TOP RECOMMENDED HYPOALLERGENIC DOG FOOD

top-recommended-product-Best-Hypoallergenic-Dog-Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein

  • Includes potassium, zinc, and vitamins B3, B5, B7, B12, and E.
  • Contains easily digestible carbohydrates (potato and pea) for energy.
  • Omega 3 and 6 formulation to boost skin and coat health.
  • Possibly the best hypoallergenic food for dogs that require hefty protein.
  • No by-product meal ingredients.
  • 100 percent grain-free.

Before we get down to the best hypoallergenic dog food—let me put this out there.

Your dog is an integral part of your family.

True words, right?

The fact is, you treasure your little fur baby as much as any human relation—perhaps even more! But unfortunately, just like us humans, these incredible pooches can suffer from allergies—leading to them to endure discomfort, irritation and, in some extreme cases, pain.

Luckily, there’s an answer. 

Giving your pet the best hypoallergenic dog food is a simple way to ensure s/he receives all the nutrients needed to stay healthy—but without causing any undesirable reactions.

This article brings you the best hypoallergenic dog foods on the market and, most importantly, how to select the right product for your beastie bestie.

However, if you’re keen to get straight down to the ‘meat,’ here are my top eight best dog foods for allergies.

Top Hypoallergenic Dog Food Comparison Table

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Product

Details

hypoallergenic-dog-food-brands-Blue-Buffalo-Wilderness-High-Protein

Weight: 4.5, 11, and 24-pound bags.

Nutrition: 34% protein – 15% fat – 6% fiber.

Type: Grain-free and novel protein.

Ideal for: Dogs needing a high-protein diet.

PS-for-Grain-Free-Complete-Dog-Food

P.S for Grain-Free Complete Dog Food

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P.S Full Review

Weight: Two-pound bag

Nutrition: 29% protein – 27% fat – 3% fiber

Type: Grain-free and novel protein

Ideal for: Problem paws

Wellness-Simple-Natural-Grain-Limited-Ingredient-Food

Weight: 24-pound bag

Nutrition: 25% protein – 12% fat – 5% fiber

Type: Limited ingredient

Ideal for: Dogs with digestion issues

Natural-Balance-LID-Wet-Dog-Food

Natural Balance L.I.D Wet Dog Food

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Natural Balance Full Review

Weight: 12 x 6, 12 x 13-ounce cans

Nutrition: 7% protein – 4% fat – 1.5% fiber

Type: Limited ingredient wet food

Ideal for: Intolerant dogs that need wet food

Hills-Science-Diet-Sensitive-Skin

Weight: 4, 15, 24, and 30-pound bags

Nutrition: 24.9% protein – 18.1% fat – 2.5% fiber

Type: Grain-free

Ideal for: Dogs with skin issues

Rachael-Ray-Nutrish-Just-6-Limited

Weight: 5, 6, 12, 14, 24, and 28-pound bags

Nutrition: 20% protein – 13% fat – 4% fiber

Type: Limited ingredient

Ideal for: Dogs with highly sensitive stomachs

Purina-Pro-Plan-Vegetarian-Hydrolyzed-Dog-Food

Weight: 25-pound bag

Nutrition: 18% protein – 8% fat – 4% fiber

Type: Hydrolyzed protein

Ideal for: Dogs with gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease

Instinct-Limited-Ingredient-Diet

Weight: 4, 11, and 20-pound bag

Nutrition: Undisclosed

Type: Limited ingredient

Ideal for: Dogs who require the simplest diet

The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food Reviews

 

What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

In short, manufacturers formulate hypoallergenic dog food to reduce the likelihood of your fur baby suffering from unwanted health conditions.

Most commonly, it’s intact proteins and glycoproteins that cause allergies. However, just like you and me, it could be absolutely anything that your dog ingests that can induce a reaction—dependent on their particular intolerances.

Hence, by removing the problem-causing compounds from its diet, your dog remains happy, healthy, and discomfort-free.

While not exhaustive, the best hypoallergenic dog foods typically fall into the following categories: 

Hydrolyzed Protein Food

By the process of hydrolysis, whole proteins are broken down by enzymes into smaller compounds, making them easier for your dog to digest.

Recent research from the University of Utrecht indicates that this is a highly effective method of treating chronic bowel issues in canines. 

Novel Protein Food

Your treasured pooch requires protein in its diet to remain healthy and active. Off-the-shelf products most commonly use egg, beef, chicken, soy and turkey as these nutritional sources.

However, a peer-reviewed study, published in the BMC Veterinary Research journal, indicates that these food compounds cause allergies in many dogs.

