Which meat is best for dogs with allergies

The Best Foods for Dogs With Allergies

Humans arent the only ones with allergiesour dogs can get them, too. Canine allergies can lead to numerous skin conditions that can be frustrating to manage. These allergies can be due to environmental causes or from the food our dogs eat.

Key Takeaways

• Dogs can be allergic to foods like beef, chicken, lamb, wheat, soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.
• Allergy tests for dogs are not reliable.
• The only proven way to tell what your dog is allergic to is to change their protein source or perform an elimination diet trial.

The most common symptoms of dog food allergies include:

• Redness of the skin of the inner ears

• Itchiness of the ears (chronic scratching of the ears or shaking of the head)

• Ear hematomas

• Chronic thickening of the ears

• Chronic ear infections

• Redness and itchiness of the feet or in between toes (foot chewing)

• Chronic pododermatitis

• Patchy hair loss along the neck and trunk

• Chronic skin infections (with bacteria or yeast) that never seem to clear up

Skin issues are the most common dog food allergy symptoms. These are mostly seen as an allergic reaction to the proteins absorbed in food.

The reaction leads to the release of immune cells, which can cause weakening of the bonds between the skin cells, resulting in a weakening of the skin barrier. This change in the skin barrier leads to redness and itchiness, and it makes the skin more susceptible to infection with normal bacteria and yeast.

The most affected areas are the ears, paws, around the eyes, and sometimes the trunk (torso) and limbs.

What Are Common Dog Food Allergens?

The most common proteins dogs are allergic to are beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat. Other less common causes of dog food allergies include soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.

Dogs cannot be tested for food allergies like people can, as the available testing is unreliable. The only proven way to tell what your dog is allergic to is to change their protein source or perform an elimination diet trial.

During an elimination diet trial, you eliminate all proteins your dog has been exposed to for two to three months. This gives the body enough time to completely eliminate the old protein sources and heal from the chronic allergy stimulation.

How To Help a Dog With Food Allergies

An elimination diet trial withhydrolyzed foodis the best way to treat and diagnose a dog food allergy. Its easiest to start with a prescription diet, such asHills z/dorRoyal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein. Theseveterinary dietshave proteins that are too small to be recognized by the immune system.

An elimination diet trial takes approximately two to three months to complete. This time is necessary for the old proteins to leave the dogs system. Additionally, the dog must be on the diet long enough to see a difference from the previous food.

The most common mistake pet parents make is not waiting long enough before calling it quits on the diet trial. Changing what your dog is eating for just a week or two will not give you complete results, so taking the proper amount of time to test food and treats is crucial.

Another common mistake: feed a dog anything other than the elimination diet. During a diet trial, pets cannot have any table scraps or treats (unless the elimination diet has a compatible treat option).

Changing what your dog is eating for just a week or two will not give you complete results, so taking the proper amount of time to test food and treats is crucial.

If the symptoms do not resolve after two or three months on the hydrolyzed elimination diet trial, your dog most likely has some type of environmental allergen. Or something else is causing the problem, such as an autoimmune condition.

If you get a good response from the trial, try to feed your dog a new protein source, such as venison, fish, or kangaroo. If they are going to react to these proteins, you should notice a mild reaction starting within two weeks. If their allergy symptoms return, stop the new protein source and go back to the hydrolyzed food.

Try adding one protein at a time every two to four weeks. If your dog reacts, stop and keep things steady for another two weeks before trying a different protein.

Contact your veterinarian before starting any diet trial to get a prescription for a hydrolyzed diet. Its also important to see your veterinarian to make sure your pet doesnt have any concurrent infections, which can be common because of the disturbed skin barrier caused by the allergic reaction. Infections can look the same as dog food allergy symptoms, so you must make sure to clear all infections during the food elimination trial.

During the trial, remember:

• Make sure the prescription treats and food are all that you are feeding your pet. You cant feed human food or regular pet treats with a food trial, as it can introduce the allergens youre trying to eliminate.

• Alwaysintroduce a dog to a new diet slowlyto avoid stomach upset or diarrhea.

