Best Dog Foods For Allergies 2025: According to Vets & Reviews

best dog food for allergies

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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Imagine watching your dog scratch endlessly, struggling with inflamed skin, or battling digestive issues after every meal. For many dog owners, food allergies, are more than just a nuisance—they’re a source of constant worry, vet visits, and trial-and-error solutions that often frustrate everyone. But here’s the good news: dog food allergies aren’t a life sentence. They’re a puzzle that can be solved with the right diet. This guide reviews the best food options to ease your dog’s allergy symptoms. Whether you’re navigating this issue for the first time or you’ve tried everything without success, these diets can bring the relief they deserve.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Allergies

Dogs with allergies require special attention when selecting their food to avoid triggers while meeting all their nutritional needs. Follow these steps to choose the best dog food for allergies:

1. Understand the Type of Allergy

  • Food allergies: Common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs.
  • Environmental allergies: These may be seasonal or due to dust, pollen, or mold and can manifest similarly to food allergies.
  • Symptoms to watch for: itching, rashes, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive licking

2. Conduct An Elimination Diet

  • Work with your vet to introduce a limited-ingredient diet (LID) containing novel proteins and carbohydrates your dog hasn’t eaten before.
  • Slowly reintroduce ingredients to identify the allergen.

3. Choose The Right Ingredients

  • Novel proteins: Options like venison, duck, rabbit, or fish are ideal for dogs with common protein allergies.
  • Limited ingredients: Look for dog foods with a short list of ingredients to reduce potential allergens.
  • Grain-free vs. whole grains: Opt for grain-free formulas if your dog has a confirmed grain sensitivity; otherwise, whole grains like oats and quinoa may be suitable.

4. Look For Hypoallergenic Dog Food

  • Hydrolyzed protein diets: Proteins are broken down into smaller molecules, making them less likely to trigger an immune response.
  • Prescription diets: Available through your vet, these diets are designed specifically for dogs with severe allergies.
  • Allergy-friendly brands: Brands like Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Blue Buffalo offer specialized formulas.

5. Check for Added Nutritional Support

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Support skin health and reduce inflammation.
  • Probiotics: Promote a healthy gut, which can alleviate allergy symptoms.
  • No artificial additives: Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

6. Monitor Your Dog’s Response

  • Keep a food diary to track your dog’s reactions to new foods.
  • Look for improvements in symptoms like reduced itching, better coat condition, and regular stools.

For best results, be sure to talk to your veterinarian and limit other foods, such as treats, that could also contribute to adverse skin reactions in your pet. If you’re unsure whether allergies are causing your dog’s discomfort or if you suspect their food might be the culprit, understanding the triggers is key to finding relief. An at-home dog allergy testing kit can provide valuable insights by identifying specific allergens, helping you confidently choose the right diet and care for your dog. Learning to recognize the signs of dog allergies and pinpointing their root cause ensures you can make informed decisions to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Best Dog Food For Allergies

Our top picks for Meet best dog food brands for allergies ranked by most dog needs.

Best Overall Dog Food for Allergies

4.9

The Farmer’s Dog

Who It’s For: Dog owners looking for the most effective food option to manage allergies and sensitivities.

Why we recommended it: The Farmer’s Dog creates meals tailored to your dog’s specific needs, considering dietary requirements, calorie intake, age, size, preferences, health issues (such as allergies, cancer, and obesity), and more.

What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike many competitors, The Farmer’s Dog exclusively uses wholesome, USDA-approved ingredients fit for human consumption. Meals are pre-portioned and delivered directly to your door, making it a hassle-free option for busy pet parents.

How this formula works: The food is lightly cooked and flash-frozen, ensuring it never includes allergens like fillers, artificial additives, or low-quality proteins. This effectively eliminates the mystery ingredients and common allergens often found in commercial kibbles, such as artificial preservatives and by-products, while reducing potential inflammation caused by overly processed food. Fresh, whole-food ingredients are also easier for dogs to digest, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

Best Budget Dog Food for Allergies

4.7

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet

Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking an affordable yet effective option to manage their dog’s allergies or sensitivities.

Why we recommended it: Natural Balance’s LID formulas focus on novel protein sources such as duck, bison, salmon, or lamb, combined with easily digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and other high-quality ingredients to reduce the risk of triggering allergic reactions. Despite its premium-quality ingredients, it remains budget-friendly compared to other limited-ingredient diets.

What sets it apart from competitors: Designed for dogs with specific sensitivities, the formulas avoid common allergens like beef, or grains.

How this formula works: By using a short list of carefully selected ingredients, LID dog food minimizes the risk of exposure to allergens. Simple recipes are gentle on sensitive stomachs, reducing symptoms of allergies like vomiting or diarrhea.

Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies

4.7

Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula

Who It’s For: Dogs suffering from skin allergies or sensitivities, including those with chronic itchiness, redness, or dull coats.

Why we recommended it: Diamond Care Sensitive Skin formula is made with hydrolyzed salmon, a novel protein source that is less likely to trigger allergic reactions and is rich in Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, reducing irritation and itchiness. It’s also enriched with vitamins and minerals to promote skin repair and strengthen the immune system.

