best dog food brands for skin allergies
Best Dog Food For Skin Allergies
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Whats the best dog food for skin allergies?
Dogs can suffer from skin allergies just like us, and these can be caused by three factors environmental, food, and fleas.
Skin allergies can be extremely unpleasant, causing itchy skin, hives, swelling, loss of fur, and red, irritated skin.
They can be triggered by a range of ingredients in your dogs food such as:
- Chicken
- Peas
- Beef
- Wheat
- Dairy
- Plant based or insect proteins
- Omega 3 sources
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction from your dogs food is to analyze the label for the above ingredients or any other ingredients which you think may be causing a reaction.
You can then choose a dog food which is formulated for skin allergies, but each dog and allergy is different, so it is important to consult your veterinarian first to determine what may be causing your dogs skin allergy, and therefore which ingredients to avoid. A veterinarian can also help you with treatment for any allergic reactions and symptoms.
In the meantime, we have compiled a list of the best foods for dogs with skin allergies.
Top Picks For Dogs With Skin Allergies
On the list below
Youll find The Dog Food Advisors best dog and puppy foods for skin allergies
Youll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about dogs with skin allergies
Pork is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog Pork Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potatoes, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and dogs Turkey Fare is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom Fresh product line.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.7% protein, 17.9% fat and 38.4% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Read our review of the full 4Health Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 35.7 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is one of 12 recipes included in our review of the Merrick Grain-Free product line.
Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its protein from salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.7% protein, 16.9% fat and 41.4% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33.7 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs Venison & Salmon Stew with Potato & Carrots is one of 6 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Stews product line.
Wellness Venison & Salmon Stew with Potato & Carrots Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from venison. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44.4% protein, 19.4% fat and 28.1% estimated carbs resulting a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full Wellness Stews Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Venison broth, venison, beef liver, salmon, carrots Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44.4 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and dogs Chicken is one of 26 recipes included in our review of the Hills Science Diet product line.
Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive stomach and Sensitive Skin Large Breed Chicken Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 22.2% protein, 14.4% fat and 55.3% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.
Read our review of the full Hills Science Diet Adult Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearled barley, brown rice Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 22.2 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at HillsPet.com"This food has basically eliminated the excessive gas and inconsistent stools my dog had. It has also helped with chewing and scratching due to allergies."
Trout is one of 3 recipes included in our review of the Taste of The Wild product line.
Taste Of The Wild Trout Formula Limited Ingredient Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from trout. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16.7% fat and 45.3% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Trout, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TasteOfTheWild.com"I have been feeding Taste of the Wild for many years and all my dogs have done well and love their kibble. Grain free, ancient grains, and the Prey. My two young Boys have issues with chicken and the Trout Prey formula is perfect. Very satisfied and a forever customer."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of skin allergies in dogs?
There are three types of skin allergies in dogs:
- Environmental allergies including pollen, dust, and mold
- Food allergies caused by ingredients in food
- Flea allergies also known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), caused by flea bites
Which dog breeds are more prone to skin allergies?
Certain dog breeds are more prone to skin allergies than others, including Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Labradoodles, Beagles, English and Irish Setters, Goldendoodles, Labrador Retrievers, most terriers, Pugs, English Sheepdogs, Miniature Schnauzers, and Lhasa Apsos.
This list is not exhaustive and the breeds included are not guaranteed to develop skin allergies, its just a list of breeds which are often more likely to have atopic dermatitis.
What are the symptoms of skin allergies in dogs?
The main symptoms of skin allergies in dogs to look out for are:
- Excessive scratching
- Chewing or biting the skin
- Rubbing against furniture or floors (trying to scratch the itchy skin)
- Red, inflamed skin
- Hives
- Hair loss
- Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
How are skin allergies diagnosed in dogs?
Just like humans, allergy testing is not straight forward. It can take multiple methods and months of deductive tests to get to the root of the problem. The most common way of testing for an allergy is through blood or skin samples, but this might not always work or provide accurate results.
Seek advice from your veterinarian if you think your dog might be having an allergic reaction, as they can advise the best method for diagnosis and help you with a treatment plan.
How do you treat skin allergies in dogs?
Treatment for skin allergies in dogs depends on what is causing the reaction.
Environmental allergies The first thing you could do to help soothe your dogs skin is to give them a good brush and a bath. Brushing will help to remove any dandruff and allergens which may be attached to your dogs fur. You should also avoid potential triggers such as pollen, but this might be difficult depending on the season and where you live. Your vet will help you to determine what is triggering your dogs allergy and may prescribe antihistamines or an atopic cream.
Flea allergies Immediate treatment for flea allergy dermatitis includes bathing your dog with a medicated shampoo. Using a preventative flea shampoo going forward can also avoid another flea infestation and allergic reaction. You should maintain a regular flea treatment schedule and also flea-treat your home.
