Signs You May Need To Consider Dog Or Puppy Food For Allergies
According to PetMD, dog upset stomach symptoms can be any of the following:
- Looking uncomfortable and stretching more often
- Gulping to combat reflux
- Licking their lips, the air, or objects
All of these symptoms along with others like dog bloated stomach, dog upset stomach, diarrhea, or if your dog is lethargic and not eating are all signs you may need to take another look at whats in your dogs bowl. While this could be a sign of a dog food intolerance or allergy, it could also be a sign of other health issues which is why it is so important to work with your vet when making any kind of medical diagnosis when your dog is sickallergies or sensitivities included.
The Best Dog Food For Allergies Reviewed
By Charles Grisham | Updated December 03, 2022
Reviewed by: Ivana Crnec, DVM
If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commision. See our advertising disclosure.
Related Articles: Anti-Yeast Dog Food, Best Cheap Dog Food, High-Fiber Dog Food, Organic Dog Food, Vegan Dog Food, Hydrolyzed-Protein Dog Food, Dog Food Subscription, Best Dog Food Containers, Dog Food, Grain-Free Dog Food, Raw Dog Food, Dry Dog Food, Wet Dog Food,Dog Food for Puppies, Freeze-Dried Dog Food, Senior Dog Food, Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach, High Protein Dog Food, Limited Ingredient Dog Food, Dog Food for Pit Bull, Small Dog Foods, Dehydrated Dog Food, Dog Food for German Shepherds, Diabetic Dog Food, Large Breed Dog Food, Dog Food for Picky Eaters, Dog Food With Probiotics
What Is The Best Dog Food For Allergies
- Best Omega-Rich Dog Food for Allergies: AvoDerm Natural Dry & Wet Dog Food For Skin & CoatThis food features a rich mixture of avocado and fish oil to provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and combat skin allergy symptoms.
- Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food for Allergies: NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry DogMade with ten or fewer key ingredients, this is a limited ingredient food that is made with the fewest ingredients on this list.
Read Also: Reviews On Authority Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin And Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics For Dogs
- Key Feature: High-protein and high-fat dog food with essential fatty acids for dry skin
Reasons to suggest
- Purina is a very popular and trusted company with a history of providing highly effective dog food for all purposes.
- In this case, it is primarily designed for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. If your dog is prone to allergies, this is a great option to consider!
- The protein in this dog food comes from real salmon. It features salmon as the first ingredient, followed by barley and rice for protein, which is an excellent source of protein. Prebiotic fiber is also an important addition featured in this recipe.
- Also included in the ingredients is oatmeal, which is gentle on the digestive system of dogs. We also found that this product contains live probiotics, which can help dogs absorb food more quickly and safely.
- It was great to find that our dogs werent exposed to any allergens in their daily food source.
- This food is a perfect combination of barley and rice, which creates the ideal conditions for regular digestion. The live probiotics within this recipe are also great for immune strength.
- After a week, the dogs behaviors and moods improved. When it was mealtime, they got so excited and those tails started wagging their tails for a million miles per hour! It was wonderful to see them eagerly awaiting their meals.
- This fiber contained oatmeal which helped digest food and prevented diarrhea.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey And Potato
Image courtesy Chewy
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato Formula is a great food for dogs with allergies. It is made with only six ingredients, all of which are natural. This food does not contain any artificial additives, flavors, or preservatives.
This food is perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato Formula is also grain free and has no soy, corn, or wheat.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato Formula is a great food for dogs with allergies.
Don’t Miss: My Dog Ate Cat Food And Is Now Sick
What Should I Look For In Dog Food For Allergies
Searching for the best dog food for allergies can be tricky. Here are some factors to consider when looking for the best food for managing dog allergies:
Based on these criteria, our top pick as the best dog food for allergies is Hillâs Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Small Bites Dry Dog Food.
How Likely Is It That My Dog Has A Food Allergy
While allergies among dogs arent unusual, food allergies are somewhat uncommon.
According to Doctors Foster & Smith, food allergies account for just 10% of all allergies seen in dogs. Theyre the #3 most common form of dog allergies, behind flea bite allergies and atopy allergies. Make sure to investigate these possibilities before moving forward with your food allergy hypothesis.
The truth is that your dog is much more likely to suffer from a different kind of allergy rather than a food allergy although its still possible!
Also Check: Should I Change My Dogs Food
Q: Should I Really Take My Dog To The Vet If He Has Allergic Reactions
A: It is best to consult your vet first. You can save money by removing all the ingredients you are unsure of. However, this may not solve the problem.
Warning: Our reviews on the Best Dog Food For Skin Allergiesare mostly based on information from experts and manufacturers. We test many products, but it is impossible to test them all. That said, we ask that you remember that the recommendations above are opinions, and before using a treatment, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian.
