The 15 Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies (Vet Approved Review)

Skin allergies in pups are rare and difficult to pinpoint. It’s hard to ignore the symptoms, whether it’s diarrhea or dermatitis, and watching your sweetheart in distress is painful. The worst thing is that it may be the food your dog has enjoyed for years, and it can be any ingredient in that kibble or canned food.

The best health solution is to change their food to one expertly designed to prevent allergic reactions. Dog food manufacturers are becoming more aware of potential health issues, and almost every quality brand has a product line designed for pups with skin-irritating allergies or food sensitivities.

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At a Glance: Our TOP-3 Picks

If cooking for your dog is off the cards, then purchasing food that does not cause adverse skin reactions is a clear challenge. We have collected some of the best dog foods for pups with skin allergies, including a winner that will not cost a fortune.

Products	Benefits	Links
Our TOP-1 Rated	1. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Dog Food This kibble features a probiotic boost to aid with digestion, an increased amount of omega acids for healthy skin and shiny coat, as well as more antioxidants to keep a healthy immune system — and all ingredients are sourced from verified farmers.	Check Price
#1 Pick for Small Dogs	2. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food This dog food contains key nutrients that nourish the skin and fur for a beautiful shine, and strengthen the skin barrier.	Check Price
#1 Pick for Small Dogs	3. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Joint & Coat Care Dry Dog Food This nutritious kibble contains collagen to help maintain sturdy bones and features scientifically based calorie count to keep your pooch’s weight under control.	Check Price

The Best Food for Dogs with Skin Allergies Reviews

1. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Our TOP-1 Rated

Rating: 5 / 5

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Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry dog ​​food comes with animal protein to provide complete and balanced nutrition full of key elements your pooch pal needs throughout his life. The kibble is crafted with farm-raised chicken as the main ingredient for strong muscles. 

Features:

• Contains animal protein.
• The main ingredient is farm-raised chicken.
• Features an exclusive combination of probiotics.
• Comes with an increased amount of omega acids.
• No corn, wheat, artificial additives, and preservatives.

This is one of the best foods for dog allergies that I have seen in a long time.  There are many ingredients so less for your pet to be allergic too and contains many wonderful supplements to help your dog’s skin.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

2. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

#1 Pick for Small Dogs

Rating: 4.9 / 5

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Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Kibble is vet-recommended dry food for hounds with skin allergies. It helps reduce skin and gastrointestinal reactions that may be a result of food sensitivities. The kibble is expertly formulated for small breeds. It contains real chicken and antioxidants to promote better immunity.

You will love knowing that this recipe is backed up by decades of advanced research, and your pooch pal will love the taste of every bite!

Features:

• Contains real chicken.
• Comes with omega fatty acids to keep the skin and coat noticeably shiny and healthy.
• Features antioxidants to promote better immunity.
• Provides optimal nutrition and good taste.
• Full of useful nutrients.
• No soy, corn, wheat, and artificial colors.

This is a great diet for small dogs as they have small mouths this diet comes with smaller kibbles. 

Dr. Sara Ochoa

3. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Joint & Coat Care Dry Dog Food

#1 Pick for Large Breed

Rating: 4.8 / 5

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If you have a big dog, you should take care of his joints. Royal Canin Joint & Coat Care Kibble is expertly designed for large dogs’ joint health.

Depending on your dog’s preferences, it can be mixed with canned food. The Royal Canin formulated this dry food with all-natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. This food offers complete nourishment, which rounds up nutritional needs. Pet parents are happy to feed their pups regularly with this food.

Features:

• Weight-control recipe.
• Premium natural ingredients with high health benefits.
• Comes with collagen to help maintain sturdy bones.
• Can be mixed with canned food.

This diet is great for larger dogs as it not only helps the skin but also their joints.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

4. WholeHearted Grain Free Skin and Coat Care Kibble

Pick for Pitbulls

Rating: 4.7 / 5

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WholeHearted Grain Free Skin and Coat Care Kibble provides balanced food, from which your dog will benefit health-wise. There are no by-products, artificial additives, or preservatives. Your sensitive pet will like to get this in every meal and become happy. 

