11+ Best Dog Food for Allergies (Plus a Dog Food Allergy Guide) [2025]

Choosing the best dog food for allergies is crucial for ensuring your pet's health and happiness. That being said, navigating dog food allergies can be challenging, since it isn’t always easy to identify the source of your dog’s allergy.

Food allergies often have similar symptoms to many other conditions, such as IBD or diarrhea, making them difficult to diagnose.

This comprehensive guide will explore the most common dog food allergies, signs to watch for, and the best dietary options to alleviate allergic reactions.

Discover how to support your dog's nutritional needs and promote a happier, healthier life with the best dog food for allergies.

 

The Most Common Dog Food Allergies

The most common dog food allergies include: 

• Corn
• Soy
• Potatoes
• Artificial additives (e.g., preservatives, colors, flavors)
• Beef
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Dairy

It's important to note that dogs can develop allergies to any ingredient, even if they never showed a reaction in the past. So if your dog is suddenly reacting to foods they’ve always eaten, it may be time to reevaluate their diet.

 

Food Allergy Symptoms in Dogs

 

Diagnosing food allergies is helpful in ruling out more serious conditions, like IBD or IBS. Here are some common signs that your dog might have a food allergy:

• Stomach Upset: Stomach upset is a common sign of both IBD in dogs and food allergies. You might see symptoms such as excessive salivation, gastrointestinal noises, loss of appetite, and abdominal discomfort.
• Ear Infections: Ear infections are another potential indication that your dog might have a food allergy. While not always directly linked, ear infections can sometimes result from underlying allergic reactions to certain food ingredients. These infections may manifest as redness, itching, swelling, or discomfort in the ears, often accompanied by odor or discharge. Frequent shaking of the head or scratching at the ears could also signal an underlying ear issue.
• Skin Rashes: Skin rashes, ranging from mild irritation to more severe dermatological issues, can indicate food allergies. Allergic reactions to certain food ingredients can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, leading to redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort, with rashes often appearing as raised bumps or welts, causing intense itching and scratching.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a prevalent symptom of food allergies in dogs and often serves as a key indicator of gastrointestinal distress. Dogs with food allergies may experience diarrhea characterized by loose, watery stools, and it may sometimes contain mucus or blood. The diarrhea may be acute (occurring suddenly and resolving within a short period) or it may become chronic (persisting over an extended duration) and require dog diarrhea medication. Other stool changes, including constipation, can also indicate food allergies.
• Vomiting: Vomiting, an early sign of gastrointestinal distress due to food allergies, ranges from occasional to persistent occurrences. Dogs may vomit shortly after eating or experience delayed episodes, leading to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies if chronic.
• Hair Loss: Hair loss is linked to dermatological issues triggered by food allergies. It typically manifests as patchy loss, a thinning coat, or generalized shedding. Chronic scratching or licking exacerbates the condition, potentially leading to secondary infections.
• Burping or Excessive Flatulence: Burping or flatulence, common signs of food allergies, may result from the ineffective processing of allergenic food ingredients in the digestive tract. Excess gas production leads to discomfort, often accompanied by bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in stool consistency.

 

Best Dog Food for Allergies

So, what is the best dog food for dogs with allergies? You’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list of the top choices.

 

1. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet

 

KOHA Limited Ingredient Dog Food caters to dogs with extreme food sensitivities or stomach issues. Each recipe features just one animal protein, ensuring easy digestion and minimal risk of triggering allergies. 

Made with novel protein choices like kangaroo, venison, duck, and lamb, these meals are free from junky fillers and full of simple, clean ingredients. This makes it easier for pet parents to isolate and eliminate ingredients that may cause reactions, promoting better overall health and well-being for dogs.

Benefits 

• Uses one animal protein per recipe to ensure minimal allergen exposure
• Provides an easily digestible formulation ideal for dogs with extreme food sensitivities
• Offers novel protein choices to minimize the risk of allergic reactions to common protein sources
• Avoids common allergens like potatoes, wheat, and soy with filler-free recipes

• Delivers high protein content to support muscle health and provide essential amino acids for overall vitality

Shop KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet dog food.

 

2. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet dog food

KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Dog Food offers a gentle and convenient solution for dogs struggling with loose stool or upset stomachs. Available in both wet and dry formulations, KOHA provides options to suit your dog's specific needs. 

