dog food for skin allergies philippines
Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
Usually these allergies will appear when theyre young (between 1-5 years old), but they can develop at any age.
Dogs with flea allergies will usually have severely itchy skin. Itchiness is sometimes referred to by its medical term, pruritus. They may scratch, rub, chew or lick their hair or skin, and this can sometimes result in trauma to the skin or introduction of a secondary infection. Additionally, other dog allergy symptoms may be present such as hair loss and scabbing, and flea dirt may be visible on the skin or in the coat too.
Flea dirt can, however, often be difficult to spot, so the wet paper test can help: rub your dogs coat gently whilst they stand on a piece of damp paper. Any black flecks (flea dirt) that fall off the coat will stain the paper red (as flea dirt is dried blood). This can be a useful indicator of whether fleas are present or not. Bear in mind that even if your dog is treated monthly for fleas, they could still suffer from a flea allergy! Many flea treatments will only kill the flea once it has bitten your dog, and unfortunately this single bite is often enough to trigger an allergic reaction and itching in a sensitive dog.
Environmental allergies
Environmental dog allergies are usually caused by dust, pollen or mould. This type is usually seasonal, so it will probably only appear at certain times of the year dogs can suffer from hay fever so you may notice sneezing or irritation when the pollen count is high. Areas around the paws, ears, lower legs, muzzle and groin are usually the most affected skin spots and your dog might have bald or sore patches from excessive itching. Sometimes, an environmental allergen can be resolved simply by avoidance for example, if you know you dogs allergic symptoms appear worse on walks through particular fields with long grasses you may need to avoid this and use pavements at certain times of the year.
Dog food allergies
Contrary to popular belief, food allergies in dogs arent very common, and actually only make up about 10% of allergies or less in dogs. Most of what owners believe are food allergies are actually intolerances.
An intolerance differs to an allergy: an allergy involves the immune system, so the body must have been previously exposed to the allergen (which is usually a harmless molecule). In comparison, an intolerance does not involve the immune system and can occur the first time a dog encounters that substance. An example would be a lactose intolerance: in this case, the dog would lack the enzymes needed to digest lactose, so if given some milk he or she may suffer from diarrhoea because of an inability to digest the ingredient.
Although not always the case, an allergy tends to provoke a skin reaction, such as a swelling or itchiness, more commonly than a gastrointestinal problem like vomiting and/or diarrhoea, whereas an intolerance is more likely to result in gastrointestinal signs.
Acute allergic reactions
Sometimes dog allergies can become severe and may result in anaphylactic shock. Most commonly these reactions are due to things like a bee sting or a wasp sting.
Raw Dog Food Recipes for Skin Allergies (4 Easy Recipes To Try At Home)
Key Takeaways
- Skin allergies in dogs can be caused be various allergens. Check with your vet first if raw dog food helps your dogs specific condition.
- A raw diet boosts dogs digestion and immune systemboth important in fighting off allergic reactions.
- Oily fish, turkey, rabbit, and beef are some of the best proteins you can add to any raw dog food recipes for skin allergies.
A raw diet is one of the best ways to give your dogs immune and digestion system the support it needs to develop and grow strong. It improves the dogs overall health and relieves allergic symptoms by providing anti-inflammatory benefits. When dogs are on a poor diet, it sometimes manifests through skin rashes or a lackluster coat. The stronger the immune system, the better your dogs skin and coat look. As a balanced diet, it also improves their chances of fighting off common dog food allergies without going to the vet. So you need to give them the appropriate diet to gain these benefits. Below we are sharing a few raw dog food recipes for skin allergies.
If you still have doubts about making homemade dog food, however, the best dog food delivery service platforms today offer high-quality and biologically appropriate raw diets for petsbrought straight to you home. We Feed Raw is one of the most sought-after pet food subscription brand due to its excellence in the raw feeding game. My dog develops skin allergies from certain ingredients in kibble which is why I turned to fresh dog food options. But if you do have the time to prepare a raw diet, read my guide below.
Skin Allergies in Dogs
Dog owners should realize that other than food allergy, your dogs skin condition may also be affected by external factors such as flea bites, dirty beddings, pollens, dust, mold, etc. These are either inhaled or has come in contact with your dog. It is important to understand first what type of skin allergy your pup is having and find out what causes it so you can adjust from there.
