Best dog food for allergies 2022: Relieve stomach and skin problems
If your canine suffers from diet-related intolerances, then you should consider giving them the best dog food for allergies. In doing so, you can help to alleviate skin and stomach problems by ensuring your pooch is only eating food containing limited ingredients. They've been specially formulated to remove anything likely to cause an issue.
Before you choose dog food for allergies, though, it's worth talking to your vet. They will be able to carry out tests on your dog to work out the cause of the food allergy while also ruling out any other underlying problems that may be causing ill-health. The good news is that your dog won't suffer. Just because certain ingredients aren't present doesn't mean the meals are any less tasty or, indeed, nutritious.
Indeed, dog food for allergies is still balanced. They simply strip out wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, gluten, artificial colors, flavours and preservatives but they will contain a single protein. In general, these are often novel proteins such as venison and duck rather than common ones such as chicken and beef. The food will also contain a single vegetable (sweet potato and pumpkin being gentle on the digestive tract).
The main problem for you is going to be choosing a food that's suitable. You need to sift through the best dry dog food or the best wet dog food to find something ideal. But there are two points to make. First, both wet and dry are totally fine and neither is better than the other. Second, you only really need to seek out a reputable brand and your dog will be getting all the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids they need.
So let's take a look at the best dog food for allergies in 2022...
Expert opinion in this guide is provided by:
Expert opinion in this guide is provided by:
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Veterinary consultant
Dr. Diana Hasler graduated with distinction from the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2018. She has experience working as a small animal veterinarian in general practice, where she has treated many dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents.
PetsRadar's pick of the best dog food for allergies
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat
Best overall dog food for allergies
Item form: Wet | Age range: Adult | Key nutritional inclusions: Omega-3, prebiotics, antioxidant blend
Highly digestible proteins
Promotes healthy skin and coat
Antioxidants for a strong immune system
Contains grains and pork by-products
This veterinary prescription diet is suitable for dogs who have difficulties digesting or tolerating fats in their food, such as those prone to pancreatitis. It has a low fat content while still providing enough calories to maintain body weight, and it contains highly digestible proteins and prebiotics to support your dog’s digestive system. It also comes in a dry formulation. This diet should be fed under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Dogs that love wet food but suffer from a sensitive stomach are often forced to miss out on their favorite fare due to the high-fat content. Thankfully, it’s Royal Canin to the rescue with this veterinarian-approved low-fat formula which is both tasty and gentle on the tummy.
Hailed as a lifesaver brand by many a pooch parent, Royal Canin has an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality nutrition that you can trust and this offering is no exception.
If your dog is prone to an easily upset stomach and bouts of vomiting and diarrhea then this is a great choice. Packed full of prebiotics to support the growth of good gut bacteria, dietary fibers for healthy digestion and Omega-3 fish oils to soothe the GI tract, this highly digestible formula is bound to get two paws up from your pooch.
Not only is this a great choice for supporting the stomach but it’s also a fantastic option if your dog suffers from frequent urinary tract issues as the formula works to prevent crystals from forming in the bladder. If you have an older dog that’s becoming more sedentary, you’ll love that the high-fiber and low-fat content boosts energy levels and prevents weight gain.
The one drawback to this product is the choice to include grains and pork by-products. Grains can be hard to digest for dogs with more severe allergies and pork by-products do lower the overall quality of what is otherwise a great ingredient list. Those small issues aside though, and this is still the standout choice when it comes to the best dog food for allergies.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Best budget option
Item form: Dry | Age range: All life stages | Key nutritional inclusions: Vitamins and minerals
Six easy-to-digest ingredients
Made without poultry by-products
Complete and balanced
Firm texture not suitable for dogs with dental issues
This food contains lamb meal as its first ingredient. Although it contains chicken fat—a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—most dogs with dietary sensitivities react to animal proteins, so this diet may still be suitable for some dogs with poultry intolerances. It also provides fiber in the form of brown rice and beet pulp to support digestive health.