Wet food options include beef & white rice, chicken & white rice, and lamb & white rice, cooked and ready to serve. Dry food options feature beef & brown rice, chicken & brown rice, and salmon & brown rice, formulated with a delicious bone broth coating for added palatability and gut support.

Each recipe, whether wet or dry, contains a single animal protein source along with fiber-rich ingredients like rice and pumpkin for easy digestion.

Benefits: 

• Both wet and dry recipes use highly digestible ingredients to promote firm, healthy stools and reduce digestive upset
• Both recipes minimize the risk of food sensitivities by focusing on one animal protein source per recipe
• Both types of bland diet meet the essential dietary needs of dogs for everyday feeding, supporting overall health and well-being. They provide flexibility for short or long-term use, or as a topper
• Dry food option includes pre- and probiotics to support a balanced gut microbiome, improving digestion and nutrient absorption
• Wet food offers a soft texture suitable for senior dogs or those with dental issues

• Dry food features a bone broth coating to enhance flavor

Soothe your pup’s tummy with KOHA Wet Bland Diet and Dry Bland Diet dog food!

 

3. KOHA Minimal Ingredient Stew

KOHA's Minimal Ingredient Stew offers a delectable solution for dogs with sensitive tummies, providing tasty cuts of meat in savory gravy without any junky fillers. With a focus on single meat options and minimal ingredients, these carefully crafted stews help support digestive health and overall well-being.

 

Benefits: 

• Features single animal protein recipes with minimal ingredients to reduce sensitivity risk
• Contains rich, savory gravy and high-quality meat cuts for high palatability
• Provides moisture-rich, high-protein recipes with low carbs and no junky fillers to promote easy digestion
• Offers novel protein options like rabbit, duck, and lamb that are less likely to trigger allergies
• Supports joint health and mobility with enrichment from New Zealand Green Mussel

Treat your dog to a delicious and nutritious meal with KOHA's Minimal Ingredient Stew

 

4. KOHA Pure Shreds 

KOHA's Pure Shreds offers a tantalizing variety of shredded recipes in a savory broth, ideal for picky eaters, dogs with sensitive stomachs, and those requiring weight control support. Whether it's the savory Beef, succulent Duck, or tender Chicken Breast, each Pure Shreds entrée promises a meal experience that leaves tails wagging for more. 

Plus, with a superfood veggie blend of pumpkin, carrots, and spinach, these meals provide a nutritious boost to support digestive health and immune function.

 Benefits: 

• Entices even the pickiest eaters with savory flavors
• Provides low-fat options to ensure a calorie-conscious diet without compromising on flavor, helping your dog maintain a healthy weight without fillers like potatoes 
• Delivers moisture-rich, high-protein meals that are gentle on the stomach and suitable for dogs with digestive sensitivities
• Appeals to dogs with a shredded meat texture they enjoy
• Avoids unnecessary fillers by formulating recipes with minimal ingredients

• Enhances nutrition with a blend of pumpkin, carrots, and spinach, offering added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and vitality 

Treat your furry friend to the delightful Pure Shreds experience from KOHA

 

5. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food

Each Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet formulation contains less than ten ingredients. Among the seven offerings in the range, some are grain-free formulations and some recipes include grains. However, all recipes are free from chickpeas and lentils and contain added supplements.

 Benefits: 

• Provides single-source animal protein
• Features meat, fish, or poultry (deboned) as the #1 ingredient
• Includes glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint health
• Contains omega-3 and omega-6 for skin and coat

• Contains no artificial flavors or colors

 

6. Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Skin & Food Sensitivities

Hill’s Prescription Z/D dog food is a hypoallergenic formulation made with hydrolyzed protein. This product results from the breakdown of a protein source into individual amino acids. The dog’s immune system doesn't detect these smaller components, hopefully preventing an allergic reaction. 

The Z/D offering comes in wet or dry formulations.   

Benefits: 

• Improves skin and coat in 30 days
• Normalizes the stool quality
• Promotes a healthy urinary tract environment with proprietary S+OXSHIELD formulation
• Supports the immune system
• Promotes healthy skin
• Provides a single carbohydrate source

 

7. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient Diet is a wet or dry food offering for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Their formulations feature turkey, duck, salmon, whitefish, or lamb as single protein sources. Along with easily digestible carbohydrates, their recipes include their proprietary mix of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, called LifeSource Bits.   

