Just as humans can get allergies from different triggers, dogs can get them too and most times, this can make it hard for you to figure out which food option is best for your dog’s needs. Pooch allergies can lead to numerous skin conditions that can be upsetting to manage.
What Causes Pet Allergy?
Canine allergies can be due to environmental causes or most times, from the food our dogs eat. Some of the food content that could cause these allergies include grains, certain proteins (beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat), and other ingredients.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
Some symptoms that are associated with dogs allergy include
- Red, irritated skin (in one part of the body or generalized)
- Itchiness
- Licking at paws
- Recurring ear infections
- Recurring paw infections
- Itchy rash on hind quarters (especially in flea allergy dermatitis)
- Rubbing face
- Hair loss (localized or generalized)
- Hives
- Swelling
- Sneezing
- Chronic cough
- Runny eyes
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
When you notice any of these symptoms with your dog, it is important to work with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis.
There are special foods that have been designed specifically for dogs with allergies to help manage the discomfort they feel when their allergies are triggered. Some foods can also provide your dog with the nutrients they need and not trigger their allergies.
What Are The Right Diet For Dogs With Allergies?
If your dog is diagnosed with an allergy, it can be difficult finding good food for them especially if their allergies are triggered by the ingredients in their food. There are two major types of diets that are recommended to feed your dog to manage your dog allergies.
Limited-Ingredient Food
This type of food is formulated with fewer ingredients than is found in standard dog food. It is made with exotic proteins and sources of carbs to avoid common allergy triggers. Some Limited-Ingredients (LID) foods include the following protein and carb ingredients:
- Egg and rice
- Venison and potato
- Duck and pea
- Fish and potato
Hydrolyzed Dog Food
These types of foods include the standard sources of protein like beef and chicken but they have been chemically broken down into tiny molecules too small to cause an inflammatory response by the immune system. Although these foods are quite expensive, this type of protein can be very effective.
Are you looking for a diet that can provide your dog with all its nutritional needs and also manage their allergies? We have carefully compiled a list of the best dog foods that will suit your dog’s condition.
Purina Pro Plan Specialized Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Adult Dog Food
This dog food is formulated with salmon as the first ingredient. It is made with prebiotic fibre and is also a highly digestible formula that nourishes the beneficial bacteria found in your dog’s intestine for their digestive health. It contains fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids which helps to support healthy joints and bones and omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin A to nourish your dog’s skin and give their coat a healthy look. It contains no soy, wheat or corn. This meal is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system.
Ingredients:
Salmon, Barley, Ground Rice, Canola Meal, Oatmeal, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salmon Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root Inulin, Salt, Fish Oil, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Potassium Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Choline Chloride. K-4449.
Guaranteed Analysis:
| Crude Protein (Min) | 26.0% |
| Crude Fat (Min) | 16.0% |
| Crude Fiber (Max) | 4.0% |
| Moisture (Max) | 12.0% |
| Linoleic Acid (Min) | 1.5% |
| Calcium (Min) | 1.0% |
| Phosphorus (Min) | 0.8% |
| Zinc (Zn) (Min) | 180mg/kg |
| Selenium (Min) | 0.30 mg/kg |
| Vitamin A (Min) | 15,000 IU/kg |
| Vitamin E (Min) | 460 IU/kg |
| Ascorbic Acid (Min) | 70 mg/kg |
| Glucosamine (Min) | 350 ppm |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Min) | 0.8% |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Min) | 1.6% |
*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.
Feeding Instruction:
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Feeding Amount (cups) | grams |
| 3 – 12 | 1.4 – 5.4 | ⅓ – 1 | 38 – 115 |
| 13 – 20 | 5.9 – 9.1 | 1 – 1-½ | 115 – 173 |
| 21 – 35 | 9.5 – 15.9 | 1½ – 2 | 173 – 238 |
| 36 – 50 | 16.3 – 22.7 | 2 – 2⅔ | 238 – 307 |
| 51 – 7551 – 75 | 23.1 – 34.1 | 2⅔ – 3½ | 307 – 403 |
| 76 – 100 | 34.5 – 45.4 | 3½ – 4¼ | 403 – 489 |
| Over 100 | Over 45.4 | 4¼ cups plus ¼ cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 489 g plus 29 g for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
We recommend that you maintain your dog’s body condition and not allow your dog to become overweight. You should modify the amount of food you feed your dog with respect to their age, activity and environment although a good place to start will be these guidelines for an average, active, adult dog fed once daily.
- AvoDerm Original Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
AvoDerm Natural Original Lamb Meal & Brown Rice dog food is formulated with high-grade ingredients including omega-rich avocados and premium proteins that will provide your dog with the nourishment their body needs. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy and no artificial colours making it an ideal dog food for your dog with a sensitive stomach. The omega acids contained in this meal help promote beautiful healthy skin & coat.
