over the counter hypoallergenic dog food

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

1. Datz, C. Nutritional Management of Allergic Dermatoses. ABVP Proceedings. 2015.
2. Bartges, J. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Nutrition in the Pathogenesis and Management. ACVIM Proceedings. 2016.
3. Rosser, E. Update on Diagnosing and Treating Food Allergies in Dogs. Central Veterinary Conference Proceedings. 2013.
4. 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.
5. Cave NJ.Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2006;36(6):1251.
6. Puigdemont A,et al.Am J Vet Res. 2006;67(3):484.
7. 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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Ask a Vet: 5 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food & Treats (Buyers Guide + Alternative Choices)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

While there are no conclusive scientific explanation why and how dogs get allergies, there are enough anecdotes as to how some triggers, including certain food, cause allergic reactions.

Allergy testing and/or elimination trial are still the most common and effective ways to know what causes a dog's allergic reaction.

Vets may prescribe hypoallergneic dog food, sometimes labeled as limited-ingredient diet, in conjunction with the elimination diet. They are food wilth minimal ingredients, often of novel protein sources and mixed with carbohydrates like vegetables.

Not all commercially-available dog food labeled as hypoallergenic is truly one; it's important to scrutinize the ingredients list and check for 10 ingredients or less, with a novel protein source.

The best ingredient you should look out for when buying a hypoallergenic dog food is hydrolyzed protein.

If your dog suffers from itchy skin or digestive problems, your veterinarian may have suggested a diet trial or elimination diet usinghypoallergenic dog food as the most effective solution (1).

Many people are familiar with other products labeled hypoallergenic, such as cosmetics, but we rarely see foods labeled as such.

In my practice, I often encounter owners who look to switch their dogs to a hypoallergenic diet due to various issues.

But what exactly is a hypoallergenic dog food? Will it work for your dog?

In this article, we will comprehensively tackle everything you need to know about hypoallergenic dog food.

For faster navigation, I recommend you use our jump-to links below:

Jump to each section:

Top 5 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods Reviewed In This Guide:

Hypoallergenic Dog Food 101

It's common today for pet food companies to release a type of hypoallergenic dog foodalongside their line of regular dog foods.

But not everything labeled hypoallergenic will work for every dog or every health problem it may be bought for.

In the most basic sense, hypoallergenic meansbelow allergenic.

This 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.

This is done by breaking down or hydrolyzing the proteins into very small amino acids thatstill provide a complete array of essential nutrients our dogs' bodies require.

The Science Behind Hydrolyzed Proteins

According to Dr. Joe Bartges, aboard-certified veterinary internist and nutritionist, proteins are hydrolyzed for hypoallergenic dog foods because it disrupts protein structure in the food formula.

This process removes any existing allergenic epitopes and allergens,preventing the dog's body from recognizing that protein.

This had to be done because studies have shown that most dogs and cats are usually allergic to 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 becomes hypoallergenic.

But 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.

Efficacy of Hypoallergenic Dog Food: Do They Work?

Most of the time, hypoallergenic diets work.

However, it's not a sure-proof way or the fastest way to understand Fido's food allergy.

But hypoallergenic dog food, plus doing an elimination diet and gastroscopic food sensitivity testing (GFST), are still the bestapproaches we have to determine the culprit of your dog's sensitivity. (2, 3, 4).

They're especially good for very allergic dogs that do not respond to other types of therapeutic dog food diets, although that's not always the case.

Dogs and cats that benefit most from hypoallergenic dog food typically suffer from the following:

• Food allergies
• Atopic Dermatitis(10% of dogs with atopic dermatitis will have food allergy)
• Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Lymphangiectasia

You should also be aware that simply switching your dog or cat to a hypoallergenic dog food diet will not change their condition overnight.

Studies have analyzed (5) the length of using hypoallergenic dog food and found that while 3 weeks are sometimes enough, keeping the dog on the diet for at least 10 weeks is the most effective.

Also, other issues that contribute to your pets allergic discomfort, such as an active skin infection, need to be addressed before a complete diet change (6).

ASK A VET: How to Put an Overweight Dog on a Diet?

Buyer's Guide: Which Dog Foods are Really Hypoallergenic?

The term hypoallergenic hasno legal definitionregarding pet foods.

Many dog food brands may have the word hypoallergenic on their packages but do not include hydrolyzed ingredients.

A food is not hypoallergenic if it does not include the term hydrolyzed on the ingredients label.

Unfortunately, dog food labeling guidelines are not as strict as labeling requirements for human foods. One of our resident vets, Dr. Dana Brown, has discussed this in the Understanding Dog Foodarticle.

Due to loose pet food regulations, companies find loopholes to mislabel their products, and it's still legal for them to do so.

For example, many bloggers have written that Orijen-brand dog foods are hypoallergenic.

This is not true Orijen adult formula contains more than one protein source, all common allergens eggs, poultry, and fish.

A food is also not hypoallergenic if it contains more than one protein source.

While Orijen dog food is a great brand, itwon't workfor dogs with allergies.

A dog food is considered hypoallergenic when it contains:

• A limited (minimal) number of ingredients (under 10 ingredients)
• High-quality Novel ingredient(s) that a sensitive stomach dog is much less likely to be allergic to, but not always guaranteed.
• Least offending ingredients (less likely to cause allergic reactions)

However, do not instantly fall for brands labeling their dog food as limited-ingredient.

They only opt for this terminology to make them moreappealing to a wider range of consumers since not all dogs with food sensitivities are allergic but may have other issues.

Limited-ingredient diets are not necessarily hypoallergenic.

Why? Because non-prescription LID foods that you can buy over the counter might still be contaminated with allergens.

In a 2017 study, 12 commercial dog food products labeled suitable for elimination diet were tested for animal origin DNA using PCR testing.

^{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.}

Do you see now why we always advise you to talk to your vet before switching Fido's diet to a different one?

As a veterinarian myself for many years now, it's my responsibility to keep pet owners informed about the products they buy or use for their dogs, especially with so many controversies in the pet food market these days.

Your best bet to get truly hypoallergenic dog food is by getting prescription dog food diets from your vet. However,prescription diets come with a hefty cost.

But don't worry; there are still over-the-counter brands with the same or similar ingredient composition.

You just have to be careful about choosing one.

RELATED:7 Tips On How To Feed Dogs To Deal With and Prevent Allergies

Top 5 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food Brands

1P.S. 100% Hypoallergenic Food for Dogs

PS for Dogs offers a 100% hypoallergenic dog food that uses a single source for its high-protein content: lamb or turkey.

All of the ingredients are hypoallergenic, low-glycemic, and grain-free. It's also the most expensive dog food brand out there.

With this specially prepared food, dogs get their required high-protein diet without the ingredients that trigger allergies.

According to many dog owners, this dog food resolved their pets issues in just a matter of days after feeding it.

The skin reactions were significantly reduced, and after a few weeks more, the dog's skin visibly cleared up, and the hair even showed signs of growing back.

Because of the limited number of ingredients, P.S. 100% Hypoallergenic Dog Food is great in isolating the cause of allergies.

Optimum health and minimum to zero allergic reactions nothing could make pet owners happier.

Buyers admit that this product is on the pricey end, but they find great value in it.

They say that they have spent so much more on vet visits and medicines just so they and their dogs can live happy, normal lives.

The right food heals, and that is the reason why this brand is on our top 5 best hypoallergenic dog food list.

• Uses a single source for its high-protein content (turkey or lamb)
• All of the ingredients arehypoallergenic, low-glycemic and grain-free
• 100% money-back guarantee if this best hypoallergenic dog food does not work

• More expensive than many of the top-rated hypoallergenic dog foods

2Wellness Natural Limited Ingredient Dog Food

The key is in the ingredients. Fewer ingredients mean fewer components in the food to react to.

This dry dog food from Wellness Natural Pet Food contains only natural components, a single protein source, and no usual allergens like wheat, corn, soy, and gluten.

There are no fillers, meat by-products, eggs, artificial color, or flavor, just high-quality lamb meat and choice carbohydrate sources.

Protein variations include duck, salmon, and turkey. This product is made in the USA and comes in 4.5, 10.5, 24, and 26 pounds.

Pet owners who purchased this product say the simplicity of the ingredients list suited their dogs, even the ones intolerant to most dog food brands.

Buyers surmise that with just five ingredients to deal with, their pets had fewer bouts of allergy or stomach disturbances, rarely over-ate, and had better stools.

Their coats turned healthier, too, with much-reduced scratching and chewing.

As with all the best hypoallergenic dog food products, there are reviews from buyers who say that this food didn't help their pets.

A few reviewers also noted that this food made their pet ill, but that could have been a drastic diet change.

• Contains only natural components and a single protein source
• No fillers, meat by-products, eggs, artificial color, or artificial flavors
• Protein variations include duck, salmon, and turkey
• Made in the USA

• Some reports that this food made pets nauseous

3Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach

Probiotics, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants are three nutrients that dogs with sensitive skin and tummy need a good dose of in their daily meal.

Purina Pro Plan has createdFocus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon and Rice dry dog food to keep the correct balance of these key nutrients in your dogs daily food intake.

The product is available in three bag sizes, including a 5-lb bag for those dogs trying this out for the first time or transitioning to this hypoallergenic diet.

The protein source for this best hypoallergenic dog food is premium-grade real salmon, but your dog can also have a lamb variant.

Problematic dog allergies often mean constant visits to the vet, expensive treatment, and an unhappy dog.

Stressed pet owners say theyve searched for every possible solution to make life easier and more normal for their dogs. Finding this product saved the day for them.

After successfully transitioning to Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food, their dogs showed significant improvement and seemed to like the food, which is often the first test on how new dog food is going to work.

Gone were the digestive upsets, skin irritation, and infections that constantly hounded their four-legged companion.

Most dog owners dont particularly approve of the foods fishy smell but say that they can live with that as long as their dog enjoys the chow and evidently benefits from it.

Many long-time users of this food have also stated that Purina changed the formula recently, and it upset their pet's digestion.

• Includes probiotics, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants
• The protein source is premium-grade real salmon, and a lamb variant is also available

• This hypoallergenic dog food has a rather fishy smell that bothered our pup
• Purina changed the formula recently, and it upset some pet's digestion

4Outback Kangaroo Feast Hypoallergenic Dog Food

If your dog is allergic to the usual protein sources like beef, chicken, fish, or lamb, maybe its about time to try a totally new kind of dog food dehydrated raw kangaroo meat.

The chunky Outback Kangaroo Feast from Addiction Pet Foodsis made from raw kangaroo meat that underwent a special dehydration process to preserve its nutrients and flavor and protect it from spoilage.

It also contains apples, carrots, canola oil, papayas, potatoes, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

The company carefully prepared this new alternative to the usual dog fare to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs per AAFCO standards.

Dog owners appreciate the convenience that this product offers.

It has the advantage of being raw but without the hassle of preparing raw food previously impossible with traditional raw dog food.

Most dogs have not been exposed to kangaroo meat before, so theyre less likely to have developed allergies to it.

Many buyers of Outback Kangaroo Feast have long used this for their dogs, and they recommend it to people with sensitive dogs.

They say this has resolved previous health issues, and they now have a dog with a lustrous coat, happy disposition, and evidently healthy condition.

While the feed costs more than the above-average best hypoallergenic dog food brands, pet owners cant stop buying something that has reliably kept expensive bills and wearying therapy at bay.

Some reviewers stated that their dogs would not eat this food, and they questioned the amount of meat in it.

Unlike other similar types of dog food, they say that it is all powder, and there are no chunks of dehydrated meat.

• Made with dehydrated raw kangaroo meat
• Contains apples, carrots, canola oil, papayas, potatoes, spinach, and sunflower seeds
• Has the advantage of being raw but without the hassle of preparing raw food

• We question the amount of meat in this hypoallergenic food. Unlike other similar types of dog foods, it is all powder, and there are no chunks of dehydrated meat.

5Purina Hydrolyzed Dog Food

Dogs are naturally meat-eaters, but some dogs are allergic to meat due to genetic factors.

Some develop rashes that lead to intense itching, while others react with an upset stomach when fed with meat.

Purina Veterinary Dietshas created this vegetarian food that is designed to meet the dietary requirements of this particular group of canines. The main ingredient of this dry dog food is hydrolyzed soy protein.

This best hypoallergenic dog food is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to ensure proper nutrition and a strong immune system.

Vegetarian food is not for every dog, though. It was formulated as a treatment for dogs with sensitivities to animal protein.

Pet owners say that Purina Veterinary Diets Canine HA Hypoallergenic Vegetarian Dog Food is one of the few food products their sensitive dogs can take without developing adverse reactions.

The vegetable ingredients are definitely easier on their stomachs, as was evident from the firmer stool. The itching has disappeared, and the dogs are noticeably more comfortable.

The dogs love the food, too, and that solves half of the problem. It's difficult to find a poor review of this product, but some buyers claimed that their dog would not eat it.

Others said that their dog's condition showed no improvement when switched to this diet.

• The main ingredient is hydrolyzed protein
• Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids

• Some reports from other dog food reviews claim that their pets would not eat this veterinary formula

Runners-up for the Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Some other brands of hypoallergenic dog food that are worth mentioning are:

This makes it easy to digest and perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. They also have another line of Hypoallergenic dog food with selected protein content.

I also appreciate that Royal Canin has different lines of Hydrolyzed Protein dog food for different health conditionslike this one for urinary health.

This is particularly helpful for dogs that show visible signs of allergy on their skin and hair.

It's one of the best limited-ingredient dog food brands due to its simplistic formula, no fillers, grains, or otherwise unknown or suspicious ingredients.

Its easily digestible protein source makes it perfect for most dogs with food allergies and food sensitivities.

This one contains lamb as the main source of protein. However, itmay not suit every dog with allergies since the number of ingredients is still longer than some other formulas.

However, even though Natural Balance is known for its best-limited ingredient dog food formulas, this one still has a comparably higher number of ingredients.

Nevertheless, the recipe is easy to digest.

The recipe is simple, with only six ingredients, added vitamins and minerals, and no by-products or fillers, but it contains grains, ground, and brown rice.

While some BLUE dog foods have been under heat in the past, their limited ingredient formula is still one of the best, but it may not fit every dog with sensitivities.

It's one of the best-rated dehydrated foods resembling raw feeding and only contains six quality ingredients.

Their LID grain-free formula is available in lamb or salmon, two of the most popular novel protein sources for the hypoallergenic diet.

The recipe, however, may not fit a lot of dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.

• • NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet ($4/lb) although NUTRO's dog foods are generally highly rated five-star brands, they're not known for their limited ingredient formulas or best hypoallergenic dog foods.

This one is mostly an alternative if you can't pick any other limited-ingredient dog food brand.

It contains ten ingredients, no grains, and claims to have eliminated popular food sensitivity ingredients.

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 it with your own 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.

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, buy treats from the same company.

For example, if you feed Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein PS food, then it's best to 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 are:

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.

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

What are the Alternatives to Hypoallergenic Diets?

As I have mentioned above, an elimination diet using hypoallergenic dog food is the most common way to deal with allergies in dogs. But there's an alternative.

For canines with food allergies, veterinarians use one of two types of diets when addressing allergies: the hypoallergenic diet and the novel protein/carbohydrate diet.

The novel protein/carbohydrate diet introduces a single protein source and a single carbohydrate source into the dog's diet.

Ideally, your dog shouldn't have been exposed to these protein and carb sources yet.

These diets commonly include wild meats or fish, such as venison, salmon, lamb, or duck (7).

The carbohydrate sources can include vegetables like sweet potatoes or peas.

Novel protein/carbohydrate diets for dogs are introduced, like the hypoallergenic dog food diet I've outlined above.

Often, they are slightly less expensive than hypoallergenic diets, but they still require veterinary prescriptions.

If your veterinarian recommends a novel protein/carb diet, it may be possible to cook at home for your pet using appropriate homemade dog food recipes that will work for your dog.

If home cooking interests you, definitely ask your vet for a referral to a canine nutritionist.

The nutritionist can formulate a recipe specifically for your pets needs.

What to Expect When Switching toAllergy Diets

Your veterinarian will give specific instructions for switching your dog's old diet to his new hypoallergenic feeding regime.

Typically, the switch is made very gradually. This will help prevent any digestive upset for your dog.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when switching to hypoallergenic dog foods:

1. Purchase new water and dog food bowls for your pet. As the above studies show, old dishes, especially plastic bowls, can hold allergens even if cleaned in a dishwasher.

2.Transition your dog slowly. Start by mixing his old dog food with his new hypoallergenic dog foods for 3-4 days, and then feed only the hypoallergenic diet.

