least allergic food for dogs
Are Dogs More Allergic to Chicken Or Beef?
What Meat Causes Most Allergies in Dogs?
Dogs can develop food allergies to different kinds of meat, but some are more common than others. Some dogs develop an allergy to pork, and others can be sensitive to beef, chicken, and lamb. In either case, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to rotate your dogs food. Avoid giving him the same type of meat every day or even every week. In addition to avoiding common allergens, it is a good idea to avoid common meat ingredients.
If youre not sure if your dog has an allergy to beef, chicken, or fish, a food label can help you narrow the list to a single protein source. Some pet food manufacturers add chicken to advertised fish formulas, so its important to read the label carefully. You can also check the ingredients of supplements and treats. You can also look for hydrolyzed proteins in these foods, which break down protein in the body to make it more digestible.
Food allergies often begin to manifest in a dogs early life, when hes still a puppy, but a dog can develop an allergy at any age. Symptoms can be itchy skin, gastrointestinal distress, or even aggression. Many of these allergies are caused by proteins in food, like beef, poultry, and wheat gluten. Symptoms may take months to manifest, or they may develop suddenly. A vet should check your dogs diet for possible problems before you start changing his meals.
Food allergy symptoms in dogs typically include skin problems and inflammation. They may exhibit itching, flaking, or hives and may even experience diarrhea or vomiting. Dogs with these allergies may also develop anal gland issues or ear infections. The effects of an allergy can be severe enough that your dog will have to undergo an allergy test to make sure the food is safe to eat. Your dog should be given an allergy-free diet if you suspect that your dog is allergic to meat.
A dog food allergy can be caused by the protein in meat, fish, or eggs. When this happens, the immune system mistakenly reacts to substances that are normal for the dog. This results in abnormal reactions, and the only effective treatment is to avoid the food that causes the problem. In many cases, a dog will develop an allergy to a certain type of meat, such as beef. Other foods that can trigger allergies in dogs include soy, fish, or corn.
What Meat Are Dogs Least Allergic to?
Lamb is a protein thats very low in allergens. Its a novel source of protein for dogs and less likely to cause allergies than other kinds of meat. Lambs flavor is also distinctive enough to appeal to fussy eaters. Kangaroo is another novel meat thats low in allergens and high in biological value. Its also cheap and easily digestible.
Although chicken and beef are the most common allergens in commercial dog foods, other types of meat can also cause allergic reactions. A limited ingredient food will contain only the most common ingredients, which will minimize the likelihood of a reaction. A limited ingredient food also might include novel meats, which are less common proteins. Some examples include venison, bison, rabbit, and kangaroo meat. Novel protein foods may also contain novel carbohydrates.
If your dog is prone to allergies, you can avoid feeding it beef. But, there are a number of meats that your dog can safely eat. Bison and buffalo are closely related to beef and should not be fed to dogs. Chicken, duck, and ostrich are also highly allergenic. Chicken, duck, and turkey can also trigger an allergic reaction. Insect-based diets are another potential candidate for allergy diet trials.
Another common allergy is egg allergy. While eggs are less common than other foods, dogs may be allergic to them when they eat eggs. Unlike humans, dogs can also be allergic to other foods, such as grains. If your dog has a food allergy, its important to avoid them as much as possible. Keeping your dog healthy is essential. You dont want to give your dog food that contains grains. Youll want to make sure that you read the food label to be sure its safe for your dog.
Venison is another protein that can help prevent food allergies in dogs. While it isnt as rich in protein as other meats, it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Its also low in cholesterol, so its an excellent choice for overweight dogs. Because of these benefits, venison is a good option for overweight dogs. Its high in B vitamins and essential minerals.
Are Beef Allergies Common in Dogs?
When your dog has a reaction to beef, you might not think its an allergy at first, but its a common condition. These allergies are an overreaction of the dogs immune system to a protein in beef. This protein is found in a certain ingredient in your dogs food. Most dogs arent allergic to beef in its natural form, but they might develop an allergy if you feed your dog a diet high in this protein.
Beef is commonly used in dog food, so your dog may be exposed to it from time to time. However, some dogs may develop an allergy to beef, especially those who are exposed to a lot of meat. Other food sources can be substituted for beef, such as lamb and salmon. While beef is not as common of an allergen as chicken, its important to avoid feeding your dog beef if it has a history of food allergies.
While the time it takes for a dog to develop an allergy depends on the severity and type of allergy, the symptoms can manifest themselves within a few hours or up to 14 days. A dog with a food allergy could experience a reaction in the first few days, while a dog with a milder sensitivity may take up to 14 days before exhibiting symptoms. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
The most common food allergies in dogs are related to a protein found in meat and dairy products. A dog with a food allergy will develop non-seasonal itching, chronic ear infections, and skin problems. These symptoms are often accompanied by chronic ear and foot infections. Its important to seek medical advice as soon as possible because food allergies can lead to anaphylactic shock. When your dog is severely affected by an allergy, he or she may suffer anaphylactic shock and require immediate medical attention.
Although many dog food brands contain beef, some dogs are sensitive to other ingredients. Some dogs may develop other allergies as well, so its important to discuss the cause of your dogs allergy with your veterinarian. There are several methods to help your dog cope with allergies and live a healthier life. If you notice your dog reacting to beef, its important to take steps to prevent the reaction.
Are Dogs Highly Allergic to Chicken?
If your dog is highly allergic to chicken, you need to make a change to his diet. Most commercial dog foods contain chicken byproducts. You can easily find a single-protein formula from an Open Farm at your local pet store, and you can transition your dog back to this diet. If your dog still reacts to chicken, he will need to visit his veterinarian to find out why he is allergic to it.
There are several reasons why dogs may be highly allergic to chicken. A common reason is that they are unable to digest chicken proteins properly. When the immune system sees chicken proteins as foreign, it responds by sending enterocytes to remove them from the body. This reaction can lead to the dog becoming sick. If your dog is highly allergic to chicken, you should stop feeding him chicken entirely. Your dog may have allergies to other poultry as well.
A dog may also be allergic to chicken fat. While most dogs are allergic to chicken, turkey and duck may also trigger the allergic reaction. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a special diet for your dog that does not contain chicken. A limited-antigen diet will avoid all ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction, and you can get a recommendation from a veterinarian or pet store employee. These foods are often cheaper than traditional chicken-based pet foods.
It is important to identify the cause of your dogs chicken allergy and develop a plan to reduce your pets exposure to the food. The best way to do this is to switch your dogs diet to an alternative protein. By doing so, you can minimize the occurrence of flare-ups and reduce the appearance of the allergy. It is important to consult your veterinarian for a complete evaluation of your dogs condition, as it is vital to treat your dogs skin and respiratory system.
Your veterinarian will likely perform a thorough physical examination and ask you questions about your dogs symptoms and food exposure. A full physical examination is a must, and the first step may be an ear swab and a light skin scrape to detect bacteria, yeast, or microscopic parasites. If your dog has an infection, he will likely need blood tests to determine what the problem is.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
