Understanding Dog Allergies and the Role of Diet
Itchy skin, ear infections, and bloating are common symptoms of dog allergies that can be both frustrating and uncomfortable for pets and their owners. However, there is hope: certain foods can help alleviate these symptoms. According to Dr. Cherie Pucheu-Haston, a veterinary dermatologist and professor at Louisiana State University, there are specific types of dog food that can reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and improve the skin barrier function.
To help pet owners find the right food for their dogs, we spoke with veterinary dermatologists and nutrition experts. The following list includes dog foods that meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional standards and are formulated under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These options include prescription and over-the-counter choices, but it’s important to consult your dog’s veterinarian for any specific restrictions based on age, breed, or medical conditions.
Best Food for Dogs with Environmental Allergies
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Skin & Coat
This OTC kibble option from Blue Buffalo contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids from deboned salmon, salmon meal, and fish oil. It is free of wheat and soy, which are common allergens. According to Paterson, healthy skin diets enriched with fatty acids can reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Best Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Adult Ultamino Dry Dog Food
According to Pucheu-Haston, food allergies typically occur when the immune system reacts to a protein in the food. This hypoallergenic dry food from Royal Canin uses hydrolyzed poultry proteins broken into tiny, amino-acid sized pieces to minimize immune responses. The formula also includes vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and a blend of fibers that support digestion.
Best Hypoallergenic Wet Dog Food
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities
This wet food uses hydrolyzed chicken liver to reduce immune reactions and improve skin irritation and digestion. It comes in 5.5-ounce or 13-ounce cans and requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
Best Novel Protein Dog Food for Allergies
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator Dry Dog Food
Novel diets can be effective in managing food allergies, particularly unconventional options like rabbit, kangaroo, or alligator. This option from Blue Buffalo uses alligator as a novel protein source and is enriched with fish oil and flaxseed for essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Best Plant-Based Dog Food for Allergies
Open Farm Kind Earth Premium Plant Kibble
This plant-based recipe avoids common allergens like chicken, beef, and dairy. Instead, it uses sweet potato, fava beans, and whole grain barley as primary ingredients. Omega fatty acids are derived from flaxseed, sunflower, and coconut oil rather than fish.
Best Fresh Dog Food for Allergies
JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash
This fresh-food option is cooked in a kitchen and free of gluten, grains, preservatives, and growth hormones. It uses lamb as its sole animal protein source and includes Icelandic fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids and safflower oil for omega-6 fatty acids.
Best Budget Dog Food for Allergies
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Oatmeal
This limited-ingredient, grain-free dry food uses lamb as its single meat-protein source. It includes carbohydrates that are gentle on the stomach and probiotics for easy digestion. It also has nutrients that help soothe skin allergy symptoms like omega fatty acids and glucosamine.
How I Picked the Best Food for Dogs with Allergies
When compiling this list, several factors were considered:
- Ingredients: Diets enriched with fatty acids can reduce inflammation and improve skin health. If your dog has a fish allergy, look for plant-based sources like flaxseed and black currant oil.
- Recipe and diet type: Choose foods with an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement. “Complete” means all necessary nutrients are present, while “balanced” ensures proper ratios for the dog’s life stage.
- Brand advisor: Recipes created with the advice of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist are more likely to provide appropriate nutrients.
How to Shop for Food for Dogs with Allergies
Experts recommend working closely with your veterinarian to choose the right diet. Consider your dog’s individual health needs, preferences, life stage, and breed size. Look for AAFCO statements, check for cross-contamination, and know your dog’s safe ingredients. Common allergens include wheat, soy, and proteins like chicken, dairy, and beef.
Meet Our Veterinary Experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. Our contributors include:
- Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, an independent consultant of animal nutrition.
- Cherie Pucheu-Haston, DVM, Ph.D., DACVD, a veterinary dermatologist and professor at Louisiana State University.
- Susan Paterson, VetMB, MA, DVD, DECVD, MRCVS, a veterinary dermatologist and telemedicine veterinary director.
Why Trust NBC Select?
Janelle Leeson, a Portland-based freelance writer with a bachelor of science degree in biology, approaches pet-care writing with scientific principles in mind. For this article, she interviewed two veterinary dermatology experts and one veterinary nutrition expert, researched dozens of dry dog foods, and included those recommended by experts and highly rated.