If you are sure the allergy is caused by food sensitivity, seek further advise from your vet. Before following any of these homemade dog food recipe ideas or making any change to your dogs diet, it is crucial to find out first which foods your pooch is allergic to so you can avoid them. A trip to the vet or an elimination diet should help you. Take note of your dogs weight, age, breed, and energy levels as feeding guide.
Raw Fish and Veggies
Fish is rich in omega-three fatty acids, which veterinarians claim decreases the level of inflammation [1]. It is also a great alternative for dogs that have an allergic reaction to chicken or beef. Making your own dog food using this recipe is very easy.
Ingredients
- Five pounds non farmed oily fish fillet such as mackerel
- Eight ounces of kale
- Five ounces of broccoli
- Four ounces of dandelion greens
- Twelve ounces of blueberries or mixed berries
- Six tablespoons of seaweed calcium
Preparation
Grind or chop the fish meat into small cubes. Puree thebroccoli, kale, greens, and bone meal in a food processor. Mix the fillet and veggie plus berry mix thoroughly and place the mixture into small containers. These are to be placed in the freezer for storage before serving to the dog. The food should also be frozen according to one to three-day portions.
Boneless Turkey and Eggs
Turkey is a good option for dogs because it is lean and easy to digest. That makes it a good candidate for dogs that have allergies. It also has some aspects like riboflavin which improves the metabolism process. The recipes ingredients have also been carefully chosen to ensure they meet theAAFCO minimum nutrition requirementsfor dogs.
Ingredients
- Five pounds of lean turkey meat
- Two pounds of chicken heart
- Six pasture-raised eggs without the shells
- Eight ounces of kale
- Eight ounces of dandelion greens
- Eight ounces of broccoli
- Twelve ounces of blueberries
- Six tablespoons of ground pumpkin seed (for healthy fats)
Preparation
Grind the chicken heart and the turkey meat. If it is not possible to obtain a grinder, you can chop the meat into small cubes. Make a puree from the eggs, broccoli, kale, greens, pumpkin seed, and berries. Mix the puree with the cut or ground turkey and stir to ensure good dispersal. Divide the mixture into small containers and place them in the freezer for storage. The food should be frozen in one to three-day portions.
Rabbit and Veggies
Rabbit is one of the best options for dogs that have allergies. It can also be used as an elimination approach to see which meat the dog is sensitive to. In adog elimination diet, the proteins the dog tends to eat are removed, and you feed it a single option. If this is the case, though, it should not be given alongside poultry or beef because the results would not be reliable.
Ingredients
- Four pounds of rabbit, or two rabbits carcasses
- Eight ounces of broccoli
- Half an ounce of chopped spinach
- Six ounces of blueberries
Preparation
Cut the rabbit into small pieces. It can be fed as muscle meat whole or ground with organs such as the liver and the heart. Puree the broccoli, berries, and spinach in a food processor. Mix the rabbit meat with the vegetable puree and put the remaining mixture into small containers, which are then to be placed in a freezer. The homemade food is to be frozen in one to three-day portions.
Homemade Beef and Lentils
Ground beef and lentils are nutrient-rich and non-toxic homemade dog foods. They also come available withgreat nutrients and fiber. It is also very digestible and great for your dogs skin, so you do not have to worry about unpleasant gassiness.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Sweet potatoes or brown rice
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Eggs
- Sunflower oil
- Salmon oil
Preparation
This time you will not have to worry about cutting the meat up as you need to mince beef to get the best results. Blend the eggs, carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes in one setting, along with the sunflower oil. Then mix the egg and vegetable puree with the beef. Separate your dogs food into small containers and put these in the freezer for storage.
Looking for breed-specific raw recipes? Check these out:
FAQs
Are dog food allergies really a thing?
Dogs most common food allergens are protein based from chicken, beef, or wheat gluten. Every time a dog that is allergic eats these foods, the antibodies cause a reaction with the antigens leading to allergic symptoms. These may present as itchy skin, coughing, or runny discharge from the eyes and nose. Hence the need for raw dog food recipes for skin allergies.
How to make raw dog food?
The best way to make homemade dog food recipes is to find a base animal protein your pet is not allergic to. The meat is cut up or ground to make it easily chewable and then mixed with a puree of vegetables. The vegetables may include kale, berries, and dandelion greens. These are mixed with the meat and stored in containers for later serving.
What is raw dog food?
Raw dog food can be homemade or freeze-dried. A raw diet includes muscle, organ, ground bone, and fresh vegetables. It depends on the recipe you would like to use as the meal plan for your dog.
