Having a sensitive dog can be quite a challenge. You want to make sure that your dog has a fantastic life, but you might be up against the wall trying to find different solutions. Trial and error are the first steps if your dog requires a recipe that won’t trigger allergies. So, be ready to sample until you find one that works.
If you’ve already pinpointed your dog’s allergy, we rounded up 8 of the best recipes we could find on the market. One of these is sure to match your dog’s needs–take a look at these reviews.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Wellness Complete Health Dog Food
Made with easy-to-digest whitefish
Full of natural oils for skin and coat health
Fibrous grains
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Best Value
Purina Pro Plan Focus Canned Dog Food
Tailored for sensitive stomachs and skin
Tons of moisture
Affordable
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Premium Choice
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food
Hydrolyzed proteins bypass the system
Well-balanced ingredients
Single protein source
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Best for Puppies
Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Dog Food
All life stages
Perfectly digestible
One protein source
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Best Grain-Free
Brother’s Complete Ultra Premium Dog Food
Grain-free for gluten-sensitive pooches
Complete, high protein recipe
Works for multiple allergy troubles
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The 8 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods
We know every owner of an allergy sufferer has to make dietary decisions based on their dog. However, we think most dogs can benefit from Wellness Complete Health. It is a well-rounded everyday nutrition nourishing healthy adult dogs and the best overall hypoallergenic dog food.
Main Ingredients: Whitefish, sweet potato
Recipe Type: Complete health
Calories: 435 per cup/ 3,624 per bag
Protein: 22.0%
Fat: 12.0%
Fiber: 4.5%
Moisture: 10.0%
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Whitefish is a solid protein that is terrific for your dog’s digestive tract. It is typically easier to digest than red meat and poultry, easing your dog’s gut health and overall vitality. This recipe is complete with grains, like easily digestible oatmeal and barley.
In one serving of this dog food, there are 435 calories. Even though it’s packed with nutrients, it could be a little over for some dogs. But it only has 22.0% protein, which is low. So, consider this recipe a high-carb, low-protein diet that balances a well-rounded selection.
It also provides necessary omega fatty acids and flaxseed that nourish your dog from the inside out. Your dog’s coat should be shining, and its skin should be blemish-free. Ultimately, we think it will work wonders for dogs with various allergies.
Pros
Made with easy-to-digest whitefish
Full of natural oils for skin and coat health
Fibrous grains
Cons
Low protein
Suppose your dog has a sensitive belly and doesn’t handle certain ingredients very well. In that case, Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult is a fantastic wet dog food and the best hypoallergenic dog food for the money that can be used in combination with dry kibble or stand-alone. It targets skin and stomach issues explicitly to create dietary wellness.
Made with easy-to-digest whitefish
Full of natural oils for skin and coat health
Fibrous grains
- Made with easy-to-digest whitefish
- Full of natural oils for skin and coat health
- Fibrous grains
Low protein
- Low protein
Main Ingredients: Salmon
Recipe Type: Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Calories: 467 per can/ 1,266 per pack
Protein: 7.0%
Fat: 5.0%
Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 78.0%
Salmon is an easily digestible protein that is full of Omega fatty acids. These acids nourish the brain, immune system, and skin. It tends to soothe the system more than some common proteins and can make a world of difference for hotspots and irritation.
In one can, there are 467 calories. To create a better digestive experience, the moisture works to hydrate your dog’s system and lubricate the digestive tract. The extra flavor can work well if your dog has any appetite issues. It’s meaty and savory—sure to appeal.
We think this is a steal of a deal, but it might get pricier if you’re feeding a large dog a standalone wet diet. Luckily, the same recipe is available in dry kibble if you want to alternate or mix.
Pros
Tailored for sensitive stomachs and skin
Tons of moisture
Affordable
Cons
Gets more expensive with larger dogs
If your dog benefits from a hydrolyzed diet, we could recommend nothing better than Royal Canin Veterinary Diet. This single protein dog food contains chicken broken down into microscopic bits for easy digestion. The entire bag targets tolerance, working to bypass the system.