If you’ve ever watched Rachael Ray cooking up a storm then you know how mouth-wateringly good her dishes can be and guess what? Now your pampered pooch can get in on the action too.
For a limited-ingredient kibble that won't break the bank, this formula is well worth considering. With just six easy-to-digest natural ingredients, plus a host of important vitamins and minerals, this is a recipe that's going to be gentle on your doggy's digestive system while still giving them everything they need to thrive.
Lamb meal is first on the list but please don't be put off by the word 'meal'. Basically, that's just a term that manufacturers use to describe a protein source (in this case, lamb) that has been dried and heat-treated then ground into a powder that is then turned into kibble.
Alongside lamb, you'll also find plenty of brown rice to give your pup the energy they need and beet pulp, which is a great source of fibre and ideal if you have a dog that struggles with constipation.
There's also a good amount of vitamins and minerals in this recipe, including omega fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin, plus calcium and glucosamine for strong joints. At 20% protein and 13% fat, this is a well balanced and complete formula that will power your pooch through the day.
The kibble is free from fillers, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives and there's no added corn, wheat, soy or gluten. This is a clean formula that sticks to the basics and does them well, so if you're after a gentle but delicious kibble, this offering from Rachel Ray is worth trying.
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best limited ingredient dog food for allergies
Item form: Dry | Age range: Suitable from six weeks of age | Key nutritional inclusions: Calcium, B12, Vitamin E
Variety of flavors
Grain-free and high in protein
Formulated for all life stages
Pricey
With real pork as the first ingredient and nourishing vegetables in the form of pumpkin and sweet potato, this gentle formula is grain-free, high in protein and comes in a range of delicious flavors your fur baby is sure to love.
Turn the packet over and you'll find a clean and wholesome ingredient list, with chickpeas and lentils providing a good dose of fiber to keep the digestive tract running smoothly, and antioxidant-rich cranberries for a healthy urinary tract.
There's also a wide range of vitamins and minerals on offer in the form of calcium, B12, Vitamin E, taurine and zinc to ensure that both your dog's bones and immune system stay in tip-top condition.
You'll also find plenty of prebiotics and probiotics, which are ideal for dog's with sensitive stomachs and we love the addition of turmeric for joint health. Although this kibble is on the pricey side, the quality of the ingredients makes it well worth purchasing if your budget can stretch to it.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin
Best for digestive issues
Item form: Dry | Age range: Adult | Key nutritional inclusions: Beet pulp, omega fatty acids, vitamin E
Supports a balanced gut microbiome
Highly digestible
Vitamin E and Omega 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat
Kibble is quite large
Keep your dog's digestive system functioning smoothly and their skin and coat glowing with this well regarded formula from the crew at Hill's Science. A source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome in your canine companion, this kibble is highly digestible and gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Packed with vitamin E and Omega 6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin, this natural formula uses only the highest quality ingredients and comes backed by veterinarians for the ultimate in peace of mind.
This is a very popular product that is full of all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids your dog needs to stay happy and healthy. The kibble is slightly on the larger size though, so it may not be the ideal choice for tiny teeth.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin And Stomach Salmon And Rice Formula
Best science-backed dog food for allergies
Item form: Dry | Age range: Adult | Key nutritional inclusions: Omega-3 and 6, zinc, calcium, glucosamine
Includes easy to digest carbohydrates
Omega-6 fatty acids and zinc for healthy skin
Nutrient-rich salmon is the first ingredient
Aimed at adult dogs
This diet lists salmon as its first ingredient, and although it contains beef fat, it does not contain any additional beef or poultry products. It contains easily digestible ingredients and natural prebiotic fiber for dogs prone to an upset tummy. The addition of salmon, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, and sunflower oil, which contains omega-6 fatty acids, promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Purina is world renowned for good reason, and with the creation of this sensitive formula it has hit the mark again.
Salmon is a great choice as the primary ingredient, with its high combination of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which are gentle on the stomach and help to keep your dogs skin and coat in premium condition, being highly positive inclusions. They’re also great for joint health and mobility so it’s a good choice whether your dog is young and energetic, or old and a possible arthritis sufferer.
