best dog food for skin allergies uk
Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies
Key Things to Look for
Stop! Dont read any further until you have been through this section. Below, you will find everything you need to be keeping an eye out for when you buy food for your dogs skin allergies. Its an important segment and one that will make the selection process easier.
Age. Even with skin allergies, you need to make sure that they are being fed the right dog food for their age. Puppy food is rich in fat and protein, causing stomach upsets and weight gain in older dogs that could be mistaken for an allergic reaction. Not to mention the nutritional differences.
Grain/Wheat. A huge number of food allergies are caused by grains and wheat. It can lead to stomach upsets, bloating, excessive wind, and feelings of lethargy. Rice tends to be a good grain, however, settling stomachs and providing a gentle and delicious meal.
Dairy Protein. These proteins often cause reactions, leading your dog to feel sick as well as causing itchy skin. Much like people, many dogs are lactose intolerant and cant handle dairy proteins, so try and avoid this where possible.
Protein Content. You want your dog food to be rich in protein as it is exceptionally good for them, but you also want them to have the right proteins so that they dont suffer from a reaction.
If you know what they are allergic to, this is easy to do, but if you dont then you can either go through the process of elimination or stick with gentle proteins like fish.Get Your Dog Tested. The best thing to do is to take your dog to the vet so that you can get them tested. This means that you have a clear understanding of what they should be avoiding in their diet so that you can make an informed choice. The testing process is quick and easy, a lot like when a human goes to be allergy tested.
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Ingredient Analysis and Allergy-Friendly Benefits
James Wellbeloved Adult Small Breed Duck & Rice is specially formulated for small dogs with food sensitivities. It features duck meat as its primary protein source an ideal novel protein for pups with allergies to more common meats like chicken or beef.
Duck acts as a hypoallergenic protein that doesnt trigger inflammatory immune responses in dogs with food allergies or intolerances. The easily digestible duck meat provides essential amino acids for maintaining muscle mass and healthy organ function without upsetting sensitive stomachs.
Additionally, this food contains brown and white rice as its main carbohydrate sources. Both types of rice are gentle grains that are easy to break down and unlikely to cause adverse reactions. The rice delivers sustained energy from slow-releasing carbs to suit smaller breeds faster metabolisms.
James Wellbeloved also includes omega-rich linseed to nourish the skin and coat from within. Linseed is packed with anti-inflammatory alpha-linolenic acid to soothe skin irritations and minimise excessive scratching or licking associated with allergies. Its vitamin E content bolsters the immune system while the omegas promote a glossy, healthy coat.
Together, this thoughtful blend of duck meat, easily digestible rice, and skin-loving linseed creates a formula tailored to small breed dogs with food sensitivities. It supports overall body health and reduces allergy symptoms for improved wellbeing.
Nutritional Profile and Immune System Support
In addition to its allergy-friendly ingredients, James Wellbeloved Adult Small Breed Duck & Rice delivers complete and balanced daily nutrition for adult dogs under 10kg.
It provides precisely calibrated levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to cater to smaller breeds faster metabolic rates. This ensures they receive adequate nutrition without consuming excessive calories or experiencing spikes and crashes in energy levels.
The duck and rice formula supplies high-quality protein for building and repairing muscles, alongside omega fats to nourish healthy skin and coats from within. It also includes an antioxidant blend with vitamin E, vitamin C, lutein and patented EXTRAX to bolster immune defences and enhance overall wellness.
Moreover, this recipe is made without artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. The absence of these unnecessary additives reduces exposure to potential allergens or irritants. It also ensures easy digestibility to support sensitive stomachs.
In short, James Wellbeloved Adult Small Breed Duck & Rice delivers the balanced nutrition little dogs need alongside the gentle ingredients they can tolerate. It fuels robust immune systems to prevent reactions while fulfilling special dietary requirements.
Customer Feedback and Real-World Effectiveness
The true test for any pet food is how it performs for real-life dogs with real allergies or intolerances. Numerous customers praise James Wellbeloved Duck & Rice for improving their small breed dogs skin, coat, digestion and overall happiness.
