That cute little ball of fur you brought home not long ago is now keeping you up at night, scratching and chewing until they’re raw. You’ve tried shampoos, sprays, and allergy meds, and nothing seems to work. You’re at the end of your rope. What now? Since you aren’t getting any sleep anyways, you may as well do some research on what else could be causing this itching and discomfort. But wait, we’ve already done some of that for you.
There’s a very good chance your poor miserable critter is allergic to the food you have been feeding them. Let’s look at some options that you may want to investigate to make an informed decision on a new food for your schnauzer. Here are some reviews on foods that are good choices for your schnauzer with skin allergies. The right dog food will have your spirited canine healthier in a matter of time, and also have you sleeping better.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet
Varieties include grain-free and grain inclusive
Easy to order, including auto shipping
Made in the USA
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Best Value
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care Adult Dry Food
Comes in a variety of flavors
Provided with or without grain
Less expensive than many competitors
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Premium Choice
Royal Canin
Hydrolyzed proteins so the immune system does not recognize them
Reduces skin reactions and reinforces the skin barrier
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Best for Puppies
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient
Suitable for all breeds, small to large
Comes with brown rice, or grain-free
Contains DHA for brain health
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Vet’s Choice
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice
Salmon is the first ingredient
Less pricey than similar foods of other brands
Good for small to large breed dogs
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The 7 Best Dog Foods for Schnauzers with Skin Allergies
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive has been chosen as our best overall dog food for schnauzers with skin allergies. Many options are available, such as canned food and dry kibble. There are several flavors and varieties to choose from, in case your dog has an aversion to a specific protein, or a special fondness for another. The kibble also comes in small, regular, and large dog bites—therefore suiting every schnauzer, from toy to giant.
Main ingredients: Lamb and Sweet Potato, Duck and Lentils
Protein content: 20-22%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 430-442 kcal/cup
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It is grain-free and made without ingredients that commonly cause food sensitivities in pets. It is crafted with 10 key ingredients, or less, plus natural flavors, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It is formulated to help nourish sensitive skin from the inside out.
Pros
Varieties include grain-free and grain inclusive
Easy to order, including auto shipping
Made in the USA
Non-GMOMO (although trace amounts may be found due to potential cross contact
Cons
Pricey
Not all ingredients sourced from the USA
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care adult dry dog food is a limited ingredient dog food that does not contain chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs, which makes it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities. It is made with all-natural ingredients, and loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help support your dog’s immune system.
Varieties include grain-free and grain inclusive
Easy to order, including auto shipping
Made in the USA
Non-GMOMO (although trace amounts may be found due to potential cross contact
- Varieties include grain-free and grain inclusive
- Easy to order, including auto shipping
- Made in the USA
- Non-GMOMO (although trace amounts may be found due to potential cross contact
Pricey
Not all ingredients sourced from the USA
- Pricey
- Not all ingredients sourced from the USA
Main ingredients: Salmon, turkey, lamb, potato
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: approximately 350 kcal/cup
It comes in several different recipes with salmon, turkey, and lamb being the main proteins. It is also available in grain and grain-free diets. At a price less expensive than its competitors, and with all of it being made in the US, we have decided this to be the best dog food for the money for dogs with skin allergies.
Pros
Comes in a variety of flavors
Provided with or without grain
Less expensive than many competitors
Made with all-natural ingredients
All food made in the US
Cons
Globally sourced
There have been recalls
Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food is made specifically for dogs with food sensitivities. It is a prescription diet, therefore, a trip to the vet is necessary before purchasing this food. It helps to reduce skin and GI reactions that may be a result of sensitivities to common proteins found in pet foods. This food also aids in digestion, with a blend of fibers and prebiotics that is exclusive to Royal Canin. B vitamins and amino acids have been added to reinforce your dog’s skin barrier. This food is formulated for all breed sizes.
Comes in a variety of flavors
Provided with or without grain
Less expensive than many competitors
Made with all-natural ingredients
All food made in the US
- Comes in a variety of flavors
- Provided with or without grain
- Less expensive than many competitors
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- All food made in the US
Globally sourced
There have been recalls
- Globally sourced
- There have been recalls
Main ingredients: Hydrolyzed protein (Soy), potato, coconut oil
Protein content: 19%
Fat content: 10%
Calories: 302 kcal/cup
Pros
Hydrolyzed proteins so the immune system does not recognize them
Reduces skin reactions and reinforces the skin barrier
Cons
Must have prescription
Very pricey
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient puppy food is formulated with a simplified list of premium ingredients designed to help your little dog become big and strong. It comes in four varieties, one of which is grain-free. It is suitable for all breeds of dogs, from the smallest to the largest. It is perfect for puppies with allergies, sensitive stomachs, and skin irritations. There is no soy, gluten, or artificial colors.