This product includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which will support your pooch’s skin and coat. The formula is also enriched with all the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs to stay healthy, so it fulfills the total nutrient-rich requirements of a daily meal.

Features:

• Grain-free recipe.
• Salmon protein helps reduce possible allergic reactions.
• Contains Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals.
• No by-products, artificial additives or preservatives.

5. Nutri-Vet Shed Defense for Dogs

Pick for Pitbulls

Rating: 4.5 / 5

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Nutri-Vet Shed Defense for Dogs ensures complete and balanced nutrition for your fluffy buddy. This recipe is a perfect option if your pup possesses a sensitive case. It is purposefully crafted to satisfy the nutritional needs of your pooch’s daily meal. The blend of vitamins and minerals keep your cuddly companion safe from various diseases.

This kibble is formulated to provide canines with the nutrition and energy they need to live a full life. It comes with salmon oil as a good source of omega fatty acids that help to get a soft, silky, and lustrous coat. 

Features:

• Contains salmon oil.
• Features zinc for the proper formation of the epidermis.
• Full of useful nutrients.
• Features fatty acids.
• Crafted with antioxidants to boost your pooch’s immunity.
• No artificial additives or preservatives.

6. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Pick for German Shepherds

Rating: 4.7 / 5

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If your pooch pal has a sensitive stomach or food allergies, Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula Grain-Free Kibble is a great option for him. This hypoallergenic food contains a lot of protein from salmon as the primary ingredient. It is full of fresh fruits and veggies like lentils, peas, pumpkin, blueberries, and papaya that provide vitamins and minerals to help boost the immune system. 

Also, this product is packed with probiotics for optimal nutrition and digestive support for German Shepherds. Help your fluffy buddy grow happy and healthy with Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula Grain-Free Kibble.

Features:

• Grain-free recipe.
• Comes with a lot of protein from salmon as the primary ingredient.
• Contains fresh fruits and veggies.
• Packed with probiotics for optimal nutrition and digestive support.
• Contains omega fatty acid.
• Features hypoallergenic ingredients.
• No corn, wheat, artificial additives.

7. Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Defense Canine Dog Food

Our Pick for Bulldogs

Rating: 4.7 / 5

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Your pooch pal deserves delicious and wholesome food, and this product from Hill’s is a great choice. This formula features the ideal balance of vitamins and minerals to keep the skin and coat shiny and healthy. 

From fleas to dust in your home, environmental irritants are everywhere. For some hounds, these irritants can cause a skin condition that leads to excessive scratching. However, many of these dogs can benefit from the right kibble. Hill’s specialists developed this recipe that is designed to help strengthen the skin barrier and normalize responses to various environmental irritants.

Features:

• Contains Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals.
• No by-products, artificial additives or preservatives.

The studies done with this diet are very good.  It really has been shown to help the skin and also has many wonderful added supplements to make your dog’s skin and coat happy and healthy.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

8. Farmina Natural & Delicious Quinoa Functional Skin and Coat Venison Coconut and Turmeric Adult Dry Dog Food

Our Pick for Golden Retrievers

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This kibble from Farmina comes with organic quinoa and other healthy ingredients. The manufacturer’s goal is to fuel a dog’s overall well-being through complete and balanced nutrition. 

If your pooch pal has food sensitivities or skin allergies, this product will help him stay away from such health problems. Also, this perfect recipe is loaded with amino acids, minerals, and natural antioxidants. Fill your pooch’s bowl with tasty food made from quality ingredients.

Features:

• Includes organic quinoa and other useful ingredients.
• Gluten-free.
• Grain-free.
• Full of amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants.
• No by-products and artificial preservatives.

9. Go! Solutions Skin and Coat Care Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food

Our Pick for Dachshunds

Rating: 4.5 / 5

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Your fluffy family member deserves delicious food made with high-quality ingredients. This product is crafted with protein from salmon as the primary ingredient. It provides your pet with key amino and omega acids to maintain healthy skin and shiny coat. 

