Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies
How to identify food allergies in dogs and which novel proteins and hypoallergenic foods to try.
Common Dog Food Allergens
The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. Contrary to popular belief, grain allergies are less common than protein allergies.
Elimination Diet Protocol
A true elimination diet requires 8-12 weeks of feeding a single novel protein source (one your dog has never eaten) combined with a novel carbohydrate. Venison and potato, rabbit and pea, or duck and sweet potato are common starting points.
Safe Novel Proteins
Venison, rabbit, kangaroo, alligator, bison, and novel fish varieties (herring, whiting) are rarely part of commercial diets and therefore unlikely to be pre-sensitized allergens. Always introduce one new protein at a time.
🚨 If your pet ate something dangerous
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee may apply) or your nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately.