LifestyleMAR 14, 2024

Best Dog Food For Allergies, According To Vet

#1 Best Food for Sensitive Canines: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach

First Five Ingredients: Turkey, oatmeal, barley, fish meal, canola meal | Type: Dry kibble | Life Stage: Adult (*puppy and senior options available) | Other Flavors: Lamb and oatmeal, salmon and rice

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach formula is designed to be gentle on dogs with sensitive skin and digestive tracts. The ingredients, like oatmeal, are highly digestible, so your dog can absorb the nutrients effectively. Sunflower oil provides omega-6 fatty acids, while fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, essential for your dog to maintain healthy skin and coat.

Tip: There are separate formulations specifically labeled for different life stages so you can choose the most suitable option, whether you have a puppy, adult, or senior dog.

What We Like:
• Meat is the first ingredient
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics for gut health
• No artificial flavors or colors

What We Don’t Like:
• Contains more than one protein source (more potential allergens)

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10points

#2 Best Over-The-Counter Novel Protein Dog Food: Zignature Kangaroo Formula

First Five Ingredients: Kangaroo, kangaroo meal, peas, pea flour, chickpeas | Type: Dry kibble | Life Stage: All life stages | Other Flavors: Lamb, trout and salmon, turkey, catfish, pork, goat, venison, whitefish, duck

Zignature Kangaroo Formula is a novel protein diet made with kangaroo meat. While many dog foods and treats come with exotic animal protein sources such as bison or duck, most dogs have never tasted kangaroo meat before and may benefit from this dog food as part of a strict diet trial.

Kangaroo meat is an excellent source of lean animal protein, ideal for dogs that need to manage their weight. Moreover, compared to other animal proteins, kangaroo meat contains significantly higher levels of B12.

Note: Zignature Kangaroo Formula is available over the counter, but you should still consult your vet before changing your pup’s diet.

What We Like:
• Contains probiotics
• Available in a small bites formula for smaller breeds
• Appropriate for all life stages

What We Don’t Like:
• More expensive than other over-the-counter novel protein diets

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6points

#3 Best Canned Hypoallergenic Dog Food: Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D

First Five Ingredients: Water, hydrolyzed chicken liver, corn starch, powdered cellulose, soybean oil | Type: Prescription wet food | Life Stage: Adult and senior

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D is a specialized dog food tailor-made for dogs with food sensitivities. Created by expert veterinarians and nutritionists, this recipe is specifically designed to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. The animal protein in this food is highly hydrolyzed and contains only one carbohydrate source.

For those picky eaters, a canned version of the food is also available, with extra moisture content to aid in hydration. Hill’s diet can also help reduce the risk of typical urinary crystal formation, making it an ideal choice for dogs with urinary health concerns and allergies.

What We Like:
• Free from additives commonly associated with dog allergies
• Wet formula is more palatable
• Contains natural fiber

What We Don’t Like:
• Only available in one flavor

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5points

#4 Best Novel Protein Dog Food: Hill’s Prescription Diet D/D

First Five Ingredients: Potatoes, potato starch, duck, potato protein, soybean oil | Type: Prescription dry kibble | Life Stage: Adult and senior | Other Flavors: Potato and salmon, potato and venison

Hill’s Prescription Diet D/D is a specially formulated diet that provides your dog with a unique protein source. It’s suitable for adult and senior dogs, making it a great choice if your furry friend is transitioning between the two age groups.

Unlike over-the-counter options that may contain contaminants from other types of animal proteins, a prescription novel protein diet is often a better choice. These contaminants can trigger an allergic reaction in your dog, making it essential to opt for a safer and healthier option like Hill’s Prescription Diet D/D.

Note: If your dog has previously consumed duck-containing food or treats, this option may not suit your pet.

What We Like:
• Only contains one animal protein to reduce potential allergen exposure
• High levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
• No soy protein

What We Don’t Like:
• High cost
• Must be prescribed by a veterinarian

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5points

#5 Best Fresh Food for Dogs with Allergies: JustFoodForDogs Venison and Squash

First Five Ingredients: Venison, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cranberries | Type: Fresh frozen | Life Stage: Adult | Other Flavors: Chicken and white rice, beef and russet potato, turkey and whole wheat macaroni, fish and sweet potato, lamb and brown rice, tofu and quinoa

Providing your dog with fresh and healthy food is absolutely essential for their wellbeing. However, creating a well-balanced and nutritious diet at home can be extremely challenging.

Fortunately, JustFoodForDogs offers a perfect solution with human-grade meals made from preservative-free, whole-food ingredients. These meals are gently cooked and highly digestible, providing optimal nutrient absorption for your beloved friend.

Note: If your dog needs to lose weight, this diet is a healthy option as it is high in protein but relatively low in calories.