Hence, some brands retail hypoallergenic dog foods that contain less common proteins which are unlikely to cause side effects—such as from venison, fish, kangaroo, lamb, and veal. 

Reduced Ingredient Foods

dog-food-for-Hypoallergenic-Dog-2These hypoallergenic dog foods contain fewer ingredients than the mass-produced varieties—often limiting the formulation to one fat, carbohydrate, and protein.

They have two uses.

Firstly, they omit extraneous food-sources, such as wheat or gluten, which scientists know can cause allergies or intolerance reactions in some breeds of dogs. Hence, they will reduce the likelihood of adverse effects.

Secondly, you can use these hypoallergenic dog foods to discover exactly what your dog has an intolerance to. Once your dog is on a limited ingredient food, you can then gradually introduce other substances, to reveal the offending compound.

Should I Buy Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

If you’re sure that your pooch is suffering adverse reactions to its daily meals, and you’ve eliminated seasonal or environmental causes, then yes, feed it hypoallergenic pet foods.

While there are numerous products available to ease the symptoms, treatment of the initial cause is always the best option.

Listen up.

Giving your fur baby the best hypoallergenic dog food will not cause it any harm—even if the symptoms are related to another condition and not an intolerance. After all, it’s just (specialized) food.

However, if the problems still continue, you should consult a veterinarian.

This is particularly an immediate action to take if the symptoms are serious—such as your pooch having breathing issues, or chronic vomiting and diarrhea—and these problems don’t subside in a couple of days.

But it doesn’t have to be an emergency to speak to your vet.

If you believe your doggy is suffering from allergies, next time he or she is having a check-up or vaccination, have a chat with your canine medical expert about switching to a hypoallergenic diet.

Does My Dog Have a Food Allergy?

Typical adverse effects from an allergy or intolerance include:

  • Rashes, scabs or red skin.
  • Flatulence.
  • Chronic ear infections.
  • Vomiting.
  • Weight loss.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Constant scratching, or biting the skin or paws.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Hives.
  • Sneezing.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Nasal discharge.
  • Swelling of the ears, face, eyelids, and lips.
  • Runny eyes.
  • Constant grooming or licking.
dog-scratch-Hypoallergenic-Dog-Food
Food allergies and intolerances in dogs are remarkably common—although the exact statistical prevalence is unknown.

What research does show, interestingly, is that the breed, sex or age of your pooch makes no difference to its likelihood of developing an allergy—whether seasonal, environmental, or food-related.

However, certain families, such as German Shepherds and Labradors, do exhibit an increased chance of suffering meal-induced skin issues.

The Benefits of Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Selecting the best hypoallergenic dog food for your pet will provide immediate and long-term benefits—keeping them looking and feeling healthy on the inside and outside.

While not exhaustive, here are the reasons to treat your bestie to hypoallergenic pet food:

 

  • Reduces/eliminates allergy symptoms.
  • Makes your pet happier.
  • Eliminates human allergens, such as wheat or gluten, from their saliva.
  • Lowers the risk of your pooch becoming obese.
  • Improves skin and coat condition.
  • A comfortable and happy dog has a better temperament.
  • Less scratching means less dander shedding—which may provoke an allergic reaction in you.

How to Choose the Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

Undoubtedly, selecting the best hypoallergenic dog food will leave your four-legged friend happier and healthier.

However, there are a few factors to bear in mind to ensure your pooch receives the ultimate benefits.

the-best-dog-food-for-dogs-with-allergies

Type of Food

If you already know what compounds your dog is allergic to, it can be as simple as choosing food which omits that particular ingredient. For example, if you know it’s beef protein—just switch to a novel protein food. Or, if its protein in general, switch to a hydrolyzed product.

However, if you’re unsure, it might be beneficial to start with a limited ingredient product and then gradually re-introduce other meals, to discover the offending food.

 

Meat or Meal

If your furry fella is reacting badly, say, to beef products—it might not be the meat itself—but the beef meal.

If the ingredients list includes substances such as ‘meat meal,’ ‘beef meal,’ or any other combination—this may promote issues in some dogs. This is a process which cooks, sterilizes, and grinds meat and bone into the food.

Hence, it exposes the product to a plethora of compounds which can induce allergies. Therefore, for dogs with a seriously sensitive stomach, meat meal might be worth avoiding.

 

Grain-Free

Ideally, I’d always suggest going for a product that’s grain-free—unless you’re sure it doesn’t affect your pooch at all.

Here’s the truth.