Is a raw diet good for dogs?
According to the American veterinary medical association, they oppose the unregulated feeding of raw food. However, several fresh dog food platforms are verified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies in 2024: Highly Digestible Novel Proteins
Skin allergies can be highly uncomfortable for both humans and dogs. Having to constantly scratch the itch is certainly irritating. Allergy on the skin can be very stressful for dogs too.
If you see your furry friend often scratching their ears or chewing on their paws, she could be having an allergic reaction. But a dogs allergies may be caused by several different factors that include the environment, parasites, and even dog foods.
In this article, we will talk about canine skin allergies causes, symptoms, and cure and the best dog food for skin allergies, with a review of the top dog food brands and hypoallergenic dog foods that can help prevent allergic reactions.
Here at DogFood.Guide we have a dedicated mission to provide dog owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the nutrition and health care towards their dogs.
Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.
DogFood.Guide is maintained by Mary Nielsen & her staff. Mary is an advocate and lover. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your dog.
Our site is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. This helps cover the cost of operating our free blog. Thanks for your support!
What To Look For In The Best Dog Food For Allergies
Dog allergies may very well be triggered by the dogs diet. Food allergies are pretty common in dogs, especially with the popularity of commercial pet food that typically contains common allergens. This is more prevalent with cheaper dog food brands that use poor-quality ingredients and artificial additives.
Here are the qualities you must look for in the best dog food for allergies
High-Quality And Natural Ingredients
The best way to protect your dog from health issues is to feed her with dog foods that only use high-quality and natural ingredients, which are found in most premium dog food products. These dog foods may be more costly but may save you more dollars in the long run by minimizing trips to the vet. Avoid artificial flavors and additives, or chemicals.
Novel Animal Protein Sources
Some of the more common allergens in dog foods are animal protein sources from chicken and beef ingredients. This prompted dog food manufacturers to look to other animal sources like lamb, turkey, and fish to create dog food formulas.
However, years later, some dogs also developed food allergies from these ingredients. And so more protein sources were added like venison, duck, rabbit, bison, seafood, and even kangaroo and alligator. Since beef and chicken are the top two common canine food allergens, its best to choose another protein source.
Balanced Nutrition
To stay healthy and strong, dogs need essential vitamins and minerals in their food. The Association of American Feed Control Officials or AAFCO has set standards that include essential nutrients for a dogs overall health. So to ensure that the dogs diet has balanced nutrition, check the label if the dog food has met AAFCO standards
Dog Food Options For Allergies
Aside from the qualities mentioned, there are other dog food formulas that can further lessen the chances of an allergic reaction from pet food. It helps a lot, of course, if you knew which ingredients cause your dogs allergies.
Hypoallergenic Dog Foods
Hypoallergenic dog food is a diet that does not contain any of the known ingredients that cause allergic reactions in dogs like beef, chicken, dairy, and eggs, and some grains like wheat, corn, and soy, which are the most common canine food allergens according to experts.
Moreover, these diets mostly have a single protein source, usually from a novel animal protein source. Most hypoallergenic dog foods have limited ingredients too.
Limited Ingredient Dog Foods
After picking the main ingredient, which should ideally be a high-quality animal protein, it also helps largely to select a dog food with limited ingredients. Limited ingredient dog foods are dog food formulas with only a few ingredients for the purpose of avoiding or minimizing an allergic reaction, especially if the origin is unknown.
Some dog foods have too many ingredients that make it difficult to determine the origins of the food allergy or may have common allergens like chicken as part of the formula.
Grain-Free/ Gluten-Free Formula
Some grains are also commonly known food allergens in dog food, like wheat and corn. Although the cases are much fewer than in beef or chicken, your pup may have developed a food allergy to some grains. In this case, there are many grain-free dog food options to choose from in the pet food store.
Not all dogs thrive on a grain-free diet. Those who require more fiber in their meals can be given grain-inclusive foods that are gluten-free. These dog foods typically include wholesome grains such as oats, brown rice, sorghum, and many others.
Fish Ingredients
Very few dogs have issues with high-quality fish as the main animal protein source. Salmon is a great animal protein as it also offers an ample supply of omega fatty acids that offer many health benefits including digestive health, immune system health, and coat and skin health.
