Dog allergies can be a source of stress and confusion for you and your dog. Your best friend may be in pain and you may feel powerless to fix it. You may be wondering: “Why is my dog allergic to everything?”
The good news is there is dog food for allergies, and you can help your dog find relief from the itchy, uncomfortable feeling that dog allergies can cause.
This article will quickly help you find a dog food for your dog’s allergies. You’ll learn about the basic symptoms of allergies and the common allergic triggers so you can understand what is happening to your dog.
You’re then going to learn about 4 of the best dog foods for allergies that you can buy right now.
Finally, you’re going to learn how to choose the right dog food for your dog, as well as how to wean your dog off of some of the ingredients that can cause allergies.
This article will help you choose a safe dog food for your dog that will give him relief from his allergies and help him live a happier and healthier life!
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Taste of the Wild High Protein | Best Overall |  |
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Base Wet Food | Budget Pick |  |
| "I and love and you" Stir & Boom Dehydrated Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Topper | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Taste of the Wild High Protein
In the dog food world there are so many options to choose from. And what is right for your dog might not be right for the next. But, you owe it to your dog to find something that is going to work for their nutrition, their allergies, and their relief of their allergies that keeps them comfortable.
Can the taste of the Wild High Protein Real Fish Premium Dry Dog Food help you find the right relief for your dog on a week to week basis? Let’s dive into this dog food and see if it can help you.
When you look at some of the other dog food brands out there, they don’t seem to cater to the users of the food. Some companies are so focused on making the food and pushing it out there that they don’t take into account how the dogs feel at all.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
Pros:
- Hormone and antibiotic free; so a great form of natural dog food
- A high protein content of 34% – so if you’re looking for a high protein content for your furry friend, this could be the one
- Free from grain and gluten – so both your pet and you will be able to enjoy the food
- Contains probiotics and antioxidants – so good for the overall well-being of your dog
- No artificial coloring or flavoring – so good for your dog’s overall health
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin – so good for improving joint health
- Great customer service
Cons:
- Some reviewers have pointed out that it’s quite expensive
- There have been some issues with the delivery
- Just like with most dog foods, some dogs don’t like it
- Some reviewers have pointed out that the kibble is hard to digest
- Contains fish protein
3. Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- Made from limited ingredients to reduce allergies
- Contains turkey, chicken, and sweet potatoes to help boost your dog’s immune system
- Provides all the necessary nutrients for your puppy
- Minimal grain free; gluten free
- Less than 4 star rating (less than 1500 reviews)
- Smaller than 5 star rating (less than 1500 reviews)
Cons:
- High in calories
- High in fat
- High in protein
- Not necessarily best for picky eaters
- Highest price among competitors
4. Amazon Brand
Pros:
- Available in 4 lb or 14 lb bags
- No grains at all
- All proteins are natural
- Easy to divide into smaller meals
- No added vitamins or minerals
- Highly recommended by allergy trainers and veterinarians
- Good price for the quality
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons:
- This food is high in protein, so you might want to give your dog meaty bones for chewing; especially if they’re a puppy.
- Not really for the bulkiest of breeds; as the caloric intake is on the lower side.
Wag is one of the best dog food companies, with a great reputation and a range of premium products for dogs of all shapes and sizes. In particular, this product is recommended by allergy trainers, and can act as a replacement for dog food that causes allergies. Wag believes that most pet food today is either made with too much grain or too many by-products; and are the main triggers of allergies. They suggest that choosing grain-free is best to negate these potential issues.
The first thing to note about this food is that it contains no grains at all. Instead, it’s made with a blend of wholesome, natural ingredients. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, and it’s made in the USA.
5. Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- Made from limited ingredients to reduce allergies
- Contains turkey, chicken, and sweet potatoes to help boost your dog’s immune system
- Provides all the necessary nutrients for your puppy
- Minimal grain free; gluten free
- Less than 4 star rating (less than 1500 reviews)
- Smaller than 5 star rating (less than 1500 reviews)
Cons:
- High in calories
- High in fat
- High in protein
- Not necessarily best for picky eaters
- Highest price among competitors
6. Solid Gold High Protein Dry Dog Food; Barking at the Moon Grain-Free
Pros:
- Food contains real beef which means it has high protein content compared to other brands.
- This is a high-quality, grain-free dog food; you get the best of both worlds: convenience and healthiness.
- A good variety of flavours to choose from with varying protein content.
- This dog food is high in protein making it perfect for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
- The kibbles are small – perfect for small breeds.
- Easy to mix with Solid Gold’s other varieties.
- Solid gold is one of the most reliable brands in the industry which means that you can expect great nutrition and quality.
Cons:
- A few reports of dogs having allergic reactions to this food.
- Some people mention the dog food having an odd smell.
- The price of this dog food is a bit costly compared to similar brands.
- Some people mention that the bag is difficult to open.
- The kibble is a bit small for larger dog breeds.
7. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe Natural Dog Food & Toppers
Pros:
- Provides necessary nutrition for adult dogs
- Grain and Gluten free
- Easy to travel with
- Modest Expiration Date
Cons:
- Expensive
- As with all instinct products, it has a lot of calories (it’s 2,600kcal per kilogram)
This product is great for most people, especially dog owners that have dogs with chronic itching. In this case, this product could give your companions a healthier life.
8. Amazon Brand
Pros:
- Available in 4 lb or 14 lb bags
- No grains at all
- All proteins are natural
- Easy to divide into smaller meals
- No added vitamins or minerals
- Highly recommended by allergy trainers and veterinarians
- Good price for the quality
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons:
- This food is high in protein, so you might want to give your dog meaty bones for chewing; especially if they’re a puppy.
- Not really for the bulkiest of breeds; as the caloric intake is on the lower side.
Wag is one of the best dog food companies, with a great reputation and a range of premium products for dogs of all shapes and sizes. In particular, this product is recommended by allergy trainers, and can act as a replacement for dog food that causes allergies. Wag believes that most pet food today is either made with too much grain or too many by-products; and are the main triggers of allergies. They suggest that choosing grain-free is best to negate these potential issues.
The first thing to note about this food is that it contains no grains at all. Instead, it’s made with a blend of wholesome, natural ingredients. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, and it’s made in the USA.
9. Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
5-lb bag.
10. I AND LOVE AND YOU" Naked Essentials Wet Dog Food
Pros:
- Variety of flavors to pick from
- Wet dog food receives a lot of praise as a good choice for dogs with allergies
- No allergy ingredients to speak of
- No artificial hormones or antibiotics
- Variety pack to choose from
- No corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers
- No artificial preservatives
- Grain free; ideal for dogs that might suffer bowel problems
- Red meat and poultry free
- Cage free poultry; welfare concerns of the chickens is addressed
Cons:
- Large size bags are heavy and tough to store
- Some customers complain about the smell, but it’s cause by the preservatives
- It’s difficult to find a good amount of variety
- Some find the price to be too high for a wet dog food product
- Some customers report a burning sensation in the dog’s stomach
11. Wellness Natural Pet Food Wet
It's hard choosing the best dog food when you're also trying to control allergies that could adversely affect the dog if you choose the wrong food. The top dog foods below are great for dogs that are having allergy problems.
An excellent naturally-formulated dog food to keep your dog allergy free, Wellness Natural Pet Food Wet Dog Food Turkey & Pea Recipe For Dogs has added Beta Glucans, which has been shown to help reduce the reaction to allergens.
This product contains zero added wheat, corn, soy and fillers. It's also made in an FDA-registered Facility.
12. "I and love and you" Stir & Boom Dehydrated Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Topper
Pros:
- Excellent for sensitive dogs who need a raw diet but with no processing (recommended by vets and breeders)
- No grain, no glutens, and no fillers
- Can be used to topper on top of any quality dog food you are already providing
- High in protein and low in fat (however should not be used as a substitute for heartworm prevention)
- Herbs/herbal tinctures utilized to avoid the use of risky synthetic additives
- Quality ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers and no artificial flavors or dyes are used
- All products are manufactured in New York state in the US
- Freeze-dried raw diet available nationwide with fast shipping
- Variety of flavors and protein sources to ensure dog is getting the best
- It includes a multi-color protein chart to ensure your dog is getting the healthiest diet possible
13. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
What I like:
- Made for dogs that are allergic to corn, soy, wheat, and other commonly found foods in other brands
- Hypoallergenic formula made with premium ingredients; and easily digestible for sensitive stomach dogs
- Healthy weight management food, for overweight dogs which helps maintain an ideal weight
- Custom protein blend that includes Salmon, Menhaden, and whole eggs to provide every essential amino acid dogs need
- No grains, or wheat, making it suitable for dogs with food allergies
- As a primarily fish based formula, it has been shown to reduce instances of pet fishy odor and gas in dogs
- Digestive support blend and healthy antioxidant blend made with Organic Flax Seed and Vitamin C
- Can be given as a treat, a meal or a healthy snack; and contains no corn fillers, cereal fillers, soy, wheat or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Packaged in a way that doesn’t allow for exposure to air; keeping the food from becoming stale
- Blue Buffalo has been around for a long time and is regarded as a family owned and operated company that takes pride in producing quality products
- Has been tested by pet nutrition professionals on ways that they can make their food even better
- One of the few pet food companies that leave the chicken/poultry byproduct meal out of their food
14. Iams Proactive Health Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Grain Free Dog Food
Pros:
- Features a formula created specifically for sensitive stomachs and skin
- Uses real chicken, salmon, and lamb as the primary ingredients
- Comes in wet and dry formulas
- The dry food has a moderate fat content
- The wet food features kibble to make it easier for small dogs to eat
- Available in two sizes
- Can be purchased online or in major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Petco, and more
