Dog allergies can cause annoyance and discomfort for both pets and their owners, with symptoms such as bloating, ear infections, and itchy skin. The good news is that some foods can help reduce the symptoms of environmental, contact, or food allergies, according to veterinary dermatologist and professor of veterinary dermatology and immunology at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Cherie Pucheu-Haston, DVM, Ph.D., DACVD.
According to Pucheu-Haston, there is a wide range of dog meals that can reduce allergy-related inflammation, calm the skin, and enhance skin barrier functions, even in pups without allergies. To help me narrow down the list of foods that can alleviate symptoms, I conferred with specialists in veterinary nutrition and dermatology.
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Best dry foodRoyal Canin Adult Ultamino Dry Dog Food
$undefined$74.99Chewy
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Best for environment allergiesBlue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat
$68.38$75.99Amazon
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Best plant-based foodOpen Farm Kind Earth Premium Plant Kibble Recipe
$undefined$19.99Amazon
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Best budget foodWellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Oatmeal
$undefined$115.49Chewy
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How I picked the best food for dogs with allergies
Our experts advised considering the following considerations when weighing the dozens of options available:
Ingredients: According to Susan Paterson, VetMB, MA, DVD, DECVD, MRCVS, a veterinary dermatologist and telemedicine veterinary director at Veterinary Dermatological Ltd and Virtual Vet Derms, diets enhanced with fatty acids help lower inflammation, enhance skin health, and fortify the skin barrier. Cold-water fish are usually the source of fatty acids. According to Paterson, you may still find diets high in omega fatty acids that contain plant-based ingredients like evening primrose, flaxseed, and black currant oil if your dog is allergic to fish.
Recipe and diet type: Our experts advised buying foods with a nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO states that a food labeled “complete” has all the nutrients needed for a dog’s life stage, whereas a labeled “balanced” indicates that the nutrients are present in the right proportions for the dog’s stage. When it comes to reducing allergies and accompanying symptoms (such as itchy skin), a veterinarian may suggest a variety of diets, such as hydrolyzed diets, novel foods, elimination diets, and more.
Brand advisor: It is more likely that a recipe developed under the supervision of a professional, such as a full-time, board-certified veterinary nutritionist, will contain the right nutrients for the size and age of your dog.
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Best food for dogs with allergies
Under the direction of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, the following highly regarded dog diets are developed to meet or beyond AAFCO nutritional guidelines. These elements guarantee that your dog receives the proper amount of nutrients for their size and age. The list offers a range of nutritional choices, including over-the-counter and prescription meals. For information on any limitations pertaining to your dog’s age, breed, or health issues, you should always speak with your veterinarian.
Best hypoallergenic dry dog food:
Royal Canin Adult Ultamino Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Adult Ultamino Dry Dog Food
According to Pucheu-Haston, food allergies usually happen when the immune system reacts to a protein in the food. The poultry proteins in this Royal Canin hydrolyzed dry food are broken up into little, amino acid-sized bits to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. According to the company, this dish contains a blend of fibers that assist good digestion as well as vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids that support a healthy coat and skin. The food is available in bags weighing 8.8 or 19.8 pounds, and all you need to get it is a prescription from your veterinarian.
Best hypoallergenic wet dog food:
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities
This canned adult dog food utilizes hydrolyzed chicken liver to lower immunological reactions if your dog prefers wet food or is prone to dehydration. According to the firm, the wet food choice also helps with digestion, stool quality, and skin irritation. Cans of the prescribed diet weigh either 5.5 or 13 ounces.
Best dog food for environmental allergies:
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat
According to Paterson, fatty acids, which are abundant in diets for healthy skin, can reinforce the skin barrier, lower inflammation, and enhance skin health. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are found in deboned salmon, salmon meal, and fish oil in this Blue Buffalo over-the-counter kibble choice. According to Pucheu-Haston, it is also free of soy and wheat, two frequent allergies for dogs.
Best novel protein dog food for allergies:
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator
According to Paterson, novel diets, especially those that include unusual foods like rabbit, kangaroo, or alligator, can be useful in treating food allergies. This Blue Buffalo option makes use of alligator as a new source of protein. According to the firm, the mixture is enhanced with flaxseed and fish oil to give vital omega-3 fatty acids that support the health of the skin and coat.
Best plant-based dog food for allergies:
Open Farm Kind Earth Premium Plant Kibble
Open Farm Kind Earth Premium Plant Kibble Recipe
According to Pucheu-Haston, dogs frequently develop food allergies to chicken, beef, and dairy products. The main ingredients in Open Farm’s plant-based dish include sweet potatoes, fava beans, and whole grain barley rather as the typical meat proteins. Even pups with fish allergies can eat this chow since, according to Open Farm, it gets its omega fatty acids from flaxseed, sunflower, and coconut oil instead of fish.
