Pet parents, like me, are very picky with the dog food that we give to our fur babies because we don’t want them to suffer from skin allergies or upset stomachs.
However, it’s troublesome to search through hundreds, if not thousands, of dog foods.
Sometimes, our pets have skin issues, and we search desperately for the best dog food for allergies.
The problem we face is that we do not know which ones can help our sensitive fur buddies. Let me help you by reviewing nine of the top-selling products for this particular issue.
Table of Contents
The Best Dog Foods for Allergies Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Purina Pro Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula for Adult Dogs |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Purina Pro Focus Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Recipe for Adult Dogs |  |
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| 3. Purina Pro Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oatmeal Formula for Adult Canines |  |
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| 4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Salmon & Potato Recipe for Adult Dogs |  |
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| 5. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Turkey & Potato Recipe for Senior Dogs |  |
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| 6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Turkey & Potato Recipe for Healthy Weight of Adult Dogs |  |
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| 7. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Turkey & Potato Recipe for Puppies |  |
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| 8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Turkey & Potato Recipe for Small Breed Adult Dogs |  |
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| 9. Redbarn Naturals Grain-free for Skin and Coat Canned Dog Food |  |
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1. Purina Pro Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula for Adult Dogs
I prefer Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe For sensitive skin and stomach because it has real salmon as a premium source of protein.
It is also rich in omega fatty acids, which helps promote healthy skin and shiny coat. It supports the immune system and decreases inflammation.
My adult pets love the taste, and I notice an improvement in their skin and furs. I also like that it doesn’t contain any wheat, soy, and corn that are common allergens in fur babies.
However, this dog food has seafood and eggs, so sensitive canines may experience an allergic reaction. Fortunately, my furry buddies aren’t allergic to these ingredients.
Specs
- Dry dog food
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult canines
- For sensitive skin and stomach
Pros
- Includes real salmon as a high-protein source
- Has easily-digestible oatmeal as source of carbohydrates
- Fortified with omega-3 fatty acids for mobility and joint health
- Has omega-6 fatty acids and zinc for healthy skin and shiny coat
- No corn, soy, and wheat
- No artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- Results to soft poop
- Not liked by some dogs
- Has brewer’s rice as bulk-adding filler
You may want to try Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe for Sensitive Skin and Stomach for your adult fur babies.
It provides an average calorie amount of 368 per 100 grams, so it’s the right choice for your pets that have food sensitivities.
It provides less protein and fiber, a medium fat amount, and more carbohydrates than average.
Generally, dogs need a high protein, low carbohydrate, and medium fat diet. However, your veterinarian may prescribe it to your canines with sensitive skin and stomach.
Overall Rating: 4.6
2. Purina Pro Focus Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Recipe for Adult Dogs
This is the wet food version of our top pick, and best dog food for sensitive skin. My adult canines like Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice for Sensitive Skin and Stomach.
It’s canned dog food with salmon as a quality protein source. Salmon is rich in omega fatty acids that are responsible for keeping your pets’ skin and coat healthy.
I also like that it provides balanced and complete nutrition, so my fur babies can maintain their weight and overall health. It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Unfortunately, it has rice as one of its top ingredients, and it’s a bulk-adding filler. Generally, dogs have no use of it, but manufacturers use it to maintain the kibble shape.
Specs
- Wet canine food
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult dogs
- For sensitive skin and stomach
Pros
- Complete and balanced nutrition for canines
- Nutrient-rich salmon and rice
- High-quality salmon with omega DHA for cognitive development
- Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors
Cons
- Too mushy and watery
- Not liked by some fur babies
- Not for pets allergic to corn and seafood
- Has guar gum and carrageenan, which are additives that can contribute to some medical issues in pets
You may add variety to your dog’s diet by feeding it with Purina Pro Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach in Salmon and Rice Recipe.
Your veterinarian may recommend it if your fur baby has food sensitivities or an upset stomach. It has less protein but more fat and fiber and an average carbohydrates amount.
It provides 97 calories for every 100 grams, which is the median calorie amount for wet canine nutrition.
Overall Rating: 4.0
3. Purina Pro Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oatmeal Formula for Adult Canines
The Lamb and Oatmeal Recipe for Sensitive Skin and Stomach for adult dogs has real lamb as a source of quality protein.
I also like that there’s no bulk-adding fillers or by-products in its top ingredients. These ingredients don’t add value to any pet’s diet, so I have confidence that this dry canine food from Purina Pro Focus is a higher quality product.
However, this product may cause some problems with fur babies that have food sensitivities from eggs, seafood, and lamb.