For example, Lauren S. had struggled for years to find a food her French bulldog could tolerate without itchy skin and ear infections. Once switching to James Wellbeloved, she saw a remarkable turnaround:
I have a fussy Frenchie who has always suffered with bacterial infections in between his skin folds and persistent ear infections. We have tried him on so many sensitivity and skin diets which he always ended up reacting to. Since he has been on James Wellbeloved my boy has gone from strength to strength His skin is the best its looked in years no more angry rashes or infections!
Similarly, Emma S. calls the food a miracle cure for her Westie with horrendous allergies:
My westie has an allergy to everything environmental and most foods, we were struggling so much with him as the allergy was making his skin bright red, itchy, eyes runny etc no matter what we used or how much we groomed.James Wellbeloved duck and rice has been an absolute miracle cure, his skin is white again, eyes and nose are clear. Its made such a difference to his life.
These glowing reviews demonstrate the real-world value of James Wellbeloved Adult Small Breed Duck & Rice for improving allergic reactions. The easily digested formula soothes irritation and supports immune function providing true quality of life benefits.
Numerous customers specifically praise improvements in skin, coat, eyes, ears and digestion after switching to this thoughtful recipe. For small breed dogs with sensitivities, it appears James Wellbeloveds tailored approach is the answer.
Food allergies in dogs
Treatment
If the food trial confirms that your dog has a food allergy, your vet might recommend feeding your dog their new diet for life, as long as its a complete food that contains all the necessary nutrients. Your dog shouldnt have any other food or treats at all. Keep all human food and other pet food safely out of reach.
Once your dog is settled without symptoms on their special diet, you can try adding ingredients back into their food (one at a time) to try and find out what they are allergic to. If your dog doesnt show any symptoms, this is a safe food. Alternatively, if your dogs symptoms come back after eating a certain food, its likely they are allergic to it. This will help you select a dog food that only contains safe foods. If you want to do this you should follow your vets advice.
Some dogs with a food allergy will also have allergies to things in the environment, this may cause atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease). In this case, they might improve a bit on a special diet but they may need other treatments as well to help keep their skin symptoms controlled.
The best food for dogs with allergies
Dogs do love their food, dont they? Watching their bowl as it gets filled makes them so excited and we love keeping them happy with the best dog food. Like us, dogs have allergies to certain foods which can contribute to the choice you make when selecting their food. Below, we use our expertise to highlight the very best food for dogs with allergies.
There are obvious foods that dogs cant eat like chocolate and onions, but some dogs are allergic to random foods or even certain dog foods.
There's so many reasons why your dog may be prone to itchy skin and allergies, it's so different to each dog and can be triggered by environmental factors, breed traits and what they eat. As for treatment, you should always consult your vet before starting a treatment. To help at home, you can help by avoiding triggers,strict flea control, a change in diet and medication to stop the itching.
It can be worrying but there are lots of options for allergy-friendly dog foods and your vet can help with treatment or food recommendations. Always keep an eye on how your dog reacts to their food and make notes for your vet if youre concerned about them being allergic to something.
Whether you want wet dog food or dry dog food for your pooch, there's an allergy-friendly version on this list.
The best food for dogs with allergies at a glance:
Best dog food for dogs with allergies: Arden Grange Dog Food - View at Amazon Best budget food for dogs with allergies: ROYAL CANIN Dog food - View at Amazon Best food for dogs with grass allergies: James Wellbeloved Dog Food - View at Amazon Best wet food for dogs with allergies: Burns Chicken/Brown Rice and Vegetables - View at Amazon
Best food for dogs with allergies
Best grain free food for dogs with allergies
This multipack is great for owners who want to round out their dog's diet with wet food but are worried about allergies. Made with freshly prepared meat, vegetables, fruits and herbs but no nasties, this wet food will be kind on their tummy and immune system.
Pros
- Great grain-free alternative
- Ideal for older dogs
- Excellent taste
Cons
- Not a great amount of cans per pack
Best food for dogs with grass allergies
This yummy hypoallergenic food is great for keeping your dog's diet balanced, even if they're allergic to grass or flora. The natural recipe includes lamb and field vegetables so they get the natural touch in their food without it upsetting their stomachs. Easily one of the best food for dogs with allergies.