The inclusion of easy to digest carbohydrates like rice and oatmeal, which are kind to sensitive tummies and nourish the beneficial intestinal bacteria, also gets our seal of approval. Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and maintains blood sugar levels while contributing long-lasting energy.
Moreover, we like the presence of live probiotics and natural prebiotic fibers, which both promote good digestion and aid a healthy immune system. For better value, you also have the option of purchasing this in a variety of different sized bags, with the 5lb size being something we would choose if you would like to give this a trial before committing.
This formula is primarily focused on adult dogs, so if yours is a youngster then you might want to leave this now. This aside, this a great product that is definitely worth your time should your pup fit the right age demographic.
Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs
Best supplement for allergies
Item form: Chews | Age range: All | Key nutritional inclusions: Salmon oil, probiotic blend
Boosts the immune system
Supports digestive health
Prebiotic and probiotic complex
Can take several weeks to see results
This supplement comes in lamb, peanut butter, and salmon flavors. It contains bovine (i.e., cow) colostrum, an antibody-rich fluid briefly produced in mothers’ mammary glands after birth. Although adult dogs cannot absorb antibodies the same way that puppies can, colostrum may still exert anti-inflammatory effects in the gastrointestinal tract. This supplement also contains probiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Okay, so they're not a standalone meal in themselves, but it's always good to have an allergy-friendly treat option on standby, which is why we're including these popular Zesty Paws chews in this guide. These work beautifully alongside the best dog food for allergies and can help provide some extra support.
These grain-free soft chews support immune, histamine, and digestive health for dogs with skin, seasonal, and environmental allergy issues. They're enhanced with Epicor which contains vitamins, protein, fiber, and antioxidants that are clinically proven to support the body's natural immune defenses to keep your dog healthy.
They also feature a powerful Prebiotic and five strains of Probiotics for 250 million cfu of healthy bacteria to support proper gut flora and help keep the digestive system firing on all cylinders. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil, these chews are great for soothing the skin and relieving itching.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Wet and Dry Cups
Best for small-breed dogs
Item form: Wet and dog food mix | Age range: Adult - small breeds | Key nutritional inclusions: Omega 3 and 6 oils
Single protein source
Limited ingredients
Contains fish oils
Only aimed at small breeds
This limited-ingredient food formulated for small-breed dogs comes in two different flavors—lamb & potato and turkey & potato. Both contain only one source of protein. Because of ongoing research into possible side effects of feeding grain-free diets, it is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian before feeding your dog one.
Some dogs just don't get on well with a purely dry food diet. Even if you know a specially formulated dry food is likely to be better for them, that's no good if they turn their noses up at it! Being able to add some wet food that won't upset their digestive tracts or skin health is a great way to get them eating the dry food that contains what they need. This tasty offering from Blue Basics is a limited-ingredient wet and dry dog food mix great for small dogs with food sensitivities that will get their tails wagging as soon as you peel back the lid.
The family behind the Blue Buffalo range of natural limited ingredient pet food created it after their own Airedale called Blue started getting health issues, so you can be confident they understand what it's like to have to deal with a food-sensitive furry friend. This wet food part of their limited-ingredient range is great for mixing with kibble or can be a meal by itself.
The food cups contain a pate-like meat mix which does not include chicken (or poultry) by-products, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs. Instead, the single source of protein here is lamb combined with potatoes, flaxseeds, fish oil and pumpkin to help with digestion. The fish oil and flaxseed also provide naturally occurring Omega 3 fatty acids to help support skin and coat health. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, this is one dog treat your fur babies can enjoy without any adverse itching or stomach upsets.
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food
Best premium dog food for allergies
Item form: Pellets | Age range: All life stages | Key nutritional inclusions: No grains or fillers, all-natural, ethical and sustainable
Ethical and sustainable ingredients
High-quality
Nutrient-rich
Expensive
This diet contains protein in the form of lamb and green mussels, which promote joint health as a source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It has been formulated to meet the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for all life stages. It is also important to note that this food is grain-free, so it is recommended that you discuss this diet with your veterinarian to see if it’s right for your dog.
