best dog food for labs with allergies
Common Allergies in Labrador Retrievers
Labrador allergies crop up a lot, with runny noses, sore eyes and dermatological problems the most frequent signs. The most common allergies in Labrador Retrievers are environmental. House dust, pollen, food ingredients, bacteria, inhalents or insect bites can provoke an allergic reaction.
Labs are extremely prone to allergies because their immune systems produce high quantities of immunoglobulin E (IgE), the protein that develops as a response to allergens. IgE triggers the release of histamines, chemicals that cause irritation and inflammation.
Our chocolate Lab has been plagued by allergy related ear problems, but there are plenty of other invasive ways allergens can ruin your pups day.
The five most common types of allergies are food allergies, flea allergies, contact allergies, inhalant allergies, and bacterial allergies. Most allergies are easily treated with antihistamines, but can often be avoided by removing the allergen from your dogs home.
Labrador Food Allergies
Food allergies in Labrador Retrievers are caused by allergic reactions to common ingredients in dog food such as beef, corn, soy, fish, wheat, chicken, and chicken eggs. Veterinarians report that food allergies account for approximately 10% of allergy problems in dogs. Common symptoms include:
- itchy skin (often around the muzzle or face)
- hair loss
- ear infections
- frequent bowel movements
- and skin infections.
Antihistamines and occasionally antibiotics can be used to help dogs with extreme food allergies. But if your Lab has a food allergy, the symptoms will return when the treatment is stopped. Because theyre still being exposed to the allergen causing the symptoms.
The best way to prevent repeated food allergies is to feed your Lab a diet that doesnt contain the ingredient theyre allergic to. Elimination diets with limited ingredients work well for most dogs with food allergies.
Most common dog food brands on the market offer hypoallergenic formulas(paid link). These recipes are free of some of the most common allergens we talked about earlier: corn, soy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, fish, and wheat. They might also contain novel ingredients like pheasant or buffalo. Which dogs wont typically have been exposed to before and might be less allergic to.
You can also consider feeding a raw diet consisting of unprocessed meats and veggies. Whichever method you choose, change your Labs diet gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Flea Allergies in Dogs
Flea allergies, or FAD (flea allergy dermatitis) are the most common allergies in Labrador Retrievers. FAD occurs when a flea bites an animal, injecting its saliva into the skin. Your dog will most likely be susceptible to FAD during the summer months. Because fleas thrive best in warm temperatures with humidity.
Early warning signs of FAD include itchy, irritated skin. Youll probably notice your Lab scratching quite a lot and possibly biting the affected area. This in turn causes red, inflamed patches of skin called hot spots. Flea bites occur most often on the back and at the base of the tail. In severe cases, you might notice hair loss, oozing, or dark, crusty skin.
The easiest way to prevent flea allergies in Labrador Retrievers is to groom your dog regularly, and apply a flea preventative (such as Frontline(paid link)) during flea season. If your Lab does develop an allergic reaction to a flea bite, there are several methods of killing fleas instantly. Make sure to remove all traces of fleas both from him and from your home. Sweep floors and furniture thoroughly, spray your carpets with flea spray*(paid link), and consider fogging your house.
Contact allergies occur when your Lab develops an allergic reaction to noxious or irritating substances in the environment. These can include dyes, carpet deodorizers, or antibiotics applied to the skin. Rubber, wool, certain metals (like nickel), poison ivy sap, and salt on the road can also cause allergic reactions.
The allergic reaction usually develops on areas of the skin with little or no hair. Such as the backs of the paws, the muzzle, and the lower abdomen. These areas of the skin are most likely to come into direct contact with the irritant. Youll likely notice that the affected area is very red, with small bumps or blisters.
In order to treat a contact allergy, your vet needs to use patch or exclusion tests to determine what allergen your Lab is reacting to.
Patch tests involve a small amount of the allergen being rubbed on the skin. In an exclusion trial, youll need to keep himin a non-carpeted area and keep him or her off the grass. If the condition improves, potential allergens will slowly be reintroduced one by one into the dogs environment.
Inhalant Allergies in Labradors
Inhalant allergies (also called atopic allergies or atopy) are the second most common allergy in Labs after FAD. They are caused by an allergic reaction to airborne or inhaled allergens like mold, dust, or pollen. Simply put, think of atopy as the canine equivalent of hay fever in people.
Like FAD, inhalant allergies usually affect dogs during the spring and summer months. Atopic Labradors will develop very itchy skin and will usually bite and scratch themselves, often on the legs, face, ears, groin, and armpit areas. Red, irritated skin and hair loss are the most common warning signs as well as yeast infections in the skin and ears.