Pros
- Great natural recipe
- Perfect for grass-sensitive dogs
- Great amount of food
Cons
- Not the most exciting flavour for dogs
Best dog food for dogs with allergies
This grain-free food is ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies and skin. It's made with fresh white fish, prebiotics, joint supplements and yucca extract which makes it allergy-friendly but also super tasty. It's certainly one of the best food for dogs with allergies.
Pros
- Great for dogs with allergies
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Excellent quality
Best budget food for dogs with allergies
A low-calorie option for dogs with particularly sensitive stomachs, this highly rated ROYAL CANIN diet dog food is ideal for dogs in need of tasty food at a low price.
Pros
- Great value hypoallergenic dog food
- Good flavour
- Great for a dog coat
Best wet food for dogs with allergies
Developed by vets and made with no artificial chemicals or preservatives, this natural food will be a lifesaver if your dog is struggling with skin allergies. The hypoallergenic formula puts your dog's health first but will still tickle their fancy at dinner time with its tasty flavour.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Ideal for senior dogs
- Great flavour
Cons
- Wet food isn't ideal for every household
Best puppy food for dogs with allergies
Not only do puppies need specially formulated food for their underdeveloped digestive systems, sometimes they need something for their allergies too. This yummy recipe is easily digested but also hypoallergenic and full of ingredients that will protect their weaker immune systems. It also promotes optimum health and growth for every puppy
Pros
- Excellent puppy food
- Healthy and delicious
- Great large bag size
Cons
- Flavour might not be ideal for all dogs
Best food for senior dogs with allergies
Harringtons know how to do wholesome and natural but super yummy dog food. It's complete, full of nutrients supports healthy older joints. The Omega 3 and 6 plus Vitamin E inclusion helps support their immune and skin health. No soya, dairy or nasties so it's a great pick for older dogs with allergies.
Pros
- Perfect for seniors
- Packed with vitamins
- Natural and organic
Cons
- Not suitable for all dogs
Best food for large dogs with allergies
Big breeds can still have allergies and this food is perfect for them. It has a blend of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, yucca extract and natural vitamins plus minerals that support your pooch's health, coat, skin and immune system. They'll enjoy every bite and you'll know what they're eating is right.
What types of dog allergies are there?
Just like humans, dogs can have random allergies or foods that just dont sit well with them, but there are some more common allergies to look out for.
Dogs can have skin allergies that lead to nasty stuff like ear infections. Anything can cause these, from food to shampoo choice to a build of bacteria. Try a sensitive dog shampoo or call your vet to sort this.
They can also have a grass allergy that can cause some uncomfortable itchy patches. There are lots of treatments on the market and even some foods that can help your pooch with this.
There are multiple food allergies that dogs can suffer from. Their immune or digestive system can overreact to certain foods. Look out for tummy problems or itchy, sore skin if youre worried they might be allergic to certain food and then ask your vet for advice.
Then there are hypoallergenic dogs who were ironically bred for humans who were allergic to dogs. Hypoallergenic dogs cant eat beef, lamb, wheat or dairy products so watch out for those. Luckily there are lots of hypoallergenic dog foods on the market that will also work for dogs with other allergies too.
Knowing your dog and the type of allergy they have ensures that you can pick the best food for dogs with allergies.
What is the best food for dogs with allergies?
Always consult your veterinarian about your pups food as they will know how to keep your dogs diet balanced without the offending allergen. If you just remove what theyre allergic to from their diet, they might not get all the nutrition they need to thrive.
There are some specific prescription foods that lack common allergens that you can get which might suit your dog better than commercial dog foods. Its worth a look if the allergy your dog has is very bad. Most allergy specific foods need to be tried for 8-10 weeks to get the full effects so bear that in mind.
Hypoallergenic dogs can eat salmon, duck, chicken, venison and potato-based foods and have a full and complete diet. If they do eat anything that contains allergens then just keep an eye on them in the following days to see if theres a bad reaction.
Eve Miller is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest with a love for writing, film, her dog and beauty. She also writes for Yours.co.uk.
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