With limited ingredients and a single-protein formula, these high-quality air-dried lamb pellets contain 96% meat and organs for a rich and meaty taste your pooch is sure to love. The slow and gentle air-drying process locks in all the vital vitamins and minerals for a nutritious dish that contains everything your dog needs and none of what they don’t.
Using ethical and sustainable New Zealand ingredients that are raised without added hormones or antibiotics, these lamb morsels also contain green-lipped mussels, a potent source of chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega-3 for healthy and strong joints.
Free from grains and unnecessary cheap fillers that are high in carbohydrates, such as peas and potatoes, this formula is a great choice for those with sensitive stomachs and food allergies. Suitable for all breeds and life stages and available in a range of different sizes and flavors, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food is gently nourishing and full of nutrition and tail-wagging goodness.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best grain-free option
Item form: Dry | Age range: 4.7 | Key nutritional inclusions: Antioxidants, prebiotics, Omega-3 and 6
Sustainably sourced salmon
Powerful antioxidants from fruit and vegetables
Egg-free
More expensive than other brands
This food contains salmon as its sole source of animal protein, so it may be suitable for dogs with sensitivities to poultry or beef. It also contains smoked salmon, which is high in sodium, so this food should be avoided in dogs with heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure. As previously noted, it is important to consult with your vet before feeding your dog a grain-free diet.
If you’re looking to treat your furry friend to one of the most premium products on the market then this offering from Taste of the Wild is sure to impress.
The ingredient list for this formula reads like a health lover's dream with red salmon leading the pack, a novel protein that’s great for dogs with allergies as it’s easy to digest. Sweet potato provides energy that is slowly released into the bloodstream and the antioxidants from the tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries help support the immune system and overall health and wellbeing.
We love that this grain-free formula steers away from common allergens and instead chooses to go with fiber-rich alternatives like lentils, which are gentle on the digestive tract. The recipe also omits eggs, another common trigger for dogs with sensitivities, and the inclusion of chelated minerals help maximize the absorption of valuable nutrients.
This high-quality product uses chicory root as a prebiotic to support healthy digestion and comes packed with Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin E and Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, all of which will keep your mutts mane looking its best. The addition of Taurine is great for eye and heart health and also stimulates bile acid in the stomach to help break down and metabolize fat.
While more expensive than other brands, if ethical and sustainable food practices and quality of ingredients are an important consideration for you, then this is definitely a brand worth considering. Made in the USA by a family-owned and run company, Taste of the Wild has a standout reputation for ensuring their ingredients come from trusted and sustainable sources so you can rest assured you're giving your dog the best nutrition money can buy.
Hill's Prescription Diet Derm Complete Environmental, Skin & Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
Best vet-approved dog food for allergies
Item form: Kibble | Age range: Adult | Key nutritional inclusions: Prebiotics, vitamin E, Omega-6 fatty acids
Visible skin healing in as little as 21 days
Reduces nighttime scratching
Supports the skin barrier against environmental irritants
Expensive
This prescription diet has been shown to reduce scratching and improve the skin condition in dogs with dietary sensitivities. It contains a single novel animal protein source so that your dog is less likely to experience an adverse reaction. It also includes high levels of essential fatty acids to support skin health. This food should be fed under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Backed by rigorous research, it's hard to beat this standout formula from Hill's Science that has been specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to help manage your dog’s environmental or food sensitivities.
Formulated to support the skin's barriers against environmental irritants, this kibble has been proven to result in visible skin healing within 21 days and it has also been clinically tested and shown to improve a dog's sleep quality by reducing nighttime scratching.
Crammed full of all the goodness you'd expect from this brand, this tasty kibble has all the vitamins and minerals your pup needs to power through their day, plus plenty of added fruits and vegetables for a powerful hit of antioxidants.