Food Solutions For Dogs With Allergies
When it comes to food for your dog with allergies, you have two options: limited ingredient food or hypoallergenic food.
Limited Ingredient Food
Diets with fewer components can make it easier to tell which specific ingredient your pup is allergic to. Once you figure it out, you can feed your dog a diet with limited ingredients to ensure they are avoiding the allergen. Limited ingredient foods come in a wide range of flavors and styles and you can find one tailored to your pup’s specific needs.
Hypoallergenic Food
Hypoallergenic dog food diets use unique protein sources that are generally not recognized by your dog’s antibodies as being antigens, meaning they won’t cause a reaction. Many hypoallergenic foods use proteins that have been “split” into their basic amino acid building blocks, rendering the original allergen virtually “invisible” to your pet’s immune system. Hydrolyzed soy protein is a good example of a protein that could be found in hypoallergenic food.
In some cases, your vet may need to write you a prescription for hypoallergenic food.
Many are made using proteins that have been chemically split into their basic amino acid building blocks which can make the original allergen virtually invisible to your pets immune system.
Don’t Miss: Who Makes Beneful Dog Food
Natural Balance Lid Limited Ingredient Diet
Mid-priced limited-ingredient dog food
Limited-ingredient dog food that has lamb as sole animal protein, along with brown rice and brewers rice for carbohydrates. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
About: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet is composed of relatively few ingredients, which is an important characteristic for allergy-friendly dog foods.
Additionally, this limited-ingredient dog food contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, further reducing the potential to trigger your pets allergies.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet uses lamb as the single primary protein source and brown rice as the primary carbohydrate both of which are rarely implicated in food allergies. The recipe also contains canola oil, which provides a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
PROS
Many owners report that their dogs digest this dog food better than many similar products, and some have even remarked that the dog food reduced the amount of gas from which their dog suffered. Additionally, the kibble is reportedly designed to encourage your dog to chew thoroughly, which can help aid the digestive process.
CONS
Like some other hypoallergenic dog foods, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet is a little pricier than regular dog foods , but it is quite reasonable when compared to other hypoallergenic foods.
Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran…,
For Active Working Dogs
This nutritious dry dog food provides a complete meal that will leave them full and looking forward to every meal. The best part? It wont cause stomach upsets or itchy skin as a result of food allergies and is loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a strong immune system and a healthy coat.
It has a great protein content at 21% as well as 10% fat for those who need to keep their weight down, and 7% ash. Its rich in nutrients and minerals, offering your working-dog the energy and support they need to get through the day. Not to mention the spectacular joint support provided.
- Key Ingredients: Rice, duck meat meal, organic oats, whole linseed
Also Check: Why Do Dogs Like Dog Food
James Geoffrey Griffin Family
NomNom Turkey Fare Fresh DogFood Price Per / Lb $2.71 Fresh food made from wholesome natural ingredients Perfectly portioned for dogs calorie needs First 5 Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Brown Rice, Eggs, Carrots, Spinach Read Review Buy Online Use Code PETREVIEWS for 50% Off Your First Order Best Value American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Dog Food
The Purina brand is no stranger to pet owners the world over, and is widely regarded as a market leader in the manufacture of pet food, supplements and other products. The Purina Pro Plan Focus is tailored for adult dogs with sensitive skin and stomach featuring a highly digestible formula and carefully selected ingredients to reduce your dogs exposure to food allergens. Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes, the kibbles contain real salmon as the main ingredient. Salmon and sunflower oil are rich in Omega-6, while fish oil is a source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids that are proven to help improve a dogs skin and coat.
Ingredients & Nutritional Benefits
The Purina Pro Plan Focus contains vitamins including Vitamin A for brain and eye development and maintenance, group B vitamins such as B3, B5, B1, B12, B6 and B9 for heart, skin and digestive health, as well as Vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant. Also found within is natural prebiotic fibre, which promotes digestive health by maintaining intestinal balance and good bacteria to support your dogs overall well-being. Meanwhile, a mix of barley, ground rice, oat meal and canola meal make it easy for your dog to digest the food, and is gentle on the digestive system, while fish meal and salmon meal provide a source of glucosamine to support healthy joints and better mobility.
Safety and Quality
Value & Convenience
Pros
Don’t Miss: Simply Nourish Small Breed Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Skin Support
Image courtesy Royal Canin
Royal Canin Skin Support was recommended by a veterinarian because it’s intended for dogs with skin reactions caused by environmental irritants or dryness.
This is a one-of-a-kind complex that includes vitamin C and taurine to promote healthy skin formation in dogs and puppies of all ages. The integrity of your dog’s skin barrier is supported by adequate amounts of B vitamins and amino acids.
High amounts of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids are good for your skin and coat. The adult dog food and puppy dog food is made with the goal of assisting dogs suffering from skin issues in maintaining a wonderful life.