Other common fish ingredients in dog foods are mackerel, whitefish, herring, tuna, trout, catfish, sardines, and anchovies. Some of the regular fish meal formulas added to dog foods are menhaden fish, ocean fish, and salmon meal.
Veterinarian-prescribed Dog Foods
Some vets prescribe dog foods to address food allergies. Most of these prescription diets use hydrolyzed protein, which is a protein made so tiny that the immune system fails to identify it and react to it. Hydrolysis is the process used to break down proteins and make hydrolyzed protein. Proteins are broken down into amino acids that are known as building blocks.
Raw Or Fresh Foods
Canine food allergies are part of the reason why many pet parents are now turning to homemade or raw dog food, which is made with fresh and natural ingredients to minimize the chance of an allergic reaction.
Although fresh dog foods are more expensive and require time to prepare, these are believed to be safer and healthier options.Fortunately, there are now fresh food online sellers for busy dog owners, like Nom Nom Fresh Foods for dogs, which offer different recipes
Best Dog Food For Skin Allergies: Our Top Picks
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our #1 Pick  | Zignature LID Turkey Formula
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon |
ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains LID Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Nutro LID Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Natural Balance LID Lamb & Brown Rice Formula
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Instinct LID Recipe with Real Turkey
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Canidae PURE LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
American Journey LID Venison & Sweet Potato Recipe
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Blue Buffalo Basics LID Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
FirstMate LID Endurance/Puppy Pacific Ocean Formula
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
PET TAO Harmony Diets LID
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Tender & True LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon |
- Zignature LID Turkey Formula
- Acana Singles + Wholesome Grains LID Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe
- Nutro LID Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Natural Balance LID Lamb & Brown Rice Formula
- Instinct LID Recipe with Real Turkey
- Canidae PURE LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
- American Journey LID Venison & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Basics LID Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior
- FirstMate LID Endurance/Puppy Pacific Ocean Formula
- Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities
- PET TAO Harmony Diets LID
- Tender & True LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
Weve assembled some of the best dog foods for allergies both dry food and wet food that suit different budgets. Also included in the list are recommended dog treats and supplements for a dogs allergies.
1. Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula
First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower Oil
Our top pick for the best dog food for allergies in the dry food category is Zignature Turkey limited ingredient dog food, which is a prominent premium pet food that's suitable for all life stages.
Real turkey meat from US-bred turkey and turkey meal are the main ingredients in this grain-free dog food, plus sunflower oil. It doesnt have any of the common allergens in dog food. The minimum protein load is a generous 32%.
Worthy to be called the best dog food for allergies, this grain-free formula got a remarkable 4.7 out of 5 stars average rating from over 600 reviewers at Chewy.com, plus a high 96% acceptance rate.
Most customers found this premium kibble outstanding, with great results in their dogs allergy issues, plus other benefits like healthy skin and coat.
Less than 10% of the reviews were unfavorable, which mentioned mostly concerns about chickpeas, flatulence, large kibbles, and picky eaters.
Pros
- No known food allergens
- High in omega fatty acids
- High-quality and limited ingredients, with real turkey
- Multiple positive reviews from owners of pets with allergies
Cons
- Reports of flatulence
- Kibble may be too large for smaller dogs
2. ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains LID Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver
Surely among the best dog foods in the market today, Acana is a premium brand with a reputation for excellent-quality ingredients. This limited ingredient dog food is appropriate for dogs.
Real lamb meat and lamb meal are the first two ingredients, plus lamb organs, to make a single-protein source but truly delicious and healthy dog food.
This recipe has fish oil to provide the essential omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. No artificial flavors or additives are part of the dog food recipe.
This kibble received a 4.7 out of 5 stars average rating from 27 reviewers at Chewy.com, with a perfect 100% acceptance rate.
Expectedly, most customers were very satisfied with this dry food, citing vast improvements with their dogs skin allergies and GI issues, plus shinier coats.
Some also liked the high fiber level in this diet, which helped greatly in digestive health. There were only 3 reviewers that were unimpressed, saying their pups turned their noses up or that they didnt see any changes in the dogs skin.
Pros
- Single-protein source real lamb
- Limited ingredients, with no artificial ingredients
- 100% free from legume, gluten and potato ingredients
Cons
- More expensive than the average kibble
3. Nutro LID Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Dried Potatoes, Dried Sweet Potato
Third on our list but equally remarkable is Nutros lamb and sweet potato recipe a limited ingredient and grain-free dog food. Lamb is the only animal protein source in this formula.