Your vet will likely perform one of two allergy tests on your dog to determine what is causing the allergic reaction. An intra-dermal or skin allergy test involves injecting a small amount of an allergen into his skin and watching for a reaction. The second test, the IgE allergy test, involves taking a blood sample from your Lab to test for IgE antibodies against specific airborne allergens. If a high number of IgE antibodies exist, this is usually a sign of an inhalant allergy.
There are several ways to treat inhalant allergies. Allergy shots involve a serum containing the allergen to which your dog reacts. Over time, the injections can desensitize them to the allergen, reducing the symptoms.
Your vet might also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs (such as corticosteroids or antihistamines) to relieve symptoms like itching and skin irritation. But its important to note that these drugs treat only the symptoms and not the allergy itself. You can also bathe your dog with hypoallergenic shampoo*(paid link) to help relieve symptoms.
Bacterial Allergies
Bacterial allergies (also called pyoderma of the skin) usually occur as a secondary infection as a result of the above allergic reactions weve discussed. Since allergies often cause skin irritation and hair loss, your Lab can often develop lesions or inflamed pustules. For these, your vet will likely proscribe topical medications like ointments and sprays as well as a round of antibiotics.
(paid link)If the infection is severe or doesnt respond to these treatments, a skin biopsy or scraping might be performed. The vet will look for evidence that the infection is symptomatic of a more serious medical condition.
Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
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Best Dog Food for Labradors
Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula is one of 5 dry recipes contained in our review of the Canidae All Life Stages dog food product line.
Multi-Protein Formula draws the major part of its animal protein from chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 49% (estimated) carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Contains no fewer than 4 animal meal ingredients for an especially diversified, balanced protein formula. One of the most popular dry dog foods in our database. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Ive been using this brand for almost 10 years and Ive never been disappointed. The breeder of my Collies feeds this to her show dogs and recommended it to me. Ive occasionally used another brand for a short period of time but I always return to Canidae. I have a puppy now and the all stages is very convenient."
Wellness Core Large Breed is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core dog food product line.
This Wellness Core formula derives most of its animal protein from deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 38% protein, 13% fat and 41% (estimated) carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 35%.
The fully balanced, grain-free design contains no corn or wheat. Contains omega-rich flaxseed for healthy joints. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Labrdors only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our Lab is just over a year and quite large. She was on puppy food and this was a first choice for adult food to maintain her great health, coat, energy, etc. its a winner. We dont have to try anything else, so excited she likes it."
Beef Mash is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
The example formula displayed here obtains the major part of its meat protein from ground beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% (estimated) carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Nom Nom designs each customized feeding plan based on your dogs weight, age, breed type, and activity level and then creates a pre-measured portion size, according to the number of calories needed to keep your dog at ideal weight.
The food is delivered to your home fresh, on a flexible schedule. Store the package in your freezer and thaw each meal (as needed) in your refrigerator.
Nom Nom is perfect for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet thats as close to homemade as you can get without all the fuss and hard work. Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Mya has suffered from colitis & IBS for many years, and she's also the pickiest with food. Since being on Nom Nom she is eating much better & has perfect poop!!!"
Taste of the Wild High Prairie is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild dog food product line.
High Prairie acquires the bulk of of its meat protein from water buffalo, lamb meal, and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% (estimated) carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Zinc proteinate plus 3 other chelated minerals for improved absorption and optimal blood levels. Fully balanced nutrient design ideal for adult Labradors. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Labrador adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We did careful research before purchasing this brand, and are extremely pleased with the results as our dogs are thriving. Their coats are much improved, and the dry skin/itching has disappeared, so it seems they were allergic to the grain based food they were reared on. Not only that, but they love the flavor and eagerly consume it dry, which they never did before. Their poops are smaller and more concentrated, and you could set a clock by their regularity. Truly great stuff............"
Nutro Ultra Adult is one of 9 dry recipes rated in our review of the Nutro Ultra dog food product line.
Nutro Ultra Adult receives the major part of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% (estimated) carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Contains no BHA, BHT or other high-risk chemical preservatives. Also high in meat content with no plant-based protein concentrates for a natural, balanced amino acid profile. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Ultra Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain barley, whole grain oats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Labrador adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have tried several foods once we decided to switch from Blue Buffalo. Lots of bags donated to the shelter. When we could no longer get Royal Canin I was forced to find, yet again, another food. After hearing that grain free foods are linked to heart disease, I decided to switch from Natural Balance to Nutro. Best decision ever. Not only do they love it, their coats look better, less itching, their weight is good and its less expensive without skimping in quality! Finally a food I can continue giving my dogs without worry if I am giving them the right food!"
Large Breed Adult is one of 17 dry recipes covered in our review of the American Journey Grain-Free dog food product line.
