Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
While food allergies can affect many different breeds of dogs, they seem particularly common in Pitbulls. The most common allergies that plague dogs are from their food. Changing their diet to one that doesn’t cause skin irritation may be a solution.
Many dogs can tolerate all foods just fine, but if you see your Pitbull scratching incessantly without relief and chewing their paws until they bleed, allergies could be the culprit. Even if you feed your dog high-quality food, they can still be intolerant of some of the ingredients.
We are here to help with a list of the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies. We’ve chosen our favorites and gathered them here with reviews so you can find the one that your dog needs as soon as possible.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Minimally processed ingredients
Real animal protein sources
Easy-to-use delivery service
Click & save 50%
Best Value
Purina Pro Plan Adult
Contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber
Salmon is the first ingredient
Contains oatmeal for easy digestion
Check Price
Brothers Complete Advanced
Mimics a dog’s natural diet
Digestive enzymes maximize nutritional benefits
Lamb and eggs are the main protein sources
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Natural Balance L.I.D. Duck
Made by veterinarians
Limited-ingredient diet
Duck is the protein source
Check Price
Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon
Poultry- and grain-free
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
Easily digestible ingredients
Check Price
The 8 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls With Skin Allergies
1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription — Best Overall
Click Here to Save 50% with Ollie
Calories: 381/cup
Protein content: 32%
First ingredient: Deboned salmon
Ollie is the best overall dog food for Pitbulls with allergies. This subscription-based fresh food offers beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb recipes in grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas. This is good for dogs with allergies to specific proteins or grains. All recipes include real animal protein and organ meats while avoiding heavily processed ingredients.
The recipes also have tons of fruits and veggies, including pumpkin, carrots, spinach, squash, and kale. Each one is formulated with the help of veterinarians to ensure it has all the nutrients dogs need. There are no artificial flavors, preservatives, by-products, or fillers like soy or wheat. This subscription is a convenient option, but you have to plan accordingly to ensure you always have the food stocked up in the event of a delay. It also must be refrigerated, so you have to have space. The cost may be too much for some pet parents as well.
Pros
Variety of recipes
Minimally processed ingredients
Real animal protein sources
Easy-to-use delivery service
Cons
Requires space and planning
More expensive than regular kibble
The recipe used in Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitivities Dry Dog Food is formulated for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. If you’re looking for the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies for the money, this is our pick. The ingredients include live probiotics to support your dog’s immune system while being gentle on the stomach. Prebiotic fiber is included to encourage healthy gut bacteria.
Variety of recipes
Minimally processed ingredients
Real animal protein sources
Easy-to-use delivery service
- Variety of recipes
- Minimally processed ingredients
- Real animal protein sources
- Easy-to-use delivery service
Requires space and planning
More expensive than regular kibble
- Requires space and planning
- More expensive than regular kibble
Calories: 467/cup
Protein content: 26%
First ingredient: Salmon
Check Price on Chewy
The main protein source is salmon, which doesn’t trigger an allergic reaction in many dogs. This food does contain rice, so it won’t be a good choice for dogs with grain allergies. There is no corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers in the recipe. Oatmeal and omega fatty acids are added for gentle digestion and coat and skin health.
Some dog owners report that this food has a strong smell. It’s also a new recipe, and some dogs won’t eat it even if they enjoyed the old one.
Pros
Contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber
Salmon is the first ingredient
Contains omega fatty acids
Cons
Includes grain
New recipe
Complete nutrition that mimics a dog’s natural diet is what you’ll find in Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Care Dry Dog Food. This recipe is made in small batches with protein from eggs and free-range lamb. It’s easy on dogs’ digestion and doesn’t contain any grain or white potatoes.
Contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber
Salmon is the first ingredient
Contains omega fatty acids
- Contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber
- Salmon is the first ingredient
- Contains omega fatty acids
Includes grain
New recipe
- Includes grain
- New recipe
Calories: 400/cup
Protein content: 30%
First ingredient: Lamb meal
Enzymes in the food help break it down so your dog can get the maximum nutrients during digestion. These enzymes also reduce allergy outbreaks and help boost your dog’s immunity. Probiotics and prebiotics aid in digestion and the maintenance of healthy bacteria in the intestines.
This food contains poultry. If your dog has poultry allergies, this isn’t the brand for them. This is an easily digestible diet with low-risk allergens, but some dogs can’t eat anything with chicken in it. This is also our premium choice, but it is expensive. That said, it is suitable for dogs of every life stage and helps stop allergy-related stomach distress.