Benefits: 

• Features novel protein sources
• Uses single-protein formulations
• Contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins
• Includes easily digestible carbs
• Free from corn, soy, eggs, or dairy

• Free from chicken and beef

 

8. Purina ONE +Plus Adult Skin & Coat Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina ONE +Plus Adult Skin & Coat Formula Dry Dog Food is designed to support your dog’s skin and coat health. The formula features salmon as the main ingredient, along with omega fatty acids and vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Benefits:

• Features omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to nourish the skin and coat
• Provides high-quality protein to support strong muscles
• Includes an antioxidant blend to promote a healthy immune system
• Delivers a highly digestible formula for optimal nutrient absorption
• Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives

 

9. Royal Canin Care Nutrition Medium Sensitive Skin Care Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Medium Sensitive Skin Care Dry Dog Food is formulated specifically for medium-sized dogs with sensitive skin. It features a specific blend of nutrients to help reinforce the skin barrier, while omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Benefits:

• Supports sensitive skin with specially formulated nutrients
• Provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote a healthy coat
• Helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier
• Features tailored nutrition for medium-sized breeds
• Delivers a palatable and digestible formula

 

10. Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin Grain-Free Chicken & Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin Grain-Free Chicken & Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is designed for dogs with sensitive systems. This grain-free formula supports digestive health and skin nourishment with prebiotic fiber and omega fatty acids.

Benefits:

• Recipe is grain-free and made with real chicken
• Provides prebiotic fiber to support a healthy gut
• Includes omega-6 and vitamin E for a lustrous coat
• Is gentle on the stomach with easily digestible ingredients

• Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

 

11. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

 

Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food is crafted to support a shiny coat and healthy skin with omega fatty acids and high-quality protein sources. The formula is made to provide balanced nutrition for dogs of all life stages.

Benefits:

• Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Provides high-quality protein to support muscle maintenance
• Includes antioxidants for immune system support
• Is suitable for all life stages
• Contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

 

What to Know About Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies 

Now that you have a picture of the symptoms associated with dog food allergies, let’s investigate which foods help or cause further irritation.

 

What is the Best Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies

The best type of dog food for allergies is often a limited ingredient diet specifically formulated to minimize potential allergens and reduce the risk of triggering adverse reactions.  

Whether you’re purchasing a store-bought limited ingredient diet wet or dry dog food or creating homemade dog food, ensure a simplified ingredient list with a single novel protein source and limited carbohydrates to avoid common allergens.

And if your dog’s experiencing chronic digestive issues because of food sensitivities or allergies, consider a bland diet for dogs like KOHA Limited Ingredient Wet Bland Diet Chicken & White Rice Recipe for Dogs. It’s specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, combining chicken, white rice, and pumpkin for gentle digestion and regularity.

 

What is the Best Dog Food for Dogs With Skin Allergies?

A well-balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to alleviate skin allergy symptoms and promote healthier skin.

KOHA's range of hypoallergenic and limited ingredient dog foods are great options for addressing skin allergies. These recipes feature minimal ingredients and include single animal protein recipe options, making them ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

These recipes minimize exposure to common allergens and include high-quality ingredients. By avoiding common triggers like artificial additives, soy, and wheat, KOHA provides a safe and nutritious option for dogs with sensitive skin.

Key Benefits of KOHA for skin allergies:

• Moisture-Rich Formulas: Help keep skin hydrated and reduce dryness.
• Novel Protein Options: Include proteins like duck and salmon that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
• Free from Fillers: Contain no potatoes, wheat, or soy, which are common irritants.

• Supports Digestion: Ingredients support healthy digestion, which contributes to better nutrient absorption and supports skin health.

Combining KOHA Limited Ingredient dog food with other measures, like using itchy skin shampoos, can create a comprehensive plan to tackle skin allergies. Shampoos formulated to treat skin allergies contain soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal to calm irritated skin, complementing the benefits of a skin-friendly diet.

 

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies

When selecting the best dog food for allergies, it's important to avoid ingredients that commonly trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities. Here are some key ingredients to avoid:

• Common Allergens: Exclude soy, corn, and dairy.
• Artificial Additives: Steer clear of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
• Fillers: Avoid junky fillers and low-quality ingredients with limited nutritional value, such as by-products and other filler ingredients.
• Chemical Additives: Check for chemical additives, such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which some companies may use as preservatives in certain dog foods.

