Hypoallergenic dog food is one that is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction when consumed, and many dogs are unfortunate enough to suffer from one or more allergies.
In cases like this, you need to find good dog food that isn’t going to cause them to get an upset stomach or suffer from an allergic reaction.
The process of finding and choosing a hypoallergenic dog food is a whole other kettle of fish, but we are here to make the process a more pleasant and simple one.
In this guide, you will find out top picks for the best hypoallergenic dog food on the market, giving you the chance to find one that works perfectly for you and your pup.
1. Editors Pick
Barking Heads Hypoallergenic Trial
2. Budget Pick
Skinner’s Field and Trial Hypoallergenic
Contents
- Key Things to Look for
- 1. Barking Heads Hypoallergenic Dog Food Trial
- 2. Skinner’s Field and Trial Hypoallergenic Dog Food
- 3. Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Dog Food Kibble
- 4. James Wellbeloved Duck and Rice
- 5. Royal Canin Sensitivity Control
- 6. Skinners Field and Trial Hypoallergenic Puppy
- 7. Edgard and Cooper Venison and Duck
- 8. Purina Proplan Hypoallergenic Dog Food
- 9. Autarky Grain-Free Hypoallergenic Dog Food
- 10. Gilbertson and Page Hypoallergenic Dog Food
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Key Things to Look for
There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind before you decide on ythe best hypoallergenic dog food. We’ve gathered a list of the key things to look out for so that you ask yourself the right questions before you buy.
Age. The age of your dog will dictate the dog food that they are able to eat. Puppies, adults, and seniors all need different calories, nutrients, and fat content in their dog food, and this is why there is dog food specifically for certain age groups.
To give them a nutritionally complete diet, make sure you choose the dog food that is right for their life stage.
Grain/Wheat. The vast majority of allergies are caused by grains and wheat, so when you choose a hypoallergenic dog food you will normally want to ensure that it is free from these ingredients.
They often cause dogs to become bloated, gassy, and have a perpetual upset stomach.
Ingredients. The thing to remember with hypoallergenic dog food is that there aren’t any specific ingredients that make it such. Instead, what defines it is the fact that it is free from any artificial products and flavourings, leaving it as a completely natural dog food that your dog will thrive on.
Protein Content. This is an important part of any diet because it is what gives your dog the energy they need to keep going throughout the day. It also gives you a good idea of how much meat is in the dogfood as opposed to filler ingredients such as an excess of potatoes.
A good protein content in wet dog food is around 10% minimum and 15-20% minimum in dry dog food.
Specific Allergies. Of course, you will need to cater to any specific allergies that your dog has as well.
We actually have more detailed articles on the topic of allergies and hypoallergenic dog food that you can look at if you are searching for something a little more specific.
In this case, pay close attention to the ingredients in each dog food to ensure that you find one that won’t cause a reaction in your dog.
1. Barking Heads Hypoallergenic Dog Food Trial
Editor’s Pick
This bundle contains everything your dog needs to get started on their new hypoallergenic dog food diet.
The wet dog food pouches are nutrient-rich, with excellent protein and fat contents for a healthy lifestyle while also providing them with plenty of energy.
The dry dog food is packed with essential fish oils that contain omega 3 and 6 for a strong immune system as well as a healthy coat.
The dry food contains an impressive 22% protein as well as 15% fat, and the ash level is fairly low at 7%. It’s also free from grains so that you have one less thing to worry about.
- Key Ingredients: Salmon, Sweet Potato, Dried Salmon, Peas, Potato
- Texture: Wet/Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic, Grain-free, sensitive stomachs
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Allergies
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. This is a great bundle that contains both wet and dry foods so that your dog can enjoy a delicious and balanced meal without fear of an allergic reaction.
Sample Buyer Review
— BarkingHeads
2. Skinner’s Field and Trial Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Budget Pick
This delicious kibble is perfect for dogs who want something tasty to crunch without potential reactions afterwards.
Made with sustainable Scottish salmon, this food is rich in flavour and fresh produce that will leave mouths watering at dinner. It contains an excellent level of protein at 20%, as well as good fat levels of 12%.
Even the ash content is fairly low at a mere 5.5.%. The important thing here is that Skinners have avoided using artificial ingredients in their food, instead opting for natural ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s digestive system.