Real lamb meat and lamb meal are the main ingredients, plus sweet potatoes for balanced nutrition. Sunflower oil is the supplier of healthy omegas for skin and coat health, as well as joint health.
Like our first two dry dog food choices, this recipe also received 4.7 out of 5 stars average grade from over 80 reviewers at Chewy.com, with a 93% acceptance rate.
So many pet parents that used this dog food shared that their dogs skin allergies were gone after weeks of this grain-free dogs diet.
Several stated that their dogs with sensitive stomachs are no longer showing signs of digestive issues. There were a few mentions about an alleged formula change, which isnt favorable to the commenters.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Gentle on sensitive tummies
- Made with 10 ingredients or less
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
Cons
- Reports of formula change
4. Natural Balance LID Lamb & Brown Rice Formula
First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
Known for its limited ingredient dog foods, Natural Balance offers a superb but easy-on-the-pocket option for sensitive skin dogs lamb and brown rice formula.
Made with real lamb as the first ingredient, this limited ingredient dog food formula also features lamb meal for the extra amino acids mass, and brown rice for the rich fibers to support the digestive system.
This lamb and brown rice recipe is enriched with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support skin, coat, joint, as well as many other aspects of dogs health.
Close to 500 customers reviewed this brand, giving it an average 4.6 out of 5 stars grade, with a 94% acceptance rate. The great majority of reviews were very encouraging, with several mentions of allergy relief in their pups, as well as healthier weight and poop.
There were a few mentions of an alleged formula change, and that the kibble was too large for small-breed dogs.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Highly digestible
- Real lamb is #1 ingredient
- Suitable for all breeds of adult dogs
- Grain-inclusive but without corn, wheat
Cons
- Reports of a formula change
- Kibble may be too large for small-breed dogs
5. Instinct LID Recipe with Real Turkey
First 5 ingredients: Turkey Meal, Peas, Turkey, Tapioca, Canola Oil
grain-free dog food is certainly no pushover recipe. Turkey meal is the first ingredient, with peas and real turkey as the next main components in the grain-free formula.
Cage-free turkey is the only animal protein in the ingredients deck that includes coconut oil and turkey organs. Abundant in amino acids, this diet is generous in protein and fat contents, with 26% and 18% respectively.
And, its fortified with essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin E supplement, which is a powerful antioxidant that can keep a dogs skin healthy.
Chewy customers gave this limited ingredient dog food an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with a 93% acceptance rate. Over 90% of these reviewers were very impressed with this formula, many of whom said their dogs allergies were gone. The less than 10% of naysayers were mostly about their pups not liking the kibble.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Single animal protein real turkey
- Great for skin and digestive health
- With raw-coated kibble of turkey meat
- Guaranteed levels of natural omegas and antioxidants
Cons
- Some customers find the kibble too small for large breed dogs
6. Canidae PURE LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Sweet Potatoes
Canidae is a shoo-in in this list of premium dog food names. Known for its high-quality ingredients, this grain-free formula and limited ingredient dog food from Canidae has real salmon as the star ingredient, followed by salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, lentils, and sweet potatoes for a 32%-14%-4.5% protein-fat-fiber contents proportions suitable for adult dogs.
The grain-free blend is also rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin E supplement and fatty acids for immune system boost, joint health, and coat and skin health, plus probiotics for digestive health. And, it has none of the common allergens in dog food or artificial additives.
More than 400 Chewy customers accorded this diet an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars grade, with a 94% acceptance rate, to attest to its great quality. 88% of comments were commendatory, especially with regard to mitigating dog food allergies and food intolerances.
Only 12% of the respondents were dissatisfied with this dry food for adult dogs, citing issues like strong odor, too many crumbs, kibble being too small, and an apparent formula change without warning.
Pros
- With probiotics
- Made with 8 real food ingredients
- Zero artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Contains fish ingredients salmon and menhaden fish
Cons
- Strong fish odor
- Reports of formula change, with added plant-based ingredients
7. American Journey LID Venison & Sweet Potato Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Venison, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas, Venison Meal
Unsure of the animal source to choose? Well, Venison is a safe choice. One of the reliable novel protein sources, venison is a great alternative for your red meat-loving adult dogs with food intolerance and allergy to the usual proteins like chicken and beef.
