Best Dog Food for Allergies: Spotting Symptoms & Finding Solutions

Is your dog constantly licking, scratching, or battling itchy hot spots? Finding the best dog food for allergies can make all the difference, helping to soothe sensitive skin, calm upset stomachs, and keep your pup comfortable.

Food allergies are one of the most common causes of skin and stomach problems in dogs. While medications and shampoos can help, they are often just band aids. The real solution starts in the bowl.

Finding the best dog food for allergies can make all the difference, helping to soothe sensitive skin, calm upset stomachs, and keep your pup comfortable. The first step towards controlling your dog's food allergies is understanding what causes allergic reactions, how to spot the symptoms, and how to choose a diet that provides relief.

Keep browsing below to learn more about dog food allergies and explore our top picks for the best dog food for allergies.

What are Dog Food Allergies?

An allergic reaction is actually your pet’s body using its natural defence mechanisms and protecting itself from potential threats. In this case, those aggravating threats are called allergens! An allergen can be anything from food, pollen, grass, insects, or even chemicals.

To protect itself from the foreign substances that have entered the bloodstream, either through ingestion or inhalation, your dog's body will produce an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE for short) that is specific to that allergen or whatever substance it flags as a threat.

When an IgE and its matching allergen react with carrier cells, called mast cells, the cell will begin to break down, releasing the chemical compound stored within the cell. This chemical compound contains Histamine and a type of omega-6 fatty acid called Arachidonic Acid, both known to increase inflammation.

This inflammation is what causes the visible reaction and itchiness in your pet. When untreated, it can lead to skin damage and infection.

Though allergens can be environmental, meaning seasonal pollens, dust mites, ear mites, or chemicals, we are going to be focusing on dog food allergies specifically in this post. Sensitivities and intolerances to dog food are becoming much more common, and while managing symptoms can help, identifying the cause can lead to a more permanent solution for your pet.

How Do Dogs Develop Food Allergies?

Allergies are still somewhat of a mystery for people and pets. We know that allergic reactions are triggered by your pet's immune system when it flags something as an intruder or agonist, but we don't have perfect clarity on why allergies and sensitivities develop in the first place. 

It can be frustrating when your dog suddenly starts to show signs of allergic reactions when they've had no issues in the past. 

Finding the possible underlying cause is the best way to find the right solutions, but unless we can understand why allergies and sensitivities develop, it can be really difficult to get to the root of the issue.

There is no easy answer, but if you factor in the most common situations that can lead to the development of skin issues and other allergy-like symptoms, you will be better equipped to make the best choices about food, medications, supplements, and even lifestyle.

Oversentization of Ingredients

While the true cause of allergies is still unknown, there has been speculation that when a pet is oversensitized to food, it can lead to sensitivities developing later in life.

For example, if your dog has only ever eaten chicken-based foods, then they may be more likely to start reacting to chicken-based foods.

Offering a wider variety of ingredients on a routine basis, called rotational feeding, can potentially help to prevent oversensitization to specific proteins. Just remember that quality matters.

Poor Quality Diets and Dog Food Allergies

Most dogs that are dealing with common food allergies and skin issues simply need to boost their digestive health by switching to a more natural, whole-food diet.

Foods that use too many synthetic or heavily processed ingredients can be more difficult to digest than fresh, whole food ingredients. Fresh foods, raw diets, and even oven-baked kibbles that are cooked at lower temperatures are going to offer more usable nutrients that are easier for your dog’s body to break down.

Digestion and the Link to Dog Food Allergies

We use the term allergy, but in reality, true dog food allergies are much less common than you might think. Only about 20% of allergies are true dog food allergies. In many cases, the skin reactions that we attribute to dog food allergies stem from a digestive issue or intolerance.

If you’ve ever tried to correct or identify a food allergy in your pet (or even yourself), then the first attempt to find the offending ingredient is to change their diet. The assumption is often - I eliminated X from the diet, and my dog improved. Therefore, he must be allergic to X!

While this seems logical on the surface, it may only be one piece of the puzzle. Digestion plays a significant role in your dog's immune responses. Irritation during digestion will trigger an inflammatory response that often presents as skin issues.

Gluten Intolerances in Dogs

While gluten is thought to be a common allergen, many pets showing signs of suspected allergic reactions to gluten are more likely to have a digestive reaction. Gluten intolerance, like in people, can be an allergy or a sensitivity, but more than likely, it's due to poor digestion.

Gluten intolerance causes inflammation in the lower intestine. This inflammation affects the lower intestine's ability to digest food properly, resulting in loose stool, poor absorption of nutrients, and immune responses like skin and coat issues.

True gluten allergies in dogs are quite rare, so make sure you don't let human diet fads cloud your judgment when trying to assess your dog's dietary needs.

Leaky Gut Syndrome in Dogs

Chronic and severe allergy symptoms could be a sign of leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut is a disorder where consistent inflammation of the intestinal mucosal wall leads to widening between the epithelial cells that separate the intestines from the bloodstream.

This widening allows larger and poorly digested particles to pass this barrier that would have otherwise been blocked. Because these molecules aren’t supposed to be there, the immune system raises the alarm and attacks, causing widespread inflammation throughout the body.

Leaky gut is often mistaken for food allergies, especially in more severe cases where the dog seems to react to all or at least a large variety of foods with little to no relief from diet changes, topical treatments, and even some prescription medications.

