best over the counter hypoallergenic dog food
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)
Hypoallergenic Dog Foods: The Vets Buying Guide for Pet Owners
Most of us are already familiar with hypoallergenic products for humans cosmetics, shampoos, and the like, but how much do you know about hypoallergenic dog foods?
What exactly is a hypoallergenic diet, when is it needed, how can it help dogs with certain health conditions, and finally, how do you pick the right type of hypoallergenic dog food?
In my practice, I often encounter owners who look to switch their dogs to a hypoallergenic diet due to various issues.
I have previously written about the science of hypoallergenic dog foods and their effectiveness in this article, which I recommend reading to understand better how these diets work.
The article below will explain what you need to know about real hypoallergenic dog foods, what makes them hypoallergenic, and hydrolyzed protein dog food diets.
Whether it's something you need and how to shop for the best brand and avoid any fake hypoallergenic dog foods (of which there are several).
Hypoallergenic Dog Foods 101
We may put on the main reasons dogs a hypoallergenic dog food diet can be lumped into something called an adverse food reaction.
This can either mean an allergy that causes the dog to erupt in skin lesions, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or vomiting.
Dogs with primary gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) can often suffer from adverse food reactions.
What are allergies in dogs?
Allergies happen when the dog's immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance.
Many species, including dogs, can experience adverse allergic reactions.
The immune system is programmed to recognize and eliminate threats to the body, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
When allergies occur, the dog's body is essentially tricked into thinking that a harmless substance is a threat.
The fallout causes uncomfortable inflammation and subsequent disease.
Pollen, mold spores, and even dust mite dander are common allergens (called antigens) that are otherwise harmless, but some pets' immune systems dont see it that way.
Food allergies in dogs occur most commonly due to an overreaction to specific animal source proteins or carbohydrates in the diet.1
However, food intolerance in dogs that leads to an adverse food reaction is more common than a true food allergy.
Only about 10-15% of dogs develop a true food allergy. The most common antigens in dog food include proteins from chicken, beef, soy, dairy, and egg.1
If a dog develops an allergy to a carbohydrate source, such as wheat, that means they are allergic to the protein component of the wheat.
Why certain bodies develop allergies and others dont remains a medical mystery.
However, we know we can reduce the likelihood of pets having these uncomfortable and dangerous reactions by feeding specific hypoallergenic dog food diets.
Dog food allergies or adverse food reactions are often diagnosed by what is called an elimination diet.
In these diet trials, the dog is fed either a hypoallergenic dog food brand or a single-source protein/carbohydrate diet for 6-8 weeks.
An adverse food reaction can be diagnosed if the dog develops symptoms after returning to its normal diet.
Dogs diagnosed with adverse food reactions often must eat a hypoallergenic diet for the rest of their lives.
This isn't a big deal, but it may be more costly to a pet owner since some hypoallergenic dog food brands are more expensive.
How can hypoallergenic dog foods help my dog?
Switching to an appropriate hypoallergenic diet will eliminate most or all allergy symptoms in your dog. This may take a little bit of trial and error.
Over time, hypoallergenic dog foods can help manage your dogs chronic itchy skin or ears, making them overall more comfortable.
It can also reduce their dependence on antihistamines, steroids, and antibiotics.
Dogs with chronic gastrointestinal problems can experience more firm stools and better weight maintenance.
We will explain how to shop for the best hypoallergenic dog food brand for your dog.
But if you are concerned about your pet or are interested in this diet, please consult your veterinarian for details beforehand.
When is dog food considered hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic means below allergenic.
When it comes to hypoallergenic dog foods, this term basically means that the structure of the potential allergen in that specific dog food recipe is so small that your dog's immune system cant detect it.
Several diets on the market fall into the hypoallergenic category.
They have all hydrolyzed protein diets, which makes the potential offending protein structure very small and much less likely to evoke a reaction from the dog.
This is what hydrolyzed protein looks like:
Even though it's marketed differently, veterinary experts prefer to call these hydrolyzed diets instead of referring to them as hypoallergenic dog foods.
According to Dr. Joe Bartges, a board-certified veterinary internist and nutritionist, proteins are hydrolyzed for hypoallergenic dog foods because that disrupts protein structure in the food formula.
That removes any existing allergenic epitopes and allergens. This way, it prevents the dog's body from recognizing that protein.
Proteins with molecular weights of over 18,000 daltons are well-known to be the most antigenic.
Thus modification of proteins to compounds having lower molecular weight may be of benefit.
When the average weight of the protein molecule is reduced to less than 18,000 daltons, that protein source is hypoallergenic.2
Even with the adjustments, all hypoallergenic dog foods are well-balanced and nutritionally complete for dogs to consume.
Furthermore, consuming protein hydrolysates results in a quicker absorption of amino acids compared to whole proteins' absorption rate.
ALSO READ: Ask a Vet Does Hypoallergenic Food Really Works?
Hypoallergenic Dog Food A Catch-All Buzzword
As a pet owner, you must be careful when shopping for hypoallergenic dog foods, as this term is often misused.
