best hypoallergenic dog food recommended by vets
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods for 2022
How To Choose The Right Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Check With Vet
Always consult your vet when considering switching diet for your dog, and if they believe your mutt is prone to allergies, they should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Choose Single and Novel Protein Sources
Dogs are most commonly allergic to certain types of meat, so try and avoid products which mix several in one recipe. Choosing novel proteins that dogs arent often exposed too will also limit chances of a reaction.
Hydrolysed Protein Diet
Free from lean sources of meat, this form of kibble uses broken down molecules of carbs and proteins to avoid immunogenic detection by immune system cells, thus, not triggering any allergic reactions.
Free From Artificial Ingredients
Nasty junk like fillers and preservatives are often found in standard dog foods, and it may well be these that are making your canine poorly.
Common Dietary Allergens For Dogs: What To Avoid
Believe it or not, the most common allergens and food intolerances for pups are usually certain types of meat and fish! But as protein is so important in doggy diets, it can often be hard to avoid meat sources in food, as well as identify which meat might actually be causing the issue.
The most common allergy-inducing meats are:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Fish
- Pork
Common allergens that are not meat-based are usually:
- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
- Yeast
- Dairy
Avoiding all these ingredients can cause a mighty headache, so if youre unsure what it is your dog is allergic too, dont waste your time reading through every brands ingredients list.
Instead, choose hypoallergenic foods described as having hydrolysed ingredients. These wont feature a meat source or natural ingredients, and instead, focus on being as least allergen-inducing as possible.
Types of Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Limited Ingredient Formulas/ Standard Hypoallergenic Food
Truthfully, these sorts of hypoallergenic food arent allergen-free for every pup.
e.g. As the most common allergens in dogs occur from meat products, a canine who is sensitive to chicken is technically not going to thrive on a hypoallergenic chicken dish.
However these recipes do limit their overall ingredients, and so its easier to spot something your dog is sensitive too if its included.
These sorts of foods tend to focus more on removing things like dairy, wheat, soy and other less common allergens.
Novel Protein
These recipes take the idea that the most common allergens are meat-based and so use a protein source which is rare or unusual, and so therefore unlikely to have a negative effect on your mutt.
These are often things like venison, rabbit, duck and turkey.
They will then be paired with one single source of carbohydrate, keeping the ingredient list small and limiting the chance of a reaction.
Hydrolysed Protein
These are the best foods to use for when trying to actually determine whether your dog is suffering from food allergies, as they aim to limit all reactions. Hydrolyzed protein diets break protein and carbohydrate molecules down into smaller sizes that are easily digested and so avoid immunogenic detection by immune system cells.
The 4 best hypoallergenic dog foods in 2023
What we love: With just a single source of animal protein and a balance of high-quality carbohydrates and fats, Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet will help soothe your pups upset tummy. We love that its made from a blend of whole foods, has natural probiotics, and is suitable for all breeds and sizes.
What customers say: Reviewers note how well this hypoallergenic option cleared up ear infections and itchy skin. They consistently write that this dog food is a great novel protein source for allergy-prone dogs. However, some users mentioned the foods strong smell so keep that in mind before you buy.
Ingredients: Duck, oatmeal, peas, ground rice, potato protein, tomato pomace, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ground flaxseed, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, natural duck flavor, chicory root extract, choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, taurine, mixed tocopherols added to preserve freshness, zinc proteinate, zinc sulfate, calcium carbonate, niacin, ferrous sulfate, iron proteinate, beta-carotene, vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, manganese sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, calcium Iodate, vitamin B12 supplement, folic Acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, rosemary extract, green tea extract, and spearmint extract.
Top UK Vet Guide: 10 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods for Sensitive Canines
Benefits for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
As a hypoallergenic formula, Eukanuba Sensitive Skin stands out for its ability to reduce adverse reactions in dogs with sensitivities. The recipe starts with fish as its sole animal protein source. Compared to common triggers like chicken, beef or dairy, fish proteins are less likely to cause an immune response in sensitive dogs. This minimizes uncomfortable symptoms like itchy skin, rashes, and excessive scratching.
Over time, feeding this diet can strengthen the skin barrier and help sensitive skin better withstand inflammation. Omega-3s and omega-6s from natural sunflower oil enhance skin health further by reducing dryness and inflammation. With its hypoallergenic properties and blend of nutrients, Eukanuba Sensitive Skin gradually improves skin issues to enhance comfort. Owners report dogs with long-time problems like hot spots or recurring ear infections see a reduction in flare-ups.
By meeting nutritional needs while avoiding allergy triggers, this formula gives dogs with sensitivities the building blocks for healthy skin. Over time, skin becomes less reactive and more resilient. Dogs feel better, free of the chronic itching and irritation of allergies. This promotes happier pups and improves quality of life tremendously.
Nutritional Composition and Dental Health
At its core, Eukanuba Sensitive Skin provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. With fish as the sole animal protein source, it offers exemplary amino acid nutrition without common triggers. Natural sunflower oil provides omega-6s and omega-3s to nourish skin while vitamin E and zinc serve as antioxidants for immune health.