Treating leaky gut is a long and delicate process that typically requires a very strict, customized diet to help reset the gut flora and eliminate inflammation.

Dog Food Allergies Can Be Multi-Faceted

We tend to lump all allergy symptoms together, but in reality, there are several contributing factors

This is why it's so easy to misinterpret the symptoms and why it's so important to look at your dog's health holistically rather than reacting to a single issue.

Here are a few things to consider when troubleshooting your dog's allergy symptoms:

• • Correlation does not equal causation: Just because a reaction lessens or stops when you eliminate chicken from your dog's diet, doesn't mean that chicken was the original cause.
  • Digestion and immunity are linked: 70% of your dog’s immune system is located in the digestive tract, which means poor digestion can trigger an immune response that mimics allergies.
  • Quality matters when managing sensitivities: Improving digestion and nutrient absorption by sticking to high-quality and easy-to-digest ingredients can eliminate allergy symptoms caused by poor digestion.
  • True food allergies can’t be fixed: A true food allergy won't get better through sensitization over time, by improving the quality of the diet, or by adding digestive aids. You can treat and mask symptoms, but only eliminating the allergen from the diet will stop the reactions.

Before jumping to any conclusions about your dog's allergies, consider the possible digestive issues that could be contributing to their skin problems. From mild itching to severe and chronic reactions, you may find that treating their tummy troubles is more effective than treating their allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs

Dog food allergies are something many pet owners deal with, and in many cases, the symptoms are pretty obvious! However, in some cases, subtler dog allergy symptoms can go unnoticed for a long time until they get bad enough to catch our attention.

Your dog’s constant scratching and licking to try to soothe the itchiness will only make matters worse. Being able to identify symptoms of dog food allergies can help you take action quickly and prevent the symptoms from getting worse, spreading, or causing your dog to hurt themselves further in their efforts to stop the itch.

Here are some of the symptoms that are commonly associated with dog food allergies:

• • Itchiness
  • Redness of the skin
  • Hot spots
  • Dry flaky skin

The truth is, you may not even notice the symptoms so much as you’ll notice your dog’s reactions. Many dogs will scratch and lick themselves raw to the point of even further skin damage. In this situation, you are now dealing with the initial symptoms, plus the symptoms caused by your dog’s licking and scratching.

Prevention is always the best medicine, but not all symptoms of dog food allergies are initially recognized as an allergic reaction. There are lots of different types of reactions that you can treat without realizing the connection to his diet.

Here are a few symptoms that are often misdiagnosed as a one-off or unrelated issue:

• • Hives
  • Acne or pimples
  • Chronic skin or ear infections
  • Yeast infections
  • Runny eyes and sneezing
  • Coughing

Because these are some of the more atypical symptoms, they are usually treated as a separate issue instead of treating the underlying cause.

In some cases, along with skin and coat issues, you might see digestive reactions, like loose or inconsistent stool. This is a good indicator that the problem is digestive rather than a true food allergy.

Why You Might Need Dog Food for Allergies?

Not every itchy paw or upset stomach means your dog needs a special diet, but food can play a big role in managing chronic issues. Switching to dog food for allergies may be helpful if:

• • Your dog has recurring skin problems like itching, hot spots, or hair loss.
  • Digestive issues such as loose stools, gas, or frequent upset stomachs don’t improve with regular food.
  • Your vet suggests an elimination diet to narrow down potential triggers.
  • You want more control over ingredients without the guesswork of home cooking.

For many pet parents, allergy-friendly food takes away the stress of constant trial and error. It gives dogs balanced nutrition with fewer problem ingredients, making life easier for everyone at mealtime.

Common Dog Food Allergies

A true food allergy or not, it can help to be able to identify which ingredients or types of diets your dog is having a reaction to. When your dog first shows signs of allergy symptoms, it's reasonable to point the finger at some of the most common allergens in dog food.

Elimination diets, limited ingredient formulas, and prescription diets can be used to limit the most common foods that could be contributing to your dog's reactions.

This does take a little trial and error, because not all dog food allergies are the same for every dog, but in many cases, the ingredients that are most common in processed dog food tend to be the easiest ones to cut out during the elimination process.

Before we list common foods that cause allergies in pets, let’s preface this with what we’ve learned so far: Not all food allergies are actually true food allergies, but that doesn't mean that certain ingredients aren't triggering reactions. 

With this in mind, however, we do have some usual suspects that are commonly eliminated from the diet to help test out diet changes and narrow down possible triggers.

Chicken Allergies in Dogs

The most commonly suspected food allergy in dogs is chicken. Chicken allergies in dogs are considered so common that some pet owners avoid chicken-based diets, mistakenly thinking that it's potentially less healthy than other proteins.

As we noted earlier, it’s possible that over-sensitization to certain common dog food ingredients can lead to the development of allergies. Chicken is the most common protein used in pet food, so it's not surprising that chicken allergies are at the top of the list.

Chicken Fat VS Chicken for Allergies

Chicken fat is a common healthy fat source used in dog food, even in those that use a different animal protein. You might think both chicken and chicken fat will cause the same reactions in dogs showing signs of a chicken allergy, but when properly manufactured, that isn't the case.