Specs
- For adult dogs
- Dry canine food
- For sensitive skin and stomach
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Nutrient-rich lamb as the principal source of protein
- Highly digestible recipe with prebiotic fiber for excellent digestive health and intestinal balance
- Has zinc and omega-6 fatty acids for nourished skin and shiny coat
- Includes antioxidants for a healthy immune system
- No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
Your veterinarian may recommend Purina Pro Focus Lamb and Oatmeal Recipe for your pet suffering from allergies. It is beneficial for fur babies with an upset stomach or skin issues.
It has less protein and fiber, an average amount of fat, and more carbohydrates than average. Usually, pets need a high protein, low carb, and medium fat diet.
However, your vet may have suggested this specialty diet for a unique nutritional breakdown.
Overall Rating: 4.5
4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Salmon & Potato Recipe for Adult Dogs
I tried feeding Blue Buffalo Basics Salmon and Potato to my adult dogs, and they like it. As a pet parent, I approve that it has deboned salmon and salmon meal as premium sources of protein.
Salmon is also rich in omega fatty acids that are responsible for maintaining healthy skin and fur in pets. Veterinarians recommend this canine food for dogs with food sensitivities to other proteins.
However, it contains brown rice, a bulk-adding filler that my furry buddies don’t need in their diet.
Specs
- For adult canines
- Limited ingredient
- Dry dog food
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Has real salmon, potatoes, pumpkin, and peas for healthy digestion
- Includes essential carbohydrates and proteins for active dogs
- Doesn’t have chicken, corn, soy, eggs, beef, wheat, and dairy
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a healthy immune system
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, and poultry by-product meals
Cons
- Not liked by some canines
- Not for dogs allergic to salmon and fish oil
You may want to try Blue Basics Salmon and Potato Recipe for your adult canines because it’s a limited ingredient formula.
It doesn’t have ingredients that are prevalent allergens to pets with food sensitivities. It has less protein and fat but more fiber and carbohydrates, and you may like its fewer calories content at 348 for every 100 grams.
Overall Rating: 4.8
5. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Turkey & Potato Recipe for Senior Dogs
My favorite canine, a boxer, turned seven years old, so I have to pick another type of dog food. I prefer Blue Basics Turkey and Potato Recipe because it’s a limited ingredient diet.
I like that it has a turkey meal and deboned turkey as quality sources of protein. It’s also rich in riboflavin (B2) and phosphorus for healthy bones and prevention of bilateral corneal opacity.
However, pet parents must be careful about feeding this kibble to their sensitive fur babies. It contains fish oil, a prevalent allergen among dogs.
Specs
- For senior dogs
- Kibble form
- AAFCO-approved
- Limited ingredients
Pros
- Has real turkey, peas, potatoes, and pumpkin for healthy digestion
- Fortified with essential proteins and carbohydrates
- No chicken, corn, soy, eggs, beef, wheat, and dairy
- Includes a mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a healthy immune system
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, and poultry by-product meals
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
- Includes brown rice, a bulk-adding filler
You may prefer Blue Basics Turkey and Potato Formula for your senior canine if you want fewer calories in your pet’s diet. It has 336 calories per 100 grams, and it also has less protein and fat.
However, you’ll discover that this dog food provides more fiber and carbohydrates too. Your veterinarian may recommend it because it’s limited ingredient nutrition that your fur buddy needs.
Overall Rating: 4.8
6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Turkey & Potato Recipe for Healthy Weight of Adult Dogs
I like Blue Buffalo Basics Healthy Weight in Turkey and Potato Recipe because it has turkey meal and turkey as excellent protein sources.
It’s a limited ingredient formula, so it’s also suitable for fur babies with food sensitivities. Potatoes are an invaluable ingredient because they provide energy and are easy to digest. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
If there’s one complaint that I have, it’s the inclusion of brown rice as one of its top ingredients. It’s a bulk-adding filler that my pets don’t need. However, I understand that manufacturers use it to maintain the shape of the kibble.
Specs
- Kibble form
- Limited ingredient
- For adult canines
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Includes real turkey, potatoes, pumpkin, and peas for healthy digestion
- Low calories for healthy weight maintenance
- No beef, chicken, wheat, corn, dairy, soy, and eggs
- Has a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy immune system
- Doesn’t contain poultry by-product meals, preservatives, and artificial flavors
Cons
- Not liked by some fur babies
- Includes brown rice, a bulk-adding filler
- Not suitable for dogs allergic to fish oil
You may try feeding your adult fur babies the Basics Healthy Weight in Turkey and Potato Recipe from Blue Buffalo. It’s limited ingredient nutrition, so it works well for sensitive canines.
