7+ 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 as identifying the source of the allergy isn't always clear.

Food allergies often have similar symptoms to many other conditions, such as IBD, dog anxiety, and other issues, 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 senior 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. Expect 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 be a result of 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. Additionally, frequent shaking of the head or scratching at the ears could signal an underlying issue.
• Skin Rashes: Skin rashes, ranging from mild irritation to more severe dermatological issues, can signify 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, sometimes containing 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 requiring medication. Other stool changes, including constipation in dogs, 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, linked to dermatological issues triggered by food allergies, manifests as patchy loss, 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, 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’s Limited Ingredient Dog Food caters to dogs with extreme food sensitivities or stomach issues. Each recipe features just one meat source, ensuring easy digestion and minimal risk of triggering allergies. 

Made with novel protein choices like duck, lamb, salmon, and pork, these meals are free from fillers and full of simple, clean ingredients is the best choice for avoiding food allergies and ingredients that can trigger them.

Benefits 

• One meat per recipe ensures minimal allergen exposure
• Easily digestible formulation ideal for dogs with extreme food sensitivities
• Novel protein choices to minimize the risk of allergic reactions
• Carb-free recipes avoid common allergens like potatoes, wheat, and soy
• The high protein content supports muscle health and provides essential amino acids for overall vitality

Shop KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet dog food.

 

2. 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 avoid digestive issues and support overall well-being.

Benefits: 

• Ideal for food sensitivities as these recipes features single meat options and minimal ingredients, minimizing the risk of triggering food sensitivities
• The rich, savory gravy and high-quality meat cuts make these stews highly palatable
• Because they’re highly palatable, it's easy to control meal calories and prevent overfeeding by leaving dry food out for “free feeding,” a common cause of weight gain in dogs
• The moisture-rich, high-protein recipes with no unnecessary fillers and low carbohydrates promote easy digestion
• With a variety of protein options like rabbit, beef, turkey, duck, pork, and chicken, KOHA's Minimal Ingredient Stew offers novel protein choices that are less likely to trigger allergies
• Enriched with New Zealand Green Mussel, these stews help support joint health, promoting mobility and comfort for dogs of all ages and activity levels.

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

 

3. KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet

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 or chicken & white rice, cooked and ready to serve. Dry food options feature beef & brown rice or chicken & 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 are crafted with highly digestible ingredients, promoting firm, manageable stools and reducing the risk of digestive upset.
• Minimizes the risk of food sensitivities by focusing on one animal protein source per recipe.
• Formulated to meet the essential dietary needs of dogs for everyday feeding, supporting overall health and well-being.
• Pre- & Probiotics found in the dry food option support a balanced gut microbiome, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Both options can be used for short or long-term use or as a topper.
• Wet food offers a soft texture suitable for senior dogs or those with dental issues, while the dry food's bone broth coating enhances flavor and supports gut health.

Soothe your pup's tummy with KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet dog food.

 

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. 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: 

• Enticing, even for the pickiest eaters
• Low-fat options ensure a calorie-conscious diet without compromising on flavor, helping your dog maintain a healthy weight without carb-heavy fillers like potatoes 
• Moisture-rich and easily digestible, these high-protein meals are gentle on the stomach, making them suitable for dogs with digestive sensitivities
• Dogs love the shredded meat texture
• Crafted with minimal ingredients, these recipes avoid unnecessary fillers
• Infused with a blend of pumpkin, carrots, and spinach, these meals offer 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: 

• Single-source animal protein
• Meat, fish, or poultry (deboned) is the #1 ingredient
• Added glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint health
• Added omega-3 and omega-6 for skin and coat
• None of the recipes contain 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
• Their proprietary S+OXSHIELD formulation promotes a healthy urinary tract environment
• Supports the immune system
• Promotes healthy skin
• 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: 

• Novel protein sources
• Single protein formulations
• Contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins
• Easily digestible
• These recipes don’t contain corn, soy, eggs, or dairy
• They don’t use chicken or beef in these recipes

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 Type of Dog Food is Best for Dogs with Allergies

The best type of dog food for dogs with allergies is often a limited ingredient diet (LID) specifically formulated to minimize potential allergens and reduce the risk of triggering allergic reactions.  

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

 

What is the Best Dog Food for 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: Proteins like duck and salmon are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
• Free from Fillers: No potatoes, wheat, or soy, which are common irritants.
• Supports Digestion: Healthy digestion contributes to better nutrient absorption, enhancing 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 dog food for dogs with 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 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 may be used as preservatives in certain dog foods.

 

Wet Dog Food Vs Dry Dog Food for Allergies

When considering wet vs. dry dog food for allergies, both options have their pros and cons.  

Wet dog food offers several advantages that can be particularly beneficial for dogs with allergies:

• High moisture: Helps keep dogs hydrated, crucial for immunity and organ function.
• Enhanced palatability: Many dogs prefer the rich flavor, useful for picky eaters or those with reduced appetite due to allergies.
• Soft texture: This makes wet food easier to digest and is better for sensitive gums or dental issues.

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. 

The most effective way to do this is through an elimination diet. This method involves systematically removing potential allergens from your dog's diet and gradually reintroducing them to pinpoint the culprit.

 

Steps for an 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.

 

Additional Tips:

• Hydration: Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water.
• Supplementation: Adding a quality dog allergy supplement to your dog’s diet can support a stronger immune system and overall well-being. Products containing omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants may help maintain normal skin function and support overall skin and coat health.
• Choose the Right Food: KOHA Limited Ingredient Diets and Minimal Ingredient Stews are excellent options for elimination diets. These recipes avoid common allergens like soy, wheat, and artificial additives, focusing on high-quality proteins and simple, clean ingredients.

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

 

Learn More About Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies

You may have more questions about your dog’s specific needs. We’ve pulled together some other questions people ask about dog food for allergies.

 

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. Limited Ingredient Diets (LID) like the recipes offered by KOHA can be great options for dogs with sensitivities. These diets typically include:

• Single protein sources: To reduce the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction, opt for a single protein.
• No common allergens: Avoid foods containing dairy, wheat, soy, or artificial additives.
• Easily digestible ingredients: Fiber-rich options that contain ingredients like pumpkin and brown rice help support digestive health and improve stool quality.

 

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 dog food recipes stand out 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 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: Switching to 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.
• 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.

 

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. 

Whether you opt for KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dry Food for Dogs, KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Wet Food for Dogs, Minimal Ingredient Stew, or KOHA Pure Shreds, rest assured that you're choosing high-quality options designed to cater to your dog's unique dietary requirements. 

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