Allergies develop to proteins, not fat. So it's not unheard of to see chicken fat being used in hypoallergenic and allergy care formulas. The trick is that brands need to process their chicken fat in a way that removes all protein. This allows the chicken fat to be safe for use in allergy formulas.

Can Dogs with Chicken Allergies Eat Eggs?

This is another common concern when it comes to managing chicken allergies in dogs. Eggs come from chickens, so will a dog that is allergic to chicken also be allergic to eggs?

Not typically. Though multiple ingredient sensitivities can happen simultaneously, egg protein and chicken protein are different. It's quite common for dogs with chicken allergies to have no issues eating eggs.

Grains Allergies in Dogs

The second most common ingredient we eliminate from dog diets when we suspect food allergies is grains. This could be due to the gluten, which some dogs are sensitive to, or it could be a digestive reaction exacerbated by a high-carbohydrate diet that feeds bad gut bacteria.

Grains aren't inherently bad, but quantity and quality matter. Limiting carbohydrates to small quantities of whole grains or grain alternatives can be a good way to test this theory.

Other Common Allergies in Dogs

Other commonly used ingredients in pet food are also high up on our list of possible triggers for dog food allergies. Here are a few overused ingredients you'll find in many commercial pet foods:

• • • Beef
    • Corn
    • Dairy
    • Soy

Though these are considered the most common culprits, your dog can develop sensitivities to any food ingredients. So don’t get discouraged if your first attempt to change foods or eliminate ingredients is unsuccessful.

Eliminating common allergens may work for some dogs, but when dealing with allergies or sensitivities stemming from digestive issues, you may need to consider a more limited ingredient diet to help identify the ingredients that are triggering reactions.

Treat every protein as a unique ingredient. Lumping types of ingredients together will significantly limit your ability to test new foods. Chicken, turkey, and duck are all poultry, but being allergic to one does not mean your dog is allergic to all. The same goes for red meats and fish.

What is the Best Dog Food for Allergies?

Finding solutions for your dog's allergies can be nerve-racking. You don't want them to suffer, but there isn't exactly a quick fix or an obvious solution for every circumstance. 

To make matters worse, the range of fancy words and promises on pet food labels can add another layer of complexity when trying to compare one product to another and decide which is your best bet.

At Homes Alive Pets, we believe that pet nutrition doesn't need to be complicated, which is why we broke down some of the common industry buzzwords to help you decipher what your dog's food is actually offering for allergy care.

What is Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

If you are in the market for the best dog food for allergies, then you’ll more than likely come across the term “hypoallergenic” pet food. It's one of those buzzwords that sounds scientific, but might not mean exactly what you think it does.

Hypoallergenic means the product is less (hypo) likely to trigger an allergic response (allergenic). There are no regulations regarding the use of the term hypoallergenic for pet food, so it’s best to consider it with some skepticism.

Any company that limits or omits a couple of common allergens from its formulas can slap the hypoallergenic label on their food. Don’t be tricked by this clever marketing ploy. There is no such thing as hypoallergenic food.

What is a Limited Ingredient Dog Food?

One of the most commonly used terms for allergy care dog food is a limited ingredient diet (LID). Limited ingredient and hypoallergenic are terms that are often used interchangeably, but not all foods labelled as hypoallergenic are going to be limited ingredient.

This type of diet refers to foods that use a small handful of food ingredients, most commonly one protein source and one main carbohydrate. These diets are buffered with vitamins and mineral packs to ensure the diets are complete and balanced.

Though this may seem bland, LIDs are one of the more effective ways to identify problem ingredients and potential triggers. By eliminating most of the ingredients, you can test how your dog responds to 2-4 ingredients at a time and then add new ingredients back into the diet one at a time.

What is Hydrolyzed Dog Food?

Hydrolyzed dog foods are another food type that may be recommended for dogs with food allergies. This type of food is made by taking common proteins and chemically breaking them down into smaller components so they don't get flagged by the immune system in your dog's gut. 

This is a kind of back door to get around food allergies and can be a good tool for dealing with extreme dog food allergies. These diets are primarily offered by vets, but there are a few pet store options on the market in Canada. 

While these diets are very intuitive to use and the first choice for many pet owners, they are not designed to be used long-term. Real, whole food ingredients are always going to be the best option nutritionally, so use this as a stepping stone to identifying allergens, not as a long-term solution for allergies.

Don't Rely on Labels Alone

Not every diet will use allergy-specific terminology on the label, but a quick read-through of the ingredients can help you determine if the food might be a good fit. Look at the animal proteins, variety of ingredients, and freshness of ingredients to identify recipes that could trigger reactions in your dog.

Other clever labels like skin and coat support, dermacare, and itchy skin could be geared towards supporting digestion, eliminating common ingredient concerns, and moisturizing skin, but don't rely on those labels alone.

20 Best Dog Food for Allergies

When it comes to finding the best selection of dog food for allergies, you won't find more variety than at Homes Alive Pets. We know every pet is different, and their diet needs to be customized to meet their unique dietary and health needs.

Instead of relying on fancy buzzwords like "hypoallergenic" and "hydrolyzed", we offer simple, nutritious, and easy-to-shop options for managing dog food allergies and other food-related sensitivities.

