Analyzing The Best Dog Food For Skin Allergies

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Believe it or not, a lot of dogs suffer from skin allergies. This can be very problematic for the dog and its owners. It’ll cause their skin to itch terribly and the owner will be required to go on the hunt for a solution. The good news is that this problem can sometimes be rectified by investing in the best dog food for skin allergies. Should you go with a hypoallergenic dog food or something else? Within this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about finding the right dog food for skin allergies.

Taking into account all the most important factors, we have selected Top 5 Dog Foods For Skin Allergies

Image/Our RatingBrandSpecificationsPrice/Review
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
5 out of 5 stars

Royal Canin HP

  • Soy protein
  • Gluten and wheat free
  • Protects the heart
  • Maximize nutrient absorption
  • Contain omega-3 fatty acids
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Review
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance Dry Dog Food, Salmon 6-lb bag
4.5 out of 5 stars

Blue HF

  • Hydrolyzed salmon
  • Free of grains
  • Contains Vitamin E and C
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Review
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Canine Formula Dry Dog Food - 25 lb. Bag
4.5 out of 5 stars

Purina HA

  • Single hydrolyzed protein source
  • Made in the United States
  • Vegetarian formula
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Review
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food, Veterinary Diet, 17.6 lb. Bag
4.5 out of 5 stars

Hill's Prescription Diet

  • Single intact animal protein source
  • Fatty acids enriched
  • One carb source
  • Hydrolyzed animal protein
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Review
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Potato 24pound (Pack of 1)
4.5 out of 5 stars

BLUE Basics

  • Single animal protein source
  • Supports immune system
  • Omega-6 and 3 fatty acids
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Review

Food Allergies In Dogs

First and foremost, you should learn a little more about food allergies in dogs. When a dog begins experiencing food allergies, you’re going to notice it right away.

Food Reactions

Dogs can experience non-seasonal reactions to foods. The pathogenesis is not completely understood. Nevertheless, it is possible for dogs to experience immediate or delayed reactions to certain foods. It is believed that this could have something to do with a hypersensitive immune response. They may be other underlying problems at play as well. Still, it is very easy to identify the signs and symptoms of food allergies.

Symptoms

The good news is that identifying potential food allergies will be much easier than you could ever imagine. The symptoms are easy to identify. First and foremost, you should check for non-seasonable itchiness. Is your dog scratching him or herself for no good reason? If so, there is a good chance that the problem is associated with a food allergy. For your consideration, other potential symptoms will be listed below.

dog food for skin allergy
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abnormal and excessive gut noises
  • Passing gas
  • Flakes on the skin
  • Baldness due to excessive scratching
  • Hives
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Sores on the skin from scratching

If you notice any of these symptoms or a combination of them, you should get in touch with a vet immediately. They can help you identify the problem and find out whether or not you’re dealing with a food allergy. After that, your doctor will provide you with instructions for keeping your dog in good shape.

Triggers

There are plenty of things that can trigger or cause food allergies in dogs. If your dog has allergies, you need to familiarize yourself with these triggers. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know how to avoid them. In return, this will ensure that your dog remains healthy and doesn’t itch excessively. The potential triggers associated with food allergies will be explored in greater depth below.

Immune Related Reactions

In some cases, the allergies will be caused by a food reaction. If this is the case, your dog is going to experience issues almost immediately after ingesting the food in question. The best way to avoid this problem is by providing your dog with a hypoallergenic dog food. This will remove the problematic ingredients from the equation and ensure that your pooch doesn’t experience any problems whatsoever.

Non-Immune

You should also know that some food allergies are not caused by the immune system. Instead, they’ll be caused by foods that actually cause the dog’s body to obtain more histamine. This antigen is responsible for causing immune hypersensitivity. Some ingredients are capable of inducing histamine. If your dog is consuming these types of foods, there is a good chance that they’re going to experience an allergic reaction.

Juveniles

Food allergies can also impact juvenile dogs. While it is not clear, there is a possibility that the animal has been impacted by some type of intestinal parasite or infection. If this happens, it may cause damage to the dog’s intestinal mucosa. In return, this can cause the dog to absorb a greater quantity of allergies. That will ultimately make them sensitive to certain ingredients.

Treatments

Pet parents will be happy to know that food allergies are not a serious issue. In fact, it is entirely possible for a dog to live a happy and fulfilling life as long as their parents monitor the problem. Some dogs may require medications. However, most will not. Instead, you will need to make sure that your dog receives a healthy diet that allows him or her to avoid those problematic ingredients. This is why you’ll need to find a good dog food for dogs with allergies. This will make a big difference in the long run.