You know your dog is highly intelligent—and so were its wolf ancestors. However, even if you found the Einstein of its lupine-predecessors—he didn’t sow, grow, and harvest grains.

Have you ever seen a dog driving a tractor? Exactly.

Hence, dogs haven’t evolved the digestive mechanism to adequately cope with grains—leading to allergy problems.

Additional Ingredients

It’s not just about what the best hypoallergenic dog foods omit—what they contain is equally as important.

Here are some important compounds to watch out for:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Typically, found in fish, these fatty acids ease your doggie’s allergy symptoms by reducing the inflammatory response.

Furthermore, they have the added benefit of increasing skin and cell health.

2. Vitamins A and E

Just like you knock back your multivitamins every day—your dog requires the same wellbeing attention.

Many allergies cause lesions and dermatitis in your pooch’s skin. Research from the American Veterinary Medical Association demonstrates that vitamin A repairs any skin damage—while also boosting coat health. Often, for dog food purposes, manufacturers source it from cod oil.

Additionally, cell damage may occur in an allergic reaction. Vitamin E boosts the immune system and eliminates the damage-causing free radicals, and elevates cell regeneration.

3. Zinc

This compound improves skin and coat health and can treat adverse reactions, such as dermatitis. Look for lamb as an ingredient in the best hypoallergenic dog foods—as this meat is high in this important mineral.

4. Fiber

Food allergies can induce rather unpleasant digestive issues, such as flatulence and diarrhea. Both soluble and insoluble fibers have relatively low fermentability levels, meaning they offset undesirable reactions, like gas and non-solid poops.

Nutrition

The best hypoallergenic dog foods will have nutritional content that provides everything your pup needs to remain active and healthy.

However, should you have a lazy dog that eats and piles on the pounds—consider a product that’s lower in fat. Alternatively, if your doggie lacks the protein it needs in its current diet, then go for a higher protein formula.

The Top 8 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

So, what is the best dog food for dogs with allergies?

After an extensive review of dog owners’ experiences, industry expert opinions, and my own knowledge and insight—here are what I consider to be the best hypoallergenic dog foods available.

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein

Active and powerful dogs need high levels of protein. However, many standard dog foods combine numerous sources of this macronutrient—leading to allergy issues.

Not this product.

It packs in a massive 34 percent of protein in every serving—sourced from easily digestible salmon. This will help to promote some impressive lean muscle growth—without upsetting your pooch’s tummy.

This hypoallergenic dog food also includes the manufacturer’s proprietary LifeSource Bits—a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These will boost the immune system, enhance growth, and protect against free radicals.

 

hypoallergenic-dog-food-brands-Blue-Buffalo-Wilderness-High-Protein

Why We Love It

  • Includes potassium, zinc, and vitamins B3, B5, B7, B12, and E.
  • Contains easily digestible carbohydrates (potato and pea) for energy.
  • Omega 3 and 6 formulation to boost skin and coat health.
  • Possibly the best hypoallergenic food for dogs that require hefty protein.
  • No by-product meal ingredients.
  • 100 percent grain-free.

Keep in Mind

  • Has a large volume of ingredients.

Details

Weight: 4.5, 11, and 24-pound bags.

Nutrition: 34% protein, 15% fat, 6% fiber.

Type: Grain-free and novel protein.

Ideal for: Dogs needing a high-protein diet.

2. P.S for Grain-Free Complete Dog Food

If your pooch has problem paws, this may prove to be the best hypoallergenic dog food to address the issue.

With a low glycemic index (that is, it doesn’t overly raise blood sugar levels) it helps to prevent yeast growth on paws—meaning your pup isn’t constantly chewing or licking and exacerbating the problem. 

Additionally, this product’s main ingredients include whole (not meal) lamb—meat, lung, liver, and heart. This novel protein should address any issues that your doggie has consuming intact proteins.

Completely potato and grain-free, this hypoallergenic dog food will not fill your pup with compounds that are unnatural to its evolutionary diet—instead, it mimics a diet of animals in the wild.

PS-for-Grain-Free-Complete-Dog-Food-review

Why We Love It

  • Addresses yeast infections.
  • Air-dried to retain nutritional strength.
  • One of the best dog foods for allergies relating to paw issues.
  • Easy on the stomach.
  • Suitable for all ages of dogs.
  • Includes lamb protein.
  • Formula includes a minimum of 90 percent lamb—a strong source of zinc.

Keep in Mind

  • Two-pound bag may be insufficient for larger dogs or multi-pooch households.

Details

Weight: Two-pound bag.

Nutrition: 29% protein – 27% fat – 3% fiber.