Finding the right dog food for allergies can feel overwhelming, but the right diet can make all the difference. Whether you know exactly what you need to avoid or are just starting your trial-and-error process, you'll find an option that can set you and your pooch on the path of better nutrition and relief from symptoms.

Below, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best dog food for allergies. You’ll find limited ingredient formulas, raw diets, wet foods, and size-specific recipes to help you choose the best fit for your pup.

Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food

One of the best ways to identify problem ingredients in your dog's diet is to feed a limited-ingredient diet. These options allow you to test out a few ingredients at a time and slowly introduce new ingredients to build back up to a robust and nutritious meal plan.

Sometimes less really is more, especially when your dog’s skin & coat health is on the line. Try one of these top LID dog foods in your dog's elimination diet to help you identify allergies and intolerances.

1. Zignature Kangaroo Dry Dog Food

Zignature’s Kangaroo formula uses a novel protein that’s rarely found in other dog foods, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities. With a short ingredient list and no chicken, corn, wheat, or soy, it’s designed to help reduce allergic reactions while still providing complete, balanced nutrition.

• • Single-source kangaroo protein for fewer triggers
  • Free from chicken, dairy, soy, corn, and wheat
  • Added probiotics to support digestion and heatlhy immune function
  • Rich in essential vitamins and minerals

For a complete elimination diet, pair this kibble with Zignature wet kangaroo dog food counterpart and kangaroo biscuit dog treats to ensure full control and accurate results.

2. Go! Solutions Sensitivities LID Venison Dry Food for Dogs

Made with premium venison as the sole animal protein, this Go! Solutions recipe is carefully crafted for dogs with food allergies or intolerances. The formula is gentle on digestion and free from common allergens while still being tasty and nutritious.

• Novel venison protein ideal for sensitivities
• Prebiotics help support healthy gut flora and improve digestion
• No by-products, corn, wheat, or soy
• Formulated with essential fatty acids for skin health

3. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

This salmon recipe eliminates all poultry and red meat proteins, making it a great option for troubleshooting dog food allergies and eliminating the most commonly used animal proteins. It's also grain-free and fibre-rich to support digestion. In addition to fish being a preferred protein for managing dog food allergies, it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help heal and protect your dog's skin.

• • 100% fish formula (no poultry proteins)
  • Limited ingredients for simpler digestion
  • Includes sweet potato for gentle fibre
  • Fortified with vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition

Add a little moisture to each meal with Natural Balance Salmon & Sweet Potato wet dog food. It encourages better digestion and helps with picky eaters.

Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Allergies often show up on the skin in the form of itchiness, hot spots, or dryness. These foods are rich in omega fatty acids and other nutrients that support skin health while leaving out common triggers.

Basically, it’s food that helps keep the itch away and the shine in your dog’s coat.

4. Hurraw Dehydrated Raw Dog Food Fish

This fish-based dehydrated raw diet provides all the benefits of raw feeding with the added convenience of feeding like kibble. This single-protein fish formula is allergy-friendly and rich in omega-3s to support skin and coat health. The slow and low dehydration process helps lock in flavour and nutrients that would typically be lost through high-heat cooking methods like kibble.

• • Dehydrated raw for easy storage and feeding
  • Fish protein supports skin and coat health
  • Grain-free and allergy-friendly
  • Rich in natural omega-3 fatty acids

5. Smack Caribbean-Salmon Fusion Dehydrated Dog Food

Smack’s dehydrated Caribbean salmon fusion recipe uses 80% Pacific wild-caught fish and 20% organic superfood fruits and veggies for a nutrient-rich raw option. It’s gentle on digestion and highly palatable. Smack is the perfect choice for those looking for an easier way to feed fresh raw food.

• • Wild-caught salmon as the main protein
  • Dehydrated raw for convenience
  • Packed with antioxidant-rich superfoods
  • Grain-free and allergy-friendly

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs and Allergies

Digestion and allergies often walk hand-in-hand, so choosing a diet that supports both skin and stomach health is an effective way to manage symptoms. These diets use gentle, easy-to-digest ingredients to soothe sensitive stomachs and support overall wellness.

Because healthier dogs start with healthier digestion, here are some great allergy care dog foods that make healthy digestion a top priority.

6. Vetdiet Skin & Stomach Health Duck & Rice Formula

Vetdiet duck & rice formula is a popular option from their Care line that is tailored for dogs with itchy, irritated skin caused by allergies and sensitivities. The combination of a single novel protein and gentle grains supports both skin and digestive health.

• • Duck is a novel, highly digestible protein
  • Rice is a gentle carbohydrate source
  • Fortified with omega-3s and omega-6s for skin health
  • Supports both skin and stomach sensitivities

If you are skipping grains, you can still find a healthy allergy solution food in Vetdiet Skin & Stomach Health Salmon & Pea Recipe. 

7. Oven-Baked Tradition Sensitive Stomach, Skin & Coat Fish Formula

Oven-Baked Tradition’s fish formula delivers gentle, nutrient-rich support for dogs dealing with digestive upset or itchy skin. Natural zeolite helps calm gut inflammation while post-biotics support a balanced gut microbiome. A savoury blend of fresh herring and salmon supplies omega-3s for a healthier coat and skin, and it’s enriched with vitamin C and DHA for added hydration and glow.