Pros
Mimics a dog’s natural diet
Digestive enzymes maximize nutritional benefits
Lamb and eggs are the main protein sources
Cons
Expensive
Contains poultry
The Natural Balance L.I.D. Duck & Potato Dry Puppy Food formula was made by teams of veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and scientists to provide the food with the best taste and nutritional value. This limited-ingredient diet uses duck as the protein source for healthy muscle development. This food is free from any corn, legumes, wheat, or soy. It is gentle on your puppy’s digestive system and has a low risk of allergens. DHA from marine sources supports neurological development in growing dogs.
Mimics a dog’s natural diet
Digestive enzymes maximize nutritional benefits
Lamb and eggs are the main protein sources
- Mimics a dog’s natural diet
- Digestive enzymes maximize nutritional benefits
- Lamb and eggs are the main protein sources
Expensive
Contains poultry
- Expensive
- Contains poultry
Calories: 395/cup
Protein content: 25%
First ingredient: Duck
Potatoes are an easily digested source of carbohydrates and won’t trigger gastrointestinal distress. This food has been reported to stop chronic diarrhea in some dogs.
The biggest issue with this food is that the shape and color of the kibble have changed. Some dogs that ate this food regularly no longer like it.
Pros
Made by veterinarians
Limited-ingredient diet
Duck is the protein source
Cons
Recipe may have changed
Another great choice for dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies is Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food. This kibble is packed full of flavor and protein without any grains. Almost half of this recipe contains protein and healthy fat. Salmon also gives your dog the necessary omega fatty acids to help their skin stay healthy.
Made by veterinarians
Limited-ingredient diet
Duck is the protein source
- Made by veterinarians
- Limited-ingredient diet
- Duck is the protein source
Recipe may have changed
- Recipe may have changed
Calories: 381/cup
Protein content: 32%
First ingredient: Deboned salmon
This is a great choice for Pitbulls that suffer from poultry or grain allergies. Easily digestible sweet potatoes are added for fiber and carbohydrates. In addition to vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, this food contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. Your dog gets everything that they need in this low-allergen diet.
The kibble size is smaller than large breed dog food because it is recommended for all breeds. Some big dogs don’t like the small pieces. It’s also a more expensive food than some others on this list.
Pros
Poultry- and grain-free
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
Easily digestible ingredients
Salmon is the first ingredient
Cons
Expensive
Small kibble size
The grain-free recipe in Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Dry Dog Food helps mitigate allergies while still giving your Pitbull the energy that they need. Chicken and turkey are the main protein sources, so this food is suitable for dogs without a poultry allergy or sensitivity. This recipe also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which is important in large dogs.
Poultry- and grain-free
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
Easily digestible ingredients
Salmon is the first ingredient
- Poultry- and grain-free
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Salmon is the first ingredient
Expensive
Small kibble size
- Expensive
- Small kibble size
Calories: 395/cup
Protein content: 34%
First ingredient: Deboned chicken
The protein sources combine with fruits and vegetables to give your dog essential vitamins and minerals. There are no fillers or by-products in this food. It’s filled with antioxidants and omega fatty acids for skin, coat, and immune support.
There are reports of the kibble size being too large for dogs to eat. This formula is made for large breeds. Wellness also makes this food in smaller sizes for all dogs to enjoy. If your Pitbull can handle large chunks of food, this will be fine for them. If your Pittie is on the small side, small kibble is available.
Pros
Protein-rich
Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
Low allergy-trigger risk
Cons
Large kibble size
As with most Taste of the Wild foods, this recipe is full of protein and infused with vitamins and minerals. This food has no added grains, fillers, or preservatives, making it closely resemble the minimal diet of wild dogs.
Protein-rich
Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
Low allergy-trigger risk
- Protein-rich
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
- Low allergy-trigger risk
Large kibble size
- Large kibble size
Calories: 422/cup
Protein content: 32%
First ingredient: Water buffalo
The antioxidants and fatty acids help promote healthy skin, which is important for itchy Pitbulls. Peas and sweet potatoes are easy on your dog’s digestive system. Prebiotic properties from dried chicory root help keep your pup’s gut healthy.
Some dogs with sensitive stomachs can’t tolerate the bison meat. If your dog is sensitive to new foods, try mixing this into their regular food in small portions to see how they react. While having water buffalo as the first ingredient, the formula does contain lamb and chicken meal so it might not be suitable for dogs sensitive to those proteins.
Pros
K9-specific probiotic blend
Contains omega fatty acids
No added fillers or grains
Cons
May be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Might not be suitable for dogs with chicken or lamb sensitivities
- Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Dry Dog Food
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Calories: 383/cup
Protein content: 26%
First ingredient: Organic chicken
Free-range, organic chicken is the first ingredient in Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Dry Dog Food, so you don’t have to worry about any growth hormones or antibiotics in this recipe. Instead, it’s packed with antioxidants from blueberries, coconut oil, and organic barley.
