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7 Best Foods For Dogs With Allergies, According To Veterinarians
With symptoms that include itchy skin, ear infections and bloating, dog allergies can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience — for pets and their humans. There's good news, though: Food, contact or environmental allergy symptoms can be alleviated by certain foods, according to Cherie Pucheu-Haston, DVM, Ph.D., DACVD, a veterinary dermatologist and professor of veterinary dermatology and immunology at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
There is a broad category of dog foods that can decrease inflammation from allergies, soothe the skin and improve skin barrier functions — even in pups who are allergy-free, according to Pucheu-Haston.
We spoke with veterinary dermatology and nutrition experts to help narrow down the list of foods that'll relieve symptoms and help dogs with allergies.
SKIP AHEAD Best food options to considerHow to shop for food for dogs with allergiesFood intolerance vs. Food allergyCan plant-based dog food help with allergies?
When comparing the dozens of options that are available, our experts recommended keeping the following factors in mind:
The following highly rated dog foods meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional recommendations and are formulated under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These factors ensure that your dog gets the right nutrients for their age and breed size. The list provides a variety of dietary options including prescription foods and OTC options. You should always consult your dog's veterinarian for any restrictions specific to your pup's age, breed or medical conditions.
Royal Canin Adult Ultamino Dry Dog FoodFood allergies typically occur when the immune system responds to a protein in the food, according to Pucheu-Haston. To minimize the chances of an immune response, the poultry proteins in this Royal Canin hydrolyzed dry food are broken into tiny, amino-acid sized pieces. This recipe includes vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and skin, and a blend of fibers that support healthy digestion, according to the brand. The kibble comes in an 8.8- or 19.8-pound bag; you'll just need a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase it.
$131.99
Chewy
$131.99
Petco
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food SensitivitiesIf your dog prefers wet food or is prone to not drinking enough water, this canned adult dog food uses hydrolyzed chicken liver to reduce immune reactions. The wet food option also helps improve skin irritation as well as digestion and stool quality, according to the brand. The prescription diet comes in 12-ounce cans.
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & CoatHealthy skin diets are enriched with fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation, improve skin health and strengthen the skin barrier, according to Paterson. This OTC kibble option from Blue Buffalo hasomega-3 and -6 fatty acids from deboned salmon, salmon meal and fish oil. It's also free of wheat and soy, which are two common dog allergens, according to Pucheu-Haston.
$68.98
$75.99
Amazon
$68.98
$75.99
Chewy
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein AlligatorNovel diets can be effective in managing food allergies, particularly unconventional options like rabbit, kangaroo or alligator, Paterson says. This option from Blue Buffalo uses alligator as a novel protein source. The formula is enriched with fish oil and flaxseed to provide essential omega-3 fatty acids — which promote skin and coat health, according to the brand.
$44.98
Chewy
$44.98
Petco
$44.99
PetSmart
Open Farm Kind Earth Premium Plant Kibble RecipeChicken, beef and dairy are common triggers of food allergies in dogs, according to Pucheu-Haston. Instead of using those common meat proteins, Open Farm's plant-based recipe uses sweet potato, fava beans and whole grain barley as primary ingredients. According to Open Farm, this recipe also derives omega fatty acids from flaxseed, sunflower and coconut oil rather than fish — so even pups with fish allergies can eat this food.
$19.99
Amazon
$19.99
Open Farm
JustFoodForDogs Venison & SquashThis adult formula is a fresh-food option that is cooked in a kitchen and free of gluten, grains, preservatives and growth hormones, according to the brand. Lamb is its only animal protein source, (which may be a novel protein for some dogs) but has the potential to cross-react in dogs with beef allergies, according to Pucheu-Haston. The recipe also includes Icelandic fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids and safflower oil for omega-6 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin, as detailed on the brand's website. JustFoodForDogs recommends defrosting the frozen food in the refrigerator in a glass or plastic container prior to serving it to your pup.
$100.03
Chewy
$100.03
Petco
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & OatmealThis limited-ingredient, grain-free dry food uses lamb as its single meat-protein source. The recipe has carbohydrates that are gentle on the stomach and probiotics for easy digestion, according to the brand's website. It also has nutrients that help soothe skin allergy symptoms like omega fatty acids and glucosamine, according to the brand. While glucosamine is typically added to the diet to support joint health, Paterson says it also benefits the skin.
Picking the right food should be done with the help of your veterinarian, our experts told us. The right diet depends on your pet's individual health needs and personal preferences as well as your dog's life stage and breed size. Here's what to keep in mind while shopping, according to expert guidance:
Food intolerances and food allergies may share some symptoms, but they're not the same medical conditions. "Food intolerances have nothing to do with the immune system and have everything to do with missing a certain digestive enzyme," says Pacheu-Haston. Because they can't properly digest the food, dogs with food intolerances typically have symptoms that are limited to the digestive tract, she says.