• • Zeolite to reduce intestinal inflammation and support nutrient absorption
  • Fortifies immunity and gut balance through gut-friendly post-biotics
  • Nourishes skin and coat with fresh herring and salmon rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Boosts hydration and coat shine with vitamin C and DHA

8. Open Farm Gently Cooked Surf & Turf

Open Farm’s gently cooked meals combine human-grade beef, wild-caught salmon, and wholesome vegetables in a format that’s soft, digestible, and nutrient-rich. For dogs with sensitivities, this is one of the best fresh or gently cooked dog foods for allergies, offering balanced nutrition without unnecessary fillers.

• • Gently cooked to retain nutrients
  • Mix of surf and turf proteins for variety
  • Human-grade, ethically sourced ingredients
  • No artificial preservatives or fillers

Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Allergies

Grains are one of the top concerns when it comes to treating dog food allergies. Sensitivities to grain or gluten can easily mimic or contribute to allergies, so opting for a grain-free diet that supports immunity and skin health might be an easy win.

Grains aren't bad, but for some dogs, they can contribute to skin and tummy issues. Try a premium grain-free dog food for allergies, like one of our top picks.

9. Instinct Original Grain-Free Rabbit Dry Dog Food

Instinct Original Rabbit formula is a high-protein, grain-free option for dogs with allergies to common animal proteins like chicken and beef. This multi-protein diet contains rabbit and fish, which are both novel protein sources that are less likely to trigger food sensitivities, making it a great choice for elimination diets. 

• • Grain-free, high-protein recipe supports sensitive digestion
  • 71% animal protein offers a more nutrient-dense and flavourful diet
  • Omega-3 fatty acids from fish help to soothe and heal skin and coat
  • Probiotics boost digestion to regulate immune response better

10. BLUE Basics Grain-Free L.I.D. Salmon & Potato Adult Dog Food

This BLUE Basics recipe pairs salmon with easily digestible potatoes to create a simple, limited-ingredient, and balanced recipe to support sensitivities. Fish provides helpful omega fatty acids to help condition skin and coat, and give it back its natural lustre. This grain-free diet is ideal for elimination diets and managing digestive issues.

• • Salmon as a single animal protein
  • Grain-free recipe with digestible carbs
  • No chicken, beef, dairy, or soy
  • Includes pumpkin and peas for fibre and gut health

All BLUE recipes have proprietary cold-formed LifeSource Bits that contain a premium blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to boost immunity and overall vitality in dogs.

11. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Dehydrated Fish Recipe

Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated fish formula uses wild-caught white fish and whole-food, human-grade ingredients for a clean, grain-free meal. It’s minimally processed to keep nutrients intact while reducing the risk of sensitivities. Simply rehydrate this food with water and feed it like you would any wet or raw diet.

• • Human-grade, dehydrated ingredients
  • Grain-free formula with wild-caught fish
  • Limited ingredient list for easy digestion
  • No artificial preservatives or by-products

Best Raw Dog Food for Allergies

Raw dog diets are another type of limited-ingredient food and are often a great choice for pets with sensitivities. They are both easy to digest and all-natural and minimally processed, so your dog’s body will likely recognize and process the ingredients better.

For pups that thrive on food in its purest form, raw can be a game-changer.

12. K9 Choice Foods Complete Kangaroo Plus Raw Diet for Dogs

When it comes to managing allergies, Kangaroo is a lean, novel protein that’s unlikely to trigger allergies and is a great alternative for elimination diets. K9 Choice Kangaroo Plus is a single-protein kangaroo recipe with a blend of carefully selected fruits and vegetables for balanced nutrition and immunity support.

• • Novel kangaroo protein for allergy relief
  • Complete diet with added veggies for fibre
  • Raw format for maximum digestibility
  • Easy to portion patties for accurate measuring and feeding

13. Carnivora Whole Animal Diet Goat

Goat is another unique novel protein that is preferred by those looking for a new protein source that is less likely to cause reactions in dogs with allergies and sensitivities. Carnivora’s whole animal approach delivers a balanced raw diet with high digestibility and limited ingredients to allow you to customize your dog's raw diet for rotational feeding or elimination diet trials.

• • Goat as a rare, novel protein source
  • Whole animal diet for nutrient balance and limited ingredients
  • Raw format provides nutrients in their most natural state
  • High moisture format supports digestion and skin health

Best Wet Dog Food for Allergies

Canned and gently cooked diets can be a good option for picky eaters or dogs that prefer softer meals. These wet recipes use limited ingredients and allergy-friendly proteins for a tasty, digestible choice.

Another benefit of wet food includes increased moisture, which can contribute to proper digestion and support your dog's immune function.

14. FirstMate Limited Ingredient Pork & Apple Canned Dog Food

FirstMate Pork & Apple Whipped Pate formula uses pork as the single protein, combined with apples for a touch of healthy fibre and flavour. It’s a simple, limited-ingredient option that’s perfect for elimination diets, and the soft texture is preferred by picky eaters, puppies, and senior dogs.

• • Pork as a novel protein
  • Limited ingredients for fewer triggers
  • Apples add fibre for digestive health
  • Light whipped pate texture for picky eaters

15. ZIWI Original Tripe & Lamb Wet Dog Food

ZIWI’s tripe and lamb recipe provides a nutrient-dense and flavour-packed wet food packed with digestible proteins and natural probiotics. It’s a moisture-rich diet that helps to support better digestion and eliminates common dog food allergens from their diet. With superfoods like green lipped mussel and kelp, this wet dog food is a powerhouse of optimal nutrition.