 

Wet Dog Food Vs Dry Dog Food for Allergies

When it comes to choosing between wet and dry dog food for allergies, both options can bring unique benefits depending on your dog’s sensitivities, lifestyle, and overall health.

Benefits of Wet Dog Food for Allergies

Wet dog food offers several qualities that can be especially helpful for dogs with allergies:

• High moisture content: Supports hydration, which is important for digestion, immunity, and organ function.
• Enhanced palatability: The rich aroma and flavor make it appealing to picky eaters or dogs with reduced appetite.

• Soft texture: Gentle on teeth and gums, making it easier to chew and digest—especially great for senior dogs or those with dental sensitivities.

Benefits of Dry Dog Food for Allergies

Dry dog food also brings valuable advantages that may suit your pup’s needs:

• Convenience: Easy to store, measure, and feed, which fits seamlessly into daily routines.
• Long-lasting freshness: Dry food stays good longer once opened, making it a reliable staple.

For dogs with allergies, wet food may feel gentler on digestion and more enticing, while dry food offers convenience and oral health support. Many pet parents even combine the two—using kibble as a base and adding wet food for extra flavor and hydration. This blended approach can provide the best of both worlds, tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

When it comes to choosing between wet and dry dog food for allergies, both options can bring unique benefits depending on your dog’s sensitivities, lifestyle, and overall health.

How To Help a Dog With Food Allergies

Helping a dog with food allergies and food intolerance starts with identifying the allergens causing their symptoms. Here are the best ways to identify what your dog is allergic to.

 

Follow an Elimination Diet:

An elimination diet involves systematically removing potential allergens from your dog's diet and gradually reintroducing them to pinpoint the culprit. Here are the general steps of an effective elimination diet:

1. Consult your veterinarian: Before starting, seek advice from your vet to rule out other possible causes for your dog's symptoms.
2. Choose a limited ingredient diet: Opt for a diet with a single novel protein (e.g., duck or venison) and minimal ingredients to reduce potential triggers.
3. Feed exclusively the new diet: For 8-12 weeks, feed your dog only the limited ingredient diet. Avoid treats, table scraps, or flavored medications.
4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your dog's reactions, noting any changes in skin, digestion, or behavior.
5. Reintroduce Ingredients gradually: Add one ingredient at a time back into their diet every 7-10 days. If symptoms return, you’ve likely identified an allergen.

Elimination diets require patience, but they are the most reliable way to identify and manage food allergies. Once you determine your dog’s allergies, you can provide them with a tailored diet to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.

 

Feed Your Dog Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Feeding your dog hypoallergenic food is key if food allergies are a problem. It cuts down on allergen exposure and helps with minimizing symptoms. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet for Dogs is the ideal choice. These grain-free entrées avoid common allergens like soy, wheat, and artificial additives. Instead, they contain a high concentration of animal protein and essential nutrients so your dog gets high-quality nutrition without the risk of allergic reactions.

 

Use Supplements

Adding a quality supplement to your dog’s diet can support immune health and improve digestion—both of which can be disrupted when your dog has food allergies. Nootie Progility Pre & Probiotics Soft Chews, for example, combine prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to promote gut health and support nutrient absorption. Their soft chew texture makes them easy to administer, with their bacon and cheese flavor appealing to even picky eaters.

 

Ensure Proper Hydration

Proper hydration is crucial for your dog’s overall wellbeing, especially when dealing with allergies. Make fresh water available at all times to help flush out allergens and support bodily functions. To ensure your dog drinks enough, keep their water bowl clean and refill it often. A pet fountain might also encourage more frequent drinking.

If you’re concerned your dog’s not drinking enough water despite your best efforts, incorporating wet dog food—like KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Entrées—into your dog’s diet can help, thanks to its higher moisture content.

 

Consult a Vet

When it comes to your dog’s food allergies, consulting a vet is invaluable. They can officially rule out other health issues to make sure food allergies are the culprit of your dog’s symptoms. Your vet can also guide you through creating an allergy-free diet plan and transitioning them to the new food with minimal side effects. 

With professional guidance, you'll be better equipped to support your dog's overall health and comfort.