- Key Ingredients: Whole rice, salmon meal, naked oats, peas, sunflower oil
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Wheat and gluten-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Budget Pick
Should You Buy it?
Yes. This is a fantastic choice for a budget food and will provide your dog with plenty of energy as well as a happy belly.
Sample Buyer Review
— MonsterPetSupplies
3. Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Dog Food Kibble
Best Low-Calorie Food
This kibble is the perfect size for pretty much any breed of dog, and it is packed with all the nutrients they need to thrive.
It contains an excellent amount of protein at 20%, giving them all the energy they need while also ensuring they leave each meal feeling full. The fat content comes in at a little under 15%.
Specially produced soy proteins replace the allergens in this bag, providing your pet with something they will love without the awful symptoms that tend to follow.
- Key Ingredients: rice, hydrolysed soya protein isolate, animal fats, minerals, hydrolysed poultry liver
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic, low-calorie
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Weight loss, allergies
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should. This is a great food choice from a reputable brand. Not only is it hypoallergenic dog food, but it is also low in calories for pups who could do with losing a little weight and getting back in shape.
Sample Buyer Review
— Pet-SuperMarket
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
4. James Wellbeloved Duck and Rice
For Active Working Dogs
This dry hypoallergenic dog food provides a nutritionally complete meal that will leave your dog feeling full, happy, and eager for more every time their breakfast and dinner comes around.
It is rich in protein with a content of 21%, as well as an impressive 10% of fat so that they don’t end up chunky. The ash content is creeping up at a little over 7%, but it can easily be forgiven when faced with all the nutrients and minerals found in each bag.
With the added bonus of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, your dog receives a boost to the health of their coats, joints, and bones.
- Key Ingredients: Rice, duck meat meal, organic oats, whole linseed
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Working dogs
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should buy this food. It comes from a reputable brand and is packed with all the nutrients your working dog needs to lead an active and happy life.
Sample Buyer Review
— Pet-SuperMarket
5. Royal Canin Sensitivity Control
For Sensitive Stomachs
This tasty canned dog food was made for those who prefer the taste of wet food to dry kibble and still want to benefit from something that won’t trigger their allergies.
It contains an excellent level of protein at 10%, as well as relatively low-fat content at 7%. The fact that it contains a reduced number of protein sources makes it a lot easier to digest, and it is rich in fatty acid that will help to repair any skin that has been damaged as a result of previous reactions.
Gentle on the stomach, your dog can look forward to dinnertime again.
- Key Ingredients: Duck Meat, Rice, Fish Oil, Sunflower Oil, Cellulose Fibre
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomachs
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. This is great food from a trusted brand, and one of the best on the market for sensitive stomachs. Being wet food, it is likely to get the attention of even the pickiest eaters.
Sample Buyer Review
— Pet-SuperMarket
6. Skinners Field and Trial Hypoallergenic Puppy
For Sensitive Pups
These crunchy nuggets are the perfect size for growing mouths, providing them with a delicious and nutritious treat that they are sure to love.
It has an incredible protein content of 27% and a fat content of 18%, each of which contributes to your pup’s energy levels so that they can spend the day racing and exploring everything around them.
The food itself is packed with important nutrients, like omega 3 and 6 for healthy skin and a strong immune system, but also digestive aids to make it easier on the stomach and provide smoother digestion.
- Key Ingredients: Duck meat meal, brown rice, peas, naked oats, sunflower oil
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-free, hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Allergies, sensitive stomachs
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a brilliant and nutritious puppy food. It’s also very affordable, which makes life a little easier (and kinder) on your wallet).
Sample Buyer Review
— VioVet
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
7. Edgard and Cooper Venison and Duck
Best Grain-Free Pick
This delicious kibble is made with natural ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s body while also providing them with something tasty that they are going to love. With protein levels of 24%, they will have more than enough energy to zoom around on walks and enjoy their day to the full.
The fat content is good at 17%, especially with the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to make the immune system stronger and leave them with a silky coat. The ash level is also relatively good at 7%.
- Key Ingredients: Fresh duck, sweet potatoes, peas, pea protein, fresh venison
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-free, Sensitive stomach
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypoallergenic
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this food is worth every penny. It is free from grains and perfect for those who have sensitive stomachs and require something better catered to their needs.