True food allergies are an overreaction of the immune system — this could be in response to something your dog touches, inhales or eats, and can result in a range of symptoms including chronic ear infections, itchy skin and digestive issues, according to Pacheu-Haston.
There are no perfect hypoallergenic diets, but synthetic amino acid-based diets come very close, according to Pucheu-Haston. Other veterinary-recommended diets for dogs with allergies include ultra-hydrolyzed and amino acid-based diets, which are made up of tiny protein molecules that the immune system cannot recognize.
If your dog suffers from environmental or contact allergies, Paterson recommended fatty-acid-enriched diets since they're proven to reduce inflammation, improve skin health and strengthen the skin barrier. If your dog has a fish allergy, you can try a plant-based food option like Open Farm's Kind Earth kibble, which has planted-based omega fatty acids and is free of fish oils.
Yes, plant-based dog food can help with allergies. While dogs are classified as carnivores, they are physiologically omnivores, which means they don't need an animal-based diet to obtain all their essential amino acids, according to Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, a veterinary nutritionist and independent consultant of animal nutrition.
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Janelle Leeson is a Portland-based freelance writer with a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her approach to pet-care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles that consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition and environmental enrichment. For this piece, Janelle interviewed two experts who specialize in veterinary dermatology and one expert who specializes in veterinary nutrition. She also researched dozens of dry dog foods on the market that met criteria based on our experts' insights. She included dog foods recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.
Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
Janelle LeesonCan Dogs Eat Cheese? These Are The Foods Your Pup Can And Can't Have
We love our "fur babies." Per the American Pet Products Association, 68% of American households, as of 2017–2018, had a pet. Dogs tend to be the most common pet, appearing in 60.2 million American households.
Dogs are amazing animals. One of the smartest domesticated animals, the typical dog has the intelligence and emotional capacity of a 2-year-old human. Dogs have been shown to not only understand a limited vocabulary, but also the ability to be trained to respond to specific commands, to recognize tones of voice, and to respond to danger. Dogs have also shown the capability to be intimidated and show fear, to protect the vulnerable and incapacitated, to recognize right and wrong and show shame, to be grateful, and to offer emotional support and love. Most dogs can also recognize items by name and do simple math. It is no wonder that many dog owners come to recognize their dogs as members of the family.
Given this, it is tempting to share with our dogs the food we eat. Dogs are meat-preferring omnivores; unlike cats, which must eat an almost meat-exclusive diet, dogs can and sometimes prefer a starch-rich diet. Unlike other omnivores, like humans, dogs cannot simply forego meat. Dogs need a regular supply of taurine, vitamin D, and arginine, which are usually derived from meat.
On a fundamental level, dogs are unique metabolically. They have special nutritional needs and considerations. While there are many things we eat that can be fed to our dogs, most should be avoided. For example, processed foods generally have a large amount of salt, sugar, and other spices. Dogs do not do well with these, as they may cause unexpected metabolic reactions or otherwise agitate their digestive tracts.
Using a variety of authoritative, expert-backed sources, Stacker independently compiled a list of 25 human foods dogs can eat, and 25 human foods dogs should not eat, for a total of 50 slides. The slides alternate between the "yes" and "no" foods, but otherwise are not ranked in any particular order. It's valuable to note that overall moderation is key—in small doses, some "no" foods on this list may not affect your dog, but this list highlights food that should be avoided.
Keep reading to learn why "Fantastic Mr. Fox" was right about blueberries and hounds.
You may also like: Most popular house-friendly dogs
Can Dogs Eat Bananas? All The Fruits Your Pooch Can (and Can't) Eat
Dogs naturally want to share food with their owners, however when it comes to fruit it is best to err on the side of caution. Certain fruits can be dangerous for dogs to eat, some work well as a healthy snack, while others are safe to consume but also come with side effects.
Newsweek asked canine experts what fruits can dogs eat - from bananas, blueberries, watermelon and more - as well as those that should be avoided.
Can Dogs Eat Fruit?Speaking to Newsweek, Dr. Jerry Klein, the chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club (AKC), explained typical symptoms that occur when a dog consumes fruits that pose a risk to their health include vomiting and diarrhea.
"In worse cases, such as cyanide poisoning, this could include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, red gums or even kidney failure," Klein said. Cyanide can potentially be lethal if ingested in large enough amounts, the AKC notes.
Klein said: "Most of the fruit emergencies are rare...In our emergency room, we would see as many as 5-10 per week."
He warned owners should be careful with fruits that have pits, as "they can cause your pet to choke or obstruct their intestines, particularly plum and peach pits, which also contain poisonous cyanide."
Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), told Newsweek it's important that fruits "are given in small, bite-sized portions, with the cores, stems, peels and seeds removed."
The AVMA spokesperson added fruits should only be given as "a special treat," as dogs get most of their nutritional needs from their regular diet.
