When your dog can’t stop scratching, licking their paws, and/or showing signs of tummy trouble (diarrhea, vomiting), food allergies could be the culprit.
Special dog food for allergies can help in pinpointing the allergy (through a food trial) or serve as your dog’s regular food moving forward to reduce or eliminate their allergic symptoms.
This Sploot Vets guide dives into how to identify and choose the best dog food for allergies to help your furry friend feel their best. We will deep dive into dog food with hydrolyzed proteins, novel proteins, and select protein ingredients.
What Foods Cause Dogs to Have Itchy Skin?
Itchy skin is a common sign of food allergies in dogs, along with other symptoms like recurrent canine ear infections and digestive issues. The most common food allergens for dogs include proteins that they are regularly exposed to, such as beef, chicken, and lamb.
In some cases, dogs may be allergic to dairy, but this is different from lactose intolerance in dogs, which is more common. Some dogs may also have allergic reactions to eggs or grain, but these tend to be rarer.
I. Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food for Allergies
Hydrolyzed protein dog foods for allergies are specially formulated to reduce allergic reactions. In these diets, proteins are broken down into very small fragments that the immune system doesn’t recognize as allergens. Typically, hydrolyzed protein dog foods serve the following purposes:
- A diagnostic tool for food allergies – prescribed by veterinarians for food trials, the process of determining the dog’s allergic triggers by elimination.
- Reduces allergic symptoms – gives the dog’s immune system and gut time to recover before proceeding with the rest of the food trials.
- As your dog’s long-term food – though typically used temporarily, these dog foods may serve as your dog’s food for a longer period of time IF no other alternative (not even novel protein dog food) is available.
1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet - Adult Hydrolyzed Protein [Dry Dog Food]
- Meets nutritional levels established by AAFCO (see Nutritional Adequacy Statement)
Royal Canin’s Adult Hydrolyzed Protein dry dog food features hydrolyzed soy protein. Since this dog food for allergies does not use chicken, beef, or seafood as a source of protein, it is a great starting point for food trials, especially for dogs that have tried various kinds of dog food and still have persistent food allergy symptoms.
In addition, Royal Canin’s Hydrolyzed Protein formula also contains EPA and DHA fatty acids to support the skin barrier and promote healthy digestion in dogs recovering from food allergy symptoms. Lastly, it further boosts digestive health by supporting a balanced digestive flora in dogs.
Note: Royal Canin also offers the only hydrolyzed protein diet for puppies that also complies with AAFCO standards to meet a puppy’s dietary requirements for growth.
2. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities [Dry Dog Food]
- Complete and balanced nutrition - AAFCO (see Feeding Tips)
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities is specifically formulated for dogs with allergies. It contains hydrolyzed chicken, along with other beneficial ingredients for supporting the skin and digestive system.
This dog food for allergies contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to support skin regeneration and overall health. It’s also formulated with ActivBiome+ Digestion, a proprietary blend of prebiotic fibers to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Note: While hydrolyzed chicken is less likely to trigger allergies, it may, in some cases, still trigger chicken allergies in sensitive dogs. Therefore, if chicken allergy is strongly suspected at the start of a dog’s food trial, this product may not be the most suitable.
3. Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed™ Canine Salmon Formula [Dry Dog Food]
Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed™ Canine Salmon Formula contains hydrolyzed salmon, presenting two strong benefits for dogs with allergies: 1) salmon is a novel protein for dogs, and 2) in hydrolyzed form, this protein is even less likely to trigger or aggravate food allergies in dogs.
Additionally, this dog food formula is highly digestible and has a single carbohydrate source to minimize potential allergen exposure.
II. Novel Protein Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies
Novel protein diets use protein sources that dogs are not typically exposed to. Since dogs are less likely to have encountered these proteins, their immune systems are also less likely to produce an allergic reaction. Novel protein dog foods for allergies serve the following functions:
- As a substitute for hydrolyzed protein dog food – if hydrolyzed protein dog food is not readily available, veterinarians may prescribe novel protein diets for your dog’s food trial instead.
- As your dog’s food moving forward – once the veterinarian has diagnosed your dog’s food allergy triggers, they can, in some cases, recommend novel protein dog food moving forward. This is usually done when a dog is allergic to more than one common protein source. (For example, if a dog is allergic to both chicken and beef.)
1. Hill's Prescription Diet d/d – Skin/Food Sensitivities [Dry Dog Food]
- Complete and balanced nutrition - AAFCO (see Feeding Tips)
Hill's Prescription Diet d/d – Skin/Food Sensitivities is a dry dog food for allergies that comes in different variants, all featuring novel proteins for dogs. Pet parents have the following options: Potato & Venison, Potato & Duck, and Potato & Salmon.
With novel proteins and digestible carbohydrates, these dog food formulas help alleviate common food allergies in dogs, while also helping improve digestion and stool quality. With added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it also promotes healthy skin and coat. Lastly, antioxidants in this formula help support overall health.
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein PD [Dry Dog Food]
- Currently no published AAFCO statement on the website (see Nutritional Information)
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein PD diets come in various novel protein options like whitefish, duck, or rabbit, paired with potato as the main carbohydrate source. These prescription diets are great for dogs with known food sensitivities or allergies. This product is also formulated to support a healthy skin and coat, which is beneficial for dogs that have struggled with itching and skin irritation.