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dog Food
Best easy to digest dog food for allergies
Item form: Kibble | Age range: Adult | Key nutritional inclusions: B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin D3, Zinc, Selenium
Great for skin, coat and digestive issues
Less than 10 ingredients
Impressive range of vitamins and minerals
Expensive
This food comes in four tasty flavors, all of which contain a limited amount of ingredients with a single protein source for dogs with dietary sensitivities. As stated previously, you should discuss with your vet whether a grain-free diet is right for your dog before feeding them one.
We’re loving this natural and nourishing formula from Nutro with a simple ingredient list and a vast array of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. With a single salmon protein and a healthy mix of chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes, doggy nutrition doesn’t come much cleaner than this.
Grain-free and with no corn, wheat, soy, or dairy, this gentle kibble soothes sensitive skin and promotes a soft and shiny coat. In fact, Nutro is so convinced about the health benefits of their product that they’ll happily give you a full refund if their chow doesn’t work for your canine companion.
We love the high-fiber content with added beet pulp to keep the digestive tract running smoothly and the recipe is made with non-GMO ingredients, so you can be sure your pup is getting the purest nutrition possible.
Nutro has been getting some rave reviews for this product, with one pet parent writing: “My dog loves this food. She eats it every day with no complaints. She has had zero stomach issues with it. In fact, her mood and fur and her eyes are the best I have ever seen since we got her 1.5 years ago. The kibbles are small enough for her as well. I am glad we switched to this food!”
Over 90% of reviews are from owners who say this kibble has transformed their dog, eliminating their health issues and allowing them to thrive. The limited negative reviews mostly point to dogs simply not enjoying the taste, but if you find this to be the case with your pooch, there are plenty of other great products in this guide to try out.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Dog Food
Best wet dog food for allergies
Item form: Wet | Age range: Adult | Key nutritional inclusions: Vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D3
Grain free
Easily digestible
Supports skin and coat health
This wet food comes in three different flavors, all of which contain a single source of animal protein for dogs who have intolerances to a certain type of protein. They also contain easily digestible carbohydrates and prebiotics to support the digestive system, as well as flaxseed to provide omega-3 fatty acids to promote skin health.
If your foodie fur baby isn't a huge fan of kibble and prefers a hearty wet food dish to dive into at mealtimes, then this limited ingredient formula from Wellness is definitely worth considering.
Grain-free, this limited-ingredient recipe features a single source of protein and easily digestible carbohydrates, with no extra fillers or additives, making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities.
Made with all natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals, this wet food contains no meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives and it's super high in prebiotics and fiber, making it great for gut health.
You'll also find this formula great for your dog's skin and coat with plenty of nourishing Omega fatty acids from the flaxseed and lots of additional vitamins and minerals to support heart health and the immune system.
Wonder Bound Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dry Dog Food
Best for all life stages
Item form: Dry | Age range: All | Key nutritional inclusions: Prebiotics, probiotics, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
Supports healthy digestion
Suitable for all ages
Great value
Small kibble size
This food lists real salmon as its first ingredient. The second ingredient is turkey meal, so it is not suitable for dogs who have intolerances to poultry—this includes chicken because their proteins are similar enough to those of turkey that dogs with chicken sensitivities may still react to it.
Available in a range of sizes and priced affordably, this kibble from one of Amazon's own brands has been formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages.
Featuring real salmon as the first ingredient and free from corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, artificial colors and flavors, this crunchy kibble comes jam packed with prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion and a range of antioxidant nutrients to support a healthy immune system.
We love the inclusion of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for joint health and mobility, and ingredients such as bran and flaxseed provide a hefty dose of fiber to ensure the digestive system functions optimally.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
Best antioxidant-rich dog food for allergies
Item form: Dry | Age range: Adult | Key nutritional inclusions: Omega 3 & 6, vitamins E & C
Limited ingredient list
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
Real salmon
Expensive
This easily digestible diet contains salmon as its sole source of animal protein, so it is suitable for dogs who are sensitive to poultry or beef. It is also rich in antioxidants to support the immune system, and it contains prebiotics and fiber in the form of brown rice, pumpkin, and flaxseed to promote gastrointestinal health.