If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something they shouldn't have, call your veterinarian, local veterinary emergency clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately, the AVMA spokesperson said.
© Photoboyko/iStock /Getty Images Plus A person sharing a peanut butter and banana sandwich with a dog. Photoboyko/iStock /Getty Images Plus Below we take a closer look at different fruits your dog can and can't eat.
BananasBananas, which are high in potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, as well as biotin and copper, are safe for dogs to eat. They are recommended by some veterinarians as a healthy alternative to fatty, salty treats for dogs, says the AKC.
However, owners should be careful of banana peels. The AKC says: "While the peels are not toxic to dogs, they are hard to digest and may cause a blockage.
"Even without the peel, feeding your pup too many bananas can cause stomach upset,"
Bananas should also only be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
ApplesApples are also safe for dog consumption and are a great source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber for your dog.
But owners be sure to remove the seeds and core before feeding them to dogs. They should also be given in moderation as overconsumption can cause some stomach-related issues.
The AKC explains: "Eating an excess of apples can lead to your dog experiencing a bellyache or diarrhea, so always serve them in moderation. Just an apple slice or two is enough to satisfy your dog's cravings."
© Georgiy Datsenko/iStock / Getty Images Plus A puppy licking an apple. Georgiy Datsenko/iStock / Getty Images Plus Strawberries Packed with fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries are safe and make healthy low-calorie snacks for dogs.
They are also a good source of potassium and manganese, which are crucial for supporting your dog's immune system, says the Blue Cross, a U.K. Pet charity.
Strawberries also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog's teeth as they eat them, according to the AKC.
However, as with other fruits, they should be given in moderation due to their sugar content.
© Ирина Мещерякова/ iStock / Getty Images Plus A dog sniffing a strawberry. Ирина Мещерякова/ iStock / Getty Images Plus Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Watermelons are safe for dog consumption but the rind and seeds must be removed, as they can lead to intestinal blockage, the AKC warns.
Otherwise, the fruit is considered a "health-food powerhouse," packed with vitamin A, B6 and C, as well as potassium.
It's also a great way to keep your dog hydrated as the fruit is 92 percent water.
© rozowynos/ iStock / Getty Images Plus A dog holding a watermelon slice in its mouth. Rozowynos/ iStock / Getty Images Plus Blueberries Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are safe for dogs to eat. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which cause cellular and molecular damage in dogs as well as humans.
The AKC says: "As an added bonus, studies show that adding antioxidants to a dog's diet reduces the effects of brain aging, which is great if you have a senior dog."
GrapesSpeaking to Newsweek, Dr. Travis Arndt, the director of veterinary medicine at the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO), said: "The most dangerous fruits for dogs' health are grapes and raisins. Researchers may have found that the tartaric acid in grapes and raisins is the substance which is harmful to dogs."
The AKC's Klein told Newsweek: "Grapes and raisins are some of the most common presentations to emergency clinics. It is very toxic to dogs and ingestion may potentially cause kidney damage within 48 hours."
Dogs often consume raisins by eating oatmeal raisin cookies or get into boxes of raisins, or a combination of chocolate and raisin cookies, Klein explained.
The AVMA spokesperson told Newsweek: "Even a small amount of grapes or raisins has the potential to cause kidney failure."
The Pet Poison Helpline, a national licensed animal poison center, explains: "All grapes and raisins, seeded and seedless, organic and conventionally grown, can cause toxicity. The exact way these foods cause toxicity is still unknown and toxicity does not necessarily appear to be dose-dependent."
Some of the common symptoms that indicate your dog has eaten a grape or raisin include the following, as outlined by the Blue Cross:
© Ramon Alberich/iStock / Getty Images Plus A dog looking at grapes picked at a vineyard. Ramon Alberich/iStock / Getty Images Plus Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Tomatoes are generally safe for dogs to eat but the leaves and green parts of tomato plants can be dangerous for dogs. For that reason, dogs should avoid eating tomatoes in moderate to large amounts, the AKC's Klein told Newsweek.
The Pet Poison Helpline explains the ripened fruit of the plant is considered non-toxic but its green parts contain solanine, which can "result in severe poisoning" when consumed in large amounts.
Consumption of these toxic parts can cause severe gastrointestinal distress (such as vomiting and diarrhea) as well as lethargy, weakness, and even confusion, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.
Below are some of the common signs that indicate your dog has eaten the leave or green parts of the tomato plant, as outlined by the AKC:
© Ирина Мещерякова/ iStock / Getty Images Plus A dachshund lies in a pile of fresh ripe tomatoes and cucumbers. Ирина Мещерякова/ iStock / Getty Images Plus Oranges Oranges are rich in vitamin C, potassium and fiber and are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities (one or two segments a day), according to the AKC.