3. Hill's Prescription Diet – d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities [Wet Dog Food]
- Complete and balanced nutrition - AAFCO (see Feeding Tips)
The wet food version of Hill’s Prescription Diet – d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities offers the same allergy-friendly formulation in a palatable, easy-to-digest texture. It’s ideal for dogs who prefer wet food or have difficulty chewing. It features novel protein sources, such as venison, salmon, and duck.
This wet dog food for allergies is formulated to improve digestion and stool quality, while also supporting a healthy skin, coat, and immune system.
4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein PD [Wet Dog Food]
- Meets nutritional levels established by AAFCO (see Nutritional Adequacy Statement)
This wet food version of Royal Canin’s Selected Protein diet features limited ingredient formulas, combined with an appealing and hydrating wet food consistency. This product line has variants featuring novel proteins, such as duck and rabbit, combined with potato as the main carbohydrate source.
These formulas also help promote a healthy skin and shiny coat, as well as overall health, with EPA, DHA, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil.
5. Purina® Pro Plan® Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula [Dry Dog Food]
Purina® Pro Plan® Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula features salmon as its novel protein source and gentle, digestible ingredients like rice and oatmeal.
This dry dog food is gentle on the digestive system and also contains Omega-6 fatty acids and zinc to support the dog’s skin and coat. Last but not least, it also features antioxidants to support the immune system and promote overall health.
III. Non-Prescription Dog Food For Allergies [Selected But Common Proteins]
One of the downsides of novel protein dog food for allergies is their price point. Therefore, for a more budget-friendly alternative, pet parents can try finding a suitable dog food that doesn’t rely on novel protein sources AND also excludes their dog’s allergic trigger.
This alternative usually works when a dog has only one allergic trigger, which can be avoided by selecting a formula that excludes it.
Note: The following are examples of dog food that are NOT specifically formulated for allergies but leave out some of the most common protein allergens in dogs (e.g., chicken, beef). Please note that formulations can change, and it’s always best to double-check if the batch you’re purchasing continues to exclude your dog’s allergic trigger.
1. Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin (Chicken & Barley) - Dry Dog Food [NO BEEF]
- Complete and balanced nutrition - AAFCO (see Feeding Tips); possible dog food for mild, singular allergic triggers
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin - Dry Dog Food includes chicken as its main protein source, but does NOT include beef. It is mainly formulated for sensitive stomachs, but it can also be suitable for some dogs with food allergies.
This dog food also contains beet pulp, a prebiotic fiber that supports digestive health, as well as vitamin E and Omega-6 to support a healthy skin and coat..
2. Purina® Savor® Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice [NO CHICKEN]
- All of Purina’s formulas meet or exceed AAFCO standards; possible dog food for mild, singular allergic triggers
Purina® Savor® Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice is a popular dog food, thanks to its combination of crunchy kibble and tender shreds. Beef is the primary protein source of this dog food, along with fish meal, but the formula does NOT include chicken.
This dog food also contains live probiotics and prebiotics to support healthy digestion, which is beneficial for dogs with allergies. This formula also includes Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
IV. Dog Food for Environmental & Food Allergies
Not all allergic reactions in dogs are caused by food. Environmental allergies stem from triggers like pollen, dust, or mold, while food allergies come from specific proteins in a dog’s diet.While environmental and food allergies differ, some dogs can have both, necessitating a treatment plan that typically includes nutritional support.
Sploot’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Jessica Apted, discusses the options that are commonly recommended for dogs that have both kinds of allergies: “Royal Canin Skin/Topical Diet and Hill’s Science Diet Derm Complete are advanced nutritional options developed to support dogs with dermatologic sensitivities.”
She continues: “Unlike prescription hydrolyzed diets, which use extensively broken-down proteins to prevent immune recognition and manage confirmed food allergies, these formulations are designed to address both food sensitivities and environmental allergies through targeted nutritional support.”
1. Hill’s Prescription Diet - Derm Complete
- Complete and balanced nutrition - AAFCO (see Feeding Tips)
Hill’s Derm Complete uses a single, high-quality intact animal protein source, making it suitable for pets with mild food sensitivities. It also provides nutrients that help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce adverse food reactions, and modulate immune responses to environmental allergens. This dual-action approach helps decrease itching, supports skin healing, and promotes overall dermatologic health.
2. Royal Canin Skintopic
- Meets nutritional levels established by AAFCO (see Nutritional Adequacy Statement)
Royal Canin’s Skin/Topical Diet focuses on fortifying the skin’s natural defenses through omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and specialized nutrients to maintain healthy skin integrity and comfort.
Final Thoughts on the Best Dog Food for Allergies
Choosing the best dog food for allergies starts with understanding your dog’s triggers. Whether your vet recommends a hydrolyzed protein dog food, a novel protein diet, or a carefully selected option, veterinary guidance is the first step to your pup’s long-term well-being.
Sploot Vets: Your All-in-One Vet for Nutritional Wellness & More
Sploot Vets is here to help your dog stay at their healthiest and happiest, starting with personalized nutrition. Whether you suspect food allergies in your dog, need help selecting the best dog food for allergies, or have other concerns, we’re here to help!
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