3. Do not give your dog any doggy treats, no bully sticks or bones, no chews, or anything else that could contain non-hypoallergenic ingredients.

4. Do not give your dog any people food for the very same reason.

5. As the above study indicates, it's best to feed your dog the hypoallergenic dog food diet exclusively for at least 6-8 weeks and possibly even 10 weeks.

After the diet trial period of 6-10 weeks, you should be able to know if the new hypoallergenic dog food really works or not.

You will need to consult with your vet about signs you may or may not be seeing in your pet, which will potentially point to allergens.

Sometimes, your dog can return to his regular high-quality commercial kibble as long as you avoid certain ingredients.

Other times, you may need to incorporate homemade dog foods.

Occasionally, if the hypoallergenic dog food diet is the only thing that works for your canine, it may need to be a life-long change to avoid any issues.

RELATED:31 Dog Food and Feeding Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Brief Discussion on Food Allergies in Dogs

By design, the immune system in both dogs and humans is supposed to protect the body from foreign invaders that can hurt it, such as viruses and bacteria.

Allergies in dogs happen when the canine bodys immune system overreacts to a substance that is harmless, falsely labeling it as an invader.

For reasons that are still not fully understood by science, in some individuals and canines, the immune system is overly sensitive, and it will react with allergy symptoms to certain otherwise harmless substances.

Some of these allergies can be genetically linked in dogs, while others may be due to previous exposure to a certain food item.

Most hypoallergenic dog foods alter their protein because studies have shown that protein is what most dogs and cats are usually allergic to (8).

Several studies also proved (9) that the most common types of foods that dogs are allergic to are beef, dairy products, chicken, and wheat.

Further studies (10) show that dogs can be allergic to even more foods, with beef being on the lower scale:

Typically, it's very difficult to pinpoint exactly what food item the dog may be allergic to.

Only testing and/or an elimination diet can tell you exactly what your dog is allergic to (11).

Food allergies in pets can cause a wide range of problems from chronic itchy or infected skin to ear infections to GI tract problems and more.

To read more about dog allergies, I recommend you to check out these articles:

FAQs about Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

Why Are Hypoallergenic Dog Food Diets So Expensive?

It's true that when switching to a hypoallergenic dog food, you'll probably have to increase your pet feeding budget.

The most common explanation for this expense increase is that these diets take years, if not decades, to develop and test.

The processing of hypoallergenic dog food requires costs more than manufacturing regular dog food.

For example, Hills Science Diet reports that its hypoallergenic food, z/d Ultra, is produced exclusively on its own production line in a separate facility from the rest of its food processing where its other dog foods are made.

They explain that this eliminates cross-contamination of allergens from other production lines.

The separate equipment, maintenance, and personnel add to the overall cost.

Another example is Royal Canin. They use both controlled manufacturing practices and a DNA test for each batch of hypoallergenic food to ensure that there is no foreign protein contamination.

The more precautions that a pet food company takes to ensure good quality control and to ensure thefood is hypoallergenic, the more expensive it will be.

What breed of dogs are allergic to chicken?

Chicken is a common food allergy for all breeds.

But the breeds that are particularly vulnerable are Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Dalmatians, Boxers, Boston Terriers, German Shepherds, and Cocker Spaniels.

How long does it take for a food allergy to clear up in dogs?

Unfortunately, when dogs have food allergies, symptoms can persist despite having switched your dog's food.

Expect symptoms to stick around for eight weeks or so before being completely gone.

Is hypoallergenic the same as grain-free?

No, hypoallergenic and grain-free are not the same when it comes to dog food.

While some grain-free foods may also be considered hypoallergenic, being grain-free alone does not mean a food is suitable for dogs with food allergies.

Hypoallergenic refers to foods formulated to be less likely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. It may still include grains or carbohydrates that are easily digestible for dogs, as the focus is on avoiding multiple allergenic ingredients rather than grains alone.

The best hypoallergenic options will use a novel single-protein source and limited additional ingredients to prevent reactions to multiple food sensitivities in allergic dogs.

Hypoallergenic Dog Food: Before You Go

When your dog has an allergy, the first thing to do is speak with your veterinarian and formulate a plan of action.

As discussed above, an elimination diet using either hypoallergenic dog food or a novel protein/carb diet is the best way toward success.