How To Choose Dog Food For Skin Allergies

When it comes down to it, there are plenty of foods that claim to help dogs with food sensitivities. The truth of the matter is that some of these foods are going to help and others will not. With that being said, you need to familiarize yourself with your options and find the one that works best for your dog. So, which foods are best? The truth of the matter is that pet parents should always shoot for hypoallergenic foods for their dogs. This is the best dog food for dry skin and other skin allergies.

Why Hypoallergenic?

So, why should you choose a hypoallergenic dog food? Well, these foods are specifically designed for dogs who are experiencing food allergy problems, which are impacting the dog’s physical health. Most molecules that will transform into allergens are nothing more than intact proteins. They may also be referred to as glycoproteins. Hypoallergenic foods are capable of solving this riddle. This is the case, because they use a handful of protein sources. These sources are unique and not recognized by the dog’s body.

Novel protein sources are not going to cause your dog any problems whatsoever. You should also know that hypoallergenic foods contain certain nutrients that can help alleviate the symptoms associated with food allergies.

Limited Ingredients

When it comes down to it, dog foods with limited ingredients will be the best bet for you and your dog. In fact, they’ll be the best dog food for sensitive skin and other problems. When you add more and more ingredients to the equation, there is a higher risk involved. This is something that you need to avoid. At the same time, limited ingredients can help you diagnose potential problems. When you’re able to remove ingredients from the equation, you’ll have a much easier time identifying which ingredients were the problem to begin with.

When choosing a dog food for skin allergies, you should definitely choose one that has limited ingredients. Choosing a food with a single protein source is definitely a good idea.

Which Nutrients?

To ensure that your dog is able to thrive and avoid that itchiness, it is pertinent to ensure that they’re getting the right ingredients and nutrients. Some nutrients will prove to be far more beneficial than others. You can also give a relief to your dog by using one of the best dog shampoos for dry skin. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the nutrients that should be found in your dog’s food.

Omega 3

First and foremost, you should make sure that your dog’s food contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. This specific nutrient is very beneficial for dogs suffering from food allergies, because it can help alleviate inflammation. These fatty acids are also beneficial for ensuring a healthy coat and skin.

Vitamin E

When looking for the best dog food for skin allergies 2018, you’ll definitely want to ensure that the food contains Vitamin E. This nutrient is pertinent for numerous reasons. This antioxidant plays a very important role in immune health. It will help keep those dangerous free radicals at bay. They can also help maintain proper cell integrity in dogs with food allergies.

Vitamin A

You’ll also want to choose a food that contains Vitamin A. After all, this vitamin is pertinent for cell growth and division. It can also help the dog properly grow hair and maintain healthy skin. This is very important, since food allergies can cause significant damage to the skin. The Vitamin A will help repair the damage that has been done by the allergies in the first place.

Zinc

Finally, you’ll definitely want to make sure that your dog’s food contains zinc. This nutrient is vital for the maintenance of the coat and skin. It is also very beneficial for managing immune and inflammatory reactions. Be sure to check your dog’s food to ensure that this nutrient is present! If it is not, you’ll want to switch to another food as soon as possible.

Dog Food For Skin Allergies Reviews

Royal Canin HP Hypoallergenic Food

Royal Canin

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There is no doubt that Royal Canin is one of the leaders in dog foods. Their HP Hypoallergenic Food is ultimately a good choice for dogs that experience food allergies. In fact, this could be the best dog food for dogs with skin allergies. This specific food contains a hydrolyzed soy protein. This specific type of protein is not going to upset the dog’s system. At the same time, this food contains tons of omega-3 fatty acids. This will keep the dog’s skin and coat healthy.

Easily Absorbable

You also need to understand that this food contains chelated minerals that will be easy to absorb. Some dog foods contain ingredients and minerals that are tough to ingest and absorb. This can often cause the dog to experience stomach issues and vomiting. Royal Canin HP is different. Thanks to the chelated minerals, this food is going to be very easy to absorb. Your dog shouldn’t experience any stomach issues after consuming this food.

Protects The Heart

Royal Canin HP is really one of the most versatile dog foods out there. While it is a great food for dogs experiencing food allergies, it goes well beyond that level. In fact, this food is beneficial for all dogs. For instance, it is capable of protecting the dog’s heart. The food contains taurine and that makes it great for this specific purpose.

Overall Assessment

Royal Canin HP is a great option for dogs with allergy problems. It can definitely help neutralize your dog’s food allergies and improve their quality of life. It is a little expensive, but it is well worth looking into. After all, the food serves its purpose exceptionally well.