K9-specific probiotic blend
Contains omega fatty acids
No added fillers or grains
- K9-specific probiotic blend
- Contains omega fatty acids
- No added fillers or grains
May be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Might not be suitable for dogs with chicken or lamb sensitivities
- May be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Might not be suitable for dogs with chicken or lamb sensitivities
Check Latest Price
Calories: 383/cup
Protein content: 26%
First ingredient: Organic chicken
The high-quality natural ingredients in this diet provide micronutrients and antioxidants to help support your Pitbull’s healthy skin. The ingredients are USDA organic certified. Organic sweet potatoes and oatmeal are added for healthy fiber and gentle digestion. This is an expensive option, but if your Pitbull has allergies, dog owners claim that they have seen the benefits of switching to this diet.
Pros
Organic ingredients
Natural antioxidants
Gentle digestion
Cons
Food may have a strong odor
Organic ingredients
Natural antioxidants
Gentle digestion
- Organic ingredients
- Natural antioxidants
- Gentle digestion
Food may have a strong odor
- Food may have a strong odor
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls With Skin Allergies
Choosing the right skin allergy food for Pitbulls can be a daunting task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re making your decision. If you think that your dog has a food allergy, the first thing to do is take them to the vet for an exam. After that, you can start trying to make dietary changes for them that should clear up the issue.
What Causes Skin Allergies?
Allergies can be caused by food or environmental factors. When your dog is allergic to something in their food, it can trigger an immune response that presents as itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and facial swelling.
Switching to foods with limited or natural ingredients may be the solution because there are fewer things to trigger this response in your dog. If you can narrow down the allergy to something specific, like poultry, grain, or dairy products, choosing a food will be much easier.
If you can’t narrow down the cause of the allergy, you may have to try different foods until you find one that works.
How to Recognize Skin Allergies
Skin allergies caused by food are usually easy to spot. Incessant scratching, red or inflamed skin, and constant licking are significant signs. Sometimes, the scratching can lead to open wounds that eventually get infected. Hot spots can also develop. If you notice these signs, take your Pitbull to the vet for an exam, medication for relief, and an assessment of their diet.
Changing their diet starts with the process of elimination. Trying new ingredients that they haven’t had before may work well. Try different protein sources and see how your dog reacts. If the allergy symptoms clear up, you know that something in their previous diet was triggering them.
Choosing the Best Food
Limited-Ingredient Diets: These foods usually have just one protein source, so you will know if your dog can tolerate it or not. There is also a single source of carbohydrates. No fillers or extras are in these foods. It’s the closest that you can get to a dog’s natural diet.
Grain-Free Diets: Some Pitbulls can tolerate any proteins just fine but are allergic to grains and gluten. Grain-free foods may clear up the issue because these don’t contain gluten.
Unique Ingredients: A unique protein source, such as bison or venison, may help lower your Pitbull’s risk of allergies. Common protein sources can be irritating, and it’s hard to find one that is suitable for your dog. Introducing a unique protein source may mean there is less of a chance of an immune response.
Limited-Ingredient Diets: These foods usually have just one protein source, so you will know if your dog can tolerate it or not. There is also a single source of carbohydrates. No fillers or extras are in these foods. It’s the closest that you can get to a dog’s natural diet.
Grain-Free Diets: Some Pitbulls can tolerate any proteins just fine but are allergic to grains and gluten. Grain-free foods may clear up the issue because these don’t contain gluten.
Unique Ingredients: A unique protein source, such as bison or venison, may help lower your Pitbull’s risk of allergies. Common protein sources can be irritating, and it’s hard to find one that is suitable for your dog. Introducing a unique protein source may mean there is less of a chance of an immune response.
- Limited-Ingredient Diets: These foods usually have just one protein source, so you will know if your dog can tolerate it or not. There is also a single source of carbohydrates. No fillers or extras are in these foods. It’s the closest that you can get to a dog’s natural diet.
- Grain-Free Diets: Some Pitbulls can tolerate any proteins just fine but are allergic to grains and gluten. Grain-free foods may clear up the issue because these don’t contain gluten.
- Unique Ingredients: A unique protein source, such as bison or venison, may help lower your Pitbull’s risk of allergies. Common protein sources can be irritating, and it’s hard to find one that is suitable for your dog. Introducing a unique protein source may mean there is less of a chance of an immune response.
Conclusion
When it comes to Pitbull skin allergies, we know how hard it can be to watch them struggle. Our best overall choice for dog food to help them find relief is Ollie Fresh Dog Food. This subscription-based fresh food offers beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb recipes in grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas. This is good for dogs with allergies to specific proteins or grains. For the best value, we like Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitivities Dry Dog Food. It contains prebiotics and probiotics, along with oatmeal, for easy digestion. We hope you find the right recipe to reduce your Pitbull’s allergy symptoms and get them feeling better quickly.
- You may also be interested in: 10 Best Affordable Dog Food for Pit Bulls – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Victoria Brassey, Shutterstock