Sample Buyer Review
— EdgardCooper
8. Purina Proplan Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Top Skin Allergy Pick
They took a single protein source and purified carbohydrates to create something that dogs with allergies are able to eat in comfort and without unpleasant side effects.
It still contains an excellent amount of protein at 21%, and this is combined with 10% fat for an excellent balance between controlling weight and ensuring they have enough energy throughout the day.
It also contains a low ash count at 5.5%.
- Key Ingredients: Maize Starch, Hydrolysed Soya Protein, Minerals, Coconut Oil, Protein
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Skin allergies
Should You Buy it?
Yes. This is a brilliant hypoallergenic dog food who want some relief from itchy and irritated skin after they eat. It comes at a good price and from a trusted and reputable brand.
Sample Buyer Review
— Pet-SuperMarket
9. Autarky Grain-Free Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Best for Joints
This fantastic dry food is perfect for dogs who need something that’s a little gentler on their digestive system and bodies.
Specially formulated to be both hypoallergenic and offer excellent support for joints and muscles, your dog is able to benefit in every way.
It contains an excellent level of protein at 27% as well as 14% fat to ensure that your dog has enough energy to race through the day while also avoiding getting chunky.
The ash content is a little high at 8%, but this can be overlooked in favour of the excellent nutritional value of this food.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey, potato, pea starch, sweet potato, chicken fat
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic, grain-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Joint care
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should definitely pick this food up. It is ideal for dogs who need something that is both hypoallergenic and excellent for their joints.
Sample Buyer Review
— VioVet
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
10. Gilbertson and Page Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Best for Active Dogs
This hypoallergenic dog food has been specially formulated for working dogs and those who are more active than normal – giving them plenty of energy to get their work done and enjoy an active lifestyle.
This is reflected in the protein content of 21% as well as the 10% fat that helps reduce the risk of weight gain. It is suitable for both adult and senior dogs, providing care for joints, bones, and muscles so that they can keep going for longer.
It’s also gentle on their stomachs, easing digestion and leaving them comfortable after every meal.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, oats, barley, chicken fat
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic, gluten-free
- Life Stage: Adult/Senior
- Suitable For: Active and working dogs
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. This is an excellent dry food that is rich in nutrients and free from allergens, all while providing active dogs with the energy they need for the day ahead.
Sample Buyer Review
— VioVet
FAQs
How Do I Know if My Dog is Allergic to Food?
If your dog is allergic to their food, there are several reactions that you will want to keep an eye out for. These, but are not limited to, include:
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Bloating
- Chewing paws
- Gas
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- inflamed/red skin
- Lethargy and fatigue
What are the Most Common Food Allergies for Dogs?
Interestingly, beef, chicken, and pork are among the most common food allergies in dogs. Additionally, you will often find that dogs are allergic to wheat and grains, as well as dairy, egg, and soy.
Most of the time, dogs are allergic to more than one thing, which can make finding the right food a little tricky in the beginning.
What is the Best Protein for Dog Food Allergies?
Generally speaking, lamb is the first choice for hypoallergenic dog food. This is closely followed by fish, which is rich in good fatty acids like omega 3 and 6. Both fish and lamb is still a potential allergen for dogs, but it is not quite as common as chicken and beef.
If your dog is not allergic to either fish or lamb, it is a good idea to rotate the flavours to help prevent an allergy from potentially forming.
Are There Risks to Raw Feeding?
Yes, there are some risks to raw feeding. There is the potential for a dog to choke on a chunk of bone that is too large or for it to cause an internal puncture. They may also break their teeth if it is a very tough piece.
There is also the risk of harmful bacteria being spread to animals and humans through any raw meat being used. However, the risk of any of this happening does remain very low.
Final Thoughts
We’ve worked hard to gather the best hypoallergenic dog foods we can find, and we hope that this guide has been useful to you in your search. We understand how important it is to find something that your dog can enjoy without feeling sick or reacting afterwards.
This is why we have carefully selected an exclusive list of the best hypoallergenic dog food out there to help you in your search.
Whether you want wet dog food or dry, we have it covered, giving you plenty of choices when feeding your pooch. To choose just one brand would be almost impossible, but Royal Canin and Barking Heads sit quite comfortably at the top of our list.
What did you think of our guide to the best hypoallergenic dog food? Were you able to find something that made mealtime more comfortable for your dog, or are you still left with questions? We love hearing from you, so leave us a message in the comments below.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.