This grain-free formula has real venison meat and venison meal for your skin-sensitive pooch, plus sweet potatoes. It also has fish oil for the healthy omegas for healthy skin and fur, and the dogs immune system enhancement. This grain-free dog food is pretty affordable too.
200 Chewy customers gave this kibble an average grade of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with a 90% acceptance rate. 81% of the reviews were praiseful, especially when pertaining to the formulas suitability to a dogs sensitive skin and sensitive stomach issues.
The remaining comments were mostly about finicky dogs that didnt like the flavor, and with a few comments about more poops with this dry dog food.
Pros
- High-fiber
- All-natural ingredients
- Single protein source venison, which is a novel protein
- Zero corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meals
Cons
- Has a peppery smell that is off putting to some dogs
8. Blue Buffalo Basics LID Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Potatoes, Peas
For our senior furry friends with food allergies, this senior dog food is a fine choice. Real deboned turkey is the first ingredient, plus turkey meal, as turkey is the only animal source in this limited ingredient dog food. Oatmeal and brown rice are the main digestible carbs in this dog food.
This grain-inclusive recipe also has fish oil for fatty acids and pumpkin for healthy fibers to help support the digestive system. It also has probiotics for gut health. This is a high-fiber formula, with a max 7% fiber load.
This diet received an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars average rating from over 200 Chewy customers, and with a 96% acceptance rate. Even more remarkable is that 92% of the reviews were very encouraging, with many pet parents saying their senior pets loved this kibble and that it was great for their pups sensitive skin and sensitive stomach.
Only less than 8% of the reviews were negative, almost half of which were about picky-eating dogs. Some found the price a bit expensive, and a couple thought the kibble was a bit hard.
Pros
- Best for sensitive pets
- Single animal source real turkey
- Balanced diet, rich in antioxidant
- Free from chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy and eggs
Cons
- Kibbles are a bit too hard for a few senior pups
9. FirstMate LID Endurance/Puppy Pacific Ocean Formula
First 5 ingredients: Potato, Pacific Ocean Fish Meal, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat, Fish Oil
As for our younger four-legged kids, we find First Mate as the best dog food for allergies in puppies. Its pacific ocean recipe is a great option being a fish-based protein source. This proudly Canadian-made grain-free dog food has Pacific Ocean fishmeal from wild-caught herring as the only animal source.
For growing puppies, this limited ingredient dog food has good levels of protein at 28%. The formula includes ample vitamins and minerals for the dogs immune system and overall health. Chicken fat is part of the mix too for essential vitamin E.
A 4.4 out of 5 stars average grade was given by 18 Chewy customers to this puppy dog food, with a perfect 100% acceptance rate.
Out of 18 feedback, 15 reviewers were all-praises for this dry dog food formula saying their young pups thrived with it, and liked the high-protein content and nutrients. 2 of the 3 naysayers found the kibble too big for their small-breed dogs.
Pros
- Eliminates the risk of allergies
- High in fiber for digestive health
- Ocean fish meal is the only animal protein source
- High in protein and fat levels for puppy growth
- Made in Canada with the best ingredients
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Kibble may be too large for small breed puppies
10. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d
First 5 ingredients: Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Oil, Calcium Carbonate
As for the best hypoallergenic dog food and prescription diet, nothing beats a formula designed by animal nutritionists and veterinarians.
Hills Prescription Diet z/d formula is a highly touted hypoallergenic dog food made with hydrolyzed protein to help dogs with food intolerance and food allergy avoid allergic reactions.
Of course, its also enriched with essential nutrients for good health. As the protein content of this food is quite minimal, its best to find another hypoallergenic recipe after the prescribed period, or to supplement your pups meal with more protein sources once your vet has given his/ her approval.
There were over 800 Chewy reviewers for this hypoallergenic dog food that gave it an average grade of 4.6 out of 5 stars and a 94% acceptance rate. You know that its the right dog food for allergies when more than 700 of these respondents had great things to say about this dry dog food.
Most of them said that this dogs diet is the only one that worked in alleviating their dogs allergies and calming their poochs sensitive stomach.
Only about 11% said otherwise, with a few saying there were no improvements in their dogs condition, while others have varying complaints like the high price, the kibble being too hard, and the taste not being very likable.
Pros
- Highly digestible
- Features hydrolyzed proteins
- Formulated by veterinarians for food allergies in dogs
11. PET TAO Harmony Diets Limited Ingredient
First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Carrots, Celery, Green Beans, Broccoli
For dogs that prefer wet food, we picked Pet Tao Harmony as the best wet dog food for allergies. This is because this US-made limited ingredient wet dog food is made with high-quality ingredients that are safe for any dog with food intolerance and food allergy.
