Contents
Our Top 5 Hypoallergenic Dog Food Choices
- Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Acana Duck and Bartlett Pear Dry Dog Food
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food
- Pinnacle Grain Free Dog Food
Even man’s best friend is not immune to developing allergies, usually to the ingredients found in their food. If your pup is frequently sneezing, itching, or showing signs of (more than usual) abnormal behaviors, they may be having a bad reaction to something in their food.
What is Hypoallergenic Dog Food?
With a focus on just one or two proteins and a grain elimination, it becomes easier for concerned dog owners to find an allergy-friendly meal for their four-legged family member.
Not all dogs will need a hypoallergenic dog food but a possible allergy or food intolerance should not go ignored. We love our animals like we love our children. They are our babies and dealing with a sick puppy can be just as heartbreaking as dealing with a sick baby.
Food allergies and intolerances can be very serious, even in animals. If you would never consider feeding your child something they were allergic to, why would you treat your dog any different?
Best Limited Ingredient Dog Foods Comparison
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Causes and Symptoms of a Dog Food Allergy
When it comes to dealing with a food allergy, the signs and symptoms that appear are very similar to those a human would show. Also like a human, the severity of the allergy would determine what kinds of symptoms the animal has and how prominent those signs would be.
A food allergy can present itself in the form of a rash or hives on the animal’s skin, causing discomfort and itchiness. If you cannot see your dog’s skin easily and you see them itching or biting, check the area and see if there is irritation.
An allergic reaction in dogs can also appear as diarrhea or chronic gas. They may also show their reaction with strange behaviors, like constantly shaking their head or licking their feet.
An allergic reaction is the cause of a number of different factors, but there is almost always a genetic component that influences the dog to be more prone to allergies or intolerances.
If your pup was on antibiotics for whatever reason when they were small, they may be more likely to have allergies or intolerances to food because antibiotics can change the gut.
Food Allergy or Food Intolerance?
A food allergy and a food intolerance are not the same thing. If your dog is suffering from one or the other, you’ll want to determine if it is an allergy or an intolerance.
If your four-legged friend has an allergy, it means that the immune system is negatively reacting to something in the body.
If your dog has a food allergy, you’ll want to do your best to completely avoid foods or snacks that contain those ingredients – no matter how severe the allergy is. It can always get worse.
A food intolerance is different than a food allergy. Where a food allergy can be life-threatening, a food intolerance means that the body cannot digest something the animal has eaten.
This may cause your pup to be a little uncomfortable while the intolerable ingredient is finding its way out of the body, but it is usually removed by vomiting or in the bowels. A food intolerance is known to cause diarrhea, which can be uncomfortable and messy for both you and your dog, so while it doesn’t need to be approached with the same caution that a food allergy does, you’ll still want to do your best to ensure your dog doesn’t scarf up something with an intolerable bit of food.
If you have a dog with a food allergy or food intolerance, you want to be really careful about dropping foods or your children slipping bites at the dinner table.
We all know that our dogs are basically the equivalent of living vacuums. They don’t care if they are allergic or intolerant to something. They’re still going to eat it. It is your responsibility to ensure they aren’t exposed to foods that can hurt them.
Common Allergens in Dog Foods
Just like humans, the things that a dog may be allergic to varies but here are some of the most common allergens:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Rabbit
- Fish
- Lamb
- Dairy
- Wheat
- Corn
- Eggs
- Soy
These foods are very common in dog foods and treats, so you need to be sure to read the ingredients lists of everything you purchase for your pup.
If a dog is allergic to one food, there is a good possibility they are allergic to others. If you’re not sure what your dog is allergic to, start focusing on foods that have only one source of protein. If their current dog food has chicken, fish and beef and they aren’t reacting well, pick up a food that has only one. If they continue to react, you’ll know which ingredient is triggering the reaction.
Dogs may also develop a food allergy later in life. Even if you’ve fed something to them their entire life, their body may decide it doesn’t like it whenever it wants. As a dog owner, you’ll always want to manage your dog’s response to food, regardless of how old the animal is.
Recommended Ingredients for Hypoallergenic Animals
You will want to put your four-legged best friend on a limited ingredient dog food as soon as you realize that it might be having an allergic reaction. Once you can determine what exactly is causing the allergy, you’ll have an easier time preventing your living vacuum from eating something their body doesn’t like.