Ingredient:
Lamb Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Herring Meal (Source of Omega 3), Avocado, Flax Seed, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Kelp Meal, Avocado Oil, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, a-Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate), Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Pineapple Stem, Papaya Extract, Dehydrated Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bifidobacterium Thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.
Guaranteed Analysis:
| Crude Protein (Min) | 21.0% |
| Crude Fat (Min) | 11.0% |
| Crude Fiber (Max) | 5.0% |
| Moisture (Max) | 10.0% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Min) | 0.7% |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Min) | 2.26% |
Feeding Instruction:
| Weight | Daily feeding (cups) |
| 3 – 10 lbs | ⅓ – 1 |
| 10 – 20 lbs | 1 – 1½ |
| 20 – 50 lbs | 1½ – 3⅓ |
| 50 – 75 lbs | 1⅓ – 4½ |
| 75 – 100 lbs | 4½ – 5½ |
| 100+ lbs | 5½ + ⅓ per 10 lbs |
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe Wet Dog Food
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Turkey Recipe is specially formulated with a limited quantity of selected ingredients to suit your dog’s sensitive stomach. It is made with deboned turkey to provide a single source of protein with important amino acids, vitamins and minerals that will promote your dog’s overall health. This diet is a premium blend of wholesome grains to support your pooch’s digestive health. It is a natural dog food that contains no pea, potato, corn or soy ingredients that may irritate your dog.
Ingredients:
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin).
Guaranteed Analysis:
| Crude Protein (Min) | 8.0% |
| Crude Fat (Min) | 6.0% |
| Crude Fiber (Max) | 1.40% |
| Moisture (Max) | 78.0% |
| Calorie content | 1119kcal/kg402kcal/can |
Feeding Instruction:
| Weight (lbs) | Daily feeding (cans) |
| 3 | ½ |
| 6 | ⅔ |
| 10 | 1 |
| 15 | 1¼ |
| 20 | 1½ |
| 30 | 2 |
| 40 | 2⅓ |
| 50 | 2¾ |
| 60 | 3¼ |
| 70 | 3½ |
| 80 | 3¾ |
| 90 | 4¼ |
| 100 | 4½ |
For dogs over 100 lbs., add 1/4 can for each additional 10 lbs.
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Food Sensitivities
Hill’s Prescription Diet Food Sensitivities is formulated to aid your dog’s skin and food sensitivity. It is prepared to help eliminate adverse reactions from allergies. it works to improve your dog’s digestion and stool quality with highly hydrolyzed protein, helps eliminate food-related causes of skin irritation and results in a visible improvement of the skin and coal and also maintains a healthy skin barrier and is enriched with essential fatty acids.
Ingredients:
Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Glyceryl Monostearate, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.
Guaranteed Analysis:
| Crude Protein (Min) | 19.1% |
| Crude Fat (Min) | 14.4% |
| Crude Fiber (Max) | 4.40% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids (Min) | 0.3% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids (Min) | 4.43% |
| Calorie Content | 354 kcal/cup |
Feeding Instruction:
| Weight (lbs) | Daily feeding (cups) |
| 5 | ⅝ |
| 10 | 1 |
| 15 | 1⅓ |
| 20 | 1⅔ |
| 30 | 2¼ |
| 40 | 2¾ |
| 50 | 3¼ |
| 60 | 3¾ |
| 70 | 4¼ |
| 80 | 4⅔ |
| 100 | 5½ |
| 120 | 6⅓ |
They are more options available on the market that can help you manage your dog’s allergy while providing them with their nutritional needs, but it is best to see your veterinarian be precise on the specific allergy your dog might be suffering from before choosing a particular diet for them.
FAQs
What ingredients should I look for in good dog food for allergies?
When selecting dog food for allergies, look for high-quality protein sources such as lamb, salmon, or duck. Avoid ingredients that commonly cause allergies, such as wheat, soy, and corn. Look for added ingredients like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coats.
How can I tell if my pet is allergic to certain foods?
Symptoms of food allergies in pets can include skin rashes, itching, gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and ear infections. If your pet is experiencing these symptoms, a veterinarian can perform tests to determine if a food allergy is the cause. Keeping a food diary can also help identify potential allergens in your pet’s diet.
What are the benefits of hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food reduces food allergies and sensitivities, easing skin, digestive, and respiratory symptoms. It contains novel proteins and limited ingredients to identify allergens. Plus, it may have added nutrients for improving overall health.
Are there any specific brands of dog food that are better for allergies?
Yes, some popular brands include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Blue Buffalo, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands offer a variety of hypoallergenic options that are designed to be easy to digest and free from common allergens such as wheat, soy, and dairy. However, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best brand and formula for your individual pet’s needs.