Plus, this food contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives and has a single source of animal protein, which makes this kibble a perfect choice. And since limited does not mean saving on taste or nutrition, each bite is packed with useful ingredients such as lentils, apples, and carrots, as well as probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Features:

• Contains a single source of animal protein.
• The main ingredient is salmon.
• Loaded with probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• No corn, wheat, artificial additives and preservatives.

10. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice

#1 Pick for Labs

Rating: 4.3 / 5

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AvoDerm Natural is a perfect choice for Labs. It contains useful ingredients, which are easy to digest. If your cuddly companion has a sensitive stomach, then decide on this kibble. Also, it includes antioxidants to boost your pooch’s immunity.

AvoDerm Natural is purposefully crafted to contain high-quality fats and oils. The right proportion of nutrients is essential to maintaining your pooch’s skin health. Sometimes a shortage or excess of certain nutrients can lead to thin or rough fur. Avocado oil will help support the skin and coat from the inside to protect pet’s needs.

Features:

• Convenient kibble size.
• Premium natural ingredients with high health benefits.
• Well-balanced nutrition.
• Supports the healthy immune function.
• No corn, wheat, soy or artificial additives included.

This one may be a little pricey but contains many great ingredients to help your dog’s skin look happy and healthy.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

11. Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula Adult Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Great for Labs

Rating: 4.5 / 5

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If your pup has food-related skin sensitivities, this product from Diamond is a great choice. This expertly designed recipe comes with peas and salmon as a single source of animal protein that helps limit the ingredients that can cause adverse skin reactions. 

Each bite also contains omega fatty acids that are beneficial to fur and skin health. Enriched with vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics to aid with digestion, it occupies a complete and balanced diet for grown dogs. When you give this kibble to your pup, he receives the skin-nourishing food your pet needs to unlock his potential to thrive, with the delicious salmon flavor he will love.

Features:

• Contains hydrolyzed salmon as the main ingredient.
• Comes with omega fatty acids to keep the skin and coat noticeably shiny and healthy.
• Features antioxidants to promote better immunity.
• Provides optimal nutrition and good taste.
• Full of useful nutrients.
• No soy, corn, wheat, and artificial additives included.

12. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

Pick for Boxers

Rating: 4.7 / 5

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Satisfy your pup’s dietary needs with Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Kibble. Purposefully designed for grown-up hounds, this limited-ingredient nutrition can help minimize food sensitivities, supports a healthy digestive process, and provides your pooch pal with natural nutrition. 

Offering an excellent taste filled with nutrients that enhance metabolism, each bite is loaded with the optimal amount of omega fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins to guarantee a soft, radiant coat. In addition to this, this formula is gluten-free and contains no wheat, corn, soy, and other artificial additives.

Features:

• The limited-ingredient recipe helps reduce possible allergic reactions.
• Contains Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals.
• No wheat, corn, soy, artificial additives or preservatives.
• Gluten-free.

This food has few ingredients to help your dog not have skin allergies.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

13. Purina ProPlan Focus Sensitive Stomach

Great for Schnauzer

Rating: 4.4 / 5

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This canned food from Purina features a good combination of affordable price and high quality. This formula is not just great because it is the perfect nutrition for hounds with sensitive stomachs or skin-irritating food allergies; it is an excellent option because salmon, as the first ingredient, contains DHA. It is omega fatty acid that boosts cognitive development.

Also, there are many minerals and vitamins from which your fur baby will benefit health-wise. While many manufacturers use by-products or artificial additives, this one avoids this practice. 

Features:

• The first ingredient is salmon.
• Omega fatty acids help grow healthy skin and shiny fur.
• Contains many minerals and vitamins.
• Not limited ingredient contains other fish as well.
• No by-products and artificial additives.
• Pet parents may use this wet food in addition to Purina Pro Plan kibble or as a complete and balanced diet.

Some dogs have sensitive skin and a sensitive stomach.  This diet will help with both.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

14. Nature’s Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe Adult Dog Food

Our #1 Pick for Shih Tzu

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Each ingredient is important and enhances the overall health and well-being of your sweetheart. This vegetarian formula for healthy skin consists of protein-rich soybean meal to help support strong muscles, and omega fatty acids from canola oil to nourish the skin and fur for a beautiful shine. 