It has less protein and fat but more carbohydrates and fiber than average. Your fur buddies will only gain 314 calories for every 100 grams, so this dry food is also an excellent option for overweight dogs.
Overall Rating: 4.8
7. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Turkey & Potato Recipe for Puppies
I brought my puppy to a veterinarian because I thought it has food sensitivities. He recommended that I try Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey and Potato Recipe.
It’s a limited ingredient diet for fur babies consisting of a turkey meal and deboned turkey as protein sources.
I like that it doesn’t contain any bulk-adding filler and by-products in its top ingredients because dogs don’t need them in their diet.
My only complaint is that it has fish oil, a potential allergen. My fur baby isn’t allergic to it, but pet parents must be careful about feeding this product to their sensitive dogs. The canines may experience adverse reactions to it.
Specs
- Kibble form
- Limited ingredient
- For puppies
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Tiny kibble for easier removal of tartar
- Has DHA for retinal function and cognitive learning development
- Includes phosphorus and calcium for healthy bones
- Contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- No corn, soy, eggs, poultry by-product meals, wheat, and dairy
- Fortified with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins
Cons
- Not liked by some puppies
- Not suitable for canines allergic to fish oil
Your veterinarian may recommend Blue Basics Turkey and Potato Recipe for your little sensitive pet. It’s a limited ingredient diet that doesn’t contain many of the prevalent allergens.
It has more carbohydrates, less protein and fat, and an average amount of fiber. Compared to many kibbles, this puppy food provides an average amount of calories at 365 per 100 grams.
Overall Rating: 4.7
8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient in Turkey & Potato Recipe for Small Breed Adult Dogs
I’m feeding my small breeds with Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey and Potato recipe because it has turkey meal and turkey as quality sources of protein.
Compared to chicken, turkey is also lean, white meat that promotes muscle growth. It’s quickly digestible and alternative dog food for canines that are allergic to chicken or beef.
A turkey meal is a satisfactory protein source with several benefits. Compared to a real turkey, it has a higher protein content and less water because it undergoes a rendering process.
My only complaint is that this product has brown rice as one of its top ingredients. It’s a bulk-adding filler that dogs don’t need in their diet. Manufacturers use it to maintain the shape of the kibble.
Specs
- For small breeds
- Limited component
- Dry dog food
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Includes real turkey, peas, potatoes, and pumpkin for healthy digestion
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- A limited ingredient with a balanced of carbohydrates and protein
- Doesn’t include chicken, corn, soy, eggs, beef, wheat, and dairy
- Has a mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a healthy immune system
- No artificial flavors, poultry by-product meals, and preservatives
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
- Not suitable for canines allergic to fish oil
Your vet may recommend Blue Basics Turkey and Potato Formula for your small breed adult canines to keep their skin and coat healthy. It has more carbs, less protein and fat, and an average fiber amount.
Generally, dogs need a high protein, low carbohydrate, and medium fat diet. However, this specialty diet that the veterinarian may suggest prioritizes another nutritional breakdown. It offers an average amount of calories at 366 for every 100 grams.
Overall Rating: 4.7
9. Redbarn Naturals Grain-free for Skin and Coat Canned Dog Food — Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Skin Allergies
I like Redbarn Naturals Grain-free Lamb Pate for Skin and Coat because it has lamb and lamb liver as premium sources of protein.
Lamb has the vital nutrients and amino acids needed by my adult pets. Protein is essential in building, maintaining, and healing body tissues. It also regulates and protects body processes.
I also like that it doesn’t include any bulk-adding fillers and by-products. These ingredients do not offer any benefit to the diets of my fur babies. I have confidence that I’m feeding them a high-quality kibble.
However, some fur babies may suffer an adverse reaction because it has dried egg products, salmon, and lamb. These ingredients are potential allergens, so you have to be cautious about feeding it to your dogs.
Specs
- Wet dog food
- Grain-free
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult canines
Pros
- Complete and balanced nutrition fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Doesn’t contain grains, corn, soy, gluten, and wheat
- Has ingredients rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat
- No carrageenan, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
- Strained bowel movement due to peas and carrots
- Not suitable for canines allergic to lamb, salmon, and dried egg product
You may want to try RedBarn Lamb Recipe for Skin and Coat for your fur babies with sensitive skin. It’s a specialty diet that has omega fatty acids to keep the skin and coat healthy.
It has more protein and fat and fewer carbohydrates and fiber than many dog foods available in stores.
It’s for active canines that need a lot of energy to last throughout the day. This pet nourishment provides 119 calories per 100 grams, which is higher than average.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Buying Guide For Dog Food For Allergies
You may observe some unusual signs in your dog that leads you to suspect that it has food allergies.
