If you are looking for guidance about the best dog food for allergies, you have come to the right place! Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer from allergies. Many dogs experience allergies, too.
You may be looking to switch your dog food because you suspect a food allergy. Changing your dog’s food may offer relief for some individuals, but it’s important to know that most dogs with allergies are allergic to particles transmitted in the air, not food. According to Embark data, 11% of dogs have an environmental or seasonal allergy and 5% of dogs have a food allergy.
In any case, if your dog is suffering from mild to severe allergies, first talk to your veterinarian. Every dog is different, and your vet will know which treatment option is best. We’ve also listed some management strategies and some types of allergy medicine for dogs, if you’re looking for more options to help your dog feel better.
Choosing the best dog food for allergies
It is commonly assumed that dogs with food allergies are allergic to grains. However, according to the Cumming Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, most dogs who are allergic to their dog food react to the protein present, not the carbohydrates. This means many dogs respond well to a limited ingredient or hydrolyzed protein diet.
If your dog has a food allergy, your veterinarian may recommend changing their diet to one of the following:
- Hydrolyzed protein diets: These diets contain proteins that have been broken down into individual amino acids. That means a dog’s immune system won’t recognize them as an invader.
- Limited ingredient diets: These diets contain fewer ingredients for a dog’s immune system to react to.
- A single or novel protein source: Because most dogs who have food allergies are allergic to the protein in their food, some diets contain just one or even a new type of protein (such as rabbit or kangaroo). Since the dog’s immune system has not seen that protein before, it won’t mount a reaction.
These diets are typically available by prescription only, so you must speak to your veterinarian before starting them.
For dogs with other types of allergies, explore our selection of dog food recommendations to find a food that meets your dog’s needs. These choices have been expertly curated by Embark veterinarians. You can filter according to your dog’s breed and life stage, their likes and dislikes, and any additional support they might need.
Knowing your dog’s DNA can also help you select the diet that’s right for them. Their breed, size, health risks, and allergy risks are all informed by their DNA. Read more about how to use your dog’s DNA to help inform the dog food and nutrition choices you make for them.
Supplements for allergy support
If your dog is experiencing seasonal allergies, a daily supplement can help keep their skin’s natural barrier healthy. Try Embark Allergy, a daily soft chew formulated by veterinarians. This all-natural supplement helps keep your dog’s skin moisturized and supports their skin and coat health, so they can feel their best all year long.
Management strategies for allergies
If your dog has seasonal allergies, weekly baths and/or daily wipe downs might offer some relief. Both of these strategies can alleviate some of your dog’s discomfort by removing the excess particles from the air that linger on their skin and trigger their allergies. However, too many baths can also cause dry skin, so whether or not this is helpful will depend on the individual dog.
You can also try using a dog shampoo that contains aloe vera or oatmeal. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and oatmeal has been proven to soothe itchy skin. Look for a shampoo that includes these ingredients and is designed to soothe skin.
Keep in mind that many home remedies that work for humans might not be safe for dogs. If you’re considering using a home remedy or over-the-counter medication, talk to your vet and other quality resources for guidance about what’s safe–and not safe–for your pup. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached 24 hours a day and provides accurate and timely information on what foods and remedies are safe for your dog.
Allergy medicine
If you think your dog has allergies, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend a treatment like Apoquel, a prescription medication that reduces itchiness and inflammation caused by allergens in the air.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s symptoms, your veterinarian might recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Zyrtec or Benadryl. Antihistamines work by blocking the histamine receptors, which in turn help prevent allergy symptoms. Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog an antihistamine, because some dogs may have a reaction to the medication. Additionally, antihistamines are typically not effective when used alone.
If you and your veterinarian suspect a food allergy, the only way to find what allergen your dog is allergic to is with an elimination diet, which typically takes at least 8–12 weeks to complete. It’s important to remember that allergies may not be the cause of your dog’s itchy or red skin; there are other potential causes that you should talk to your vet about.
Read more about dog food and allergies
Keep reading to learn more about the types, signs, and common triggers of food allergies in dogs. If you’re looking to supplement your dog’s diet to provide a little extra support for allergies, check out our guide to choosing the best dog supplements.