The Best Dog Food for Allergies

Hydrolyzed Dog Foods

Hydrolyzed foods are the best dog food for allergies because the proteins are broken down into pieces that are so small the body cant recognize them. Some of these foods include:

Novel Protein Foods

Novel protein diets include proteins that your dog has not been introduced to before, such as duck, fish, venison, and kangaroo. Some examples of novel protein diets are:

Foods for Puppies With Allergies

While its rare for puppies to have food allergies, there are some documented cases in pups as young as 6 months old. If you think your puppy may have a food allergy, lamb and rice formulas, such asPurina Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula, would be a good place to start for a novel protein.

If allergies are severe and your vet recommends a hydrolyzed diet, Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein does come in a puppy formulation.

WRITTEN BY

Robyn Gallucci, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Gallucci started her career in veterinary medicine as a kennel assistant in high school and began training as a technician in college....

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Treats: 10 Top Treats

Hypoallergenic and limited-ingredient dog treats are becoming easier to find these days, much to the delight of pet owners.

Once rare and expensive, these specialized treats are now an accessible option for pets with food allergies or intolerances.

Below, well share the best hypoallergenic dog treats, reasons some pups need these specially formulated food finds, and symptoms of canine allergies.

Best Overall Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

Best Budget-Friendly Hypoallergenic Dog Treat

Best Human-Grade Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Treats: Reviews and Ratings

These hypoallergenic dog treats contain ingredients that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in your dog. Different ingredients will be suitable for certain dogs vs others, so make sure you understand your dogs allergies.

You may also consider trying multiple treats with different ingredients and recording your dogs reaction to help eliminate any ingredients causing a negative affect.

1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers

Best Overall Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About:Purina Veterinary Diets Dog Treats aredesigned specifically for dogs with meat allergies and are part of the HA diet treatment. Vets commonly prescribe them to dogs that need hypoallergenic treats due to multiple dietary restrictions or sensitive systems.

Features:

• Formulated for sensitive stomachs with a focused ingredient list
• Added taurine supports canine heart health
• Crunchy texture makes for a satisfying snack
• Made in the United States with global ingredients from trusted sources

Ingredients List

Starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, vegetable oil, dicalcium phosphate, oat fiber...,

powdered cellulose, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, potassium chloride, guar gum, lecithin, corn oil, choline chloride, magnesium oxide, DL-Methionine, salt, taurine, Vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, niacin, ferrous sulfate, calcium carbonate, manganese sulfate, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, copper sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, garlic oil, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, sodium selenite

Pros

• Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or multiple food allergies
• Meat-free recipe makes avoiding your dogs protein allergies a breeze
• Size works great for dogs big and small
• Taurine gives your puppers heart a boost

Cons

• Crumble easily, which can make for difficult transport
• Like other veterinary formulas, pricing is steep for these treats

2. Natural Balance Rewards Jumpin Stix

Best Grain-Free Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About: Natural Balance Jumpin Stix Dog Treats are limited-ingredient, grain-free snacks fortified with joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for happier canine knees, elbows, and hips. Their focused ingredient lists are easy to scan for your dogs known issues, while the stick shape gives your pup a chance to chew on his goodie rather than gobble it right down.

Features:

• Each limited-ingredient recipe sticks to a single animal protein source: chicken, venison, or duck
• Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are left out of these tasty treats
• Meaty taste and texture extra appealing to pups
• Made in the USA with quality global ingredients

Ingredients List

Venison, Water, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Glycerin, Canola Oil...,

Gelatin, Sugar, Cane Molasses, Salt, Guar Gum, Sorbic Acid (preservative), Citric Acid (preservative), Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Chondroitin Sulfate, Natural Smoke Flavor, Rosemary Extract.

Pros

• Grain-free recipe great for pups with vet-diagnosed grain allergies
• Glucosamine and chondroitin give your pups joints a boost
• Single animal protein sources and novel proteins like venison good for dogs with meat allergies
• Most dogs are fans of the taste

Cons

• A few pups with sensitive stomachs encountered tummy trouble with these treats
• May be too big for petite pups (though you can break them into smaller bits to get more bang for your buck!)

3. Fruitables Dog Treats

Best Meat-Free Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About:Fruitables Crunchy Dog Treatsare baked, all-natural, hypoallergenic dog treats starring real fruit and other simple ingredients you can pronounce. Aside from the Bacon & Apple recipe, these crunchy treats are meat-free, making them a good choice for pups with protein restrictions.