American Journey Grain-Free Large Breed Adult gets the lions share of its animal protein from deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
An affordable, all life stages dry kibble, recently added to our best budget-friendly dog food list. Fully-balanced nutrient content with an exceptional calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog has stomach issues and this is the best dog food I have found since Performatin is not available. Have tried Hills Science and most of the other high end dog foods without success. Highly recommend. I use the large dog instead of medium because the kibble is larger - about the size of a nickel."
Orijen Original is one of 9 dry recipes contained in our review of the Orijen dog food product line.
Orijen Original draws most of its animal protein from fresh chicken, turkey, flounder, and whole mackerel. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% (estimated) carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
From its founding, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always favored and touted a meat-based, biologically appropriate canine diet a proven, balanced formula which makes this food a top choice for Labradors of all ages. Both puppies and adults. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I am so grateful to have found this food for so many reasons! Both of my picky pups enjoy it and devour every bite! Ive had such a difficult time finding a food they actually want to eat but this is it!! I also really appreciate the honest marketing. The ingredients hold up to what they promote which makes this dog mama very pleased!"
Free Run Chicken is one of 3 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Gather dog food product line.
Gather Free Acres recipe derives the lions share of its animal protein from organic chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 33% protein, 17% fat and 42% (estimated) carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
A highly palatable, premium quality formula. Contains certified organic, free-run chicken as its primary source of animal protein. Sustainably harvested krill provides omega-3-rich, EPA and DHA fatty acids to support strong heart and brain function.
In addition, all plant-based ingredients are 100% non-GMO.
This nature-conscious recipe is a rare find in the pet food universe. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Gather Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, organic dehydrated chicken, organic peas, lentils, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Labrador adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We changed to Gather and our dogs are very happy. One of our dogs hardly ever ate all of his crunch before gobbles Gather all up. I like that they try to source within North America as much as possible and minimize ingredients from overseas."
Large and Giant Breed Adult is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack dog food product line.
Eagle Pack formula derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 28% protein, 13% fat and 51% (estimated) carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Its important to note that this fully balanced formula contains zinc proteinate and 3 other chelated minerals, superior nutritional supplements typically found in higher quality dog foods. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Labradors only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We used grain free before, but the risks led us to go wheat/soy free instead. Eagle Pack is fantastic. Our 6 year old Lab loves it and her coat is shiny -- she's eaten nothing but Eagle Pack since she was 4. She is a very active dog who retrieves every day, yet she thrives on amounts at the low end of Eagle Pack's recommendation. Of the super dog foods, EP is consistently less expensive and yet we find it fully equal in taste and performance to the most expensive brands. We are committed users."
Large Breed Puppy is one of 10 dry recipes contained in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
Pro Plan is one of the large breed puppy food brands most frequently mentioned by breeders and veterinary professionals. Each recipe has been expertly designed by a team of board certified nutritionists.
So, each recipe contains the ideal calcium-phosphorus balance to minimize the risk of hip and joint disease for growing Labradors.
In addition, the entire Pro Plan product line is designed and manufactured according to rigorous guidelines recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Purina Pro Plan is one of the very best large breed puppy foods youll find on this or any list. And its easy on the budget, too. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My puppy absolutely loves this food! She can never wait to get her next meal! Her coat is soft & shiny! Highly recommend this product!"
Large Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy receives the lions share of its meat protein from fresh lamb and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Typical with all Diamond Naturals products, this recipe is 100% free of anonymous meat by-products, generic fillers or artificial preservatives.
One of The Dog Food Advisors favorite large-breed puppy foods. Contains an exceptional nutrient balance of calcium, phosphorus and calories a recipe thats ideal for growing Labrador puppies. Reasonably priced. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Large Breed Puppy is one of 14 dry recipes contained in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy gets the better part of its animal protein from deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
Along with its AAFCO nutrient profile for Growth, this 5-star formula contains just the right mix of calcium, phosphorus and calories to help reduce the risk of canine hip and joint disease making it the perfect fit for Labrador puppies.
By the way, Wellness products are some of the most frequent brands found on The Advisors best dog food pages. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Labrador puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I introduced wellness to my Great Dane since I got her at 8 weeks. I feel it provides her with essential needs. She has burst of energy after eating, and her coat is very soft. I believe Wellness will be a part of our fur babies life for good."
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy is one of 12 dry recipes covered in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.
This Blue Buffalo formula draws the bulk of its animal protein from deboned chicken and chicken and salmon meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 16% fat and 38% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
We also note the inclusion of taurine, an amino acid supplement believed by many to help prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs. A time-proven formula, notable for its ideal mix of calcium, phosphorus and calories.
A well-balanced design to help reduce the risk of crippling hip and joint disease for growing Labrador puppies. Reasonably priced. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, salmon meal, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Labrador puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My German Shepherd/Pittie mix puppy loves this stuff. She has never had any issues with it and prefers it over the science diet the vet was pushing. I like that it is grain free."