Food allergies Once your veterinarian has helped you to understand which ingredients are causing your dogs allergies, you can avoid foods which contain them. Your vet could also help you to change food safely without sacrificing your dogs nutritional needs.
7 best foods for dogs with allergies, according to veterinarians
With symptoms that include itchy skin, ear infections and bloating, dog allergies can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience for pets and their humans. Theres good news, though: Food, contact or environmental allergy symptoms can be alleviated by certain foods, according to Cherie Pucheu-Haston, DVM, Ph.D., DACVD, a veterinary dermatologist and professor of veterinary dermatology and immunology at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
There is a broad category of dog foods that can decrease inflammation from allergies, soothe the skin and improve skin barrier functions even in pups who are allergy-free, according to Pucheu-Haston.
We spoke with veterinary dermatology and nutrition experts to help narrow down the list of foods thatll relieve symptoms and help dogs with allergies.
SKIP AHEAD Best food options to consider | How to shop for food for dogs with allergies | Food intolerance vs. food allergy | Can plant-based dog food help with allergies?
Our top picks
How we picked the best food for allergy-prone dogs
When comparing the dozens of options that are available, our experts recommended keeping the following factors in mind:
Ingredients: Diets enriched with fatty acids can reduce inflammation, improve skin health and strengthen the skin barrier, says Paterson. Fatty acids are typically derived from cold-water fish. However, if your dog has a fish allergy, you can still find omega fatty acid-rich diets made with plant-based ingredients such as evening primrose, flaxseed and black currant oil, according to Paterson.
Recipe and diet type: Our experts recommended purchasing foods that have an Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional adequacy statement. According to AAFCO, if a food is marked complete it contains all the nutrients required for a dogs life stage and; if it is marked balanced it means the nutrients are present in the correct ratios for their life stage. There are several types of diets a veterinarian may recommend when it comes to minimizing allergies and their symptoms (like itchy skin) including hydrolyzed diets, novel diets, elimination diets and more.
Brand advisor: A recipe created with the guidance of an expert, like a full-time, board-certified veterinary nutriotionist, is more likely to provide the appropriate nutrients for your dog's age and breed size.
Best food options to consider
The following highly rated dog foods meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional recommendations and are formulated under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These factors ensure that your dog gets the right nutrients for their age and breed size. The list provides a variety of dietary options including prescription foods and OTC options. You should always consult your dog's veterinarian for any restrictions specific to your pup's age, breed or medical conditions.
Best hypoallergenic dry dog food: Royal Canin
Food allergies typically occur when the immune system responds to a protein in the food, according to Pucheu-Haston. To minimize the chances of an immune response, the poultry proteins in this Royal Canin hydrolyzed dry food are broken into tiny, amino-acid sized pieces. This recipe includes vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and skin, and a blend of fibers that support healthy digestion, according to the brand. The kibble comes in an 8.8- or 19.8-pound bag; youll just need a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase it.
Best hypoallergenic wet dog food: Hills
If your dog prefers wet food or is prone to not drinking enough water, this canned adult dog food uses hydrolyzed chicken liver to reduce immune reactions. The wet food option also helps improve skin irritation as well as digestion and stool quality, according to the brand. The prescription diet comes in 12-ounce cans.
Best dog food for environmental allergies: Blue Buffalo
Healthy skin diets are enriched with fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation, improve skin health and strengthen the skin barrier, according to Paterson. This OTC kibble option from Blue Buffalo hasomega-3 and -6 fatty acids from deboned salmon, salmon meal and fish oil. Its also free of wheat and soy, which are two common dog allergens, according to Pucheu-Haston.
Best novel protein dog food for allergies: Blue Buffalo
Novel diets can be effective in managing food allergies, particularly unconventional options like rabbit, kangaroo or alligator, Paterson says. This option from Blue Buffalo uses alligator as a novel protein source. The formula is enriched with fish oil and flaxseed to provide essential omega-3 fatty acids which promote skin and coat health, according to the brand.
Best plant-based dog food for allergies: Open Farm
Chicken, beef and dairy are common triggers of food allergies in dogs, according to Pucheu-Haston. Instead of using those common meat proteins, Open Farm's plant-based recipe uses sweet potato, fava beans and whole grain barley as primary ingredients. According to Open Farm, this recipe also derives omega fatty acids from flaxseed, sunflower and coconut oil rather than fish so even pups with fish allergies can eat this food.