Also, this recipe comes with carrots that provide beta-carotene. It helps keep your pup healthy inside and out.

Features:

• Vegetarian recipe.
• Comes with protein-rich soybean meal.
• Includes carrots that provide beta-carotene.
• Contains omega fatty acids from canola oil.
• Features hypoallergenic ingredients.
• No corn, wheat, artificial additives.

15. Purina One SmartBlend Dry Dog Food 

Cheaper Recommendation

Rating: 4.8 / 5

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Purina ONE will not put a dent in your bank balance, and even pet parents with a shoestring budget can afford it. This kibble contains vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that will round up nutritional needs. It is protein-rich dry food made from natural meat to give your fur baby a meaty taste and support its strong muscles. The manufacturing company strives to design well-balanced food choosing high-quality ingredients.

This kibble boasts an antioxidant blend of vitamins E and A that will help keep your family friend healthy. Plus, this manufacturer avoids using a by-product meal.

Features:

• No corn, wheat, artificial preservatives or soy included.
• Natural ingredients with high health benefits.
• Features Omega 3 and Omega 6 for a radiant coat.
• Contains glucosamine to support hip and joint health.

For people who need a cheaper option, this is a great diet to feed that will help with skin allergies.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

Buying Guide on Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies (Vet Advice)

If your pet has skin allergies, feeding one of these great diets will help their skin allergies be much better. These foods are often filled with many great supplements to benefit the skin. If your family friend continues to have skin issues despite the change in diet, it is great to see your vet to make sure that there is no underlying medical issue causing your pet to have signs of skin allergies.

Signs of Skin Allergies in Dogs

Our pets may often present with an allergic reaction to their skin. These are some very common signs that we see in dogs who have skin allergies.

• Itchiness.
• Hives.
• Itchy ears.
• Chronic ear infections.
• Swelling of their face, ears, lips, eyelids, or ear flaps.
• Red, inflamed skin.
• Sneezing.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Itchy, runny eyes.
• Constant licking.

The most typical sign of a skin reaction is that the skin has become red and irritated. Sometimes a mild rash will form. Even though skin irritation is the most common sign, it is also the hardest to pinpoint precisely where the allergen came from; it could come from almost anywhere. A skin reaction could be from something your pet touched, but it also could be something they ate or even something your family friend inhaled.

A more severe skin reaction is hair loss. This is often associated with low-quality food, fleas, or parasites like Demodex, but it can even signify much more severe disease. Thyroid diseases are common in pets and can make your pet very itchy.

If hair loss is seen in your pet at any time, it is recommended to have your pet examined by your veterinarian, as sometimes these allergic reactions can become life-threatening. Like with people, your pet may develop a runny nose or sneeze very often due to their allergens. Watery eyes and itchy or infected ears may also occur due to allergies.

What causes skin allergies in dogs?

Skin allergies can be caused by many things.  A few common reasons that your pet has skin allergies are due to:

• Fleas
• Environmental allergies such as pollen, dust,or mold
• Food Allergens
• Mites

If your dog has skin allergies, it is best to take it to the vet. They can see if the skin allergies are due to a medical issue that can easily be corrected with medication.

Common things found in food that your dog may be allergic to:

These are different things that may be found in food that will cause them to have skin allergies.

• Artificial ingredients, including any flavoring, chemical preservatives, or coloring.
• Food Dyes.
• Fillers.
• Meat by-products.
• Beef.
• Dairy.
• Wheat.
• Eggs.
• Chicken.
• Lamb.
• Soy.

When looking for a brand for your pet with skin allergies, try to find one that does not have any of these ingredients. Some of these diets in this review contain a minimal number of components and are great for dogs suffering from allergies.

Is Lamb good for dogs with skin allergies?