Starting from the dog’s original diet, you should look at the possible culprits. Then focus on just one ingredient to feed your dog. If they still react, change the ingredient. You can keep adding new ingredients as long as the dog does not react.
You will need to continue changing the dog mix until you find something that doesn’t cause a reaction. Rabbit and fish are good places to start because they are less likely to cause a reaction.
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods – Our Top Choices
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic food to give your dog, here are five of the best dog foods for allergies. The formulas are limited ingredient, so you won’t need to worry about bits of allergens hiding among a long list of ingredients.
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
The Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is mainly comprised of Salmon and Potato. As a single protein food, owners are able to alienate the ingredients that their dogs do not react well with.
Because Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is also all natural, it does not contain gluten, wheat or any fillers and artificial additives.
- Limited Ingredient Diet: Formulated To Be Easily Digestible With Fewer Ingredients For Dogs With Food Sensitivities, Allergies Or Ingredient Intolerances
- Single Protein: Starts With A Single Source Protein From Real, High Quality Lamb And Mixes In Easily Digestible Carbohydrates For Complete, Balanced Nutrition
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This line of dog food also comes in the following flavors: Duck & Oatmeal, Healthy Weight Salmon & Peas, Lamb & Oatmeal, Small Breed Salmon & Potato, and Turkey & Potato.
Unfortunately, it does not contain flavors that use beef or chicken, so if your pet has an allergy to salmon, turkey, duck, or lamb, this might not be the brand for you.
Acana Duck and Bartlett Pear Dry Dog Food
The main ingredients in Acana Duck and Bartlett Pear Dry Dog Food is duck and pear, two relatively uncommon ingredients that your dog is unlikely to have an allergy to. The Acana Duck and Bartlett Pear Dry Dog Food also has a low glycemic index and is low in carbohydrates, with local friends and vegetables. Other ingredients include: duck meal, deboned duck, steel-cut oats, peas, whole pears, whole potato, duck fat, duck liver, sun-cured alfalfa, and oat flakes.
- Champion Pet Foods
- Misc.
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your dog does not digest oatmeal well, the Acanda Duck and Bartlett Pear Dry Dog Food should not be considered. The Acanda Duck and Barlett Pear Dry Dog Food is also designed for adult dogs, meaning it may not be recommended for puppies and younger dogs.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
As a limited ingredient dog food, the Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food comes in three different flavors: Duck, Lamb & Peas, and Turkey.
While these are the only flavors of the Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, they are unlikely to cause allergies or problems in dogs, so there is a good chance that one of the kinds will appeal to your animal and their dietary restrictions.
- Formulated For Dogs With Food Sensitives - Made With One Animal Protein Source And No Grain Or Gluten
- Contains The Fewest, Most Essential, Easily Digestible Ingredients
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food was developed with a gluten intolerance in mind. This kind of dog food does not contain any grains or gluten, so it is easily and comfortably digested for animals that may need to be gluten-free. This dog food is also free of other potentially allergy-inducing foods, including potato, diary, eggs, chicken, beef and fish.
The Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food can be given to all dogs, no matter the age or breed. With a medium-sized kibble, it can be eaten perfectly easily by puppies, small breeds, senior dogs, or full grown large breeds.
Unfortunately, the Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food does run on the expensive side, at around $70 for a 25-pound bag.
Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food
Because fish is one of the ingredients that dogs are not commonly allergic to, the Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food uses six different kinds of fish to deliver protein to the animal.
In addition to both freshwater and saltwater fish caught in the lakes of Canada, the Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food contains fruits and berries.
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This dog food best fits animals that do not have any allergies towards fish. Because there are six different blends, any kind of aversion to fish can lead to an allergic reaction in the animal.
The Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food is also one of the more expensive dog foods on this list. For a 28-pound bag of the dry dog food, it will cost over $100.
Pinnacle Grain Free Dog Food
The Pinnacle Grain Free Dog Food comes in a variety of flavors. Some of those offered include Chicken & Vegetable, Duck & Sweet Potato, Salmon & Potato, Trout & Sweet Potato, and Turkey & Potato.
Rather than standard grains found in dog foods, the Pinnacle Grain Free Dog Food uses Quinoa seed to deliver the amino acids needed to muscle development. The Pinnacle Grain Free Dog Food also contains pumpkin, which can be a great source of antioxidants.
- Grain Free
- Salmon Is The First Ingredient
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Because almost all of the flavors of the Pinnacle Grain Free Dog Food contains potato, it may not be the best option if your dog has a known intolerance to potato. The kibble size of the Pinnacle Grain Free Dog Food is a bit on the smaller size, so it may appeal best to puppies or small breeds.
No one wants to watch their furry best friend struggle with foods that aren’t sitting well. While our pups may be tough and they may think everything around them (especially their owner’s shoes) make great snacks, food allergies and intolerances are not uncommon in dogs. Consider what is making them sick and do what you can to keep it out of their diets.
I have lived in big cities my entire life. Having grown up on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, my early life was an exciting one, filled to the brim with interesting encounters and opportunities popping up at every street corner. Like many city people, my passion for dogs first started when my parents decided to bring a puppy into the household. For them, it was a way of getting me to spend less time at his computer or wandering aimlessly around the city with my friends. Little did they know that bringing a Labrador Retriever into their apartment would determine not only the course of their son’s professional career but also my love life.
Having obtained a Computer Science Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, I went on to pursue an IT career in the Big Apple. After a few years of doing basic cybersecurity and tech support work in various offices around Manhattan, I decided to leave New York and look for my calling in Boston, Massachusetts. There, I got a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Web Development. As a means of supporting myself through college, he found a salesman job at a local paper company, where he met Mary, the love of my life and the person I’d end up creating My Sweet Puppy with.
![The Best 4 Low Sodium Dog Foods [2021 Buyer’s Guide]](https://mysweetpuppy.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/low-sodium-dog-food1.jpg)
One of my dogs has an allergic reaction to pork and chicken so I am careful in choosing the right food for her. We’re on eukanuba and so far, we never had issues with it. I think it’s good for dog’s with food allergy, it’s a shame it’s not included in the list.
My little Boston is on Royal canine Anallergenic but I think he needs something different.
Any suggestions,he is very very allergic
Many thanks
Hypoallergenic dog foods are usually recommended by veterinarians. I would consult with your veterinarian as to a change in dog food, most especially if he’s “very, very allergic.”
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
I have a 10 month old puppy that is super picky! She has become extremely itchy to anything. My breeder started her on royal canine, now she hates it. She’s on Purina limited, but has gotten worse. She hates chicken. I’ve added (vital) to her dry food and is worse! Itching more than ever! I need the most limited dog food possible, yet something she will eat! I’m in a quandary! Please help! Is Eukanuba good for puppies? She’s a Cockapoo and is 91/2 months. Frustrated worried mom
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Acana and Orijen (grain-free) are extremely popular with dog parents having similar problems with their dogs. They both have 4-5 star Amazon ratings with awesome reviews. Always consult with your veterinarian first, and take your dog in for a check-up to eliminate any other health problems. Your veterinarian may give her medication to help with her itching, and will discuss other dog food options with you.
Please keep us updated!
I would not use any dog food that has oats of any type because of the high concentration of glyphosate in it. Dogs do not need any potato except maybe sweet nor alfalfa which is for herbivores. The USA plant that makes dog food for us puts alfalfa in their products while the Canadian manufacturer does not and Canada will not ship to the USA anymore.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Oats does have advantages too. It is a good alternative carbohydrate for dogs who are sensitive to wheat or other grains. Oats contains linoleic acid. This is a type of Omega-six fatty acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Oats also are high in protein, and contain anti-inflammatory and soothing skin properties.They also have a calming effect on nervous dogs. That said, always consult with your veterinarian as to adding any new food product into your dog’s diet.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Acana and Orijen are great grain-free dog food brands.Dog food formulas should contain antioxidants, Omega 3’s, healthy ingredients and a balanced diet for the appropriate life stage.Wellness Core Grain-Free puppy formula also provides some of the best in puppy pet food with holistic real- food ingredients that are free of added hormones and steroids.This puppy food is gluten-free, and contains salmon oil, a natural source of DHA, that helps support cognitive development. This puppy food also contains probiotics to help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
My German Shepard is SEVERELY allergic to EVERYTHING including fish, kangaroo, duck, lamb, venison, etc. I am trying a squid dry formula at the moment. Does anyone have any suggestions? She’s constantly scratching and biting at herself.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Signs of sensitivities or allergies to a protein source like chicken may suddenly arise. When you begin to notice skin and coat allergies, your first step would be to consult with your veterinarian. Hot spots and allergic responses, if treated immediately, have better outcomes. Greasy coats, hot spots, hair loss, excessive itching, lethargy, decreased appetite, and stomach problems are signs that your pooch will probably need a dietary change. Before switching dog food, consult with your veterinarian, and gradually switch over. That said, keep in mind that this should only be done after a veterinary consult, to rule out any other variables.