Features:

• Available in a variety of meatless flavors, including Pumpkin & Apple, Pumpkin & Banana, Pumpkin & Blueberry, Sweet Potato & Pecan, and Pumpkin & Cranberry
• Contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, ingredients, or preservatives, which meshes well with sensitive systems
• With 9 calories or fewer per treat, these goodies wont pack on pupper pounds if fed in moderation
• Made in America with several organic ingredients

Ingredients List

Pumpkin, Organic Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Oat Fiber, Apples...,

Canola Oil, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Natural Flavor, Vanilla, Mixed Tocopherols.

Pros

• Meat-free recipes are perfect for pups with known meat allergies or intolerance
• Crunchy, non-greasy texture makes for mess-free, easy handling and storage
• Low-calorie recipe helps maintain a healthy woofer weight
• Several owners found these treats to smell great compared to everyday canine offerings

Cons

• Super small size ideal for a training snack or petite pooch but can leave jumbo dogs feeling unsatisfied
• A few picky pups werent excited about the taste

4. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care

Best Hypoallergenic Treats for Large Dogs

About: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Treats are baked, limited-ingredient snacks made without corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meals, suiting sniffers with allergies and sensitive systems alike. You wont find artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, either, with these natural noms aiming to treat your pooch without triggering issues.They come in decent-sized squares, too, offering a little more for bigger barkers to savor.

Features:

• Pick from tasty turkey or savory salmon flavors
• Great source of omega-3 fatty acids to combat inflammation and nourish your pups coat
• Brown rice, oatmeal, and other gentle ingredients are easy for dogs to digest
• American-made, these crunchy canine cookies feature global ingredients

Ingredients List

Turkey, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Potato, Potato Protein...,

Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Cane Molasses, Carrots, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Salt, Calcium Carbonate

Pros

• Size ideal for medium to large-sized doggos
• Most dogs seem to love the taste
• Arent super crumbly, making for less mess while munching
• Omega-3s give your canine cuties skin and coat a nudge of support with every snack break

Cons

• Some owners found these treats to be stinky
• More protein options would be ideal for dogs who dislike or cant tolerate turkey and salmon

5. Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness

Best Hypoallergenic Treats for Small Dogs

About:Old Mother Hubbard Dog Treats arebone-shaped dog biscuits with a cute design, small size, and crunchy texture your petite pupper will love! These arent as limited in ingredients as some other recipes, but there are still allergy-friendly recipes waiting, like the meatless Just Veggn.

Features:

• Available in tons of flavors, including LivRCrunch, P-Nuttier, and Just Veggn
• Easy-to-digest carbs like oatmeal give your pups tummy a break
• Real produce like apples offers natural fiber and vitamins
• Oven-baked to pawfection in the United States using international ingredients

Ingredients List

Whole Wheat Flour, Oatmeal, Wheat Bran, Chicken Liver, Cane Molasses...,

Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a natural source of Vitamin E), Caramel Color, Eggs, Apples, Carrots, Garlic, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative).

Pros

• Miniature size great for small breeds or offering a light snack for a larger dog
• Good mix of recipes, including vegetarian options, that may suit dogs with allergies
• Flavor is a tail wagger for most doggy diners

Cons

• Packaging doesnt offer much protection, leading to some treat crumbling or damage
• Contains some ingredients that may be problematic for sensitive systems, including chicken fat and eggs

6. Virbac C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT FR3SH

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Dental Treats

About: Virbac VeggieDent Chews pull double-duty as both a treat and a dental cleaning for your dog with their chewable, textured design. Meat-free and plant-based, these chews wont trigger any meat allergies, either.

Features:

• Offered in X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large sizes
• Soy protein isolate functions as the main protein source avoiding meat allergies entirely
• Designed to help your dog have fresher breath
• Made in America with global ingredients

Ingredients List

Corn Starch, Glycerin, Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Brewers Dried Yeast...,

Sorbitol, Ground Corn Cob, Erythritol, Potassium Sorbate, Water, Inulin, Pomegranate.

Pros

• Meatless recipe a good match for mutts with meat allergies
• Helps wear away at plaque buildup and combat bad breath
• Good mix of chew sizes to choose from

Cons

• Some dogs require corn-free treats
• A few pups experienced digestive upset after trying these chewable treats

7. Hills Grain-Free Soft-Based Naturals

Best Budget-Friendly Hypoallergenic Dog Treat

About: Avoid your pups triggers at snack time without breaking the bank with Hills Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals. Made without common problem ingredients like corn, soy, and wheat, these protein-forward goodies star real meat, offering plenty of palate-pleasing flavor.

Features:

• Softer texture easy for dogs old and young to enjoy
• Petite size ideal for use as a training treat
• Available in 3 recipes: Duck & Pumpkin, Beef & Sweet Potatoes, and Chicken & Carrots
• Made in America with international ingredients

Ingredients List

Duck, Potatoes, Peas, Glycerin, Pumpkin...,

Chicken Fat, Cane Molasses, Pea Starch, Technical Pork Gelatin, Natural Chicken Liver Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors.

Pros

• Pricing wont break the bank as much as many hypoallergenic dog treats
• Grain-free, limited ingredient list ideal for dogs with sensitivities
• Good source of digestion-friendly fiber

Cons

• Tiny size not the best fit for bigger barkers needing more of a nom
• Some pet parents prefer pea-free dog treats

8. Natural Balance Rewards Crunchy Biscuits

Best Chicken-Based Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About: Natural Balance Rewards Crunchy Biscuits are limited-ingredient, bone-shaped dog snacks designed specifically for dogs with food allergies. Formulated with real chicken and zero grains, theyre a good choice for pups needing a single animal protein source and alternative carbs, like sweet potatoes.

Features:

• Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives arent included
• Made without wheat, corn, or soy, making them a perfect choice for dogs with sensitivities
• Hickory flavor and scent entice persnickety pups into giving them a try
• Baked in the USA with global ingredients

Ingredients List

Dried Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Potato Protein, Chicken...,

Chicken Meal, Canola Oil, Cane Molasses, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.

Pros

• Only includes chicken as a protein source, suiting pups with allergies to other meats like beef or pork
• Limited-ingredient recipe matches well with mutts with food allergies or sensitivities
• Taste won tail wags from many pupperinos

Cons

• Crumble easily, so be gentle to keep them intact
• Pricing is on the higher side compared to similar treats

9. Zukes Mini Naturals Dog Treats

Best Hypoallergenic Training Treats

About: Many owners use Zukes Mini Naturals Dog Treats for training purposes, but few realize that these tasty treats are made without many common allergens, including corn, wheat, and soy. This makes them the perfect positive reinforcement for dogs with allergies to these ingredients.

Features:

• Offered in 7 savory recipes, including allergy-friendly Rabbit, Duck, and Salmon
• At a mere 2 calories a treat, these nibblers offer a delicious reward without risking weight gain when fed appropriately
• Real protein always comes first (except for in the meat-free Peanut Butter & Oats recipe)
• Made in the United States with ingredients from quality global sources

Ingredients List

Chicken, ground rice, ground barley, malted barley, vegetable glycerin...,

tapioca, cherries, natural flavor, gelatin, sunflower oil, salt, lecithin, phosphoric acid, turmeric, sorbic acid (preservative), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin E supplement, zinc proteinate, citric acid (preservative), mixed tocopherols (preservative), rosemary extract.

Pros

• Sizing is great for rewarding your pup during training (and perfect for fitting in a training treat pouch!)
• Awesome mix of recipes to choose from, including novel proteins like rabbit
• Soft texture easy for most doggos to eat

Cons

• A few pups arent big fans of the taste
• While packaged in a resealable bag, some owners encountered dry, crumbly treats instead of soft chews

You can always make your own training treats if you have trouble finding treats that dont contain your dogs triggers just customize the recipe to make them perfect for your pooch!

10. Jiminys Chewy Treats

Best Eco-Friendly Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About: Reward your woofer for good behavior with less environmental impact with Jiminys Chewy Treats, as these tasty morsels star eco-friendly insect protein: crickets! Fashioned into small, bite-sized bits at just 3 calories each, these mutt snacks are a solid choice for small dogs and for use during training.

Features:

• Real produce like sweet potatoes and peas offer fiber for a touch of digestive support
• Doesnt contain corn, soy, or wheat
• Available in Peas & Sweet Potato and Pumpkin & Carrot recipes
• Made in the United States with global ingredients

Ingredients List

Sweet Potato, Yellow Pea, Oats, Cricket, Vegetable Glycerin...,

Molasses, Tapioca, Vegetable Gelatin, Canola Oil, Salt, Natural Flavor, Potassium Sorbate (a preservative), Distilled Vinegar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Garlic, Rosemary.