Tailored for sensitive stomachs and skin
Tons of moisture
Affordable
- Tailored for sensitive stomachs and skin
- Tons of moisture
- Affordable
Gets more expensive with larger dogs
- Gets more expensive with larger dogs
Main Ingredients: Chicken
Recipe Type: Hydrolyzed
Calories: 332 per cup/ 3,856 per bag
Protein: 19.5%
Fat: 17.5%
Fiber: 3.1%
Moisture: 10.0%
One downside to this dog food is that it does have a lower percentage of protein, which could cause some dogs to lose muscle mass.
In one serving, there are 332 calories, which is a friendly number for overweight pups and healthy adults alike. The protein content is low, measuring 19.5%, while the fat is 17.5%. This helps reduce the irritant while adding the fats and oils necessary to improve skin, muscle, and coat health.
This recipe is pretty pricey compared to others, but it has proven benefits—and Royal Canin researches its recipes exhaustively. So, it might be worth the extra money if it works for your dog’s allergy.
Pros
Hydrolyzed proteins bypass the system
Well-balanced ingredients
Single protein source
Cons
Pricey
Low protein, high fat
We think that Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Pork is an excellent pick for an allergy-stricken puppy. Since it’s all life stages, your dog can enjoy this recipe well into their adult years without changing. We think if you find something that works, it’s best to stick with it.
Hydrolyzed proteins bypass the system
Well-balanced ingredients
Single protein source
- Hydrolyzed proteins bypass the system
- Well-balanced ingredients
- Single protein source
Pricey
Low protein, high fat
- Pricey
- Low protein, high fat
Main Ingredients: Pork meal, pork, whole-grain barley, whole-grain oats
Recipe Type: Single protein, gut health
Calories: 402 per cup/ 3,590 per bag
Protein: 24.0%
Fat: 14.0%
Fiber: 4.2%
Moisture: 10.0%
This recipe has everything you need for a growing pup—high protein, live probiotics, and low glycemic ingredients. This recipe has a single source of protein—pork—as not to confuse the system.
The carbohydrates in this recipe are easily digestible, consisting of oats, barley, and rye. In one serving, there are 402 calories. The protein content is low to moderate, measuring 24.0%. Plus, there are 600 million CFU/lb. of probiotics to support the gut.
This recipe works for so many pooches—puppies to seniors, diabetic dogs, and protein-sensitive canines. However, the recipe won’t work for some allergy issues, especially if they can’t eat pork
Pros
All life stages
Perfectly digestible
One protein source
Cons
Won’t work for all allergies
- Brother’s Complete Ultra Premium Dog Food — Best Grain-Free
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Main Ingredients: Lamb meal, dried whole eggs, turkey meal
Recipe Type: Advanced Allergy Care, Grain-Free
Calories: 300 per cup/ 3,640 per bag
Protein: 30.0%
Fat: 15.0%
Fiber: 4.0%
Moisture: 10.0%
If your dog has a grain allergy, we love Brothers Complete Ultra Premium Dog Food. Not only does this recipe combat grain allergies, but many others, too. We want to be upfront—we don’t recommend grain-free unless your dog is allergic to gluten.
All life stages
Perfectly digestible
One protein source
- All life stages
- Perfectly digestible
- One protein source
Won’t work for all allergies
- Won’t work for all allergies
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Main Ingredients: Lamb meal, dried whole eggs, turkey meal
Recipe Type: Advanced Allergy Care, Grain-Free
Calories: 300 per cup/ 3,640 per bag
Protein: 30.0%
Fat: 15.0%
Fiber: 4.0%
Moisture: 10.0%
This recipe is incredibly tailored for dogs with multiple allergies—not just one small group. It uses healthy, well-researched ingredients to soothe the system. But what we loved is that it didn’t skip out on other essential elements.
The first few ingredients put the primary focus on protein, offering lamb meal, dried whole egg, and turkey meal. In total, it consists of 30.0% protein which is a favorable amount. It trumps other recipes we reviewed in animal content.
