient in this high protein food is salmon.
It does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.
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Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food
$39.36
Limited-ingredient diet for senior dogs with food sensitivities.
Serve as a special treat, mixed-in with other food or as an entrée.
Does not contain any chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, grain, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
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5Strands Pet Environmental Intolerance Test
5Strands Pet Environmental Intolerance Test
Test for 105 different environmental factors
Uses a hair sample
Fast results
Holistic approach
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Our Top Picks for Best Dog Food for Allergies: Ranked for 2022
- Best Overall: Canidae Pure Real Salmon
The best allergy-friendly, hypoallergenic dog food is the Canidae Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe. The same dog food is also our top choice for puppies with allergies. This limited ingredient dry food is made using only 8 safe and natural ingredients. These ingredients are salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and sun-cured alfalfa. Additional natural flavors vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are also added to the recipe to make it more appealing and healthier for dogs.
The limited number of ingredients in this food can help when you’re trying to identify an allergen for your pup. It can also be a good choice if they’re allergic to some of the most common allergens, like chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs since the formula for this food does not contain any of those ingredients.
The formula is rich in omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that will help improve your dog’s skin and enhance the shine on their coat. This can be especially beneficial if they have been dealing with skin allergies. Additionally, this formula is also antioxidant-rich to support a dog’s immune system.
Canidae offers other limited ingredient recipes including Duck & Sweet Potato, Chicken, Lentil, & Pea, Healthy Weight Chicken, Lamb & Pea, and Lamb, Goat, & Venison.
Best Grain Free
CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
$71.27
The limited number of ingredients in this food can help when you’re trying to identify an allergen for your pup.
The formula is rich in omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that will help improve your dog’s skin and enhance the shine on their coat.
Check Chewy Check Amazon
- Best for Novel Protein: Zignature Kangaroo Limited Ingredient
Dogs who are allergic to many of the typical proteins found in dog food might like the Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This food features more novel proteins that dogs are less likely to be allergic to. The available flavor options include Kangaroo, Catfish, Goat, Guinea Fowl, Lamb, Pork, Salmon, Trout & Salmon, Whitefish, Duck, Venison, and Turkey.
Each flavor option features just one protein source and lists the meat (or fish) as the first ingredient. This dog food is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition to keep dogs happy, healthy, and thriving. Common allergens, such a chicken, dairy, corn, wheat, soy, chicken eggs, and chicken-by products are excluded from the ingredient list for each of these novel protein flavors.
The formula for this food is enriched with taurine and L-carnitine. Taurine is an amino acid that supports a dog’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and eye health. L-carnitine helps a dog’s body convert fat into energy.
Best Novel Protein
ZIGNATURE Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
ZIGNATURE Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
$98.99
Dogs who are allergic to many of the typical proteins found in dog food might like the Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
The formula for this food is enriched with taurine and L-carnitine. Taurine is an amino acid that supports a dog’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and eye health.
Check Chewy
Check Amazon
- Best for Sensitive Stomach: Purina Pro Sensitive Skin & Stomach
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or has been dealing with skin allergies, consider trying Purina Pro Plan’s Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula. This dry dog food has a delicious salmon and rice flavor that dogs are sure to love.
The formula is fortified with live probiotics to aid with digestion and support overall immune health. Oatmeal was also selected to include in this food since it is very easy to digest. Additionally, omega 6 fatty acid-rich sunflower oil is included in the formula for this food to help improve the health of a dog’s skin and coat.
The first ingredient in this high protein food is salmon. It does not contain any artificial colors or flavors. The ingredient list is also free of common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, and poultry.
If you have a smaller dog, this food is also available in a small breed formula.
Best for Sensitive Stomach
PURINA PRO PLAN Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
PURINA PRO PLAN Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
$83.98
The formula is fortified with live probiotics to aid with digestion and support overall immune health
The first ingredient in this high protein food is salmon.
It does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.
Check Chewy
Check Amazon
- Best for Seniors: Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Dog Limited Ingredient
The Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Dog Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Food is our top pick for older dogs with allergies. Many seniors prefer wet food since it is easier to chew and digest. This limited ingredient food offers turkey as its single protein source to help with identifying allergies or finding the right food for a dog suffering from multiple allergies.