 

Pick the Best Dog Food for Allergies

Understanding and addressing your dog's food allergies is essential for their overall health and happiness. By recognizing the signs of allergies and selecting the right diet, you can provide relief and improve their quality of life.

No matter the KOHA dog food for allergies you choose, you’re selecting from high-quality options crafted with care to meet your dog’s dietary needs. KOHA’s commitment to minimal ingredients and unique proteins can help avoid food allergens that cause skin and stomach issues. Each recipe deliberately excludes common allergens, such as wheat, soy, and artificial additives, while also avoiding junky fillers like potatoes and pea protein that can trigger reactions.

KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Entrées are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. These entrées are carefully formulated with a single protein source and a short list of ingredients, making it easier to identify and avoid triggers that may cause allergic reactions. They are designed to be both palatable and nutritionally balanced, ensuring your dog enjoys mealtime while benefiting from a simplified, allergy-friendly diet. 

Other excellent options include KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dry Food for Dogs, Bland Diet Wet Food for Dogs, Minimal Ingredient Stew, and Pure Shreds; no matter what you choose to feed, rest assured you're providing a wholesome, safe, and easy- to -digest meal that supports your dog’s overall wellbeing.

Treat your furry companion to the best dog food for allergies and watch them thrive!

Dog Food for Allergies FAQ

What is the best food to give a dog with allergies?

The best food to give a dog with allergies is one that minimizes exposure to common allergens while meeting their nutritional needs.  Look for dog foods that check off the following boxes:

• Single protein sources: Opt for foods that contain a single protein source to reduce the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction.
• No common allergens: Pick formulas free of common allergens like dairy, wheat, soy, or artificial additives.

• Easily digestible ingredients: Choose fiber-rich options that contain ingredients like pumpkin and rice to support digestive health and improve stool quality.

Limited ingredient diets like the recipes offered by KOHA can be great options for dogs with sensitivities.

 

What food helps dogs with itchy skin?

For dogs with itchy skin, limited ingredient diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, single-source protein, and easily digestible ingredients can be particularly effective. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like marine microalgae can help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy coat. These recipes are designed to minimize allergens while including skin-supporting nutrients.

 

What is the best dry dog food for skin allergies?

The best dry dog food for skin allergies includes limited ingredients and avoids common allergens like wheat and soy. 

KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet dry dog food recipes stand out among the rest, as they include a single animal protein source and no artificial additives or junky fillers. The inclusion of marine microalgae oil provides a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for reducing skin irritation and improving coat health. 

With a single protein source and no artificial additives, it’s an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive skin.

 

What is the number one food allergy in dogs?

The most common food allergen for dogs is beef. While it’s considered a healthy staple for most dogs, regularly feeding your dog only beef could lead to the development of an allergy if your pup is prone to it. Vets usually recommend feeding your dog a variety of proteins, in rotation, to avoid allergic reactions to any one protein.

 

What is the best meat for dogs with allergies?

The best protein for dogs with allergies is typically a novel protein that your dog hasn’t been exposed to before, such as venison, duck, or kangaroo. 

These meats are less common in traditional dog foods, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions. Salmon is another great option, as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support skin and coat health while minimizing inflammation.

 

Is salmon or turkey better for dogs with allergies?

Both turkey and salmon can be good options for dogs with allergies, particularly if they are a novel protein for your dog (your dog has never had them before). 

 

What really works for dog allergies?

Managing dog allergies effectively requires a combination of dietary adjustments and supportive care. Key strategies include:

• Switching diets: A limited ingredient diet helps identify and eliminate common allergens from your dog’s diet.
• Adding supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants support immune and gut health.
• Incorporating topical treatments: Hypoallergenic shampoos, like those containing colloidal oatmeal, can soothe irritated skin and reduce itching.

• Consulting your veterinarian: Regular check-ups can help identify and manage allergy triggers effectively.

 

What is the best dog food for allergies and yeast infections?

The best dog food for allergies and yeast infections is a limited ingredient diet, like KOHA Limited Ingredient Entrees for Dogs. These diets help by providing a simplified ingredient list that reduces the risk of triggering allergies and yeast overgrowth.

With only one high-quality animal protein per recipe, no junky fillers, and ingredients like biotin and pumpkin to support healthy skin and digestion, KOHA dog foods are a safe and nutritious solution for dogs with allergies and yeast infections.