Eukanubas exclusive dental defense system sets this formula apart in promoting good oral health. The kibble features a special crispy shell and firm core clinically proven to reduce tartar buildup by up to 80%. As it crunches, the texture and fibers scrape away plaque and slow its return. Owners note cleaner teeth along with better breath. With long-lasting oral benefits, dogs benefit from fresher mouths along with skin relief.
The tailored nutrition profile delivers daily care for dogs inside and out. Lean protein fuels the body while skin-friendly oils provide moisture and nourishment. With scrutiny against common allergens, Eukanuba Sensitive Skin offers the building blocks of health to improve wellbeing.
Customer Experiences and Product Effectiveness
For owners struggling to manage their dogs skin issues and sensitivities, customer reviews indicate Eukanuba Sensitive Skin can provide true relief. After trying solutions like shampoos or antibiotics without lasting success, many see real improvement once incorporating this diet.
Within a few weeks of switching foods, some dogs show less redness and scratching. Owners describe dogs who gnaw themselves raw finally getting relief as their skin calms. One owner shares their story:
My German Shepherd mix had horrible skin irritation for over a year. We did allergy testing, antibiotics, baths you name it. Nothing gave her lasting relief until my vet suggested Eukanuba Sensitive Skin dog food about 8 weeks ago. She has stopped obsessively biting and licking herself. Her skin is no longer red or scabby. She seems much more comfortable in her own fur, and I finally have my happy puppy back.
These dramatic changes speak to the power of dietary solutions alongside medicines or topicals. By avoiding triggers internally, Eukanuba Sensitive Skin addresses the root causes to provide true, lasting relief. After years of coping with itchy, unhappy dogs, owners call the transformation incredible. The effectiveness underscores the importance of tailoring nutrition to specific needs with formulas like this hypoallergenic recipe.
While no universal solution for sensitivities exists, Eukanuba Sensitive Skin offers proven results for many dogs. For owners seeking alternatives after other options have failed, reviews suggest this formula can gently soothe skin and provide comfort. With its targeted formulation and hypoallergenic properties, Eukanuba Sensitive Skin promotes freedom from irritation so sensitive dogs can thrive happily.
Best Dog Foods for Allergies
Farmers Pork is one of 3 fresh recipes included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog pork recipe gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breed puppies Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes studied in our review of the Nom Nom cooked-then-frozen product line.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
If youve ever wished you could feed your dog a fresh, home-cooked meal but you didnt know how to make sure it was nutritionally complete and balanced then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
The first time you visit Nom Noms website, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed and suspected allergies. Nom Nom will then create a customized, single protein diet designed to keep your dog at optimal weight.
Expertly designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
An excellent limited ingredient recipe and a solid place to start an at-home elimination diet. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adults + puppies (including large breeds) Turkey and Potato Formula is one of 6 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient dry product line.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
An excellent limited ingredient option for adult dogs with food and skin sensitivities. Easily recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
See all 11 available recipes
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Turkey Patties is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs."
Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is one of 10 formulas included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure dry product line.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A high-quality recipe ideal for adult dogs.
See all 10 available recipes
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Angus Beef Recipe is one of 3 dry formulas included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient product line.
Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef receives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat, natural flavor Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies Chicken Flavor is one of 2 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food dry product line.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor gets most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein isolate. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 20% protein, 11% fat and 61% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
An exceptional selection for sensitive dogs. Highly recommended.
See all available recipes
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, coconut oil, powdered cellulose Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 20% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Real Turkey and Brown Rice is one of 4 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet wet product line.
This Merrick Limited Ingredient formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh deboned turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
A balanced, wet alternative to dry kibble. A practical option for those seeking to pin down a possible offending ingredient. Plus its available in 4 other featured proteins. Highly recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein dry product line.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 21% protein, 19% fat and 52% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 89%.
A solid all life stages option for dogs with allergies.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp Type Grain-inclusive (brewers rice) Protein Percentage 21% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + small or medium breed puppies Z/D is one of 2 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Prescription Skin Food Sensitivities product line.
This product gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 19% protein, 14% fat and 59% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
Hills Z/D is made with hydrolyzed protein derived from chicken to help avoid adverse food reactions and promote healthy skin.
A time-proven, hypoallergenic formula thats been recommended by veterinary professionals nationwide for years. Ideal for dogs diagnosed with food and skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Canine Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, powdered cellulose, soybean oil, calcium carbonate Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 19% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only, including seniors (not for puppies) This Salmon and Brown Rice Formula is one of 26 recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets dry product line.
This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 26 available recipes
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, brewers rice) Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sensitive Skin Salmon and Rice is one of 19 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan dry product line.
This Purina Pro Plan formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note the inclusion of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from sunflower and fish oils designed to help support dry, itchy skin.
An exceptional over-the-counter, non-prescription dog food that may provide symptomatic relief from chronic skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal Type Includes grain (barley, rice, oat meal) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Zignature Turkey is one of 13 wet dog food recipes included in our review of the Zignature canned product line.
Zignature Salmon extracts the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 52% protein, 23% fat and 17% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
An exceptional, simple ingredient formula. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 52% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies 15. Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