The food is also grain-free to accommodate the needs of seniors with allergies or sensitivities to grains. Common allergens, such as chicken, corn, wheat, eggs, dairy, soy, and wheat, are left out of this food. Blue Buffalo chose only safe and natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals when formulating this food.
To support an aging dog’s mobility and overall joint health, this formula is also enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin. This wet food can be fed to seniors as a meal on its own, or you can choose to mix it in with your dog’s dry food.
Best for Seniors
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food
$39.36
Limited-ingredient diet for senior dogs with food sensitivities.
Serve as a special treat, mixed-in with other food or as an entrée.
Does not contain any chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, grain, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Check Chewy
Check Amazon
- Best for Puppies: Canidae Grain-Free PURE Real Salmon and Sweet Potato
We recommend trying the Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato from Canidae for puppies struggling with food allergies or sensitivities.Even young puppies may develop an allergy. Finding a limited ingredient food that is specifically formulated for the nutritional needs of puppies is important. The first five ingredients in this food are salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, and peas.
The food is grain-free, which is a great choice for puppies with allergies. It has a limited ingredient profile and comes in 4, 12, and 24lb bags.
The Canidate Grain-Free PURE dog food also doesn’t contain soy, corn, wheat, and other fillers that other lesser brands will add and can often upset your dog’s digestion.
The food is produced domestically in the USA at a Texas facility, and has a robust dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for your growing pup.
Best Grain Free
CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
$71.27
The limited number of ingredients in this food can help when you’re trying to identify an allergen for your pup.
The formula is rich in omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that will help improve your dog’s skin and enhance the shine on their coat.
Check Chewy Check Amazon
How to Determine What is Causing a Dog’s Allergies
Determining that your dog is suffering from food allergies is the first step. Figuring out what is causing their allergies is next and can take some time and effort. Many veterinarians recommend using an elimination diet to find out what is causing a dog’s allergies.
With an elimination diet, the first step is to stop feeding your dogs all the foods they currently are eating. Then, you’ll want to feed them a very basic diet by eating new food. Give the dog’s allergic symptoms from the old allergy time to clear up, then you can slowly start to reintroduce the old foods they were eating that may be responsible for the allergy.
If you notice a reaction to one of these foods, it will let you know that this was the cause of your dog’s allergies, and you should avoid giving them any foods with that ingredient.
While dogs could potentially be allergic to any ingredient in their food, some of the most common allergens for dogs include:
Chicken
Beef
Eggs
Dairy
Wheat
Corn
Soy
Lamb
Fish
Pork
Rabbit
Limited Ingredient Dog Diets
If your dog is demonstrating food sensitivity A-Z Animals recommends starting limited ingredient dog foods. Limited ingredient foods have fewer inputs and less harmful fillers. This makes it easier to identify fool intolerances and allergies. Limited ingredient foods are also usually healthier as manufactures focus more on primary inputs like animal protein (Salmon, chicken) or vegetables (peas, carrots).
There are many good options for limited ingredient food today. Unlike many hypoallergenic dog foods, limited ingredient options are available at most retailers like Amazon, Petco, and Chewy and do not require a prescription.
Treating Skin Allergies With Dog Food
If your dog is demonstrating skin allergy symptoms trying a limited ingredient dog food is a good first step in identifying the underlying cause. We recommend a dog food with the smallest number of ingredients, anywhere from 5-7 would be appropraite. Skin allergies can manifest in many ways, but the most common signs include:
Chewing or biting the skin
Excessive scratching
Rubbing rear on the floor
Excessive licking (more than just the paws)
Unexpected hair / fur loss
Flakey skin
Red, irritated skin
If a limited ingredient dog food does not isolate or identify the problem, consult your vet about switching to a prescription hypoallergenic food instead.
Food Allergies vs Food Intolerances
Oftentimes, food intolerances are mistaken for food allergies. While the two conditions can share some symptoms, they are not the same thing.
Food allergies are the result of a dog’s immune system acting as if an ingredient is dangerous. The immune system creates antibodies to fight off and protect itself against this danger. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways including itchy or sensitive skin, ear infections, yeast infections, red or irritated eyes, a sensitive stomach, or digestive issues.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, are the result of digestive problems. The dog is unable to properly digest an ingredient in the food, which can cause bloating, constipation, vomiting, or diarrhea.