Even though it has high protein, it has 300 calories per cup. So, it’s perfectly crafted for healthy adults to obese ones. However, many vets don’t recommend grain-free dogwood unless a grain allergy is present—so speak with your vet.
Pros
Grain-free for gluten-sensitive pooches
Complete, high-protein recipe
Works for multiple allergy troubles
Cons
Not all dogs benefit from grain-free
If you want to try an exotic protein, check out Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet. It contains deboned alligator, the first ingredient that might be a new protein you’ve never seen listed on dog food. Alligator is very lean in the nutrient-dense type of protein that is great for dogs with allergies.
Grain-free for gluten-sensitive pooches
Complete, high-protein recipe
Works for multiple allergy troubles
- Grain-free for gluten-sensitive pooches
- Complete, high-protein recipe
- Works for multiple allergy troubles
Not all dogs benefit from grain-free
- Not all dogs benefit from grain-free
Main Ingredients: Deboned alligator, peas, pea starch, alligator meal
Recipe Type: Novel Protein, Grain-free
Calories: 372 per cup, 3,568 per bag
Protein: 22.0%
Fat: 14.0%
Fiber: 6.0%
Moisture: 10.0%
This delicious kibble is crafted with a series of antioxidant-packed nutrients. It gets the protein from added peas, which also accounts for carbohydrates. The protein content is a little low, but other nutritious ingredients make up for that.
In one serving, there is a modest 372 calories. Protein lands around 22.0% and fat is 14.0%. Plus, there’s lots of extra fiber for smooth digestion. It contains alligator and alligator meals for twice the flavor and nutrient benefit.
This recipe also adds nutrient-rich blueberry and cranberry to aid in immune health and urinary tract function. If your vet is working with you to find a suitable diet for your pup’s allergy, this prescription diet. However, this particular recipe is not available without a prescription.
Pros
Contains novel protein
Ideal for grain allergies
Aids in the bladder and digestive health
Cons
Requires prescription
- JustFoodforDogs Sampler Pack
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Main Ingredients: Varies by recipe
Recipe Type: Fresh, human-grade
Calories: N/A
Protein: 5.0-10.0%
Fat: 1.0-7.0%
Fiber: 1.5-3.0%
Moisture: 69.0-82.0%
If you’re new to the world of fresh dog food, this is a great little sampler to get you started. Most dogs show drastic improvement in energy levels and coat health. These ingredients are much cleaner than a more processed diet. Introducing the JustFoodforDogs Sampler Variety Pack.
Contains novel protein
Ideal for grain allergies
Aids in the bladder and digestive health
- Contains novel protein
- Ideal for grain allergies
- Aids in the bladder and digestive health
Requires prescription
- Requires prescription
Main Ingredients: Varies by recipe
Recipe Type: Fresh, human-grade
Calories: N/A
Protein: 5.0-10.0%
Fat: 1.0-7.0%
Fiber: 1.5-3.0%
Moisture: 69.0-82.0%
All of the contents ship frozen, so the items stay entirely fresh. You can thaw the individual packs as needed during feeding time. Whether you choose to use the packages as standalone diets or add them to your dog’s favorite kibble, they’re sure to enhance the vitality of any canine.
All the fresh ingredients are human-grade so you can rest easy knowing you’re only giving the best nutrition for your pup. Each recipe has slightly different protein, fat, fiber, and moisture content.
We love that you can see all of the ingredients that go into the food. This reassures the consumer that your dog is getting the proper nutrition. Plus, it will enhance any pup’s appetite no matter how picky they might be. Some owners might have qualms about fresh food due to potential foodborne illness, so speak with your vet for any questions.
Pros
Readily available fresh food
Human-grade ingredients
Flavor variety
Cons
Risks associated with fresh dog food
Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains provides a comprehensive recipe that will work so well for active dogs. Due to the high fat, protein, and carbs, this recipe isn’t the best for low-energy or overweight dogs. However, it’s all life stages—good for all active pooches.
Readily available fresh food
Human-grade ingredients
Flavor variety
- Readily available fresh food
- Human-grade ingredients
- Flavor variety
Risks associated with fresh dog food
- Risks associated with fresh dog food
Main Ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, ocean fish meal
Recipe Type: Everyday Health
Calories: 413 per cup/ 3,640 per bag
Protein: 30.0%
Fat: 15.0%
Fiber: 3.0%
Moisture: 10.0%
Taste of the Wild aims to provide recipes that cater to every aspect of canine health. This recipe does use ancient grains like grain sorghum and millet. There are also live probiotics in every bite to nourish gut health.
This is a more aligned recipe with natural canine health baked into a solid kibble. Our dogs enjoyed the flavors and did very well with overall skin health and vitality.
This food won’t work for you if you have an overweight or grain-sensitive dog.
Pros
Excellent for active dogs
Rich protein source
Live probiotics and easy-to-digest grains
Cons
High-calorie, high fat
Not for overweight dogs
Not for gluten-sensitive dogs
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food
If you’re searching for a recipe for your allergy-stricken or sensitive pooch, you might want to know a little bit more about allergies and how they are managed.
Excellent for active dogs
Rich protein source
Live probiotics and easy-to-digest grains
- Excellent for active dogs
- Rich protein source
- Live probiotics and easy-to-digest grains
High-calorie, high fat
Not for overweight dogs
Not for gluten-sensitive dogs
- High-calorie, high fat
- Not for overweight dogs
- Not for gluten-sensitive dogs
Also, learning more about how dog food is constructed can let you sift through ingredients on formulas to find the best fit. If your dog requires a prescription diet, make sure to get a recommendation from your veterinarian before trying to purchase it.
Type of Allergy
Allergies are different for every dog. They’re going to be numerous triggers, both food and environmental. Narrowing down the problem is probably the trickiest part. After that, a series of care management can ensue, keeping your dog as healthy as possible in given circumstances.
Hydrolyzed Protein
Hydrolyzed proteins are those that have been reduced to microscopic size. When the protein is broken down this much, it bypasses the system, essentially overriding the allergy.
Novel Protein
Novel proteins are animal sources that your dog has never been introduced to before. Novel protein sources will differ depending on where you fall on the map, but most generally, you might see:
Venison
Bison
Duck
Rabbit
Alligator
Lamb
Limited Ingredient Diet
Knowing your dog’s triggers, it is incredibly important to know what recipes to avoid and which to try. You might have to shop around for limited-ingredient diets as each one is crafted a bit differently. Limited-ingredient diets use formulas that use as few ingredients as possible while still maintaining necessary nutritional profiles.
- Venison
- Bison
- Duck
- Rabbit
- Alligator
- Lamb
Grain-Free
While it is rare for dogs to have grain allergies, it’s possible. If your dog is one of those dogs, finding an appropriate grain-free diet that promotes a healthy heart is significant. According to studies, certain grain-free diets have been linked to cardiomyopathy.
Please work with your veterinarian to determine what the best dog food option is for you or make the recipe of your choice run by them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a completely balanced diet that suits mild allergy problems, we love Wellness Complete Health. It is a complete, easily digestible recipe with healthy grains to nourish the most sensitive pups. It has comprehensive ingredients that are responsibly sourced—we think you’ll love it.
If you were looking to save a few bucks, try Purina Pro Plan instead. You decide that this wet food recipe will work beautifully as a standalone or topper. It’s specifically designed for sensitive stomach and skin—so you can clear up your buddy’s issues for good.
We sure hope you enjoyed these reviews, but don’t take our word for it. With almost any allergy problem, it’s best to get your vet’s opinion or even a prescription. So, make sure not to buy based on assumptions and follow professional guidance. Happy shopping.
See also: Top 30 Most Popular Hypoallergenic Dogs
Featured Image Credit: Tienuskin, Shutterstock
