Best hypoallergenic dog food for your sensitive sidekick

Updated 26/06/2024

Suffering from a dog food allergy is no walk in the park. A food allergy can cause a number of troublesome symptoms: dry itchy skin, a sore tummy - you name it. So what’s a pet parent to do? Enter: hypoallergenic dog food.

In this article, we’ll explore what hypoallergenic dog food actually is, the main symptoms and culprits (meat and dairy? We’re looking at you…), before delving into our top picks of the best hypoallergenic dog food on the market. Ready to tuck in? Let’s go…

What is hypoallergenic dog food?

Hypoallergenic dog food is designed for canines with allergies in mind. It's typically made with a novel animal protein - such as venison or duck -, and a simpler list of ingredients including veggies. Not your typical can of dog chow by any means.

When your dog eats something they are sensitive or allergic to, it can send your dog's immune system into overdrive - causing side effects like itchy skin or ears, sore tummies and more.

Thanks to its short list of ingredients, hypoallergenic dog food can be a great choice as not only can it make it easier to avoid whatever it may be that's causing your pup's poorly reactions, it also has a number of reported health benefits, such as a reduce risk of obesity, heart disease, digestive problems, and more. 

Sounds good, right? But before you grab that jumbo bag of hypoallergenic dog food, be sure to check out the perfect dog food containers and find out exactly what your dog may be allergic to…

Common food allergy symptoms

Firstly, how do you even know your dog might be allergic to something? Well, the symptoms of a dog food allergy are pretty common. They include: 

• Itchy or waxy ears 
• Diarrhoea or loose formed stool
• Lack of weight gain 
• Poor coat condition 
• Bloating or belly pain 
• Vomiting 
• Skin rashes 

Luckily, unlike in humans, dog food allergies are rarely life-threatening - although they can certainly be troublesome for your four-pawed pal. 

Common allergens found in dog food

So, what are the main culprits that could be causing your pup’s allergy? Each dog is different, but there are general themes. Here’s a handy list of the most common allergens in dogs: 

• Beef 
• Dairy 
• Wheat 
• Corn 
• Egg 
• Chicken 
• Lamb 
• Soy 
• Pork 
• Rabbit 
• Fish

If you’re unclear as to what may be causing your dog’s allergic reaction, it's worth keeping in mind it may not be food-based.

As well as food intolerances, other allergens such as flea bites or environmental allergens (think dust, pollen or mould) are common. More common than dog food allergies, in fact, which account for just 10% of all dog allergies.*

An elimination diet can help you rule out food allergies as a cause of your pets illness. Otherwise, a skin or blood allergy test, done at your local vets, can help you determine the cause of your canine’s woes.

*Source: Food Allergies in Dogs, PetCoach

Best hypoallergenic dog food

We’ve delved into the ‘what’ and ‘why’ - now, let’s talk recommendations. Here, we’ve pulled together our top picks of the best hypoallergenic food for dogs. We’ll go into the best hypoallergenic dry dog food, wet dog food, and even the best low calories and budget-friendly options.

• Best overall: Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support
• Best hypoallergenic dry dog food: Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Skin Food Sensitivities
• Best hypoallergenic wet dog food: Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Rice Dog Food
• Best low calorie option: Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Moderate Calorie
• Best for meat lovers: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Formula Duck & Potato
• Best for fish fanatics: Canidae Grain-Free Pure Limited Ingredient Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

A disclaimer: these dog foods won’t be suitable for every kind of pooch - as it depends entirely on your pup’s individual allergies and needs. Always make sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing or dishing up to your dog and ask your vet for advice if you are unsure of the best option to feed.

Best overall: Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support

Choosing the best overall hypoallergenic dog food is tricky - as we’ve mentioned, it entirely depends on your dog’s individual needs. That said, this offering from Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet contains no beef, no chicken, and no dairy protein, making it a great choice for pups who struggle with these ingredients in particular. 

Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet is created with 10 key non-GMO ingredients or less, not to mention an abundance of vitamins and minerals. It’s also been formulated to help improve sensitive skin, and give your pooch the luscious, shiny soft coat they’ve always dreamed of. 

It’s grain-free, corn-free, wheat, soy, and dairy-free - but definitely not flavour-free! Your pooch can choose from a delicious range of flavours including salmon and lentil, lamb and sweet potato, venison meal and sweet potato, or duck and lentil. 

Best hypoallergenic dry dog food: Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Skin Food Sensitivities

This hypoallergenic offering from Hill's is made with a highly hydrolyzed protein and a single carb source - in layman’s terms, it’s designed to improve your doggy’s digestion and help them avoid any nasty food-related reactions. 

Enriched with essential fatty acids, it won't just help your pooch maintain a healthy immune system - it'll also help nourish their skin and coat. Aka, your pooch will be thriving. 

As the number 1 veterinarian recommended pet food brand, we think this is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a hypoallergenic kibble - and the rave reviews from pet parents would be inclined to agree…

Best hypoallergenic wet dog food: Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Rice Dog Food

Not all dogs are kibble fans - if your dog is allergic to most common dog chow, but loves nothing more than a fresh can of wet dog food (I mean, who doesn’t…) then Merrick’s could be just the ticket. 

Lovingly crafted in Merrick’s Texas kitchen, this limited ingredient dog food is free of potato, corn, pea, and soy - ideal if your pooch is sensitive to those ingredients. It contains zero artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings, and boasts a health-boosting vitamin and mineral blend.

If you’re looking for a tasty, wholesome grain turkey-and-brown rice blend that will help support your best pal’s digestive health, this may be just what you’re looking for.

Best low calorie option: Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Moderate Calorie

Searching for hypoallergenic dog food brands that won’t make your pooch pile on the pounds? Say hello to Royal Canin. 

This hypoallergenic feed for adult dogs comes highly recommended for overweight canines with a sensitive stomach. It contains easy-to-digest hydrolysed soya protein, meaning it is far less likely to send your pooch's immune response into high alert.

It has a moderate calorie content to help maintain your pooch's waistline, and is formulated with various nutrients and added phosphorus to help support skin health and kidney function.

As this one's a bit more specialist, it's recommended to have a chat with your vet before dishing it up to your dog.

Best for meat lovers: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Formula Duck & Potato

While many of our top picks are packed with tasty meat flavours, we had to give a particular shout out to Blue Buffalo Basics. 

That's because each bag comes with their True BLUE Promise: only the finest natural ingredients, high protein meat, zero chicken or poultry (including by-products), and zero corn, wheat or soy. They are committed to helping pups live their best, hypoallergenic lives while supporting a healthy immune system and muscle development.

That said, all your meat-loving pooch will really care about is this: it has a dog drool-worthy duck flavour, and, if your pooch is sensitive to the ingredients listed above, it shouldn’t cause them any tummy troubles once they’ve scoffed the lot. 

Best for fish fanatics: Canidae Grain-Free Pure Limited Ingredient Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

If your pooch is more ‘surf’ than ‘turf’, we think they’ll just love this limited ingredient, grain-free dog food from Canidae. 

It’s made with 8 real food ingredients including real salmon - minus grain, soy, wheat, corn and other fillers that may just give your pooch an upset tum. What’s more, it’s packed with probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and contains no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.

With easy-to-digest wholesome veggies, sweet potatoes and tasty salmon, it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your four-legged fish lover’s face. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

How to get a dog to like you: 101 

Whether you’re a new pup parent or pet sitter embarking on their latest house sit, building trust and getting a dog to like you is step number 1 in nurturing a longlasting friendship with your new canine counterpart.