What happens when dogs get allergies?
What are the symptoms?
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.I am in no way connected to the content written within this website, most especially the German Shepherd blog. This website hires other writers for their blogs.Please do not contact me regarding website content. I only write content within the comments section.What are The Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies in Puppies and Dogs?
Dog food allergies in puppies and dogs occurs within one to two hours of food ingestion. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian if you think that your dog is allergic to his dog food. Dog food allergies may result in inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. Pups and adult dogs may be be prone to bouts of vomiting.
Here’s What to Look Out For:
.Diarrhea
.Weight loss
.Loss of appetite
.Soft feces, possibly with a bad odor
.Unhealthy looking coat may result with severe cases of dog food allergies. This takes time to occur.
Your puppy or adult dog may also develop dog food allergies after suffering from an intestinal infection. That said, you will need to consult with your veterinarian.
Here’s What Your Veterinarian May Do:
.A diagnosis and recommend a treatment
.Dogs that suffer from a dog food allergy will need to have a strictly controlled diet under veterinary supervision
.Low protein diets with steamed rice,chicken,veggies and added supplements is usually recommended to begin with
.When the diarrhea has ceased, additional food may be introduced individually
.Your veterinarian will also recommend a commercial prescription diet and prescription medications
Added probiotics like Probios are great for maintaining your dog’s digestive health. These are easy to use, and come in sachets. Feeding you puppy or adult dog a high-quality diet is important. A healthy diet will affect your dog’s behavior and intelligence, and helps with focus during puppy or dog training. It is also crucial for puppies.
For more on my article about canine nutrition for brain health visit: https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/diet-impacts-brain/
So How Do Pet Parents Choose a High-Quality Diet For Their Puppies and Dogs?
.Feed a diet from a well-known, reputable company. Contact them with any questions of concern.
.The labels on any puppy or dog food diet should meet the levels established by the AAFCO Control Officials and/ or feeding trials.
.All dog food diets should have the following statement “Animal Feeding tests using the AAFCO procedures substantiate that “Brand X” provides completed and balanced nutrition for growth (or maintenance.)
.Feed puppies puppy food, and be sure to feed a large breed puppy a large breed puppy diet.
.Feeding a small dog diet can cause large dogs to grow too quickly, and can lead to serious growth abnormalities and “growing pains.”
.There is no “best diet.” Dogs are individuals. A diet that works for one dog may not be the best for another. Age, energy level and individual medical concerns play a large role for each puppy or dog.
.The recommended guidelines on bags often contain more calories than dogs need. Unless it is a very energetic dog, feeding the lower end of the recommendation is best. Consult with your veterinarian for advice.
.Feed a complete and balanced food for the appropriate life stage of the dog.
.For advice about feeding a vegan dog food diet, visit Tufts:
Exceptional and High -Quality Nutrition For Pups and Dogs Will Offer The Following:
Vitamins and amino acids should not be synthetic, and organic should mean that all of the ingredients are organic, including vitamins and minerals, and not just a few. A well-balanced dog food should use real meat as its first ingredient. It should also not use harmful preservatives, flavors or artificial colors. Always research dog food recalls. You can do so by visiting: https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm629447.htm
The best dog foods are made with the simplest, and most nutritious ingredients. Look for high-quality ingredients such as whole meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains, and take heed of the different ratio of macronutrients- proteins, fats and carbs! Next, you’ll have to try out which one works best for your dog. Providing your puppy or adult dog with the most appropriate diet that is healthy and beneficial to his life stage will help you give your furry best friend a long and healthy life!Always ask yourself these questions: Is my puppy or adult/senior dog suffering from any health problems? What life stage is he or she at? Veterinarians recommend that dog parents have a better understanding of their dog’s health issues and life stage, before choosing a dog food. As usual always consult with your veterinarian for the best advice.
Here’s a great link to a research paper about dog treats:
https://www.rallydogs.com/article.cfm?newsID=800088