What sets it apart from competitors: Includes proprietary K9 Strain Probiotics to support gut health, which plays a vital role in reducing allergic reactions.

How this formula works: The hydrolyzed salmon proteins in this formula are broken down into amino acids or peptides, which are small enough that the immune system cannot recognize them as allergens. The process of hydrolyzation also makes proteins more digestible, reducing the strain on a dog’s digestive system. This helps minimize the chances of triggering allergic reactions, such as itching, gastrointestinal distress, or ear infections.

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food

4.8

Royal Canin

Who It’s For: Dogs with severe food allergies, intolerances, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Why we recommended it: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula to feed an allergic dog. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies, and digestive upsets. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

What sets it apart from competitors: It’s enriched with EPA and DHA fatty acids to help maintain a healthy skin and digestion. Plus, an exclusive blend of fibers helps support healthy digestion in dogs prone to digestive upsets, including diarrhea. 

How this formula works for allergies: This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.

Best Dog Food for Puppies with Allergies

4.7

Open Farm

Who It’s For: Puppies with food allergies or sensitivities who need a minimally processed, allergy-friendly diet

Why we recommended it: The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for puppies with allergies. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for puppies’ optimal growth and development, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root. It also supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production and promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.

What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.

How this formula works for allergies: Gently cooked to retain nutrients and avoid allergens created through heavy processing. It contains pumpkin and prebiotic fibers that support a healthy digestive system, reducing symptoms like diarrhea or gas commonly linked to allergies.

Best Dog Food for Environmental Allergies

4.6

Royal Canin Skintopic

Who It’s For: Dogs experiencing skin-related issues due to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or mold

Why we recommended it: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Skintopic is ideal for dogs prone to environmental irritants that trigger itching, redness, or other skin-related discomforts. The formula incorporates a specialized blend of vitamins and fibers to support digestive health, ensuring proper nutrient absorption and allergy relief. It’s designed to be highly palatable, and this food encourages consistent consumption, even in dogs with selective appetites.

What sets it apart from competitors: Specifically formulated to address skin health issues caused by environmental allergens, unlike general-purpose dog foods. Manufactured under strict manufacturing standards to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring safety for dogs with additional food sensitivities. 

How this formula works for allergies: This formula works by addressing the root causes of skin sensitivities through a combination of carefully selected nutrients. The inclusion of B vitamins and amino acids strengthens the skin’s barrier, providing better defense against environmental allergens. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, reduce skin inflammation and support the healing of irritated areas while promoting a healthy coat, soothing irritated skin.

Best Plant-Based Dog Food for Allergies

4.5

Kind Earth

Who It’s For: This formula is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to common animal proteins. By utilizing plant-powered proteins, it reduces the risk of allergic reactions.

Why we recommended it: Kind Earth Plant-Based Kibble is crafted with 100% traceable and non-GMO ingredients, including sweet potatoes, fava beans, and whole grain barley. These components provide a complete and balanced diet without the use of any animal products. The nutrient-dense formula is highly digestible and meets or exceeds all AAFCO requirements, ensuring dogs receive all essential amino acids in the right proportions to thrive and lead healthy, active lives.  

What sets it apart from competitors: Open Farm’s commitment to sustainability and transparency distinguishes it from other brands. The company provides detailed sourcing information for each ingredient, allowing pet owners to trace their bags back to the source. Additionally, the plant-based formula offers a lower environmental impact compared to traditional meat-based diets, aligning with eco-conscious consumers’ values.  

How this formula works for allergies: By eliminating animal proteins and utilizing plant-based ingredients, this formula minimizes the risk of triggering food-related allergies in dogs. 

Best Raw Dog Food for Allergies

4.6

Instinct Raw

Who It’s For: Ideal for adult dogs with food allergies or sensitivities who benefit from a minimally processed, natural diet. I

Why we recommended it: As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for allergies, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your dog a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong. 

What sets it apart from competitors: Instinct Raw Frozen Bites stand out by offering the benefits of a raw diet in a convenient, frozen form. The bite-sized pieces make it easy to portion and serve while retaining the nutritional integrity of a raw diet.  

How this formula works for allergies: This formula supports dogs with allergies by eliminating unnecessary fillers and using clean, whole-food ingredients to improve digestion and reduce allergic reactions. Raw diets are not exposed to the high temperatures used in kibble production, preserving essential nutrients like enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids. These nutrients support a healthy immune system, reducing the likelihood of inflammatory responses.

Best Dog Food for Grain Allergies

4.7

Open Farm Grain-Free

Who It’s For: This grain-free line is ideal for dogs of all life stages and breeds that exhibit sensitivities to grains. 

Why we recommended it: Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet for dogs allergic to grain. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy, and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens, and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s nutritional needs.

What sets it apart from competitors: It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.