Pros
  • Helps improve gastrointestinal function
  • Will maximize nutrient absorption
  • Protects the heart
  • Won’t upset the dog’s system
  • Soy protein
  • Supports digestive flora
Cons
  • A little expensive
  • May experience diarrhea when switching to this food

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance Dry Dog Food, Salmon 6-lb bag

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If you’re looking for a cost effective solution to your dog’s food allergy problems, you’ll definitely want to check out Blue Buffalo Blue Natural Veterinary Diet. This food is specifically designed for dogs experiencing food intolerance issues. The six-pound bag will last for a long time. On top of that, most dogs are going to love the taste. This ensures that they’ll eat it and get the relief that they’re after. At the same time, this food is definitely going to help quell your dog’s food allergy issues.

Hydrolyzed Salmon

Salmon is really one of the best sources of protein for dogs. It is even better when it has been hydrolyzed. This is the case, because this protein source is easy to digest. This is going to greatly reduce the chances that your dog is going to experience any adverse reactions to the food.

Other Perks

This food also delivers plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins E and vitamin C. It is also made with a grain-free formula. If you want to avoid foods with grain, this is the one for you. Finally, it has a delicious taste that most dogs will love!

Overall Assessment

Blue Buffalo’s Blue Natural Diet is great, but not suitable for all dogs. If it causes gas for your dog, you might want to switch to a different food. The good news is that this problem is pretty rare.

Pros
  • Hydrolyzed salmon is easy to digest
  • Contains important antioxidants like Vitamin E and C
  • Plenty of omega-3 fatty acids
  • Free of grains
  • Great taste
  • Not too expensive
Cons
  • Needs a vet’s recommendation
  • Gives some dogs gas

Purina HA Hydrolyzed Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Canine Formula Dry Dog Food - 25 lb. Bag

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Are you interested in buying in bulk and spending a little extra? If the answer is yes, you’ll definitely want to check out Purina’s HA Hydrolyzed Dog Food. This food is a little expensive, but it is also going to provide you with 25 pounds of food. It is also specifically designed to help your dog overcome his or her food allergy problems. It will deliver completed and balanced nutrition to ensure that your dog is able to thrive from the very beginning into adulthood. Additional details will be provided below for your consideration.

Single Protein Source

One of the best things about Purina HA Dog Food is the fact that it contains a single protein source. The hydrolyzed protein is easily digestible. This is going to greatly reduce the chance that your pooch is going to experience issues.

Great For Many Dogs

This well-rounded dog food is a good choice for many dogs. For instance, it can be very helpful for dogs experiencing food allergies, dermatitis, food intolerance and inflammatory bowel disease. It is also a good choice for dogs experiencing pancreatitis.

Overall Assessment

Purina HA Hydrolyzed Dog Food is good as long as your dog will eat it. Unfortunately, some will not. Since it is so affordable, it is well worth giving a chance.

Pros
  • Single protein source
  • Made in the United States
  • Great for various health complications
  • Balanced and complete nutrition
  • Great for dogs of all ages
Cons
  • Some dogs won’t eat it

Hill’s Prescription Diet

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food, Veterinary Diet, 17.6 lb. Bag

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If your dog is experiencing skin issues, you’ll definitely want to check out Hill’s Prescription Diet Dog Food. Many experts believe that this is the best dog food for skin allergies. This food contains limited ingredients. For instance, it only has one protein source and one carb source. This will greatly reduce the risks associated with food allergies. It also contains plenty of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to help protect your dog’s coat and skin.

Overall Assessment

Hill’s Prescription Diet is great, but some dogs will not like the potato. Still, it works great for the intended purpose and will make a difference in your dog’s life.

Pros
  • Omega-6 and 3 fatty acids protect the skin and coat
  • Offers four novel protein sources
  • A single intact animal protein source
  • One carb source
  • Reduces the risk of food allergies
  • Antioxidants boost the immune system
Cons
  • Contains a lot of potato
  • Pretty expensive

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Potato 24pound (Pack of 1)

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Blue Buffalo Basics is a great choice for those looking for a bargain. This food is pretty inexpensive when compared to the alternatives. It might be affordable, but it can definitely help. After all, it contains limited ingredients and it is completely free of grain. This food is available in various flavors and sizes. This ensures that you’ll be able to experiment a little before committing fully.

Single Protein Source

This food contains a single protein source. The salmon and potato flavor contains real deboned salmon, which is very difficult to find in dog foods. The food also provides dogs with plenty of omega 3 and 6 to keep their coat and skin in great condition.

Overall Assessment

The Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Food is great, but there have been some quality control issues. If you’re able to get a good batch, this food will make a big difference in your dog’s life. It is affordable and can be purchased easily.

Pros
  • Real deboned salmon
  • Delivers omega 3 and 6
  • Single animal protein source
  • Easy to digest carb sources
  • Helps keep the coat and skin healthy
  • Supports immune system
Cons
  • Some quality control issues