Limited-ingredient diets are not necessarily hypoallergenic.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to consider a prescription hydrolyzed hypoallergenic dog food instead of an over-the-counter limited-ingredient diet.
It's less likely to be contaminated with allergens. Unfortunately, those are likely to be more expensive.
In a recent study, 12 commercial dog food products were tested for DNA of animal origin using PCR testing.4
The DNA included chicken, turkey, beef, mutton, and pork. In 9 of 10 over-the-counter (non-prescription) limited-ingredient dog food diets, DNA of one or more animal species other than what was declared on the label was found.
The most common contaminants were beef and pork.
Two prescription hydrolyzed diets tested in the study only contained DNA of the animal declared on the label.
Hydrolyzed diets provide short- and long-term, balanced nutrition for adult and senior dogs.
Most commonly vet-recommended hypoallergenic dog foods are available from the three largest prescription diet companies that spend the most on research and science-based recipe formulations: Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet, and Purina.
All these diets are very similar, so you may often benefit more by simply choosing the cheap hypoallergenic dog food brand from either of these manufacturers.
However, discussing with a vet is essential.
If your veterinarian recommends one over the other, it is most likely due to geographical availability and personal clinical experience using the diet with other dogs.
Here are some examples of vet-recommended hypoallergenic dog foods:
If your dog has multiple health issues, such as food intolerance and urinary tract problems like struvite bladder stones, it is possible to feed a diet that supports food sensitivities and urinary health.
There are several recipes available, but here's one vet recommended:
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Multicare Urinary and Hydrolyzed Protein
Ingredients include brewers yeast and hydrolyzed soy protein.
This diet also includes Royal Canins Urinary SO Index, which promotes a urinary environment unfavorable to the development of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
If your pooch is not a big fan of dry kibble, dont despair.
Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet provide canned versions of their hydrolyzed diets, particularly those mentioned above.
What About Hypoallergenic Dog Treats?
If your dog has now switched to hypoallergenic dog foods, complimentary hydrolyzed protein treats are also available and recommended.
If you feed one particular hydrolyzed diet brand, stick with one from the same company.
For example, if you feed Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein PS food, select Royal Canins hydrolyzed protein hypoallergenic dog treats.
Remember to stick with a hydrolyzed protein dont be tempted to switch to something else like venison or salmon, even if the label says it's hypoallergenic.
Vet recommended hypoallergenic dog treats that are commonly available:
Semi-Homemade Hypoallergenic Dog Treats
If hypoallergenic dog treats are unavailable or too expensive, you can try making your own.
Top Dog Tips has a large database of homemade dog treat recipes.
But you can easily do this by purchasing a complimentary hydrolyzed protein hypoallergenic canned dog food diet.
For example, if you already switched your pooch to hypoallergenic dog foods, and now he eats Hills z/d dry, you can purchase a can or a bag of Hills z/d formulaand make treats out of it.
The process is simple:
Roll out the canned dog food into a thin layer using your hands. Cut out the canned food into shapes of your choice. Stars, small circles, or dog bones.
Using a food dehydrator or an oven at low temperatures (200 F or 93 C), bake the treats on parchment paper for 1 to 2 hours.
Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the treat.
Check on them every 30 minutes until they are dry and crunchy. Store in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
RECIPE:Hypoallergenic Homemade Dog Food
Hypoallergenic Dog Foods: The Bottom Line
Real hypoallergenic dog foods made with hydrolyzed proteins can make a big difference for certain dogs.
Keep in mind that these diets are very similar across the board, and sometimes, it's not worth paying extra for a more expensive brand.
That said, remember that some hypoallergenic dog foods are also not what they seem to be.
If your dog is very strongly allergic to chicken, it may be wisest to select a hydrolyzed soy protein diet instead of a chicken-based diet.
Some diets may be available in your area while others won't, and your veterinarian may let you know about this.
The reason is that it's more expensive for the company to stock hypoallergenic dog foods everywhere since they're not very popular to buy.
Many veterinarians will recommend one brand over another based on their personal clinical experience.
If your veterinarian has had good results using a particular brand, consider giving it a try, but don't hesitate to get a second or third opinion either.
REFERENCES
- Datz, C. Nutritional Management of Allergic Dermatoses. ABVP Proceedings. 2015.
- Bartges, J. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Nutrition in the Pathogenesis and Management. ACVIM Proceedings. 2016.
- Rosser, E. Update on Diagnosing and Treating Food Allergies in Dogs. Central Veterinary Conference Proceedings. 2013.
- Horvath-Ungerboeck, Windmann, Handl, et al., Detection of DNA from undeclared animal species in commercial elimination diets for dogs using PCR. Vet Dermatol. August 2017:28(4):373-e86.
- Cave NJ.Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2006;36(6):1251.
- Puigdemont A,et al.Am J Vet Res. 2006;67(3):484.
- Lan A,et al.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2015;21(1):198.
Disclosure: Wemay earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did notaffect our assessment of products.Read more hereand findfull disclosure here.
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