The Best Dog Food For Allergies

What is Dog Food for Allergies?

Hypoallergenic dog food, also known as dog food for allergies, is formulated to be free from common allergens like dairy, beef, soy, eggs, or wheat gluten, which can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. However, it's important to note that many other ingredients can also cause allergies in dogs. To minimize the risk of allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic dog food is also free from artificial additives and fillers that can commonly trigger allergic reactions. As a result, hypoallergenic dog food is typically labeled as "grain-free" or "limited ingredient" dog food and contains only one protein source, as some proteins can also trigger allergy symptoms in dogs.

Hypoallergenic dog food is a type of dog food that is free from common allergens like dairy, beef, soy, eggs, or wheat gluten, as well as artificial additives and fillers that can cause allergy symptoms in dogs. This type of food is often labeled as "grain-free" or "limited ingredient" and typically contains only one protein source to avoid triggering allergy symptoms.

If your dog is experiencing symptoms such as itching, licking of the paws, chronic ear infections, hot spots, chronic diarrhea, red eyes, or coughing, they may have food allergies. However, it's important to distinguish between allergy symptoms and expected behavior. For example, itching at the base of the tail is more often a sign of fleas than allergies.

What is the best dog food for allergies?

There are many dog food brands that offer hypoallergenic formulas, but it can be difficult to find the best one. One recommended brand is Raised Right, which offers a specially formulated limited-ingredient recipe that is balanced for each pet's stage of life, particularly for dogs with allergies. The recipe contains a single source of animal protein and has no preservatives or high-carb fillers. It is also human-grade, grain-free, and made with 100% whole foods and real meat. The brand's low-temp cooking meets the USDA pathogen kill step while maintaining high levels of moisture and nutritional integrity. The recipe comes in various flavors and is suitable for dogs of all life stages.

Pet owners have reported positive results with Raised Right's Original Turkey dog food recipe, with many saying it is the only food their dogs are not allergic to. The main ingredient is turkey thigh, which is high in protein and rich in selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron. The recipe also contains carrots, blueberries, organic spearmint, cod liver oil, eggshell powder, flaxseed oil, and organic dried kelp, all of which are essential for a dog's overall health and wellness. One satisfied customer reported that their French Bulldog's skin and immune health improved after switching to Raised Right.

How do I Know if My Dog has Food Allergies?

Allergies in dogs can lead to various symptoms, including chronic diarrhea, red eyes, coughing, hot spots, itching, and paw licking. It's crucial to distinguish between allergy symptoms and normal behavior. For example, scratching at the base of the tail is more likely a sign of fleas, while a nonproductive cough that worsens during exercise and excessive paw licking with a distinct odor could indicate allergies.

The Best Dog Food For Allergies Reviewed

With so many dog food brands offering hypoallergenic formulas, it can be hard to find the best dog food for allergies.

Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe

The Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe is designed with a limited ingredient formula that is carefully balanced for each pet's life stage and specifically beneficial for those with allergies. This recipe contains only one source of animal protein and excludes preservatives or high-carb fillers such as potato, rice, parsnips, or barley. Raised Right ensures that every recipe passes human consumption standards, and their food is cooked in a human-grade facility at low temperatures to maintain high nutritional integrity and moisture while meeting the USDA pathogen kill step.

Best for: Dogs of all life stages

Flavor Options: Original Turkey, Original Beef, Original Pork, Original Chicken, Turkey & Pumpkin Paté, Beef & Pumpkin Paté, Pork & Pumpkin Paté, Chicken & Pumpkin Paté

Pros

·         Suitable for dogs with allergies

·         Human-grade and grain-free

·         Made with 100% whole foods and real meat

·         Free from synthetic vitamins and minerals

·         High-protein and rich in complex B vitamins 

Cons

·   Needs to be thawed before serving

    Ingredients:

   The main ingredient is turkey thigh, which is high in real protein, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron. It also contains turkey heart and liver, carrots, and blueberries, which are rich in    beta carotene, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium. Other essential ingredients include organic spearmint, cod liver oil, eggshell powder, flaxseed oil, and organic dried kelp.

Reviews

Pet owners have praised Raised Right's Original Turkey dog food recipe, with many stating that it is the only dog food their pets are not allergic to. One satisfied customer stated, "My 4-year-old French Bulldog has had skin allergy issues since she was about 5 months old.

After being diagnosed with ear margin vasculitis 2 years ago, which is an immune-mediated disease, I started researching how to treat her skin issues with a more holistic approach. I am so thankful that I found Raised Right! She has been on Raised Right for one year now, and her skin is looking so good! Her overall immune health and gut health have also improved."

