What Dog Food Is Good For Allergies – What to Look For & How To Choose In 2023

Medically Reviewed By Pet Expert

Finding the right food can be challenging for pet owners dealing with a dog who has allergies. Many commercial dog foods contain ingredients that can irritate a dog’s sensitive system, leading to various unpleasant symptoms.

Fortunately, there are many excellent options for pet owners looking for dog food that is both nutritious and allergy-friendly.

Whether you’re looking for grain-free, hypoallergenic, or food designed explicitly for sensitivities, there are plenty of options.

I’ll discuss what types of dog foods are best for allergies and some tips for choosing the right food for your pup. You can help keep your pet healthy and happy with the proper diet.

What are allergies in dogs?

What are allergies in dogs?

An allergy is a reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance.

Allergies in dogs ↗ can be caused by a wide range of substances, including grains, preservatives, and other additives commonly found in commercial dog food.

Allergies can cause various unpleasant symptoms in dogs, including itchy skin, runny eyes, and frequent ear infections.

Some dog allergies can even be life-threatening, so it’s important to identify and avoid triggers whenever possible.

Some breeds are more likely to develop allergies than others. Dogs with a family history of allergies are particularly at risk.

Many of these dogs experience food allergies, so it’s crucial to find a diet that isn’t a trigger.

Choosing high-quality food is also essential, even if your pup doesn’t have allergies.

While it may seem like a good idea to feed your dog the cheapest food available, cheap dog food often contains low-quality ingredients that won’t benefit your pup.

If you feed your dog a poor-quality diet, it may experience various health issues.

Symptoms of dog allergies

Symptoms of dog allergies

As mentioned above, allergies can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms in dogs.

These symptoms may include itchy or scaly skin, frequent ear infections, runny eyes or nose, and excessive scratching or licking.

If your dog has a food allergy, you may notice that he experiences these symptoms only when he’s eating his food.

You should consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s symptoms. Your vet can identify potential causes of your dog’s allergies and recommend a treatment plan.

If your dog has a food allergy, your vet may recommend feeding a diet that doesn’t trigger your pup’s allergies.

Types of dog food for allergies

Types of dog food for allergies

There are many types of dog foods that are allergy-friendly. The best choice will depend on a few factors, including your dog’s symptoms, breed, and the specific allergens causing problems.

If your dog has a food allergy, you should avoid those ingredients, even if they’re not listed on the label. Certain elements not listed as allergens may still be problematic for your pup.

If you feed your dog a diet free of allergens, he may experience significant relief from his symptoms.

If your dog has a food allergy, you should look for a diet that is either grain-free or formulated for allergies.

There are many excellent grain-free diets on the market, most of which are also gluten-free. Gluten is a protein commonly found in grains, and it can trigger allergic reactions in many dogs.

There are also several foods formulated for allergies, including hypoallergenic dog food.

If your dog has various allergies, you can feed a food designed for a wide range of sensitivities.

Benefits of grain-free dog food

Benefits of grain-free dog food

Grain-free diets are popular among dog owners, even those without allergies. This is because many common grains aren’t particularly healthy for dogs.

This is especially true of corn, which is often used as a cheap filler in commercially prepared dog food. Corn may have little nutritional value, but it is high in calories and can cause a dog to gain weight quickly.

Many pet owners prefer to feed a grain-free diet to avoid this. If your dog doesn’t have allergies, you can choose a grain-free diet that’s also high-quality. Grain-free diets are also beneficial for dogs with allergies.

Some dog allergies are triggered by common grains, including corn, wheat, and soy. If your dog is allergic to any of these ingredients, feeding a grain-free diet can help keep symptoms under control.

There are many excellent grain-free diets on the market, including those designed for allergies.

Hypoallergenic dog food

Hypoallergenic dog food

Hypoallergenic dog food is designed to be as allergy-friendly as possible. This type of food is usually made with only one or two types of protein, which makes it very unlikely to cause allergies in your pup.

If you’re unsure which foods to feed your dog, a hypoallergenic diet may be a good choice.

You should note, however, that no dog food is 100% allergy-proof. You may find that some dogs react to this diet, even if they don’t have allergies.

If you feed a hypoallergenic diet and your dog experiences digestive problems discontinue use and consult your vet. Some dog owners with susceptible pups may benefit from providing a hypoallergenic diet.

If your dog has a wide range of allergies, feeding a single-protein diet can help keep symptoms under control. While this may seem like a lot of work, keeping your pup healthy is worth the time and effort.

Tips for choosing the right food for your pup

Tips for choosing the right food for your pup

When shopping for new dog food, there are a few things to consider. Ideally, it would help if you fed your dog a nutritious and allergy-friendly diet.

You may need to try a few different foods before finding one that works for your pup. If your dog has a wide range of allergies, you may need to feed a diet specially formulated for sensitivities.

Some pet owners prefer to feed a human-grade diet to their pets. While there are many benefits to this type of diet, human food isn’t necessarily healthier than dog food.

Many of the most nutritious foods are off-limits to dogs, including avocados, bananas, and grapes. Choosing good quality dog food is important, even if it isn’t human-grade.

Healthy and nutritious dog food for allergies

If your dog has a wide range of allergies, you may need to feed it a specially formulated diet. If this is the case, you may want to consider a grain-free diet since many common grains are known allergens.

You may also want to look for a diet formulated for sensitivities. Feeding a specialized diet can be a big commitment, but it can be very rewarding to help your pup find relief from his allergies.

If your dog has a wide range of allergies, you may need to feed it a specially formulated diet.

If this is the case, you may want to consider a grain-free diet since many common grains are known allergens. You may also want to look for a diet formulated for sensitivities.

FAQS

What foods should dogs with allergies avoid?

Grains like wheat and corn can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. Dairy can also cause reactions, so it’s best to steer clear of milk, cheese, and yogurt. Soy is another allergen that should be avoided as well. You should also avoid any processed foods that contain preservatives or dyes. These can all be triggers for allergic reactions in dogs. In addition to avoiding these common allergens, it’s essential to watch out for any foods that your pup may have had a response to before. If you suspect your dog is allergic to a particular food, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

What do vets recommend for dog allergies?

Vets typically recommend a combination of medications for treating dog allergies, such as antihistamines, oclacitinib (Apoquel), and/or Cytopoint. Other therapies such as acupuncture, proper nutrition, and omega-3 fatty acids may also be recommended

Amy Brown
Amy E. Brown is a licensed psychotherapist (serving and author of three self-help books. She’s also a dog rescuer in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Her life-long love of literature and writing developed from her passion for author Jackie Collins novels. She discovered at the age of 12 that she wanted to become a published author. She is a Quora contributor who writes about mental health and addiction issues in both the United States and throughout the world. She is the owner and founder of Blamberg & Associates LLC, which is a private practice specializing in psychological and addiction issues. She has been working with physically and emotionally scarred people for over 30 years.