10 Best Dog Foods for Dogs With Allergies in 2025, Vet Recommended
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
If your dog suffers from allergies, a dog food designed to alleviate allergy symptoms, such as gastrointestinal issues and itchy skin, might help. But there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, because there are different types of dog allergies. The wrong food can even make your pet’s symptoms worse.
“Finding the most appropriate diet for your dog can be a challenge, especially since there are many choices, including over-the-counter and therapeutic diets,” says Chewy veterinarian Molly Price, DVM.
To help you choose, we consulted our expert veterinary panel for their recommendations on the best dog foods for dogs with allergies in 2025.
What To Consider When Buying Dog Food for Dogs With Allergies
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Your dog’s type of allergy. While dogs can have food allergies, that’s fairly uncommon. It’s more common for dogs to have allergies caused by fleas and environmental/seasonal factors, including pollen, grass, and dust. Commercially available foods, like most of the ones on this list, can be helpful in alleviating flea and environmental allergy symptoms.
Dogs with true food allergies should be fed therapeutic veterinary diets (commonly referred to as prescription diets) that do not contain the food(s) causing the adverse reaction.
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Your veterinarian’s input. You should always consult your veterinarian when switching your dog’s food, and this is especially important for pets with suspected allergies. If your veterinarian thinks your dog has a true food allergy, they will recommend a guided elimination diet trial to identify the specific allergen.
Dogs with true food allergies should be fed therapeutic veterinary diets that have strict manufacturing standards to prevent cross-contamination; dogs who experience less severe sensitivities to certain ingredients might see symptoms improve with a non-prescription diet. If your vet thinks your dog has a flea or seasonal allergy, they can recommend a non-prescription food to help alleviate those allergy symptoms.
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AAFCO standards. All over-the-counter dog foods should meet nutrient standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
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Your dog’s age. It’s important to choose a food designed for your pet’s life stage. Puppies require specially formulated food to support their growth; older dogs might benefit from senior formulas fortified with nutrients to support age-related health conditions.
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Your dog’s size. Dogs have different metabolic needs according to their size. Additionally, small dogs should be fed smaller kibble to prevent choking and for easier digestion.
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Your dog’s symptoms. Itchy, sensitive skin and digestive issues are common allergy symptoms in dogs. Select a formula that addresses your pet’s specific needs.
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Budget. Finally, it’s important to keep price in mind. This will be a regular purchase, so ensure it’s a long-term fit for your budget.
How We Selected the Best Dog Food for Dogs With Allergies
This list of the best dog foods for dogs with allergies was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best dog food for dogs with allergies in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
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Their knowledge and practical experience
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Review of information published by the manufacturers
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Attributes such as quality of ingredients, research, manufacturing process, price, and more
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of vets and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decision for their pets.
Food for Dogs With Allergies FAQs
Q: What are the top three things dogs are allergic to?
A: Many dogs suffer from environmental allergens, including pollen, grass, and dust. Dogs can also be allergic to fleas, as well as foods. When it comes to food allergies, dogs are most commonly allergic to protein sources in foods, such as beef, chicken, or dairy.
Q: What are the signs of allergies in dogs?
A: Dog allergy signs include itchy skin, scratching, licking, face rubbing, red skin, loss of fur, recurrent skin and ear infections, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
Q: What ingredient in dog food causes itchy skin?
A: Itchy skin in dogs is most often caused by an environmental allergen—such as pollen or dust—or a flea allergy. Food allergies are less common but can also cause itchy skin; protein sources most commonly cause food-allergy symptoms.
Q: What food is best for dogs with allergies?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all food for dogs with allergies. Instead, work with your veterinarian to determine the specific allergen causing your dog’s discomfort.
While commercial foods can help alleviate symptoms caused by environmental allergens, fleas, and food sensitivities, dogs suffering from true food allergies require a therapeutic diet (sometimes referred to as prescription diets).