This hydrating meal features real turkey meat as the only animal protein source. This holistic diet, guided by the Yin-Yang philosophy, only uses all-natural ingredients too. Aside from the first five ingredients, this diet suitable for all life stages also includes spinach, honey, and sesame oil.
While the brand does not have that many reviews on Chewy.com yet, online reviews for this product have been mostly positive, with most saying their pups have renewed energy and noticeable overall health improvement.
A Chewy.com customer gave this hypoallergenic dog food a perfect 5 out of 5 stars grade, adding that her skin-problematic dogs did well with this formula.
Pros
- Low-allergen recipe
- Real turkey is the only animal source
- High-quality plant-based ingredients
- Holistically formulated to promote harmony and energetic balance
Cons
- Not widely available in the market
12. Tender & True LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Water Sufficient For Processing, Dried Sweet Potato, Dried Pea, Salt
The grain-free formula is worth the try. Real wild-caught salmon is the first and only animal ingredient in this wet dog food.
Its among the very few brands that can claim to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as having sustainable seafood ingredients.
No poor-quality or artificial ingredients are part of this wet food formula. Its rich in essential nutrients and amino acids, with sufficient protein levels of 9.5%. The recipe is suitable for all life stages.
Customer reviews for this salmon and potato pate have been quite favorable. One of them said it was great for her pup that had sensitive skin and a sensitive stomach too.
Another stated that her dog absolutely loves the taste, even as she mentioned that the texture is not very consistent.
Pros
- Certified by the MSC
- Pretty affordable
- Free of grain, corn, wheat or soy
- Real salmon is the single animal source
Cons
- Report of inconsistent pate texture
Treats and Supplements
To further help your food-sensitive dogs, you may also look for treats and supplements that are suitable for these conditions.Hill's Prescription Diet Hypo-Treats is a great dog treat to consider as its made of hydrolyzed protein, which is safe for dogs with food allergies.
As for supplements, you can try PetHonesty AllergySupport Peanut Butter Chews for Dogs. This supplement is one of the best you can find as its formulated specifically for canines with sensitive skin and sensitive stomach issues.
About A Dogs Allergies
Allergies are common in dogs of all breeds and life stages, but with different origins. These are a result of the dogs immune systems reaction to a foreign body.
Skin Allergies
Skin-related allergies are the most common, which may be caused by flea bites (or when your dog is allergic to flea saliva), food allergies (triggered by common allergens in food), or environmental allergens like dust, pollen, and mold.
Environmental allergens may be seasonal. These allergies cause much discomfort with itchiness mostly in the ears and paws, but also in other body parts. When frequently scratched, bitten, and licked, wounds and bacterial infections likely follow.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are often blamed for most allergic reactions in dogs but theyre not as common as most pet parents believe they are.
However, it has become more common today as dogs developed food allergies to common animal proteins like beef, chicken, and dairy. Skin conditions (itchiness or swelling), gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea or vomiting), or both may be triggered by food allergies.
Food Allergies Vs Food Intolerances
A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a particular protein, which results in some symptoms like skin swelling or itchiness.
Food intolerance is a digestive reaction to something that irritates the gut system, or when the food is not digested or broken down well. Food intolerance is usually less worrisome than a food allergy, which in some cases may be life-threatening.
Common Symptoms
- Itchiness in various parts including facial parts
- Swelling of the face and facial parts
- Inflamed skin
- Hives
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- ChronicEar Infections
- Constant licking or chewing of paws and other parts
Elimination Diet
To find out the cause of food allergies, vets recommend an elimination diet, which is to gradually remove the ingredients in all the foods that the dog has been eating until the allergic reactions are gone.
In cases where the dog seems to be having allergic reactions to every protein source he eats, a temporary plant-based diet may be recommended by the vet.
Conclusion
The causes of your dogs allergies are not easy to determine. Its best to have the vet examine your dog for proper prognosis and treatment.
As for food allergies, once the origin is discovered, there are many hypoallergenic options to choose from, some of which are mentioned in this article. An elimination diet is one of the most effective ways to determine the source of your dog's food allergies.
Dont take allergies for granted as some may be life-threatening, not to mention highly uncomfortable and stressful to dogs.