But feeding your dog moderate to large amounts of citrus fruits, such as lemons and grapefruit, should also be avoided because it can cause gastroenteritis or stomach upset due to high acidity, the AKC's Klein told Newsweek.
Veterinarians recommend the peel and seeds be removed before feeding the flesh of the fruit to dogs, as they can cause stomach upset.
The AKC explains: "Orange peel is rough on their digestive systems, and the oils may make your dog literally turn up their sensitive nose.
"Orange peels are not toxic, however they can become lodged in your dog's digestive tract, causing an obstruction and requiring surgery to correct," it adds.
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) also notes that varying amounts of citric acid and essential oils in citrus fruit as well as the stems, leaves, peels and seeds of citrus plants "can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts.
"Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset," the ASPCA says.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Full of nutrients, including vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate, pineapples are also safe for dogs to consume.
However, owners should stick to feeding dogs only the flesh of pineapples as their tough central core and spiny skin can cause obstructions if consumed.
The fruit is also high in fiber and is also high in sugar, so must be given in small quantities. Large amounts can potentially adversely affect the dog's digestive system.
"Keep an eye on your dog when you first feed him pineapple. If he has diarrhea or shows signs of an upset stomach, then pineapple might not be the fruit snack for him," the AKC advises.
© Lindsay Lou/ iStock / Getty Images Plus A dog looking at a pineapple. Lindsay Lou/ iStock / Getty Images Plus Cherries The AKC's Klein told Newsweek: "Cherries should be avoided in moderate to large amounts because the plant itself contains cyanide. Cyanide can affect your dog's circulation, preventing their blood cells from getting enough oxygen."
The HSMO's Arndt told Newsweek cherries (as well as peaches, apricots, plums) have hard pits that present a possible choking and gastrointestinal obstruction hazard.
"Additionally, these pits also contain a sugar-cyanide compound called amygdalin which is toxic (although the fleshy parts of these fruits are generally fine for dogs to eat)," Arndt said.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in dogs include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing as well as red gums, the AKC says.
© Credit: Ksenia Raykova/ iStock / Getty Images Plus A person holding a cherry over a dog. Credit: Ksenia Raykova/ iStock / Getty Images Plus Coconut Coconut and coconut-based products are "not likely to cause serious harm" to dogs when consumed in small amounts. However, the flesh and milk of fresh coconuts do contain oils that could cause "stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea," the ASPCA says.
"Because of this, we encourage you to use caution when offering your pets these foods. Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet," the ASPCA advises.
Can Dogs Eat Avocados?The AKC's Klein told Newsweek dogs should avoid avocados because the pit, skin and leaves of avocados contain a toxic chemical known as persin. "Even the fleshy part of the fruit is not recommended for dogs to ingest," Klein warned.
The AVMA spokesperson told Newsweek: "Avocados can lead to upset stomachs and possibly serious health problems requiring immediate care."
It's unknown what amount of persin is lethal but large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and myocardial damage (damage to the heart muscle), the AKC says.
The high fat content of the flesh can also cause an upset stomach, while its hard pit could also cause choking.
PeachesThe flesh of peaches, fed in small pieces, is safe for your dog to eat. But peach pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous for dogs.
The AKC warns: "Don't share canned or preserved peaches with your dog. They contain high amounts of sugar and may also be treated with preservatives or artificial sweeteners that can seriously upset your dog's digestive system."
MangoMangoes are also safe for dogs to eat and are great sources of vitamins A, B6, C and E.
The skin and pit of mangoes should be removed before feeding the fruit to dogs, as the skin can be difficult to digest, while the pit can be a potential choking hazard, the AKC warns.
As with several other fruits, it should be given in moderation to prevent any upset stomach or diarrhea.
PearsPears are also safe for dogs in bite-sized pieces. They are a good source of vitamin A and C as well as fiber.
The seeds of pears should be removed before feeding it to dogs, as they contain traces of cyanide, so they can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, the AKC warns.
© Ksenia Uslinskaya/ iStock / Getty Images Plus A dog looking at a person holding a pear. Ksenia Uslinskaya/ iStock / Getty Images Plus Raspberries Dogs can consume raspberries, which are full of nutrients including Vitamin C, K, B-complex as well as potassium, manganese, copper, folic acid, iron and magnesium.
However, the AKC notes raspberries also contain one of the highest levels of natural xylitol, a natural sugar-free sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
The Pet Poison Helpline warns: "If enough xylitol is ingested it can cause life-threatening low blood sugar (even within 10-15 minutes of ingestion) and acute liver failure."
So raspberries should only be given in moderation.
CranberriesCranberries are safe for dog consumption but owners should be careful with dried cranberries, as some packages come mixed with other dried fruit, such as raisins, which are toxic for dogs.
Precautions should be taken with cranberry sauce as well because some recipes come with alcohol, which is also toxic for dogs, the AKC says.
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