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Sensitive Skin Dry Dog Food

Summary

This kibble is designed to be gentle on the digestive system and promote healthy skin and coat. With prebiotic fiber, it supports a healthy gut biome, while vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids promote skin and coat health. The food is highly digestible with added probiotics to prevent indigestion and messy stool, making it ideal for dogs prone to digestive issues caused by fillers and additives in regular dog food. The recipe is packed with essential nutrients, and real meat adds flavor and texture that dogs will love.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Chicken

Pros

Prebiotics encourage a healthy gut

·    Real chicken is the first ingredient

·     Available in small kibble for small breeds

·    Omega-6 fatty acids help keep a dog’s skin healthy

·    Animal protein is the base of the recipe

Cons

Chicken is a fairly common allergen

Ingredient Analysis:

The primary ingredient in this dry dog food is chicken, which is a rich source of protein. Although chicken is known to cause food sensitivities in some dogs, it is a highly digestible protein source that helps support lean muscle growth. Chicken meal, a combination of muscle and organ meats and bone, is the second ingredient, and it offers essential nutrients such as glucosamine to promote joint health. Chicken fat is added to the recipe to increase the crude fat content and improve the flavor. Dried beet pulp, pearled barley, and brown rice are included to provide dietary fiber for digestive health. Finally, vitamin and mineral supplements are added to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Review:

Thousands of reviews on Amazon and Chewy have praised this dry dog food for its ability to alleviate allergy symptoms. Many pet owners have reported their dogs suffering from itchy skin and fur loss until they introduced this food into their diet. The most common point of praise for this food is its effectiveness in clearing up allergy symptoms. However, some pet owners have reported that their dogs refuse to eat the food. While this is not an uncommon issue, those who have experienced it have switched to Canidae or Royal Canin as alternatives.

Wild Earth Dog Food for Allergies Vegan Dry Dog Food

Summary:

This summary describes a vegan dry dog food that provides complete nutrition and high protein content using plant-based ingredients to avoid common allergens. It is enriched with fatty acids for healthy skin, fur, and heart function and fortified with antioxidants and vitamins from superfoods like cranberries and blueberries. This dog food is appropriate for dogs at any life stage and is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management. Additionally, customers can save 50% on their first order and 10% on repeat deliveries with the subscription service offered on the company's website.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Dogs of all life stages

Flavor Options:  Rich Umami and Roasted Superfood Recipe

Pros

You can save money with repeat deliveries

High protein keeps dogs feeling full longer

Superfoods add antioxidants for immune system support

Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Free from common allergens like chicken, dairy, and beef

Cons

High protein content may upset the stomach

Limited accessibility due to expensive price tag

Ingredient Analyses

The first ingredient in this food is dried yeast, which is likely added for taste as dogs are predominantly carnivores and may not be attracted to this food otherwise.

Chickpeas, peas, and oats provide carbohydrates and dietary fiber for healthy digestion, followed by pea protein and potato protein, which make up the bulk of the protein content in this food.

Sweet potato offers vitamins and carbohydrates, while flaxseed meal, canola oil preserved with mixed tocopherols, and sunflower oil increase the crude fat content.

The ingredients are rounded off with a blend of superfoods and supplements, providing complete nutrition even without animal protein sources.

Review:

Reviews for this product are mixed, with fewer than 80% of total reviews being 4 or 5-star ratings. While many reviewers have noted that their dogs love the food and it agrees with them, some consumers have expressed concern about the vegan nature of the food. Some reviewers have pointed out that dogs are primarily carnivorous and may not do well on a vegan diet. Others are concerned about the potential for heart problems that could arise from a lack of animal protein in the diet

AvoDerm Natural Dry & Wet Dog Food For Skin & Coat

Summary

This dog food is designed to be hypoallergenic and easy to digest, using chicken meal as the main protein source. It is available in both dry and wet varieties to suit different preferences. The formula is free of legumes and by-product meals, and instead uses plant-based ingredients to provide essential nutrients. Omega-rich avocados support healthy skin and fur. This food is made in the USA without any artificial flavors or preservatives and is formulated for adult dogs with food sensitivities. It is an affordable option for dog owners looking to provide their pets with high-quality nutrition.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula; Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula

Pros   

Available in dry and wet dog food formulas      

Chicken meal is the first ingredient for high digestibility      

Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin     

Rich in antioxidants for immune system support      

Very affordable and budget-friendly price tag

Cons  

Contains an unspecified natural flavor

Ingredient Analysis:

Chicken meal is the primary ingredient in this dog food, providing highly digestible protein and nutrients from muscle, organ meats, and bones. Brown rice, white rice, and oatmeal are the main sources of carbohydrates and fiber, with chicken fat providing crude fat. The addition of avocado oil, herring meal, and flaxseed provides a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This dog food also contains vitamins and minerals from natural sources like pineapple stem, papaya extract, and rosemary extract, making it a probiotic-rich and complete source of nutrition.

Review:

The majority of customers rate this dog food highly, with 9/10 reviews being positive. Most customers are impressed with the food's ability to address their dog's food sensitivities, with many switching from well-known brands to this product. The reasonable cost of the food is also praised by many customers. However, some negative reviews cite issues with damaged product upon arrival or their dog getting sick after consuming it. These critical reviews make up over 5% of the total reviews.