Pros

• Features insect protein a far more eco-friendly option than farm-raised beef, pork, and other livestock
• Novel proteins like insects a good pick for pups with meat allergies
• Small size and low-calorie recipe ideal for use as a training treat

Cons

• Crumble easily, so be use to handle and store the packaging with care
• On the pricier side

11. Portland Pet Food Company Grain-Free & Gluten-Free Dog Treats

Best Human-Grade Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About: Portland Pet Food Company Grain-Free & Gluten-Free Dog Treats allow you to avoid your pups triggers while maintaining top-notch ingredient quality. Made with non-GMO, human-grade ingredients and zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, these baked bites are good for sensitive systems.

Features:

• Offered in Pumpkin, Bacon, and Gingerbread recipes
• Twice baked for a crunchy texture doggos enjoy
• Short ingredient list allows your to spot your dogs allergens with ease
• Handmade in the United States with U.S.-sourced ingredients

Ingredients List

Garbanzo Bean Flour, 100% Natural Pumpkin, 100% Natural Peanut Butter, Molasses, and Cinnamon...,

Pros

• Human-grade, non-GMO ingredients offer top-tier quality
• A rare American-made treat featuring ingredients sourced from the U.S. only
• Limited ingredient list perfect for pups with known food allergies or restrictions

Cons

• Bacon recipe contains pork and eggs that may trigger meat allergies
• Crunchy texture can be a challenge for dogs with dental issues

Why Do Dogs Become Allergic to Certain Ingredients?

Like humans, dogs often eat the same foods and treats over and over again, becoming over-exposed to certain ingredients. Over-exposure to the same ingredient can cause the immune and digestive systems to react in negative ways.

Ingredients like beef, dairy, corn, and wheat (to name a few) are used in the majority of standard dog foods and treats, and many dogs can no longer process them. To make matters worse, once a dog develops one allergy, they may develop others as well.

Common symptoms and reactions that dogs suffer from when fed these ingredients involve:

• Digestive Issues
• Itchiness
• Skin Irritation
• Ear Infections

Veterinarians and dog food manufacturers recognize the seriousness of these allergens and recommend that dog owners keep common allergens away from their pets.

To isolate which foods your dog is reacting to, your vet will likely put your dog on an elimination diet, followed by a food challenge. This is done by solely feeding your dog one or two foods, such as ground turkey and sweet potatoes. Once youve established that your dog doesnt have a reaction to these two foods, you can start the food challenges.

Gradually, more items are added in, until you notice that your dog has an allergic reaction. This will clearly identify which allergens your dog is reacting to, and you can then create a diet avoiding any allergy triggers.

Once you are aware of what ingredients you need to avoid, you can begin experimenting with different hypoallergenic dog treats and holistic dog foods, all while monitoring your dogs reaction to make sure the food is working for them.

For dogs who have developed allergies, hypoallergenic dog food and hypoallergenic dog treats are a must!

Common Ingredients Found in Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

Many more foods are available, offering a wide variety of protein and grains that your dog may not react to. Common ingredients in hypoallergenic dog treats include:

• Duck, salmon, venison, or kangaroo. These are known as novel proteins, as they come from only one source, and the dog hasnt been exposed to them in foods or dog treats before. Instead of a dog treat made from a combination of chicken and beef, a hypoallergenic dog treat will contain just one novel protein. By feeding your dog a completely new source of protein like duck, venison, salmon, kangaroo, etc., you may avoid a negative response from his immune system.
• Sweet potato or pea. Novel proteins are usually paired with a single-source carbohydrate, the most common ones being sweet potatoes and peas. Like the novel protein, this carbohydrate source should be new to the dogs diet and shouldnt be combined with any other carbs or fillers.
• Rice, oats, and other starches used to be key ingredients in hypoallergenic dog food and treats, but they have since become so common that dogs are developing intolerances to them, too. You can still find these ingredients in some hypoallergenic dog foods, and they may be worth trying if your dog has not been exposed to them before.

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Do you have any favorite brands of hypoallergenic dog treats that we did not include? Share your favorites in the comments!