• • Grass-fed lamb and tripe for high digestibility
  • Rich in natural probiotics for gut health
  • Functional superfoods support immunity, joint health, and digestion
  • Made from fresh, ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients

Best Novel Protein Dog Food

Novel proteins, such as rabbit, goat, or kangaroo, are less likely to trigger allergies because most dogs have never been exposed to them. These diets are a good choice for elimination trials or dogs with multiple protein sensitivities. 

It’s a little outside the box, but sometimes the rarest proteins make the biggest difference.

16. Farmina Pumpkin Boar & Apple Dry Dog Food

Farmina’s boar and pumpkin recipe offers a rare protein source paired with nutrient-rich apple and pumpkin for digestive support. Their unique kibble extrusion process also helps to improve digestibility and further support immunity. This novel protein formula is a great option for dogs with common protein sensitivities.

• • Boar as a unique, novel protein source
  • Pumpkin supports healthy digestion
  • Grain-free with low-glycemic carbs
  • Fortified with antioxidants and omega fatty acids

Small dogs need novel proteins, too. Check out Farmina Pumpkin Boar & Apple Dry Mini Dog Food for a small bite version of this popular allergy care formula.

17. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Crunchy Mini Nibs Rabbit

Freeze-dried raw diets are becoming more popular for those looking for raw quality in an easy-to-feed format. Vital Essentials Crunchy Rabbit Mini Nibs uses rabbit as the single protein, making it perfect for dogs with multiple sensitivities. The scoop and serve diet offers a kibble-like feeding experience with the nutrition and taste of raw.

• • Single-source rabbit protein
  • Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients
  • No fillers, grains, or artificial additives
  • Supports skin, coat, and digestion

Best Small Breed Dog Food for Allergies

Small dogs with allergies do best on diets that are tailored to their size and sensitivities. These flavour-packed recipes feature smaller kibble pieces and allergy-conscious ingredients that are gentle on digestion.

Give them big flavour in a tiny bite. Just right for pint-sized pups with itchy skin.

18. Carna4 Easy Chews Fish Food

Carna4’s Hand-Crafted Easy Chew Fish recipe uses sprouted seeds,  fresh fish, and eggs to create a nutrient-dense, easily digestible food. The kibble is lighter and easier to chew, making it a suitable option for smaller dogs. Feed clean, whole food ingredients that are gentle on sensitive stomachs and reduce allergy flare-ups.

• • Made with sprouted seeds for natural probiotics
  • Fresh fish protein supports gentle digestion
  • No synthetics, by-products, or fillers
  • Air-dried for nutrient preservation

19. Now Fresh Good Gravy Small Breed Salmon

Made with fresh salmon and coated in bone broth, this recipe is tailored for small breeds with sensitivities. The unique feature of this food is its built-in gravy. Just add a little water, and the kibble quickly becomes a meaty kibble cereal that picky eaters love. The bite-sized pieces and limited ingredients make it easy to eat and digest.

• • Omega-3-rich Salmon as the main protein
  • Coated in bone broth for great taste and easy hydration
  • Kibble size is perfect for toy and small breeds
  • Chicken-free, making it great for food allergy trials

Best Large Breed Dog Food for Allergies

Large breed dogs face unique challenges, from joint health to food sensitivities. These formulas use limited ingredients, larger kibble sizes, and added joint support to meet the needs of big dogs.

Think of it as allergy relief that’s super-sized, just like your gentle giant.

20. FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Large Breed Dog Food

FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Large Breed formula is a single protein fish formula paired with low glycemic potatoes and protein-free chicken fat to eliminate common allergens and offer a well-balanced and digestion-friendly diet for dogs over 70 lbs. The large kibble size encourages better eating habits, and the omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine reduce inflammation to support hip and joint health.

• • Pacific Ocean fish as a single protein
  • Larger kibble size for big dogs
  • Grain-free and low glycemic to support healthy weight
  • Includes glucosamine for joint health

How to Identify Dog Food Allergies

The problem with most dog foods is the number and variety of ingredients. Multiple proteins and carbohydrates in food can make it tough to figure out what your dog is digesting properly and which ingredients are leading to allergic reactions.

Some of the most convenient and popular food formats are some of the most ingredient-dense, with kibble being the biggest offender.

Here are a few methods for managing your dog's allergies and identifying what food types and ingredients they react to:

Elimination Diets

The simplest method for determining what your dog is allergic to is called the elimination diet. Elimination diets are designed to offer as few ingredients as possible, starting with a single animal protein and limiting all other ingredients so you can identify which ingredients are possible triggers.

As stated earlier, there are many common food allergies, like beef and chicken, that are widely used in popular dry dog food brands, so many limited ingredient diets use slightly less common protein choices like salmon, duck, or lamb.

An elimination diet won't always be successful on the first try, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Common formats like dog kibble and wet dog food will offer limited ingredient diets (L.I.D.) that make the trial-and-error process easy. 

Other diet types, such as raw dog food and air-dried dog food, are usually limited-ingredient by design, so finding a single-protein diet made from fresh, whole foods is easier with these natural dog food types.