Vomiting, itchiness, and hot spots are a few of the symptoms that your pet may experience. You can help solve the issue by determining the ingredients that are causing allergic reactions.
Signs That Your Fur Baby Is Suffering From Food Allergies
Like humans, canines can have allergies and food sensitivities. Their immune system can have an adverse reaction to the nourishments they eat. Usually, some proteins and carbohydrates are the most prevalent triggers.
Your favorite dogs may be allergic to any of the following foods:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Wheat
Aside from fleas and environmental triggers, food allergies can also cause adverse skin issues.
Determining the ingredients that are potential allergens can be challenging for pet owners. They can mistake the symptoms as food intolerance.
Treating Allergic Reactions
You have to consult your veterinarian if you want to know if your beloved dog has food allergy or intolerance. He may tell you to switch to the best dog food for dry, itchy skin if he believes your fur baby has allergic reactions.
Usually, he will recommend a limited ingredient or grain-free diet. Limited-component dog food has a distinct type of protein or carbohydrate. On the other hand, a grain-free diet doesn’t contain wheat, corn, and soy.
Tips In Managing Sensitive Canines
- Follow the prescription of your vet
- Transition your pet to a new food by mixing it with its present diet then gradually increase the ratio of the fresh recipe for the next week
- Always read the labels and search for prevalent allergens
- Don’t offer unnecessary treats or human foods to your canine
You will notice the improvements within 12 weeks because your pet’s body needs to adjust to the new recipe, even if it’s the best dog food for food allergies.
Factors Triggering The Allergic Reactions
- Prolonged consumption of the same recipe over the years
- Food additives in dog food
When To Switch To The Best Dog Food For Skin Allergies
If your fur baby has any stomach allergies, you’ll notice that it can’t keep food in his belly. If it gets sick or not acting normally, it means that you have to change its diet.
Switching brands or recipes can be challenging, even if it has no food sensitivities. You can expect the switch to be more problematic if he has allergies.
You have to consult the vet for any recommendations, but sometimes your canine won’t accept the change immediately.
The safest route is to consider allergen-free dog food and slowly transition to it. It’s not feasible to continuously feed your pet prescription pet nourishment.
However, you can begin feeding it to your fur baby as you transition to other foods.
If your pup has skin sensitives, you can help by managing its discomfort. For instance, you can provide the right diet to cope with itching and inflammation.
You’ll realize that you have to act when your beloved pet keeps scratching, chewing, and licking even at night. The most straightforward solution is to get your fur buddy a pet food that contains oils to soothe and hydrate its skin.
Essential Features To Consider In Buying Dog Food For Allergies
Meat vs. Meal
Your dog may have allergies, and you may think that it’s allergic to particular animal flesh. Chances are, it’s allergic to a meat meal. You may not see any “bone meal” or “chicken meal” in the ingredients list, but it can be the culprit.
Limited Ingredients
Pet foods with fewer ingredients have fewer opportunities to trigger an allergic reaction. If you find it troublesome to discover the cause of the allergies, you may try a limited ingredient diet. This type of dog food doesn’t include any unnecessary components.
Grain-Free
The ancestors of your dogs did not eat grain in the wild because they could not harvest and process wheat.
As such, their stomachs could not transform grains, but domestic pets learned to adapt to a modern diet.
However, they could not deal with it the way they could digest vegetables and meats. A grain-free canine food may be what your pet needs to ensure that it gets the required nutrients.
It does not cause an additional strain to its digestive system.
Raw
Some pet parents are uncomfortable about giving their fur buddies cooked food. They believe that their canines require a diet that is biologically preferred by their bodies.
You can also choose to feed your dog with raw meat. Some manufacturers can preserve fresh nutrition to provide what your buddy needs.
Additives
If your pet is struggling with its skin irritants or digestion, you may want to soothe it with the correct diet additions.
You may choose a dog food with a probiotic or antioxidant to help in the digestion of food. You may also search for the best dog food for dry, flaky skin.
Usually, this type of diet contains omega fatty acids that will help heal its irritated skin.
Final Thoughts
I reviewed nine recipes for dogs with food allergies, but I’m going to recommend only one. Purina Pro Focus for Sensitive Skin and Stomach in Salmon and Rice Formula is a bestseller among pet lovers.
It is rich in omega fatty acids that can help keep your dogs’ skin and coat healthy. It also decreases inflammation, so you’ll notice the improvement when you’ve successfully transitioned your pets to it. It also doesn’t contain any of the potential allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.
