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What Are The Most Common Dog Food Allergens?

Like humans, our furry friends can develop intolerances or allergies to certain ingredients in their dog food or treats. The most common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy products, and wheat. Some dogs also have adverse food reactions to soy, corn, eggs, and various preservatives. But every dog is different, so there’s a long list of ingredients that could be causing your pup’s symptoms. 

In canines, food intolerances or allergies cause either a cutaneous immune response or digestive problems (or sometimes both). Common symptoms include:

• Itchy skin, paws, or ears
• Hives
• Skin and ear infections
• Facial swelling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive gas

Ingredients To Look For In Hypoallergenic Treats

In many cases, over-exposure to common proteins, such as beef or chicken, can be the culprit. So you may want to consider treats containing an alternative animal protein, such as salmon, duck, venison, turkey, or lamb. The best dog allergy treats have limited ingredients and are all-natural with no fillers or artificial preservatives or flavors. Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind when searching for hypo allergenic dog treats:

• Novel animal proteins
• Limited ingredients
• No fillers or artificial ingredients
• Avoid wheat and dairy products
• Easily digestible carbohydrates (oats, barley, sweet potatoes, etc.)

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

We’ve chosen all of our treat recommendations based on the type and quality of ingredients, company reputation, pricing, customer feedback, and other factors.

Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Biscuits

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These budget-friendly Blue Buffalo Basics treats feature real salmon as the first ingredient and easy-to-digest grains, including oatmeal and brown rice. Fortified with flaxseed (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), they’re excellent dog treats for skin allergies. They pack a high-protein punch with no chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs included. These oven-baked crunchy biscuits also contain no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients. And they get fantastic reviews from parents of allergy-prone pups.

Ingredients: Salmon, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Potato, Potato Protein, Flaxseed, Cane Molasses, Carrots, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Canola Oil, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Oil of Rosemary, and Vitamin E Supplement

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Best For Small Dogs: Natural Balance Rewards Venison & Sweet Potato

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Looking for treats with a novel animal protein? Venison is the only protein source in these grain- and gluten-free Natural Balance treats. Crafted for smaller jaws, these limited-ingredient crunchy treats are low-fat and only eight calories. Most customers say their dogs love the taste and do well with skin and tummy symptoms on these treats. These treats are also available in bison, duck, lamb, fish, and other tasty recipes.

Ingredients: Potatoes, Potato Protein, Sweet Potato, Cane Molasses, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Venison, Natural Flavor, Salt, and Rosemary Extract

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Best For Large Dogs: Open Farm Dehydrated Cod Skins

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Taking limited ingredients to the ultimate level, these Open Farm chews for dogs with allergies are 100% cod skins and nothing else. They’re made with fish that’s wild-caught using only Ocean Wise-approved sustainable fishing practices at responsible fisheries.

These high-protein, low-fat treats are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and overall wellness. Many large dogs love the crispy texture, but plenty of smaller dogs enjoy them as well. And pup parents say they’re not stinky. The only downside? They are quite expensive. But Open Farm is an excellent pet food brand that’s committed to humane and eco-friendly practices.

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Full Open Farm Dog Food Review

Best Meat-Free: Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Biscuits

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If you prefer giving your pup animal protein-free treats, these all-natural pumpkin biscuits are a hit with small and large dogs alike. They’re hand-crafted with human-grade, U.S.-sourced ingredients (no grain or gluten) and twice-baked for a light, crunchy texture. Pumpkin is an excellent fiber source and supports healthy digestion. We also love that the Portland Pet Food Company donates 5% of net profits to local non-profit animal shelters and programs.

Ingredients: Garbanzo Bean Flour, 100% Natural Pumpkin, 100% Natural Peanut Butter, Molasses, and Cinnamon

Our Experience

“Our 2 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a meat sensitivity and we got these treats for him and he’s obsessed. They are by far his favorite treat and we feel good knowing that he’s not having any ingredients that will trigger his food allergies. They’re hard to break, so not the best for using for training purposes, but they make for a nice after-dinner snack or something when we need him to focus since it takes a little time for him to chew through it.”

– Sadie C., Canine Journal

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More Top Treats For Dogs With Allergies

Here are six other top-rated hypoallergenic dog treats you may want to consider, including dental chews and CBD treats.

Cadet Gourmet Sweet Potato & Duck Wraps

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A fantastic chewy choice for dogs of all sizes, these Cadet Gourmet wraps contain real duck and vitamin-rich sweet potatoes with none of the usual allergen suspects. They’re high in protein and low in fat for a healthy and tasty snack. And customers say their pups absolutely love the taste (even picky pooches). While they’re made in China, they’re inspected and tested in the U.S. to ensure high-quality standards.

Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Duck, Vegetable Glycerin, Salt, Sugar, Glucose, Sodium Metabisulfite (to promote color retention), and Citric Acid

Price

• Starting at: $11.98 (14-oz bag)

Smart Cookie Rabbit & Pumpkin Treats

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These Smart Cookie dog allergy treats get overall excellent reviews from pup parents. Crafted by a family-owned U.S. company, they’re made in small batches using regionally sourced natural and grain-free ingredients. Featuring real rabbit and pumpkin, these bite-sized and soft chews are perfect to use for training and rewards. They’re high in protein and fiber but are low-fat and only seven calories each.

Ingredients: Rabbit, Pumpkin, Lentils, Vegetable Glycerin, Vinegar, Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols (a source of Vitamin E), and Rosemary Extract

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Merrick Power Bites Real Salmon Recipe

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Another excellent soft training-treat option, Merrick Power Bites come in a variety of proteins, but we recommend the salmon recipe (or rabbit) for dogs with food allergies. The ingredients aren’t quite as limited as some other hypoallergenic treats, but they’re grain-free and include omega fatty acids for skin health as well as healthy sources of vitamins and minerals. They’re also only five calories per chew.

Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Protein, Potato Starch, Organic Cane Molasses, Vegetable Glycerin, Brown Sugar, Cultured Whey, Sunflower Lecithin, Gelatin, Flaxseed, Safflower Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Citric Acid (a preservative), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Natural Smoke Flavor, Carrots, Apples, Blueberries, and Rosemary Extract

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HempMy Pet Organic Dog Biscuits

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If you’ve considered giving your pup CBD (cannabidiol) as an all-natural remedy for anxiety, chronic pain, or other health issues, you may want to consider these HempMy Pet CBD pumpkin biscuits. Made with no grains and all certified-organic ingredients, they can be an allergy-friendly treat that’s easier to give your dog than CBD oil.

They’re available in two CBD doses, 2mg for smaller dogs and 5mg for larger dogs. They contain HempMy Pet’s full-spectrum CBD extract, which contains less than 0.3% THC, and are safe for doggos. Note: these biscuits contain eggs, which can trigger allergy symptoms in some dogs.

Ingredients: Pumpkin, Garbanzo Bean Flour, Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Apples, Eggs, Unrefined Coconut Oil Infused with Hemp Extract, Mint, Parsley, and Baking Powder

Price

You can save from 5% to 30% if you sign up for auto-shipping with HempMy Pet.

• Starting at: $25 (4-oz bag; 2mg CBD each treat)

Full HempMy Pet Review | CBD Dog Treat Reviews

Pet Honesty Dental Health Fresh Sticks

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Animal protein-free and made with no wheat or other common allergens, these all-natural dog dental sticks could be just the ticket for your sensitive pup. They’re flexible but have a hard texture, grooves, and ridges to help scrape plaque and tartar off your dog’s teeth. They also include enzymes, green tea extract, parsley, and turmeric to reduce odor-causing bacteria.

Pet Honesty is a top-rated pet supplement manufacturer, and we’re big fans of the company’s all-natural products made in an FDA-approved facility in the U.S. They offer an assortment of dog allergy supplements you may want to consider for your pup.

Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, Coconut Glycerin, Chickpea Flour, Tapioca Flour, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Apple, Turmeric, Flaxseed, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, Dried Chicory Root, Green Tea Extract, and Peppermint Oil

Price

You can save 20% if you sign up for auto-shipping with Pet Honesty.

• Starting at: $18.99 (16 sticks)

Full Pet Honesty Review

Pet Craft Supply Water Buffalo Ears

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If your pup isn’t a big fan of fish, Pet Craft Supply’s crispy treats are a fantastic alternative to our top pick for large dogs. Made with 100% free-range, grass-fed water buffalo, these USDA-certified chews are protein-rich but low in fat and calories — a much healthier and allergy-friendly alternative to pig ears. They’re also hormone and antibiotic-free.

Although the company says they’re long-lasting, some customers say some of the chews in the bag are too small for large dogs. So, be sure to supervise your pup when giving him these treats as a choking safety precaution.

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Homemade Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

Try out these limited-ingredient recipes with ingredients you may already have at home to give your pup more variety to mix up with your store-bought treats. For lean protein treats, you can also make your own duck, turkey, or lamb jerky with a food dehydrator.

Frozen Strawberry Banana Treats

These healthy, allergy-friendly frozen treats are incredibly easy to make and will hit the spot on a hot, summer day.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 2 overripe bananas
• 1 cup strawberries

Puree the bananas and strawberries in a food processor. You may need to add a little water to thin out the mixture. Scoop or pour your mixture into a frozen dog treat mold or ice tray. Freeze for at least one hour and then serve to your eager pup.

Source: Homes Alive Pets

Baked Grain-Free Dog Biscuits

These hypoallergenic dog treats replace wheat flour with coconut flour and include tasty fruits your pup is sure to love. They’re also a super healthy source of fiber.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 banana (mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup plain pumpkin puree (no added spices)
• 2 carrots (grated)
• 1 cup water

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and place parchment paper on a large cookie sheet. Blend all ingredients together and roll small amounts of the dough in your hands into fairly flat circles. (Or you can use a roller to flatten out the dough and use a fun bone-shaped cookie cutter.) Bake for 25 minutes. Allow them to completely cool and then refrigerate in an airtight container.

Source: Home & Plate

How Do I Know What’s Causing My Dog’s Allergies?

Unfortunately, dogs can develop intolerances to food ingredients at any point in their lifetime. If your pup has started showing symptoms and you don’t know what’s causing them, you should consult your veterinarian. You may also want to give your pup an at-home dog allergy test. 

These kits test for sensitivity or intolerance to many foods (and environmental allergens) that develop over time. You send a saliva or hair sample to the company’s lab and get results within a few weeks. You can then share these results with your vet to help further narrow down possible causes. Your vet may suggest a diet elimination trial or a change in dog food. Watch the brief video below if you don’t know what an elimination diet involves.

Best Diets & Supplements For Dogs With Allergies

Sometimes, a change in diet can help clear up dog allergy symptoms. Check out our recommendations for the best dog food for allergies and the best dog food for sensitive stomachs to see some premium, all-natural diets that may work for your furry friend. Another way to help your itchy pup is to give him a daily dietary supplement. See our reviews of the best dog allergy supplements for popular and effective options. However, always check with your vet before adding anything new to your pup’s diet.

Tagged With: Allergies, Comparison, Treats