Hydrolyzed proteins so the immune system does not recognize them
Reduces skin reactions and reinforces the skin barrier
- Hydrolyzed proteins so the immune system does not recognize them
- Reduces skin reactions and reinforces the skin barrier
Must have prescription
Very pricey
- Must have prescription
- Very pricey
Main ingredients: Duck, salmon, chicken, lamb
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 395 kcal/cup
Pros
Suitable for all breeds, small to large
Comes with brown rice, or grain-free
Contains DHA for brain health
Cons
Only four flavor combinations
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice is an easily digestible dog food that does not contain corn, wheat, or soy. It contains live probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health. It is formulated to nurture your dog’s sensitive skin and stomach. It is a high-protein dog food, with salmon being the first ingredient, and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids added.
Suitable for all breeds, small to large
Comes with brown rice, or grain-free
Contains DHA for brain health
- Suitable for all breeds, small to large
- Comes with brown rice, or grain-free
- Contains DHA for brain health
Only four flavor combinations
- Only four flavor combinations
Main ingredients: salmon, barley, rice
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 467 kcal/cup
Pros
Salmon is the first ingredient
Less pricey than similar foods of other brands
Good for small to large breed dogs
Comes in other flavors
Cons
Not all of Purina’s products are made in the US
Hills’s Sensitive Stomach and Skin prebiotic fiber for optimal digestive health. It also contains Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and other nutrients to help nourish skin and promote a shiny, healthy coat. It is made in the USA, from ingredients sourced around the world. It is made more for the toy and miniature breeds, making it a good choice for your smaller schnauzers.
Salmon is the first ingredient
Less pricey than similar foods of other brands
Good for small to large breed dogs
Comes in other flavors
- Salmon is the first ingredient
- Less pricey than similar foods of other brands
- Good for small to large breed dogs
- Comes in other flavors
Not all of Purina’s products are made in the US
- Not all of Purina’s products are made in the US
Main ingredients: Chicken, turkey, salmon, potato, barley
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 394 kcal/cup
Pros
Made in the USA
Can purchase with grain or grain-free
Available in wet or dry
Comes in pellets for small, regular, and large breeds
Cons
Products are sourced globally
Chicken is the main ingredient in most recipes and can be a potential allergen
Merrick Real Salmon and Brown Rice is a limited ingredient dog food, making it easier to determine what food allergies your day may have. It is specially formulated for sensitive stomachs, and is also perfect for dogs with skin allergies, as it uses only nine key components. It contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
Made in the USA
Can purchase with grain or grain-free
Available in wet or dry
Comes in pellets for small, regular, and large breeds
- Made in the USA
- Can purchase with grain or grain-free
- Available in wet or dry
- Comes in pellets for small, regular, and large breeds
Products are sourced globally
Chicken is the main ingredient in most recipes and can be a potential allergen
- Products are sourced globally
- Chicken is the main ingredient in most recipes and can be a potential allergen
Main ingredients: Salmon and brown rice
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 384 kcal ME/cup
Pros
Crafted and cooked in the USA
Limited ingredient comes in many recipes to suit your dog’s taste
Does not contain lentils, chickpeas, soy, corn, dairy, or eggs
No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Cons
Somewhat pricey
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Dog Food for Schnauzers with Skin Allergies
When choosing dog food for your schnauzer with skin allergies, there are many things to consider. If you know what foods your dog is allergic to, that is a great starting point. If not, the limited ingredient dog foods are an excellent way to find out exactly what is safe for your dog to eat. Always talk to your vet before switching to grain-free food, to make sure it is safe for your four-legged friend.
Crafted and cooked in the USA
Limited ingredient comes in many recipes to suit your dog’s taste
Does not contain lentils, chickpeas, soy, corn, dairy, or eggs
No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Crafted and cooked in the USA
- Limited ingredient comes in many recipes to suit your dog’s taste
- Does not contain lentils, chickpeas, soy, corn, dairy, or eggs
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Somewhat pricey
- Somewhat pricey
There are so many dog foods to choose from, it can be overwhelming. You must consider your dog’s personal nutritional needs, flavors your dog enjoys, whether hard or soft food is best, and your budget. There are many excellent dog foods on the market that you don’t have to spend a fortune on. Your vet can often recommend a good over-the-counter dog food for your best friend, and that’s often the best place to start. Hopefully, this article has provided you with some ideas of foods to help get your schnauzer’s skin and coat on the way to being healthier and shinier.
Conclusion
It’s important to pick the right dog food, and a big part of that is knowing what your dog is allergic to. Foods with limited ingredients play a major role in helping to determine your dog’s allergies. The foods on this list have been heavily researched, and are recommended by both veterinarians and pet owners alike. No one food is good for every dog, so it may take a while to find the best one for your furry friend. Hopefully, this will give you a starting place to find the perfect choice.
Featured Image Credit: David Rodriguez Diaz, Shutterstock