Elimination Diets are a Short-Term Tool

It's important to note that limited-ingredient dog foods are a valuable tool for identifying sensitivities, but they are not designed to be fed long-term.

Kibble and canned recipes rely heavily on synthetic nutrients to ensure the shorter ingredient list meets your dog's minimum dietary needs, but real food ingredients are always going to be the superior options. 

Additionally, a rotational diet, meaning switching between different proteins, will offer more well-rounded nutrition. This means you should use elimination diets as a first step, and not a final step.

Limit Unnecessary Carbs

For allergic reactions relating to digestion, we recommend feeding a diet high in animal protein and limiting carbs to healthy, whole grains or legumes.

Some carbs are healthy and nutritious, but even high-quality grains fed in excess can provide too much sugar and feed bad bacteria in your dog’s gut.

Whole grains are an excellent source of many vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, but dogs are scavenging carnivores, so they thrive on a meat-rich diet. Check out your dog food ingredients to make sure that the diet offers multiple high-quality meat sources to complement the fibre and carbs.

Not all limited-ingredient diets are ideal for elimination diets. Some rely even more on carbs because they limit the variety of animal proteins in the food to just a single source. Make sure you know how to read pet food labels to find a suitable diet for your trial-and-error process.

Watch your Treats

Eliminate all other food sources from your pet’s diet during this food trial. Treats, chews, and table scraps can all affect the results, so be very diligent. If treats are a necessity, then try to stick to ingredients that are already in their diet.

Freeze-dried meats, fresh fruits and veggies, bone broth, or raw bones should match the ingredients in their food.

Don’t introduce new ingredients until you are well into the trial diet and have seen significant improvement in dog allergy symptoms. Even then, introduce new ingredients one at a time.

How Long Do Dog Food Allergies Take to Clear Up?

Ok, let's get to the real question. Dog food allergies - how long to clear up and what should you expect during this process?

When transitioning your dog to a new diet to address dog food allergies, patience is key. The time it takes for symptoms to clear up depends on several factors, including the severity of the allergies and how long your dog has been exposed to the allergen.

Generally, it can take 6 to 8 weeks for noticeable improvements in your dog’s skin and coat condition. During this time, you should try to minimize dietary changes, or your results will be misleading.

During this period, you’ll also need to strictly adhere to the elimination diet and avoid giving your dog treats, table scraps, or other foods that might contain allergens. Even small amounts of the allergenic ingredient can cause a setback, prolonging the healing process.

One of the biggest no-nos with trial-and-error diets is to jump around to different foods too quickly. More often than not, the reactions will continue to get worse, but it's not because your dog is allergic to every food you try. 

In fact, that's typically a sign that your dog's food allergy is actually a digestive issue, and the constant switching is worsening the problem. 

In cases of severe food allergies or related conditions like leaky gut syndrome, it may take longer for the immune system to stabilize and symptoms to fully resolve. Regular check-ins with your veterinarian are essential to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

Creating a Safe Diet Plan for Dogs with Allergies

Managing food allergies in dogs involves a combination of eliminating triggers, choosing high-quality dog food, and supporting overall health through proper nutrition. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Eliminate Common Allergens
   Start by removing common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, and grains from your dog’s diet. Use a limited-ingredient diet or novel protein sources to simplify the ingredient list and make it easier to identify potential triggers.
2. Choose High-Quality Dog Food
   Opt for dog food brands that prioritize real, whole ingredients without artificial additives or fillers. Raw, freeze-dried, or gently cooked diets can provide better nutrient absorption and reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions.
3. Monitor and Document Changes
   Keep track of your dog’s symptoms and progress during the elimination diet. Note any improvements in skin condition, energy levels, or digestive health, as this can help pinpoint effective dietary changes.
4. Gradually Reintroduce Foods
   Once symptoms have improved, you can slowly reintroduce single ingredients to test for reactions. This process, guided by your veterinarian, can help identify specific allergens and broaden your dog’s dietary options.

The process can be a bit long, but eventually, your dog will be back to eating a healthy, whole-food diet with premium ingredients and look and feel better for it.

Regular vet consultations and consistent dietary management are the cornerstones of success in managing dog food allergies.

Supporting Digestive Health for Allergy Relief

Improving your dog’s gut health can also play a significant role in managing allergies. Adding probiotics, digestive enzymes, and omega-3 fatty acids to their diet can strengthen the gut barrier, reduce inflammation, and support overall immune function.

Supplements like fish oil or kelp can also promote healthier skin and coats, helping to combat the secondary effects of dog food allergies.

Ultimately, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Tailoring your dog’s diet to their specific needs, while consulting with your veterinarian, is the best way to ensure long-term relief and wellness.

How to Treat Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies

Finding the root cause of allergies is the goal, but sometimes your dog needs quick relief while you work on long-term solutions. A few targeted treatments can ease itching, calm inflammation, and help skin heal.

Topical Treatments

Constant scratching and licking can cause more damage than the allergy itself. Topical treatments soothe the itch, hydrate skin, and speed healing:

• • Skout’s Honor Probiotic Itch Relief: Aloe leaf and oatmeal with healthy bacteria from kefir culture to soothe and heal skin.
  • Tropiclean OxyMed Anti-Itch Medicated Spray: Colloidal oatmeal helps to soothe itch and break paw-licking habits. 
  • Kin + Kind Hot Spot Relief Stick: Easy rub-on treatment to help soothe and disinfect the hot spots and speed up healing.