Yes, Lamb is an excellent protein to feed your dog if they have skin allergies. If your pet has skin allergies, it is perfect for trying a diet that is not chicken or beef, as it is one of the most common food allergies dogs have. A prevalent protein that many vets recommend is Lamb, duck, rabbit, or venison.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

Can dog food help with skin allergies?

The food that you are feeding your dog can help with their allergies.  By making sure that you are feeding a high-quality food that contains Omega fatty acids or other skin supplements, you can help decrease the skin allergies.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

What can I do for my dog to give the relief for skin allergies?

There are many things that you can make sure are included in the diet and many things that you can do for your dog that will help with skin allergies.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

Image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay

READ MORE: Why does my dog smell so bad?

Food Specifically for Skin Allergies

Different foods will help your dog’s allergies. These foods are designed, such as those in this review, to be great for your family or friend with skin allergies. Most of these diets contain Omega 3 fatty acids and are great at repairing the damaged skin layer.

Supplements to Help with Skin Allergies

Many supplements are aimed at helping dogs with skin issues. Many of these are sold over the counter at your local pet store or favorite online pet retail store. These supplements contain Omega fatty acids, Fish oils, or even CBD products. In the past few years, CBD has been explored for use in dogs for skin allergies, and CBD has been shown to help decrease inflammation and help repair the natural skin barrier. If your pet has skin allergies, it would be great to find a tasty treat that also helps with their allergies.

Oatmeal Baths

A soothing oatmeal bath will help calm the skin. You can even spread coconut oil over their irritated skin to help their itching, too. Coconut oil also has the added benefit of being safe for your dog to lick if they should. They may even soothe their upset stomach, too.

Your first line of defense for your dog’s skin allergies is to ensure they are getting bathed fairly regularly to wash off any allergens they are coming into contact with without you knowing. You can manage the symptoms of a stomach allergy with a high-quality diet like those found in the food review, and a limited-ingredient diet mixed with some probiotics will also help.

Topical Cream and Sprays

There are topical creams and sprays that you can buy over the counter to help ease your dog’s skin. Many of these contain a steroid or antihistamine to help soothe the skin. Also, applying a heating or cooling compress can give some relief to your dog, too. Some vets even recommend you give your dog Benadryl or other over-the-counter allergy medication. It is usually recommended to give 1 mg per pound of body weight. So, a 25-pound dog will take one 25 mg adult tablet. It is always great to check with your vet before giving your pet any over-the-counter medication to ensure that this medication will not cause any adverse effects with the medication they are already taking.

Take Your Dog to the Vet

Your first step may be to try some home remedies for skin allergies. This is a very reasonable first step as long as your medication is safe for your dog. If your pet does not seem to improve after a few days or continues to get worse, you need to take your dog to the vet. Some skin allergies have become skin infections and may require antibiotics or antifungals to help clear the skin.

Your vet can prescribe your dog prescription allergy medication such as Apoquel or Cytopoint to help with his allergies. They can also send you home with medicated shampoos if they feel that will help more than over-the-counter shampoos.

You will need to call the vet or take him directly to a pet emergency clinic if your pet is showing any signs such as straining to breathe, vomiting profusely, or if their face is swelling. If you are just not sure if your dog needs to be seen, then call your vet and get some advice. It is better to be safe than sorry because allergic reactions can end your dog’s life. You can never be too careful.

How Do I Know What My Dog Is Allergic too?

There is a blood test that can be done to help figure out what your dog is allergic too. These tests can sometimes be costly. If you think your dog may have a food allergy, you can switch its diet to something different and see if this will stop all of its skin problems. If allergic to something in their environment, such as pollen, giving them frequent baths will help decrease their skin allergies.

Dr. Sara Ochoa

Final Thoughts

Skin allergies can be very time consuming and frustrating to treat. There is not just one thing that your dog can take, and their food allergies are cleared for the rest of their life. Many skin allergies are lifestyle changes, and they can still have flare-ups of their allergies during severe allergy times. Working with your vet to find the proper routine for your family friend is excellent. Feeding one of these foods will help decrease the chance of skin allergies and help your pet live a happy and healthy life.

READ MORE: How to give medicine to a dog?

FAQ