Best fresh dog food for allergies:
JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash
JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash
According to the manufacturer, this adult formula is a fresh food choice that is prepared in a kitchen and is devoid of growth hormones, gluten, cereals, and preservatives. Its sole source of animal protein is lamb, which some dogs may find to be a novel protein, but Pucheu-Haston warns that it may cause cross-reactions in dogs that are allergic to beef. According to the brand’s website, the mix also contains safflower oil for omega-6 fatty acids and Icelandic fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, which support good skin. Before giving your dog frozen food, JustFoodForDogs advises defrosting it in the refrigerator in a glass or plastic container.
Best budget dog food for allergies:
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Oatmeal
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Oatmeal
Lamb is the only meat-protein source in this dry food made without grains and with few ingredients. According to the manufacturer, the mix contains probiotics for simple digestion and carbs that are easy on the stomach. According to the manufacturer, it also contains minerals like glucosamine and omega fatty acids that help reduce the symptoms of skin allergies. According to Paterson, glucosamine is beneficial for the skin in addition to supporting joint health when added to the diet.
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How to shop for food for dogs with allergies
Our specialists advised me to consult your veterinarian before choosing the proper food. In addition to your dog’s life stage and breed size, the proper diet also depends on your pet’s unique health requirements and preferences. According to professional advice, here are some things to consider when shopping:
The needs of each dog are unique. Dog life stages fall into four categories: growing (for puppies), all life stages (for puppies or adults), adult maintenance (for adults), and gestation/lactation (for expecting or nursing dogs). Consult your veterinarian about the proper food for your dog if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. The breed and size of your dog should also be taken into account.
Seek out a comment from AAFCO.AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that makes dietary recommendations according to the stage of life of an animal. All the nutrients required for that life stage are present in dog food provided it has an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement.
Make sure there is no cross-contamination. According to Paterson, cross-contamination may occur in pet meals produced on shared packing lines. An allergic response may occur if trace amounts of other components accidentally find their way into your dog’s diet. According to Paterson, the least likely to include trace chemicals are prescription veterinary feeds produced on specialized packaging lines.
Recognize safe substances for your dog. According to Pucheu-Haston, proteins including chicken, dairy, beef, wheat, or soy are common food allergies in dogs. According to Paterson, although it is unusual, dogs may also experience an allergic reaction to additives such as artificial flavorings, colorants, and preservatives. Our specialists believe your dog may have a cross-reaction allergy. If your dog has a chicken allergy, for instance, they can also have an allergy to pheasants, ducks, and turkeys. In order to effectively treat food allergies, Paterson suggests unusual creative diets such as those using rabbit, kangaroo, or alligator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Food allergies and intolerances are not the same medical diseases, although they may have some symptoms in common. According to Pacheu-Haston, food intolerances are entirely caused by a lack of a certain digestive enzyme and have nothing to do with the immune system. Dogs with food intolerances usually just suffer digestive tract problems because they are unable to properly digest the meal, she says.
According to Pacheu-Haston, “true food allergies are an overreaction of the immune system, which may be in response to something your dog touches, inhales, or eats.” These allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, such as itchy skin, digestive problems, and persistent ear infections.
According to Pucheu-Haston, diets based on synthetic amino acids are extremely near to being hypoallergenic, but there are no ideal hypoallergenic diets. Ultra-hydrolyzed and amino acid-based diets, which are composed of small protein molecules that the immune system cannot detect, are additional veterinary-recommended diets for dogs with allergies.
Paterson suggests fatty acid-enriched diets for dogs with environmental or contact allergies since they have been shown to lower inflammation, enhance skin health, and fortify the skin barrier. Try a plant-based diet for your dog if they are allergic to fish, such as Open Farm’s Kind Earth chow, which is free of fish oils and contains omega fatty acids derived from plants.
Yes, allergies can be lessened by using plant-based dog food. While dogs are classified as carnivores, they are physiologically omnivores, which means they don’t need an animal-based diet to obtain all their essential amino acids, according toDottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, a veterinary nutritionist and independent consultant of animal nutrition.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, is an independent consultant of animal nutrition who worked forPurina’s research and developmentteam until her retirement in 2015.
Cherie Pucheu-Haston, DVM, Ph.D., DACVD, is a veterinary dermatologist and professor of veterinary dermatology and immunology atLouisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Susan Paterson, VetMB, MA, DVD, DECVD, MRCVS, is a veterinary dermatologist and telemedicine veterinary director at Veterinary Dermatological Ltd andVirtual Vet Derms.
Why trust NBC Select?
Janelle Leeson is a Portland-based freelance writer with a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her approach to pet-care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles that consider a pet’s biological need for play, proper nutrition and environmental enrichment. For this piece, Janelle interviewed two experts who specialize in veterinary dermatology and one expert who specializes in veterinary nutrition. She also researched dozens of dry dog foods on the market that met criteria based on our experts’ insights. She included dog foods recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.
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