However, studies have shown (12, 13) that including an increased amount of omega-3s in your dog's diet may help with allergies as well as improve a ton of other health factors (14).

But don't just rely on the fish oil that is on the ingredients list.

This fat is very susceptible to processing, so it is likely that there is little to no fish oil, even if the food claims to have it.

The best way to add omega-3s into the dog's diet is to give dog fish oil supplements.

Another thing to consider is probiotics for dogs.

There is no evidence (15) as to how effective probiotics are for dogs with allergies (yet good for their general health), but there are a lot of studies on positive effects for people with allergies (16, 17).

As established above, dogs and humans have a lot in common when it comes to dealing with allergies.

Find a way to add any of these to your dog's diet, whether through supplementation or by adding some fish oil and probiotics into your dog's food.

However, discuss this with your vet beforehand so that you can successfully track the elimination diet.

Have you tried any of these hypoallergenic dog foods? How did your pup react to any of these limited-ingredient dog food brands?

Share your experience in the comments section so more dog owners are aware of any issues!

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References

Click here to see study citations and references

Footnotes, study citations, and further reading:

1. Verlinden A1, Hesta M, Millet S, Janssens GP. Food allergy in dogs and cats: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(3):259-73.
2. Buchanan BB1, Frick OL. The dog as a model for food allergy. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 May;964:173-83.
3. Ermel RW1, Kock M, Griffey SM, Reinhart GA, Frick OL. The atopic dog: a model for food allergy. Lab Anim Sci. 1997 Feb;47(1):40-9.
4. Mueller, R. S., Olivry, T., & Prlaud, P. (2016). Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0633-8
5. Kang, M.-H., Kim, H.-J., Jang, H.-J., & Park, H.-M. (2014). Sensitization rates of causative allergens for dogs with atopic dermatitis: detection of canine allergen-specific IgE. Journal of Veterinary Science, 15(4), 545550. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2014.15.4.545
6. Wills J1, Harvey R. Diagnosis and management of food allergy and intolerance in dogs and cats. Aust Vet J. 1994 Oct;71(10):322-6.
7. Jeffers JG1, Meyer EK, Sosis EJ. Responses of dogs with food allergies to single-ingredient dietary provocation. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1996 Aug 1;209(3):608-11.
8. Marks SL1, Laflamme DP, McAloose D. Dietary trial using a commercial hypoallergenic diet containing hydrolyzed protein for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. Vet Ther. 2002 Summer;3(2):109-18.
9. Guilford WG1, Strombeck DR, Rogers Q, Frick OL, Lawoko C. Development of gastroscopic food sensitivity testing in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 1994 Nov-Dec;8(6):414-22.
10. Elwood, C. M., Rutgers, H. C. and Batt, R. M. (1994), Gastroscopic food sensitivity testing in 17 dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 35: 199203. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.1994.tb01689.x
11. Rosser EJ Jr1. Diagnosis of food allergy in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1993 Jul 15;203(2):259-62.
12. Scott DW1, Miller WH Jr. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents in the management of canine allergic pruritus. J S Afr Vet Assoc. 1993 Mar;64(1):52-6.
13. Olivry, T., DeBoer, D. J., Favrot, C., Jackson, H. A., Mueller, R. S., Nuttall, T., for the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals. (2015). Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). BMC Veterinary Research, 11, 210. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0514-6
14. Mooney MA1, Vaughn DM, Reinhart GA, Powers RD, Wright JC, Hoffman CE, Swaim SF, Baker HJ. Evaluation of the effects of omega-3 fatty acid-containing diets on the inflammatory stage of wound healing in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 1998 Jul;59(7):859-63.
15. Kelley RL1, Minikhiem D, Kiely B, O'Mahony L, O'Sullivan D, Boileau T, Park JS. Clinical benefits of probiotic canine-derived Bifidobacterium animalis strain AHC7 in dogs with acute idiopathic diarrhea. Vet Ther. 2009 Fall;10(3):121-30.
16. Furrie E1. Probiotics and allergy. Proc Nutr Soc. 2005 Nov;64(4):465-9.
17. Vanderhoof JA1. Probiotics in allergy management. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2008 Nov;47 Suppl 2:S38-40. doi: 10.1097/01.mpg.0000338810.74933.c1.