Type: Grain-free and novel protein.

Ideal for: Problem paws.

3. Wellness Simple Natural Grain Limited Ingredient Food

In my opinion, one of the best hypoallergenic dog foods for mutts who have stomach issues.

Its core ingredient is single-protein salmon, combined with easily digestible potato carbohydrates, placing less stress on the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, its restricted formula omits many of those most common allergens, such as meat by-products, dairy, and wheat. 

This product also takes the approach of prevention is better than cure, by including pro and prebiotics (Lactobacillus and Enterococcus) to promote a healthy gut.

Additionally, this dog food should be excellent for a shiny coat and trouble-free skin—since it’s high in omega fatty acids, from both the salmon and flaxseed ingredients. 

petsmart-hypoallergenic-dog-food-Wellness-Simple-Natural-Grain-Limited-Ingredient-Food

Why We Love It

 

  • Free from gluten, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, and artificial preservatives, colors and flavors.
  • Single-protein formula.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Contains pre and probiotics.
  • Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

Keep in Mind

  • Only suitable for adult dogs.

Details

Weight: 24-pound bag.

Nutrition: 25% protein – 12% fat – 5% fiber.

Type: Limited ingredient.

Ideal for: Dogs with digestion issues.

4. Natural Balance L.I.D Wet Dog Food

If your doggie needs wet food—either preferring the more natural texture of meat or requiring moisture for urinary issues—this could be one of the best hypoallergenic dog food brands for you.

This product is available in six different flavors—including the individual novel proteins of venison, fish, and lamb. Hence, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions.

Its grain-free formula is suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors—a benefit if you have a multi-dog household.

Furthermore, if you have a feisty and athletic pooch, it has a limited-ingredient carbohydrate formulation (potatoes and sweet potatoes). This should provide all the energy your doggie needs—without promoting intolerant reactions.

allergy-dog-food-Natural-Balance-LID-Wet-Dog-Food

Why We Love It

 

  • Possibly the best wet dog food allergy product.
  • Includes vitamin A, D, B12, and zinc.
  • Positive Natural Balance review by experts.
  • High moisture (78%) content.
  • Brand donates to animal charities.
  • Contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
  • Safety tested by scientists.

Keep in Mind

  • Relatively low protein content.

Details

Weight: 12 x 6, 12 x 13-ounce cans.

Nutrition: 7% protein – 4% fat – 1.5% fiber.

Type: Limited ingredient wet food.

Ideal for: Intolerant dogs that need wet food.

5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Skin

There’s nothing worse than seeing your fur baby uncomfortably scratching and biting its skin.  Happily, I believe this could be the best dog food for skin allergies.

The manufacturers have put together a formulation that includes over 4.5 percent omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, together with 714 IU per kilogram of vitamin E. Not only will these compounds boost skin health and regeneration—they also act as anti-inflammatories to reduce your pooch’s discomfort.

Furthermore, by omitting common allergens—such as grain—it reduces the likelihood of your pet developing any further skin conditions.

This could also be some of the best dry dog food for allergies relating to the stomach. It contains prebiotic fiber to stimulate healthy gut flora—leading to improved digestion and reducing the chances of intestinal issues.

dog-food-allergy-Hills-Science-Diet-Sensitive-Skin

Why We Love It

 

  • Contains vitamin E and omega fatty acids for healthy skin.
  • Possibly the best dog food for sensitive skin.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Enhances nutrient absorption.
  • fiber enables easy poop pick-up.
  • No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavorings.
  • Contains antioxidants.
  • Ideal food for dog with skin allergies.

Keep in Mind

  • Not suitable for puppies or nursing dogs.
  • Includes chicken meal.

Details

Weight: 4, 15, 24, and 30-pound bags.

Nutrition: 24.9% protein – 18.1% fat – 2.5% fiber.

Type: Grain-free.

Ideal for: Dogs with skin issues.

6. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited

If you need an anti allergy dog food with the absolute minimum of compounds—this may be the perfect choice.

As the name indicates, it includes just six key ingredients—lamb, brown and ground rice, beet pulp, chicken fat, and pork flavor. Hence, if your pooch has a wide range of intolerances—or if you’re seeking to determine the source of his/her allergies—this food is ideal.

Gluten-free, the only additional ingredients on top of the main six are vitamins and minerals—including the skin- and coat-boosting omega-3s and vitamin E.