- Contains no random fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Also contains vegetables for a healthier and heartier meal
- The packaging is the returnable type
15. Halo Grain Free Natural Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- Low ingredient list
- Excellent taste and texture
- Contains an anti-inflammatory which works well as an antihistamine for dogs with allergies
- Contains salmon which improves the immune system
- No grains or fillers
- Easy-to-feed and convenient packaging
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and no GMO
- Excellent protein source
- The protein source comes from an excellent source – chicken and salmon
- Salmon is a good fiber source
Cons:
- May be a little pricey for some people
- A little bit small for large breeds
- Comes in a 14-pound bag for some dogs, and may be not be very cost effective
16. Rachael Ray Nutrish Base Wet Food
Pros:
- Has no added grains
- All natural and organic
- Free from artificial flavors and preservatives
- Suitable for pups and dogs with food sensitivities, including pets suffering from allergies
- Multiple flavors to choose from
- The food has a balanced nutritional profile – however, it’s relatively low in protein
- Good for pups of all ages
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Some ingredients include byproducts, which may be a concern if you have allergies
- The kibbles are a little on the small side
- Unfortunately, the food lacks a variety of protein sources, which makes it difficult to achieve a proper nutrient profile
- The packaging is quite wasteful, and the price is a little steep
The Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Base food is an all-natural and organic kibble. It comes in four flavors – turkey and sweet potato, chicken, duck, and salmon. All of the ingredients are 100% grain-free and have no artificial preservatives or fillers.
Other ingredients with allergens wisely excluded from the mix include: wheat, corn, soy, gluten, dairy, beef, or pork! As a result, this food is suitable for pets suffering from allergies.
17. Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Care
Brothers is the best dog food for allergies because it’s free of common allergens like corn, soy, wheat, and grain. All of the ingredients in the formula are human-grade with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It’s also a complete recipe with balanced levels of protein, fat, and carbs.
The formula also contains no meat byproducts, which is a common cause of allergic reactions. Meat byproducts aren’t necessarily digestible and may cause problems when your dog eats it.
This formula starts with protein and the most prevalent protein in this formula is from chicken meal. Chicken is considered a great digestible protein and easy for your dog’s body to break down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What dog food is best for allergies?
Allergies are an extremely uncomfortable experience for anyone to go through, regardless of breed or species. It can be just as difficult for your furry friend.
There are a few different factors that go into managing allergies in dogs, but the most important element you will need to manage is his diet. Often times, the best dog food for allergies is one with an allergen-controlling formula. Some owners may turn to hypoallergenic dog food for their sensitive dogs that might force some of the symptoms to go away.
If your dog has allergies, please don't hesitate to take him to your vet to have them figure out what's causing the allergic reactions. But in the meantime, one of the best ways to manage it is to control his diet. In time, the allergies could potentially go away.
((Related: Dog Allergies Explained: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Treatment, Prevention))
Are allergies bad for dogs right now?
Allergies are among a few of the most serious issues confronting dogs today. It can be baffling and scary to anyone who is confused about whether or not the dog can be made really sick. The truth of the matter is that most dogs dogs have allergies and we know that they’ll gain something from a dog food that can alleviate at least some of the symptoms.
What meat is best for dogs with allergies?
Poultry is the best all-around meat to feed an allergy prone dog. Many dogs suffering from allergies have an unusual sensitivity to beef. If you would like to continue feeding your dog beef, supplement him with an allergy aid supplement like Ultra Pet Immune Support.
What allergy medicine works best for dogs?
There are so many antihistamines on the market that finding the one most effective for your pet can be difficult. Be sure to consult with your vet or do some research.
The most popular antihistamines are chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and hydroxyzine (Atarax). These are casually referred to as the “sedating” antihistamines. Another antihistamine, clemastine fumarate (Tavist), can also be given to dogs. It is most commonly used as a long term treatment.
Some antihistaminess have been found to cause some side effects in dogs. Clemastine can cause increased dryness of the mucus membranes, and this side effect can be dose-dependent.
Conclusion
If your dog suffers from allergies, you’re familiar with the cut, it may have become one of the most challenging experiences you’ve ever faced with a pet. Dogs with allergies can experience a wide range of symptoms, from itching and scratching to vomiting and diarrhea. When allergies compromise your dog’s quality of life, it’s a smart approach to talk to your veterinarian about the symptoms, and what you can do at home. Your veterinarian may suggest an allergy food trial to rule out or, in some cases, confirm an allergy. Perhaps the safest way to do this is by finding the best dog food for allergies.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Taste of the Wild High Protein | Best Overall | |
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Base Wet Food | Budget Pick | |
| "I and love and you" Stir & Boom Dehydrated Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Topper | Upgrade Pick | |