The 10 Best Dog Foods For Allergies
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Owners of dogs with allergies know how hard it is to watch their pets scratch themselves all day and struggle with runny, itchy eyes. Meanwhile, digestive issues can cause a literal mess. These foods feature wholesome recipes and are free of common ingredients that are often found to irritate sensitive canines. On a healthy diet, many pooches can obtain relief while avoiding medications. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Canidae Pure
2. Taste of the Wild Prey
3. Pinnacle Holistic
Editor's Notes
September 14, 2020:
Finding food that sensitive dogs aren't allergic to is a challenge. Whether your furry pal struggles with skin irritation, runny bowels, or just general pickiness, the options on this list may be able to help. When thinking about what to include, we wanted to make sure to offer a wide variety of proteins, from fish, to non-chicken poultry, to wild game, so owners have plenty of alternatives to test out.
As far as fish goes, salmon is the most popular choice. We liked Wellness Simple for its spearmint extract, which can freshen breath. Canidae Pure is another exceptional choice because it boasts antioxidant-heavy alfalfa and can improve stool consistency. Some dogs don't enjoy salmon, however, and for those, we decided to remove Merrick Limited Ingredient salmon kibble and update the list by adding Taste of the Wild Prey, which features trout.
Poultry options tend to be less odorous than fish, which is perhaps a plus for owners. In this category, Earthborn Holistic Venture Turkey impressed us with its paw-irritation-reducing recipe that also features birds from American farms. We also liked Acana Singles, which boasts locally sourced vegetables and cage-free ducks, but is a bit expensive for a relatively small bag.
Finally, we wanted to represent some game alternatives to beef, including Instinct Raw, which is a lamb recipe, and Natural Balance Limited Ingredients, which boasts hearty venison as its leading protein.
While all the selections on this list feature limited formulas that are free of soy, corn, and other grains, for some pooches, the solution to picky eating and allergies may just be switching to an organic diet with options like those found on our organic dog foods ranking. And for pets, and perhaps owners, who need to stay clear of meat entirely, we recommend checking out our vegan dog foods ranking as well.
December 21, 2018:
We made sure to address a range of food allergies, including recipes with alternative protein sources to which sensitive tummies seem to respond well. Salmon dominates the list, since it has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for dogs in need of healing. But we also added choices that are venison, turkey, and duck-based, as every pup's body responds differently to their meat sources.
Special Honors
Chewy A favorite of those who like to set it and forget it, Chewy offers auto-shipping for regular delivery of your pet's favorite allergy-reducing food. The website features most brands and options, plus has other goodies like treats, toys, leashes, Halloween costumes, and more. chewy.dog
Nom Nom Now A subscription service with four formulas to choose from, Nom Nom Now is a high-end option with human-grade ingredients. It's lower in crude protein than most dry kibble of the same caliber, but the food is fresh and tends to appeal to dogs readily and consistently. nomnomnow.com
4. Natural Balance Limited Ingredients
5. Blue Buffalo Basics
6. Earthborn Holistic Venture Turkey
7. Wellness Simple
8. Merrick Wet
9. Instinct Raw
10. Acana Singles
Brittany Miller is a writer, mother, and book nerd based in Los Angeles. Her eclectic professional experience includes writing product copy, managing editorial processes, teaching Literature, Rhetoric, and Creative Writing, and working as a television writer. She holds a BA in English from UC Santa Barbara, a MA in English from New York University, and for a brief time was a PhD Provost Scholar at the University of Southern California. When she’s not at her keyboard, Brittany enjoys running, paddle boarding, decorating (and re-decorating) her apartment, and playing with her son. Throughout her career and personal life, she’s developed expertise in literature, textbooks, automotive gear, office supplies, exercise equipment, home decor, baby products, and children’s toys.