How this formula works for allergies: By eliminating grains and focusing on high-quality proteins and vegetables, Open Farm’s Grain-Free Dry Dog Food minimizes the risk of allergic reactions.

Best Wet Dog Food for Allergies

4.7

Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d

Who It’s For: This grain-free line is ideal for dogs of all life stages and breeds that exhibit sensitivities to grains. 

Why we recommended it: Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Wet Dog Food offers a scientifically formulated solution for dogs suffering from food allergies, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition without compromising their health.

What sets it apart from competitors: It’s made with highly hydrolyzed animal protein and a single carbohydrate source. It promotes a urinary environment that reduces the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. It’s clinically proven to help normalize stool.

How this formula works for allergies: Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d is formulated with hydrolyzed protein, where proteins are broken down into smaller components, reducing the risk of triggering an immune response. This approach helps in managing and minimizing adverse food reactions, promoting healthier skin and coat, and supporting overall digestive health.

Other Dog Food For Allergies

  • Best dog food for allergies recommended on Reddit. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Dry is often recommended on Reddit by dog owners and veterinarians alike for managing severe food allergies. Its hydrolyzed protein formula is designed to prevent allergic reactions by breaking proteins into smaller components that are unrecognizable to the immune system. This makes it ideal for dogs with extreme sensitivities or those undergoing elimination diets. Its reputation for effectiveness, combined with the trustworthiness of the Purina Pro Plan brand, has made it a go-to solution for allergy-prone dogs across online communities.
  • Best non-prescription dog food for poultry allergies. ORIJEN Regional Red Dry Dog Food is an excellent non-prescription option for dogs with poultry allergies. This grain-free formula is crafted with a rich variety of red meats, including beef, wild boar, lamb, and pork completely avoiding poultry ingredients. With 85% animal ingredients and a biologically appropriate recipe, it provides high-quality protein while supporting muscle development and overall health. Its nutrient-dense, poultry-free formulation makes it a standout choice for allergy-prone dogs seeking a premium, balanced diet.
  • Best novel protein dog food for allergies. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Dry Dog Food is a veterinarian-prescribed formula featuring real deboned alligator as the primary protein source. This novel protein is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, as it reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions. The diet is formulated to manage inflammatory skin and gastrointestinal diseases, providing essential nutrients without common allergens. Additionally, it contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives, ensuring a wholesome and natural diet for your dog
  • Best dog food for seniors with allergies. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dry Dog Food Senior Adult 7+ Salmon and Rice Formula is specifically designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of senior dogs with allergies. Featuring salmon as the primary ingredient, this high-protein formula provides a novel protein source that is less likely to trigger allergic reactions. The inclusion of easily digestible oatmeal and rice supports gentle digestion, essential for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The formula contains glucosamine and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to promote joint health and mobility, which are crucial for aging dogs. Natural prebiotic fiber nourishes beneficial intestinal bacteria, enhancing digestive health, while antioxidants bolster the immune system. Free from common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors or flavors, this diet ensures a balanced and gentle nutrition plan for senior dogs with sensitivities. 
  • Best human food for dogs with allergies. When it comes to feeding dogs with allergies, human-grade dog food provides a fresh, minimally processed, and allergen-free solution. These options prioritize high-quality, clean ingredients, giving pet owners peace of mind about what their dogs are eating. Among the many choices, The Farmer’s Dog stands out as our top recommendation, but JustFoodForDogs and PetPlate are also excellent alternatives for allergy-prone dogs.
  • Best homemade dog food for allergies. Homemade dog food can be a game-changer for managing food allergies in dogs. Unlike commercial dog foods, which often contain hidden allergens or low-quality ingredients, homemade diets give pet owners complete control over what goes into their dog’s meals. This level of customization allows you to eliminate known allergens and craft a diet tailored to your dog’s unique sensitivities and nutritional needs.

The Bottom Line

Finding the best dog food for allergies can feel overwhelming, but the proper diet can transform your dog’s health and quality of life. Whether your dog needs a hypoallergenic prescription formula, a limited-ingredient diet, or fresh, human-grade meals, there are options tailored to address their specific sensitivities and nutritional needs. Understanding the causes and symptoms of food allergies, consulting with your veterinarian, and selecting high-quality food free from common allergens can help your dog live a more comfortable, happy, and healthy life. Ultimately, your dog’s diet is one of the most powerful tools you have to manage their allergies.

Boosting your dog’s gut health can play a significant role in reducing allergy symptoms. Probiotics for dogs are a powerful addition to an allergy-friendly diet, promoting a healthier immune system and improved digestion. Discover how the right probiotics can make a difference for your dog.

For dogs still struggling with allergy symptoms, the right allergy medicine can provide much-needed relief. Pairing an effective allergy medication for dogs with an allergy-friendly diet creates a holistic approach to allergy management. And when quick relief is needed, over-the-counter dog allergy medicines are often a go-to solution for pet owners. Natural home remedies can also provide gentle and effective relief for dogs with allergies. Whether it’s soothing itchy skin or reducing inflammation, these remedies are a great addition to an allergy-focused diet.


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