What We Like:
• Fresh and minimally processed
• No preservatives or growth hormones
• Gluten-free

What We Don’t Like:
• Only suitable for adult dogs
• Needs to be thawed before serving

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5points

#6 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food: Royal Canin Ultamino

First Five Ingredients: Corn starch, hydrolyzed poultry, coconut oil, vegetable oil, natural flavors | Type: Prescription dry kibble | Life Stage: Adult

Dogs often develop allergies to animal protein in their diet. Hydrolyzed food can be a solution to this issue. A hydrolyzed diet breaks down the animal proteins into tiny pieces, which the immune system doesn't recognize as allergens.

If your dog has been on various diets with different animal proteins, Royal Canin Ultamino might be the perfect solution. This kibble contains poultry proteins broken down into single amino acids, which reduces the chances of an allergic reaction.

What We Like:
• Best hydrolyzed option
• Specific nutrients like B vitamins reinforce the skin barrier
• Strict manufacturing procedures prevent cross-contamination

What We Don’t Like:
• The first ingredient isn't an animal protein
• Not available in a wet, canned version

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0points

#7 Best Limited-Ingredient Dog Food: Merrick Limited-Ingredient Diet Real Salmon and Brown Rice

First Five Ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley | Type: Dry kibble | Life Stage: Adult | Other Flavors: Chicken and brown rice, salmon and brown rice, turkey and brown rice

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet is an excellent option for dog owners who want to avoid common food allergens. This dog food has fewer ingredients, making it easier to control what your dog is consuming. Additionally, it contains high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote joint health and make it an ideal choice for dogs with orthopedic issues like osteoarthritis.

The grains in this kibble provide fiber to dogs, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Plus, a grain-inclusive diet may be a better choice over grain-free diets often associated with heart disease in dogs.

What We Like:
• Made with only nine key ingredients
• High levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin
• No soy, corn, wheat, dairy, eggs, or artificial colors

What We Don’t Like:
• Only comes in one bag size

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0points

Keep These Things in Mind if Your Dog Is Allergic

Dogs have different types of allergies. Canines can suffer from itchy ears and skin due to food or environmental allergies. The three main types of dog allergies are flea allergy dermatitis, food allergy, and environmental allergy. Note: They can also suffer from multiple allergies; consult your vet if unsure.

Look out for the symptoms. Allergies in dogs often result in itchy skin and ears, which may lead to infections. Dogs with food allergies may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and more frequent defecation.

Confirm your dog has a food allergy. The best way to diagnose dog food allergies is through a strict diet trial with a hydrolyzed or novel protein diet. If your dog has food allergies, their symptoms should improve with the appropriate diet.

Choose a reputable dog food brand. The ideal dog food brands are those developed with the guidance of board-certified veterinary nutritionists via scientific research.

Choose the correct diet. An AAFCO-approved diet specifically formulated for your dog’s life stage is essential. Hydrolyzed and novel protein diets are the most beneficial if your dog has food allergies.

How Can You Help a Dog With Food Allergies

If you suspect your dog is suffering from food allergies, here’s how you can help:

See your veterinarian. Your vet will rule out other issues such as environmental allergies, secondary skin and ear infections, or flea allergy dermatitis.

Perform a strict diet trial. The diet trial needs to be carried out under the supervision of your vet for at least 2 to 3 months.

Monitor your dog’s symptoms. Keep a journal to track your dog’s response to different food ingredients.

Change your canine friend’s diet gradually. Any time you change your dog’s diet, do so slowly over several days to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

FAQ

What foods are good for dogs with itchy skin?

The course of action may vary depending on the reason behind your dog’s itchy skin. In case your dog is experiencing itchy skin due to a food allergy, it is essential to avoid the allergen by providing a hypoallergenic diet without the ingredients causing the allergy. Additionally, feeding your dog a diet containing omega-3 fatty acids may help alleviate itching since these acids reduce inflammation and enhance skin barrier function.

Is there a dog food that reduces allergens?

Unfortunately, there is currently no dog food that can directly reduce the production of these allergens. However, feeding your dog with a diet that contains omega-3 fatty acids may improve its skin and coat, which may eventually reduce the amount of hair and dander that your dog sheds into the environment and, thus, the amount of allergens present.

Is dry food better for dogs with allergies?

Typically, the ingredients in the wet and dry formulations of a specific dog food recipe should be the same. The main difference is that wet dog food has a higher water content. Thus, canned food is better for hydration, which may benefit dogs with allergies who may be more prone to dry skin.

What is the best dog food for puppies with allergies?

If you have a puppy suffering from allergies, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist when selecting food for your pet. Puppies have specific nutritional requirements during their growing phase, and an inadequate diet can lead to developmental issues and other health concerns. To ensure the food is appropriate for your puppy, look for the AAFCO statement on the label.