Known for their high quality formulas, this limited ingredient kibble is another win for Blue Buffalo and features real salmon as the single animal protein source combined with pumpkin and peas to aid digestion.
Free from corn, wheat, soy, dairy and eggs, it's a great option for dogs with allergies and food sensitivities and it comes packed with the brands Lifesource Bits, containing a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health and oxidative balance.
Rich in omega 3 and 6 for skin and coat health, the kibble is designed to help build strong bones and muscles and is cold-formed to preserve its potency. While it's definitely not the cheapest kibble on the shelves, this is a standout formula from a reputable brand that is well worth considering.
PetHonesty Dog Allergy Relief Chews
Best for seasonal allergies
Item form: Chews | Age range: : All | Key nutritional inclusions: : Tumeric, Colostrum, Salmon Oil, Probiotic Blend, Vitamin C
Aimed at seasonal allergies
Supports healthy digestion
Helps build up immunity
Not the cheapest of foods
If your dog suffers from allergies during certain times of the year, then you may want to consider a food that will provide support rather than replace their entire diet.
With these chews, your dog will benefit from a heap of natural ingredients that aid a healthy immune system and digestive health. They are packed with probiotics, omega and colostrum, allowing your dog to thrive during the most challenging seasons.
Each pack contains 90 chews and they're available in different flavors including chicken, salmon and peanut butter. They are free from many of the ingredients which can trigger allergies such as corn, soy, CMOs and artificial additives, with the manufacturer going as far as claiming the chews will help dogs to become more resistant to allergens in the long term.
It should certainly reduce a histamine response and alleviate symptoms such as paw licking, skin biting, itching and watery eyes. It will help their normal food to be more easily digested and, so long as you're feeding your dog a balanced diet, then you should see a difference.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
Best for containing no chicken
Item form: Dry | Age range: Adult | Key nutritional inclusions: Limited Ingredient Diet, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain, Chicken-Free
Doesn't contain any chicken
Only uses nine key ingredients
No added colors or preservatives
Will your dog like the taste?
If your dog has a problem with chicken, then you should consider a diet that is entirely free of this common protein. Take a good look at the ingredients in this meal and you'll find there's no chicken at all.
This is actually less common than you may imagine but here the main ingredient is deboned salmon followed by salmon meal. It also contains a host of healthy grains including brown rice as well as sweet potatoes which are gentle on the digestive tract.
Having a single source animal protein is important for dogs with allergies. Similarly, an absence of corn or soy ingredients is a must. With just nine key ingredients, you're on safe ground with Merrick's meal and you can be sure there are no eggs, dairy or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
The only downside is that your dog may not like it, not because it tastes awful but simply because some dogs have different preferences. If that's the case, it's a shame because this really is up there with the best.
How to choose the best dog food for allergies
If your dog seems more interested in pawing at his ears or scratching her skin than hanging out with you and you’ve ruled out other causes, then it could be time to consider experimenting with their diet.
But with as many free-from foods on the market for dogs as there is for people, knowing where to start can be daunting. Thankfully, we’ve come up with a few simple guidelines that will help point you in the right direction.
Look for products that have short ingredient lists, generally with one form of protein and one form of carbohydrate which makes it easier to identify the potential allergen. While there are both risks and benefits, raw dog food is another option worth looking into. With few ingredients and zero additives, our guide to the best raw dog food is a great resource if you’re not sure where to start.
Novel proteins and other ingredients can work well for a lot of dogs as they won’t have been over-exposed to them in the past. Think venison, rabbit, kangaroo, pheasant and bison, and gluten-free ancient grains and seeds like quinoa, millet, and chia.
Look for added vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and probiotics. Vitamins C and E and probiotic strains like lactobacillus and acidophilus are great for soothing the GI tract and ensuring good digestive health. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and Omega-3 fatty acids are also great additions.
Finally, if you’re noticing your dog displaying any of the symptoms of a possible allergic reaction be sure to consult your vet who will be able to help identify the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