Go Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain
Image courtesy Go! Solutions
The Go! SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Duck Recipe is perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. It is made with duck, peas, and tapioca, and is free of grains, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
This formula provides your dog with all the essential nutrients he needs while being easy on his stomach. The Go! SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Duck Recipe is a great option for dogs with itchy skin as it contains omega fatty acids to help soothe and nourish the skin.
You May Like: Dog Food With Omega 3
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Acanaslimited ingredient dry dog food is available in several sizes and flavor combinations including lamb & apple and turkey & pumpkin. Sizes range from 0.75 lb bags to 25 lb bags and all of their protein sources come from free-roaming farms in the USA.
65% of the food comes from meat sources and it contains no filler ingredients. Its also fortified with key vitamins and is nutritionally complete. Reviews call the food great value for money.
Pros
These grain-free soft chews by Zesty Paws are not dog food, but they can be added to your dogs food as a supplement to support immunity and histamine for good skin health. Theyre tasty, nutritious, and made out of natural ingredients like Alaskan salmon fish oil.
They also contain vitamins, protein, fiber, antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics for good overall health. There is an adult option and a senior option for older dogs, and the supplements come in a handy pot for easy storage. Its an Amazons Choice product and reviews cannot praise it highly enough. Many buyers note a positive difference in their dogs skin, gut, and joint health since using the supplements.
Pros
Blue Buffalos life protection formula food for adult dogs comes in 6 lb, 15 lb, 30 lb, and 36 lb bags. Its available in several flavors including chicken & brown rice and fish & brown rice. All of them contain real meat, brown rice, garden veggies, and fruits.
Pros
Dont Miss: Can Dog Food Allergies Cause Ear Infections
Avoderm Natural Dog Food For Adults
While not formulated for dogs with allergies per se, AvoDerms natural dog food for adult dogs offers a host of benefits that may help to alleviate allergy symptoms, by boosting their immune system, in addition to improving the condition of their skin and coat. The delicious, savoury chicken meal and brown rice formula makes feeding easy, even for fussy eaters, and is packed with protein for adult dogs, no matter the size or breed.
Ingredients & Nutritional Benefits
Boasting over 20 vitamins and minerals, the main ingredients in AvoDerm are chicken meal, ground brown rice, ground white rice and oatmeal. It contains both chicken and grain, which some dogs might be allergic to, but can benefit other dogs with skin allergies by boosting their overall health.
A unique ingredient in AvoDerm rarely found in other products is avocado, which is nutrient dense, high in crude fiber and rich in vitamins A, B6, C and E for the brain, eye, heart and muscles. It also contains folate, potassium, niacin and essential fatty acids for improved skin and coat health.
Other ingredients include rosemary extract, avocado oil, sage extract, pineapple stem, biotin , riboflavin, B12, Vitamin D3, minerals such as manganese, zinc, selenium as well as good bacteria for the gut in the form of dehydrated lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and enterococcus. The product is free from wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives.
Safety & Quality
Value & Convenience
Pros
Read Also: How To Make Dog Food In Instant Pot
Nutro Lid Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Dried Potatoes, Dried Sweet Potato
Third on our list but equally remarkable is Nutros lamb and sweet potato recipe a limited ingredient and grain-free dog food. Lamb is the only animal protein source in this formula.
Real lamb meat and lamb meal are the main ingredients, plus sweet potatoes for balanced nutrition. Sunflower oil is the supplier of healthy omegas for skin and coat health, as well as joint health.
Like our first two dry dog food choices, this recipe also received 4.7 out of 5 stars average grade from over 80 reviewers at Chewy.com, with a 93% acceptance rate.
So many pet parents that used this dog food shared that their dogs skin allergies were gone after weeks of this grain-free dogs diet.
Several stated that their dogs with sensitive stomachs are no longer showing signs of digestive issues. There were a few mentions about an alleged formula change, which isnt favorable to the commenters.
Pros:
Zignature Turkey Formula Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Image Zignature
When you give your best friend Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, fill their bowl with healthy food.
Your dog will be treated to a wonderful turkey dinner prepared with actual, farm-raised Turkey from the American Midwest, whole peas, chickpeas, and flaxseed. This meat-first recipe provides pups with the protein they require for optimum development while Zignature’s limited ingredient version eliminates problematic components like chicken, corn, wheat, soy, and eggs.
Combine that with key antioxidants, important fatty acids, and a comprehensive spectrum of vitamins and minerals for a well-rounded dinner that will become your pet’s signature food for life.
Don’t Miss: Taste Of The Wild Puppy Food Reviews
How To Determine What Is Causing A Dogs 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 dogs allergies.
With an elimination diet, the first step is to stop feeding your dogs all the foods they currently are eating. Then, youll want to feed them a very basic diet by eating new food. Give the dogs 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 dogs 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: