What protein is best for dogs with allergies

Chicken allergy in dogs: Vet reveals everything you need to know

While still fairly uncommon, a chicken allergy in dogs can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including skin rashes and stomach upsets. If your pup is unlucky enough to be among the small percentage of pups with a digestive system that can't tolerate poultry, you're likely wondering what can be done about it.

However, before you go swapping your canine companion over to the best dog food for allergies, it's important to get a proper diagnosis from a vet.

That's because changing dog food needs to be done slowly and carefully to avoid upsetting the balance of bacteria in your dog's intestines. Once you know for sure that a chicken allergy is causing your pup's health complaints you can work with your vet to formulate a plan.

Below, Dr. Catherine Barnette explains the main symptoms of a chicken allergy and shares her favorite prescription foods for dogs who can't eat chicken. Plus, Dr. Hannah Godfrey outlines exactly how your vet will go about testing your fur friend for a chicken allergy so you know what to expect.

Dr. Catherine Barnette

Dr. Barnette graduated from the University of Florida in 2006 where she received both her B.S. in Zoology and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She has 15 years of clinical experience as a small animal veterinarian, treating dogs, cats, and occasional exotic patients. When shes not writing content as a freelance veterinary writer, Dr. Barnette lives in southwest Florida with her husband and daughter (plus two cats, a dog, and a rescued dove!) and enjoys kayaking, biking, and hiking.

Dr Hannah Godfrey studied Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College London. After graduating in 2011, Dr Godfrey went on to become a veterinary surgeon, conducting surgery consultations on a range of animals at a small independent practice in Cardiff, South Wales, UK. Dr Godfrey has a strong interest in soft tissue surgery. When shes not helping animals back on their feet, Dr Godfrey writes a number of veterinary and animal-focussed articles.

What causes allergies in dogs?

"Allergies in dogs occur when their immune system overreacts to a substance, recognizing it as a threat when it is actually harmless," explains Godfrey. "The cells within the immune system will remember this substance and will continue to react if exposed to it in the future. Dogs can be allergic to almost any substance, but pollen, food allergies, and parasites are reasonably common."

Can dogs be allergic to chicken?

"Dogs can be allergic to chicken," Godfrey says. "Chicken is one of the most common food allergies in dogs, alongside beef and dairy products. However, to be allergic to chicken, their immune system must be familiar with the protein, so a dog must have eaten it at least once before."

Symptoms of chicken allergy in dogs

If you've been asking the question 'why is my dog itching, scratching, and biting himself constantly?', a food allergy may well be to blame.

Food allergies are often clinically indistinguishable from other types of canine allergies. There are four common allergies in dogs: dust mite allergy, environmental allergies (tree, weed, and grass pollen), flea allergy, and food allergy.

While there may be slight differences in the signs between these different types of allergies (for example, you may see visible fleas in a dog with flea allergies or you may notice seasonal signs in a dog with pollen allergies), it is nearly impossible to distinguish the cause of your dogs allergies based on appearance alone.

In dogs, nearly all allergies manifest as irritation of the skin and ears (check out our guide to skin allergies in dogs for more on how a food allergy can affect the skin and coat). Common signs of dog allergies include:

• Generalized redness of the skin
• Itching
• Chewing at the paws
• Hair loss (generalized or patchy)
• Frequent hot spots or skin infections
• Scratching at the ears
• Recurrent ear infections
• Less commonly, food allergies may trigger gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

If your vet suspects your dog has allergies, they will recommend an appropriate diagnostic workup to determine the cause of your pets allergies. This workup may include the consistent use of the best flea treatment for dogs (to rule out flea allergies), intradermal or blood allergy testing (to rule out environmental allergies), and a food trial (to look for evidence of food allergies).

In a food trial, you will be asked to feed your dog a hypoallergenic prescription diet for a period of 2-3 months. During that time, you will need to avoid all treats and table food, to ensure that your dog is not being exposed to any potential food allergens. If your dogs signs resolve during the food trial, you and your veterinarian can safely assume that your dogs allergies are caused by something in your dogs diet.

Next, you will begin gradually reintroducing different food items, in an effort to determine which ingredients trigger an allergic response in your dog. If you feed chicken, for example, and your dog begins itching within 24 hours, you can safely assume that your dog is allergic to chicken.

Why are so many dogs allergic to chicken?

A chicken allergy is one of the three common food allergies in pets. Beef and dairy are the most common food allergy triggers in dogs, with chicken coming in at number three on that list.

Dogs can develop an allergy to any protein that they have eaten. Historically, most dog foods were made with beef as the primary protein source. Therefore, most canine food allergies were associated with beef, because thats the protein that the immune system had seen the most often.

In recent years, however, an increasing number of chicken-based diets have been created, often marketed as sensitive skin or sensitive stomach foods. Therefore, veterinarians are seeing an increase in the number of dogs with chicken allergies. If kangaroo meat were to suddenly become a common ingredient in dog food, we would likely see an increasing number of dogs with kangaroo allergies. Dogs can develop a food allergy to any protein they have been fed.

If a dog is allergic to chicken, are they allergic to turkey?

Chicken and turkey are both poultry. There are enough similarities between these birds that some dogs with chicken allergies will also react to turkey. In fact, some dogs with chicken allergies will even react to duck.

However, this isnt always the case. Some chicken-allergic dogs can eat turkey or duck with no problems. Therefore, you may need to experiment with a bit of trial-and-error in order to determine whether your dog can tolerate a turkey-based diet.

If you want to be on the safe side and minimize the risk of an allergic reaction, it is probably best to avoid feeding turkey to a dog that is allergic to chicken.

Diagnosing a chicken allergy

"Blood and skin prick tests can help diagnose a chicken allergy in your dog, but these tests can be costly and take some time," Godfrey explains. "They may also show inconclusive results, which can be frustrating. Eliminating chicken from your dog's diet completely for eight weeks (known as an elimination diet) can allow you to see whether your dog's symptoms improve, but this will only work if you check the ingredients on all of their food and treats."

Best food for dogs with chicken allergies

If your dog has chicken allergies, you will need to find a nutritious, balanced dog food that does not include chicken meat, chicken meal, or chicken by-products. You may opt to feed a prescription diet (under the guidance of your veterinarian) or search for an over-the-counter diet.

The most highly-restricted diets will be prescription diets as opposed to the best dry dog food and the best wet dog food that you can buy off the shelf. These include products like Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Potato & Venison Formula Dry Dog Food or Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food. Prescription allergy diets are manufactured on dedicated manufacturing lines, reducing the risk of cross-contamination, and careful attention to ingredients. Your veterinarian can help you select the most appropriate prescription diet for your pet.

You can also attempt to use an over-the-counter diet that does not contain any chicken, such as Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. Over-the-counter diets are often less expensive than prescription diets, which may make this an appealing option for some dog owners. Be aware, however, that these diets may be made on the same manufacturing lines that are used to create chicken-based diets. (This is why they are often less expensive.) Depending on the severity of your dogs chicken allergies, even a small amount of cross-contamination may be enough to trigger an allergic reaction.

How common are food allergies in dogs?

"Its much more common for dogs to experience allergy symptoms due to environmental allergens like pollen from trees and plants, or parasites like fleas and mites than food allergens," Godfrey says. "While its not easy to control the symptoms caused by any allergy, it's easier to keep your dog away from food allergens than pollen and other environmental allergens."

A chicken allergy in dogs can be a frustrating condition, but there are ways to manage it successfully. Work with your veterinarian to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your dogs skin issues, then come up with an appropriate plan to minimize your dogs exposure to foods that trigger an allergic response. With long-term efforts and maintenance, you can minimize the frequency of flare-ups and successfully reduce your dogs signs of allergic dermatitis.

For more on what foods are safe for your canine companion to consume, check out our guide to what human food can dogs eat where a vet explains which foods you can share with your pooch.

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Treats: 10 Top Treats

Hypoallergenic and limited-ingredient dog treats are becoming easier to find these days, much to the delight of pet owners.

Once rare and expensive, these specialized treats are now an accessible option for pets with food allergies or intolerances.

Below, well share the best hypoallergenic dog treats, reasons some pups need these specially formulated food finds, and symptoms of canine allergies.

Best Overall Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

Best Budget-Friendly Hypoallergenic Dog Treat

Best Human-Grade Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Treats: Reviews and Ratings

These hypoallergenic dog treats contain ingredients that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in your dog. Different ingredients will be suitable for certain dogs vs others, so make sure you understand your dogs allergies.

You may also consider trying multiple treats with different ingredients and recording your dogs reaction to help eliminate any ingredients causing a negative affect.

1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers

Best Overall Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About:Purina Veterinary Diets Dog Treats aredesigned specifically for dogs with meat allergies and are part of the HA diet treatment. Vets commonly prescribe them to dogs that need hypoallergenic treats due to multiple dietary restrictions or sensitive systems.

Features:

• Formulated for sensitive stomachs with a focused ingredient list
• Added taurine supports canine heart health
• Crunchy texture makes for a satisfying snack
• Made in the United States with global ingredients from trusted sources

Ingredients List

Starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, vegetable oil, dicalcium phosphate, oat fiber...,

powdered cellulose, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, potassium chloride, guar gum, lecithin, corn oil, choline chloride, magnesium oxide, DL-Methionine, salt, taurine, Vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, niacin, ferrous sulfate, calcium carbonate, manganese sulfate, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, copper sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, garlic oil, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, sodium selenite

Pros

• Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or multiple food allergies
• Meat-free recipe makes avoiding your dogs protein allergies a breeze
• Size works great for dogs big and small
• Taurine gives your puppers heart a boost

Cons

• Crumble easily, which can make for difficult transport
• Like other veterinary formulas, pricing is steep for these treats

2. Natural Balance Rewards Jumpin Stix

Best Grain-Free Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About: Natural Balance Jumpin Stix Dog Treats are limited-ingredient, grain-free snacks fortified with joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for happier canine knees, elbows, and hips. Their focused ingredient lists are easy to scan for your dogs known issues, while the stick shape gives your pup a chance to chew on his goodie rather than gobble it right down.

Features:

• Each limited-ingredient recipe sticks to a single animal protein source: chicken, venison, or duck
• Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are left out of these tasty treats
• Meaty taste and texture extra appealing to pups
• Made in the USA with quality global ingredients

Ingredients List

Venison, Water, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Glycerin, Canola Oil...,

Gelatin, Sugar, Cane Molasses, Salt, Guar Gum, Sorbic Acid (preservative), Citric Acid (preservative), Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Chondroitin Sulfate, Natural Smoke Flavor, Rosemary Extract.

Pros

• Grain-free recipe great for pups with vet-diagnosed grain allergies
• Glucosamine and chondroitin give your pups joints a boost
• Single animal protein sources and novel proteins like venison good for dogs with meat allergies
• Most dogs are fans of the taste

Cons

• A few pups with sensitive stomachs encountered tummy trouble with these treats
• May be too big for petite pups (though you can break them into smaller bits to get more bang for your buck!)

3. Fruitables Dog Treats

Best Meat-Free Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About:Fruitables Crunchy Dog Treatsare baked, all-natural, hypoallergenic dog treats starring real fruit and other simple ingredients you can pronounce. Aside from the Bacon & Apple recipe, these crunchy treats are meat-free, making them a good choice for pups with protein restrictions.

Features:

• Available in a variety of meatless flavors, including Pumpkin & Apple, Pumpkin & Banana, Pumpkin & Blueberry, Sweet Potato & Pecan, and Pumpkin & Cranberry
• Contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, ingredients, or preservatives, which meshes well with sensitive systems
• With 9 calories or fewer per treat, these goodies wont pack on pupper pounds if fed in moderation
• Made in America with several organic ingredients

Ingredients List

Pumpkin, Organic Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Oat Fiber, Apples...,

Canola Oil, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Natural Flavor, Vanilla, Mixed Tocopherols.

Pros

• Meat-free recipes are perfect for pups with known meat allergies or intolerance
• Crunchy, non-greasy texture makes for mess-free, easy handling and storage
• Low-calorie recipe helps maintain a healthy woofer weight
• Several owners found these treats to smell great compared to everyday canine offerings

Cons

• Super small size ideal for a training snack or petite pooch but can leave jumbo dogs feeling unsatisfied
• A few picky pups werent excited about the taste

4. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care

Best Hypoallergenic Treats for Large Dogs

About: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Treats are baked, limited-ingredient snacks made without corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meals, suiting sniffers with allergies and sensitive systems alike. You wont find artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, either, with these natural noms aiming to treat your pooch without triggering issues.They come in decent-sized squares, too, offering a little more for bigger barkers to savor.

Features:

• Pick from tasty turkey or savory salmon flavors
• Great source of omega-3 fatty acids to combat inflammation and nourish your pups coat
• Brown rice, oatmeal, and other gentle ingredients are easy for dogs to digest
• American-made, these crunchy canine cookies feature global ingredients

Ingredients List

Turkey, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Potato, Potato Protein...,

Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Cane Molasses, Carrots, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Salt, Calcium Carbonate

Pros

• Size ideal for medium to large-sized doggos
• Most dogs seem to love the taste
• Arent super crumbly, making for less mess while munching
• Omega-3s give your canine cuties skin and coat a nudge of support with every snack break

Cons

• Some owners found these treats to be stinky
• More protein options would be ideal for dogs who dislike or cant tolerate turkey and salmon

5. Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness

Best Hypoallergenic Treats for Small Dogs

About:Old Mother Hubbard Dog Treats arebone-shaped dog biscuits with a cute design, small size, and crunchy texture your petite pupper will love! These arent as limited in ingredients as some other recipes, but there are still allergy-friendly recipes waiting, like the meatless Just Veggn.

Features:

• Available in tons of flavors, including LivRCrunch, P-Nuttier, and Just Veggn
• Easy-to-digest carbs like oatmeal give your pups tummy a break
• Real produce like apples offers natural fiber and vitamins
• Oven-baked to pawfection in the United States using international ingredients

Ingredients List

Whole Wheat Flour, Oatmeal, Wheat Bran, Chicken Liver, Cane Molasses...,

Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a natural source of Vitamin E), Caramel Color, Eggs, Apples, Carrots, Garlic, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative).

Pros

• Miniature size great for small breeds or offering a light snack for a larger dog
• Good mix of recipes, including vegetarian options, that may suit dogs with allergies
• Flavor is a tail wagger for most doggy diners

Cons

• Packaging doesnt offer much protection, leading to some treat crumbling or damage
• Contains some ingredients that may be problematic for sensitive systems, including chicken fat and eggs

6. Virbac C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT FR3SH

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Dental Treats

About: Virbac VeggieDent Chews pull double-duty as both a treat and a dental cleaning for your dog with their chewable, textured design. Meat-free and plant-based, these chews wont trigger any meat allergies, either.

Features:

• Offered in X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large sizes
• Soy protein isolate functions as the main protein source avoiding meat allergies entirely
• Designed to help your dog have fresher breath
• Made in America with global ingredients

Ingredients List

Corn Starch, Glycerin, Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Brewers Dried Yeast...,

Sorbitol, Ground Corn Cob, Erythritol, Potassium Sorbate, Water, Inulin, Pomegranate.

Pros

• Meatless recipe a good match for mutts with meat allergies
• Helps wear away at plaque buildup and combat bad breath
• Good mix of chew sizes to choose from

Cons

• Some dogs require corn-free treats
• A few pups experienced digestive upset after trying these chewable treats

7. Hills Grain-Free Soft-Based Naturals

Best Budget-Friendly Hypoallergenic Dog Treat

About: Avoid your pups triggers at snack time without breaking the bank with Hills Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals. Made without common problem ingredients like corn, soy, and wheat, these protein-forward goodies star real meat, offering plenty of palate-pleasing flavor.

Features:

• Softer texture easy for dogs old and young to enjoy
• Petite size ideal for use as a training treat
• Available in 3 recipes: Duck & Pumpkin, Beef & Sweet Potatoes, and Chicken & Carrots
• Made in America with international ingredients

Ingredients List

Duck, Potatoes, Peas, Glycerin, Pumpkin...,

Chicken Fat, Cane Molasses, Pea Starch, Technical Pork Gelatin, Natural Chicken Liver Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors.

Pros

• Pricing wont break the bank as much as many hypoallergenic dog treats
• Grain-free, limited ingredient list ideal for dogs with sensitivities
• Good source of digestion-friendly fiber

Cons

• Tiny size not the best fit for bigger barkers needing more of a nom
• Some pet parents prefer pea-free dog treats

8. Natural Balance Rewards Crunchy Biscuits

Best Chicken-Based Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About: Natural Balance Rewards Crunchy Biscuits are limited-ingredient, bone-shaped dog snacks designed specifically for dogs with food allergies. Formulated with real chicken and zero grains, theyre a good choice for pups needing a single animal protein source and alternative carbs, like sweet potatoes.

Features:

• Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives arent included
• Made without wheat, corn, or soy, making them a perfect choice for dogs with sensitivities
• Hickory flavor and scent entice persnickety pups into giving them a try
• Baked in the USA with global ingredients

Ingredients List

Dried Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Potato Protein, Chicken...,

Chicken Meal, Canola Oil, Cane Molasses, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.

Pros

• Only includes chicken as a protein source, suiting pups with allergies to other meats like beef or pork
• Limited-ingredient recipe matches well with mutts with food allergies or sensitivities
• Taste won tail wags from many pupperinos

Cons

• Crumble easily, so be gentle to keep them intact
• Pricing is on the higher side compared to similar treats

9. Zukes Mini Naturals Dog Treats

Best Hypoallergenic Training Treats

About: Many owners use Zukes Mini Naturals Dog Treats for training purposes, but few realize that these tasty treats are made without many common allergens, including corn, wheat, and soy. This makes them the perfect positive reinforcement for dogs with allergies to these ingredients.

Features:

• Offered in 7 savory recipes, including allergy-friendly Rabbit, Duck, and Salmon
• At a mere 2 calories a treat, these nibblers offer a delicious reward without risking weight gain when fed appropriately
• Real protein always comes first (except for in the meat-free Peanut Butter & Oats recipe)
• Made in the United States with ingredients from quality global sources

Ingredients List

Chicken, ground rice, ground barley, malted barley, vegetable glycerin...,

tapioca, cherries, natural flavor, gelatin, sunflower oil, salt, lecithin, phosphoric acid, turmeric, sorbic acid (preservative), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin E supplement, zinc proteinate, citric acid (preservative), mixed tocopherols (preservative), rosemary extract.

Pros

• Sizing is great for rewarding your pup during training (and perfect for fitting in a training treat pouch!)
• Awesome mix of recipes to choose from, including novel proteins like rabbit
• Soft texture easy for most doggos to eat

Cons

• A few pups arent big fans of the taste
• While packaged in a resealable bag, some owners encountered dry, crumbly treats instead of soft chews

You can always make your own training treats if you have trouble finding treats that dont contain your dogs triggers just customize the recipe to make them perfect for your pooch!

10. Jiminys Chewy Treats

Best Eco-Friendly Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About: Reward your woofer for good behavior with less environmental impact with Jiminys Chewy Treats, as these tasty morsels star eco-friendly insect protein: crickets! Fashioned into small, bite-sized bits at just 3 calories each, these mutt snacks are a solid choice for small dogs and for use during training.

Features:

• Real produce like sweet potatoes and peas offer fiber for a touch of digestive support
• Doesnt contain corn, soy, or wheat
• Available in Peas & Sweet Potato and Pumpkin & Carrot recipes
• Made in the United States with global ingredients

Ingredients List

Sweet Potato, Yellow Pea, Oats, Cricket, Vegetable Glycerin...,

Molasses, Tapioca, Vegetable Gelatin, Canola Oil, Salt, Natural Flavor, Potassium Sorbate (a preservative), Distilled Vinegar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Garlic, Rosemary.

Pros

• Features insect protein a far more eco-friendly option than farm-raised beef, pork, and other livestock
• Novel proteins like insects a good pick for pups with meat allergies
• Small size and low-calorie recipe ideal for use as a training treat

Cons

• Crumble easily, so be use to handle and store the packaging with care
• On the pricier side

11. Portland Pet Food Company Grain-Free & Gluten-Free Dog Treats

Best Human-Grade Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

About: Portland Pet Food Company Grain-Free & Gluten-Free Dog Treats allow you to avoid your pups triggers while maintaining top-notch ingredient quality. Made with non-GMO, human-grade ingredients and zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, these baked bites are good for sensitive systems.

Features:

• Offered in Pumpkin, Bacon, and Gingerbread recipes
• Twice baked for a crunchy texture doggos enjoy
• Short ingredient list allows your to spot your dogs allergens with ease
• Handmade in the United States with U.S.-sourced ingredients

Ingredients List

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

Pros

• Human-grade, non-GMO ingredients offer top-tier quality
• A rare American-made treat featuring ingredients sourced from the U.S. only
• Limited ingredient list perfect for pups with known food allergies or restrictions

Cons

• Bacon recipe contains pork and eggs that may trigger meat allergies
• Crunchy texture can be a challenge for dogs with dental issues

Why Do Dogs Become Allergic to Certain Ingredients?

Like humans, dogs often eat the same foods and treats over and over again, becoming over-exposed to certain ingredients. Over-exposure to the same ingredient can cause the immune and digestive systems to react in negative ways.

Ingredients like beef, dairy, corn, and wheat (to name a few) are used in the majority of standard dog foods and treats, and many dogs can no longer process them. To make matters worse, once a dog develops one allergy, they may develop others as well.

Common symptoms and reactions that dogs suffer from when fed these ingredients involve:

• Digestive Issues
• Itchiness
• Skin Irritation
• Ear Infections

Veterinarians and dog food manufacturers recognize the seriousness of these allergens and recommend that dog owners keep common allergens away from their pets.

To isolate which foods your dog is reacting to, your vet will likely put your dog on an elimination diet, followed by a food challenge. This is done by solely feeding your dog one or two foods, such as ground turkey and sweet potatoes. Once youve established that your dog doesnt have a reaction to these two foods, you can start the food challenges.

Gradually, more items are added in, until you notice that your dog has an allergic reaction. This will clearly identify which allergens your dog is reacting to, and you can then create a diet avoiding any allergy triggers.

Once you are aware of what ingredients you need to avoid, you can begin experimenting with different hypoallergenic dog treats and holistic dog foods, all while monitoring your dogs reaction to make sure the food is working for them.

For dogs who have developed allergies, hypoallergenic dog food and hypoallergenic dog treats are a must!

Common Ingredients Found in Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

Many more foods are available, offering a wide variety of protein and grains that your dog may not react to. Common ingredients in hypoallergenic dog treats include:

• Duck, salmon, venison, or kangaroo. These are known as novel proteins, as they come from only one source, and the dog hasnt been exposed to them in foods or dog treats before. Instead of a dog treat made from a combination of chicken and beef, a hypoallergenic dog treat will contain just one novel protein. By feeding your dog a completely new source of protein like duck, venison, salmon, kangaroo, etc., you may avoid a negative response from his immune system.
• Sweet potato or pea. Novel proteins are usually paired with a single-source carbohydrate, the most common ones being sweet potatoes and peas. Like the novel protein, this carbohydrate source should be new to the dogs diet and shouldnt be combined with any other carbs or fillers.
• Rice, oats, and other starches used to be key ingredients in hypoallergenic dog food and treats, but they have since become so common that dogs are developing intolerances to them, too. You can still find these ingredients in some hypoallergenic dog foods, and they may be worth trying if your dog has not been exposed to them before.

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Do you have any favorite brands of hypoallergenic dog treats that we did not include? Share your favorites in the comments!