Furthermore, the mineral zinc should help to alleviate any allergy-induced dermatitis issues.

hypoallergenic-dog-food-brands-Rachael-Ray-Nutrish-Just-6-Limited

Why We Love It

 

  • Also available as a turkey and grain-free product.
  • Contains carbohydrates from rice as an energy source.
  • Beet fiber promotes healthy digestion and firm stools.
  • Corn, wheat, gluten, and soy-free.
  • Cooked and manufactured in the USA.
  • Includes novel protein from lamb.

Keep in Mind

  • Lamb content sourced from meal.
  • Contains whole grains.

Details

Weight: 5, 6, 12, 14, 24, and 28-pound bags.

Nutrition: 20% protein – 13% fat – 4% fiber.

Type: Limited ingredient.

Ideal for: Dogs with highly sensitive stomachs.

7. Purina Pro Plan Vegetarian Hydrolyzed Dog Food

Should novel protein foods be insufficient to treat your dog’s stomach intolerances—it’s time to try hydrolyzed protein.

This product, as a vegetarian formula, cuts out all meat-based proteins and replaces them with a soy-based form—processed into smaller components for easier digestion.

Unusually for a dog food, it contains coconut oil. This compound is high in medium-chain triglycerides—fats which boost your dog’s energy levels, prevent yeast infections, and elevate digestive health.

The manufacturers indicate that this dog food can help with the management of allergic gastroenteritis, intolerances, inflammation, and food-related dermatitis.

petsmart-hypoallergenic-dog-food-Purina-Pro-Plan-Vegetarian-Hydrolyzed-Dog-Food

Why We Love It

 

  • Hydrolyzed protein formula.
  • 100 percent vegetarian.
  • Suitable for puppies and adults.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Large pack size.
  • A good dog food for allergies relating to the stomach.
  • Respected manufacturer.
  • High in B vitamins.
  • Contains medium-chain triglycerides.

Keep in Mind

  • Lack of meat means a relatively low protein formulation.
  • No vitamin E content.

Details

Weight: 25-pound bag.

Nutrition: 18% protein – 8% fat – 4% fiber.

Type: Hydrolyzed protein.

Ideal for: Dogs with gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

8. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet

If you want to keep things as simple as possible for your pet—this could be the best hypoallergenic dog food.

Going back to basics, the manufacturers have made it with just one protein (lamb) and one vegetable (pea) source. The very minimum of different compounds makes it easier on your doggie’s tummy.

The lamb ingredient not only provides hypoallergenic novel protein, but it’s also grass-fed. This means that no harmful hormones or antibiotics will cross-contaminate your pooch’s bowl and cause a reaction.

Grain-free, this dog food comes from minimally processed ingredients to maintain its nutritional content. The manufacturer freeze-dries them raw—to preserve flavor and taste and to prevent the need for harmful, allergy-inducing preservatives.

hypoallergenic-dog-food-Instinct-Limited-Ingredient-Diet

Why We Love It

 

  • One protein and one vegetable source.
  • Free from common allergens of eggs, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy.
  • Easily digestible.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Also available with the novel protein sources of duck, turkey, and salmon.

Keep in Mind

  • Lamb ingredient sourced from meal.
  • No vitamin E or omega fatty acids—so not the best dog food for itchy skin.

Details

Weight: 4, 11, and 20-pound bag.

Nutrition: Undisclosed.

Type: Limited ingredient.

Ideal for: Dogs who require the simplest diet.

Hypoallergenic Dog Food Frequently Asked Questions

“What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog Food?”

 Manufacturers design hypoallergenic dog foods to prevent adverse reactions when consumed—such as itchy skin, vomiting, and diarrhea. Typically, they contain proteins which are easier to digest and omit unnecessary ingredients and common allergens.

“What Is the Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food?”

 The ideal hypoallergenic dog food will contain either novel or hydrolyzed proteins, be grain-free, omit common allergens, and have a limited number of ingredients.

“What Is the Best Dry Dog Food for Skin Allergies?”

 Look for products which contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Both these ingredients work to reduce skin irritation, lower inflammation, and help in cell regeneration.

good-dog-food-for-allergies

The Final Mouthful

Giving your pooch the best hypoallergenic dog food is the easiest way to ensure s/he remains happy, fit, and discomfort free.

These immense products ensure that your doggie receives all the necessary nutrition—but will not suffer from any unwanted reactions that some ingredients and proteins can induce.

When choosing the ideal food for your dog, consider whether you need a formula that will treat skin conditions, alleviate intestinal problems, or both.

Furthermore, determine if your pooch requires additional nutrition in the form of vitamins or minerals, or demands high protein or less fat.

Whichever hypoallergenic dog food you choose, you know your doggie will be eternally grateful and repay your love and consideration tenfold.