Best fresh dog food for allergies: JustFoodForDogs
This adult formula is a fresh-food option that is cooked in a kitchen and free of gluten, grains, preservatives and growth hormones, according to the brand. Lamb is its only animal protein source, (which may be a novel protein for some dogs) but has the potential to cross-react in dogs with beef allergies, according to Pucheu-Haston. The recipe also includes Icelandic fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids and safflower oil for omega-6 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin, as detailed on the brands website. JustFoodForDogs recommends defrosting the frozen food in the refrigerator in a glass or plastic container prior to serving it to your pup.
Best budget dog food for allergies: Wellness
This limited-ingredient, grain-free dry food uses lamb as its single meat-protein source. The recipe has carbohydrates that are gentle on the stomach and probiotics for easy digestion, according to the brands website. It also has nutrients that help soothe skin allergy symptoms like omega fatty acids and glucosamine, according to the brand. While glucosamine is typically added to the diet to support joint health, Paterson says it also benefits the skin.
How to shop for food for dogs with allergies
Picking the right food should be done with the help of your veterinarian, our experts told us. The right diet depends on your pets individual health needs and personal preferences as well as your dogs life stage and breed size. Heres what to keep in mind while shopping, according to expert guidance:
Every dogs needs are different.There are four categories of life stages for dogs: growth (for puppies), all life stages (for puppies or adult dogs), adult maintenance (for adult dogs), and gestation/lactation (for pregnant or nursing dogs). If your dog is pregnant or nursing, talk with your veterinarian about the right diet for them. You should also take your dogs breed and size into consideration, too.
Look for an AAFCO statement. AAFCO is a nonprofit that recommends nutritional guidelines based on an animals life stage. If dog food has an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement that means it contains all the necessary nutrients for that life stage.
Check for cross-contamination. Pet foods made on shared packaging lines can lead to cross-contamination, Paterson says. When trace amounts of other ingredients may inadvertently end up in your dogs food, it can cause an allergic reaction. Prescription veterinary diets made on dedicated packaging lines are the least likely to have trace ingredients, according to Paterson.
Know your dogs safe ingredients. Common food allergens in dogs include proteins like chicken, dairy, beef, wheat or soy, according to Pucheu-Haston. While unlikely, dogs can also have an allergic response to additives like artificial flavorings, colorants and preservatives, Paterson says. Your dog may have cross-reaction allergies, according to our experts. For example, if your dog is allergic to chicken, they may also be allergic to other poultry such as pheasant, duck and turkey. Therefore, Paterson recommended unconventional novel diets like rabbit, kangaroo or alligator as an effective way to manage food allergies.
What is the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy in dogs?
Food intolerances and food allergies may share some symptoms, but theyre not the same medical conditions. Food intolerances have nothing to do with the immune system and have everything to do with missing a certain digestive enzyme, says Pacheu-Haston. Because they cant properly digest the food, dogs with food intolerances typically have symptoms that are limited to the digestive tract, she says.
True food allergies are an overreaction of the immune system this could be in response to something your dog touches, inhales or eats, and can result in a range of symptoms including chronic ear infections, itchy skin and digestive issues, according to Pacheu-Haston.
What is the best food to give your dog with allergies?
There are no perfect hypoallergenic diets, but synthetic amino acid-based diets come very close, according to Pucheu-Haston. Other veterinary-recommended diets for dogs with allergies include ultra-hydrolyzed and amino acid-based diets, which are made up of tiny protein molecules that the immune system cannot recognize.
If your dog suffers from environmental or contact allergies, Paterson recommended fatty-acid-enriched diets since theyre proven to reduce inflammation, improve skin health and strengthen the skin barrier. If your dog has a fish allergy, you can try a plant-based food option like Open Farm's Kind Earth kibble, which has planted-based omega fatty acids and is free of fish oils.
Can plant-based dog food help with allergies?
Yes, plant-based dog food can help with allergies. While dogs are classified as carnivores, they are physiologically omnivores, which means they don't need an animal-based diet to obtain all their essential amino acids, according to Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, a veterinary nutritionist and independent consultant of animal nutrition.
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, is an independent consultant of animal nutrition. She worked for Purina's research and development team until her retirement in 2015.
Cherie Pucheu-Haston, DVM, Ph.D., DACVD, is a veterinary dermatologist and professor of veterinary dermatology and immunology at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Susan Paterson, VetMB, MA, DVD, DECVD, MRCVS, is a veterinary dermatologist and telemedicine veterinary director at Veterinary Dermatological Ltd and Virtual Vet Derms.
Why trust NBC Select?
Janelle Leeson is a Portland-based freelance writer with a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her approach to pet-care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles that consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition and environmental enrichment. For this piece, Janelle interviewed two experts who specialize in veterinary dermatology and one expert who specializes in veterinary nutrition. She also researched dozens of dry dog foods on the market that met criteria based on our experts' insights. She included dog foods recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.
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