Keep in mind that while these can provide relief from symptoms, they are not a cure. Topical treatments can also skew the results of elimination diets. 

Diet Supplements

Dietary supplements can provide longer-term relief when paired with a healthy, natural diet that supports digestion and skin health.  These products can help reduce reactions and encourage healing and better immune function.

• • Brilliant Salmon Oil: A healthy blend of vital omega fatty acids from salmon oil to support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • Thrive Sea Kelp: Organic sea kelp provides over 60 essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to support your dog’s skin.
  • BiologicVet BioSkin+Coat: Natural antihistamines like quercetin and digestive enzymes support a healthy immune system,
  • Omega Alpha Probiotic 8 Plus: Multi-strain probiotic that replenishes gut flora and supports healthy immune responses.

When diet supplements alone show significant positive results, it's a good indicator that your dog's diet what the problem. Switching to natural, whole food, and fresh diets could help bridge the gap that dietary supplements are filling.

7 Tips for Managing Dog Food Allergies

At the end of the day, every case of dog food allergies is different, so something that works for one dog might not be effective for another.

As we mentioned above, blanket fixes, like hypoallergenic diets and medicated shampoos, make lots of promises but rarely deliver long-term results!

It is always best to consult with your veterinarian if problems continue, but here are some general tips to help you find the solution that works for your unique pet!

1. Assess their diet

Assess your pet's diet to determine if there is something in his food that he may be reacting to. If you've read our blog about Understanding Your Pet Food Labels, you may already have some insight into ingredients that can be damaging or more likely to cause digestive upsets.

2. One step at a time

Don't try too many “fixes” at once. Changing your diet, using special shampoos, adding dietary supplements, and trying prescription drugs all at the same time may give you the results you are looking for, but you will have no way of knowing which remedy may have been helping and if your solution was just a temporary fix.

3. Try an elimination diet

Eliminating excessive ingredients from your dog's diet can help you narrow down which ingredients might be the source of the reactions. The more ingredients in the food, the harder it will be to determine what they may or may not be reacting to. Start with a single-protein diet, and limit other ingredients to avoid ingredients that are commonly overused in pet food.

4. Every Protein is Different

Treat every protein differently. We often associate similar proteins together, like chicken and turkey meal, but this often isn't the case. A dog that has a true food allergy or sensitivity to chicken doesn't necessarily have the same issues with turkey meals or other poultry products. It may seem logical to just rule out all poultry or all fish, but you may end up limiting the foods that your dog can eat by eliminating such a wide range of protein options. 

5. Stick to it

Avoid jumping hastily between foods if you aren't getting an immediate result. Patience is required in this often lengthy, trial-and-error method. Try to give each food at least 4-6 weeks before trying something new. Quickly switching foods can cause digestive upsets that may contribute to the skin reaction worsening during your trials. No cheat days!

6. Monitor and document changes

Monitor your pet's progress. We recommend taking pictures or keeping a small journal so that you can record changes to your dog's skin condition during your trials.

7. Consult your vet

Consult with your vet if symptoms continue to worsen. Infections can develop, especially in heavily licked or scratched areas. If you think that your dog may be at risk of developing an infection, you may need antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

Dog Food Allergy Trial and Error

The toughest thing about correcting allergies or sensitivities is that it takes time. It could take several weeks and even months to determine intolerances and allergies, and even longer to completely reduce the symptoms.

It's important to stay consistent and try not to rush the process. Little mistakes could require that you start fresh from the beginning, so take your time and give each step a chance to work before changing directions.

Your dog deserves healthy, itch-free skin, and choosing the right diet is the best place to start! Shop our full selection of dog foods online and in-store to find the one that can ditch those annoying allergy symptoms.

Dog Food Allergy Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best food for dogs with allergies?

While each dog is going to need a diet that is personalized to their specific sensitivities and triggers, the best attributes to look for in a dog food for allergies are high-quality, limited-ingredient, and minimally processed recipes.

What are the common signs of food allergies in dogs?

Common signs of food allergies in dogs include itching, skin rashes, hives, ear infections, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea), and chronic licking or chewing of paws. These symptoms can vary in severity.

What are some common food allergens for dogs?

Common food allergens for dogs include proteins such as beef, chicken, pork, and dairy products. Grains like wheat, corn, and soy can also trigger allergies. 

How can I determine if my dog has a food allergy?

To diagnose a food allergy in your dog, your veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet. This involves feeding your dog a novel protein and carbohydrate source for a set period and then gradually reintroducing previous foods to identify the allergen. 

Can food allergies develop over time in dogs?

Yes, food allergies can develop over time in dogs, even if they have been eating the same food for a while without issues. Allergies can develop due to changes in the dog's immune system or exposure to new ingredients.

How can I manage my dog's food allergies?

Managing food allergies in dogs involves identifying and avoiding problematic ingredients. Elimination diets are a useful tool to test different food ingredients.

Are there any treatments for food allergies in dogs?

While there is no cure for food allergies, the primary treatment is avoidance of the offending ingredients. Digestion plays a significant role in allergies. In addition to finding appropriate ingredients, make sure you are feeding formulas that boost digestive health.