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9 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Radim Chudej

yorkshire terrier eating dog food from metal bowl

If your dog has a sensitive tummy or you think they could be suffering from food allergies, you may be searching for a hypoallergenic recipe that can help them.

The term “hypoallergenic” literally means “less likely to cause an allergic reaction.” It is widely used in the pet food industry, but it’s important to note there are no official guidelines on which foods can have “hypoallergenic” on their label, so they can vary widely in terms of ingredients. Dogs can also be sensitive to different food allergens; an ingredient that is well tolerated by one dog can cause an allergic reaction in another. One common food allergy for dogs is chicken, but you will also see plenty of hypoallergenic chicken-based diets on the shelves.

Foods described as hypoallergenic are often novel protein diets and contain fewer ingredients than the average dog food to lessen the risk of triggering adverse reactions. Hypoallergenic prescription diets usually contain hydrolyzed protein sources meaning that the protein has been broken down so it is so small that it is not recognized by the immune system. Additionally, foods that are labeled as being one ingredient or flavor on the front of the pack may contain other protein types that are listed in the small print on the back, so it’s important to bring your reading glasses when you’re comparing foods.

All this means is that it can be quite confusing and difficult to pick the right diet for your sensitive pup! Here, we’ll run through our top picks of the different types of diets typically described as hypoallergenic to help you understand what is available. If you are concerned your dog has a food allergy or a sensitivity to certain ingredients you should always consult with a vet first before changing their diet. They can advise and guide you through an elimination diet trial if necessary to help pinpoint what your dog is allergic to.

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A Glance at Our Top Picks (2025 Update)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
  • Fresh, human-grade ingredients
  • Contains no fillers or artificial ingredients
  • 4 recipes to choose from
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Purina Pro Plan Focus Canned Dog Food Purina Pro Plan Focus Canned Dog Food
  • Tailored for sensitive stomachs and skin
  • Tons of moisture
  • Affordable
  • Third place
    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food
  • Hydrolyzed proteins bypass the system
  • Well-balanced ingredients
  • Single protein source
  • Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Dog Food Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Dog Food
  • All life stages
  • Perfectly digestible
  • One protein source
  • Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Insect Recip Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Insect Recip
  • Novel protein
  • Complete, high-protein recipe
  • Eco-friendly protein source
  • The 9 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

    the-farmers-dog-full-recipe-packaging

    Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Pork, or Beef
    Recipe Type: Complete health
    Calories: Up to 361 kcal per 1/2 lb
    Protein: Up to 41%
    Fat: Up to 31%
    Fiber: Up to 2%
    Moisture: Up to 76%

    Fresh dog food has become a popular choice to feed canines, and if you’ve struggled to pick the right food for your pooch, look no further than The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. This company omits potentially harmful ingredients found in most dog food brands, such as fillers, artificial flavoring, and artificial colors. These ingredients can spark food allergies in some pets, and The Farmer’s Dog will formulate a specific plan to cater to your dog’s needs.

    The Farmer’s Dog is a high protein, high fat, and low carb dog food designed to give your dog all the nutrients he needs to thrive. These single-protein recipes include beef, chicken, turkey, or beef. Simply answer a few questions about your dog, and the company will provide you with the ideal recipe.

    With The Farmer’s Dog recipes, you can rest assured that the food is formulated to be hypoallergenic by omitting common allergens to dogs, such as wheat, soy, or dairy. All recipes are made in a USDA-certified manufacturing facility, and all recipes are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. With The Farmer’s Dog, you will not find cheap fillers, making the food hypoallergenic to keep your doggie healthy and happy.

    The Farmer’s Dog is a bit pricey, and you can expect to pay more. However, for the price, you get a healthy, human-grade dog food your pooch will love, delivered right to your door.

    Pros
    • Fresh, human-grade ingredients
    • Contains no fillers or artificial ingredients
    • 4 recipes to choose from
    • Hypoallergenic dog food for those with allergies
    • Made in a USDA-certified manufacturing facility
    Cons
    • More expensive than regular kibble

    2. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Wet Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Wet Dog Food Pate Salmon & Rice Entree

    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%

    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.

    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
    • Lots of moisture
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Gets more expensive with larger dogs

    3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dog Food

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food

    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%

    If your dog benefits from a hydrolyzed diet, you won’t find much better than Royal Canin Veterinary Diet. This single-protein dog food contains hydrolyzed chicken, which means that the chicken proteins have been broken down to a molecular level to reduce the risks that they will trigger an allergy. As a consequence, this means that the food has less protein, so it’s not ideal for young, growing, or active dogs.

    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

    4. Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Dog Food

    Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Pork Recipe Dry Dog Food

    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%

    We think that Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Pork is an excellent pick for an allergy-stricken dog. Designed to work for all life stages, it’s a low-allergen, single-protein food that can feed your pooch from late puppyhood into their later life. We wouldn’t recommend it for young puppies, however, as their protein and fat needs are higher than this food provides, so it’s better to use a puppy-specific diet until they are at least 6 months old.

    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%. and there are even probiotics to help maximize digestion.

    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
    • Highly digestible
    • One protein source
    Cons
    • Won’t work for all allergies

    5. Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Insect Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Insect Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main Ingredients: Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae
    Recipe Type: Novel Protein, Grain Free
    Calories: 438 kcal per cup
    Protein: 22.0%
    Fat: 12.0%
    Fiber: 5.5%
    Moisture: 10.0%

    Something the world has no shortage of is insects, which is something Go! Solutions is taking advantage of with this novel protein dog food. Finding a novel protein (a protein source your dog has not been exposed to before) can be tricky, so an insect-based food can be the ideal solution. This type of food can be used either as a diagnostic step, to determine if your dog has food allergies, or it can also be fed as their long-term, allergen-free meal.

    The protein, fat, and fiber levels are suited to most adult dogs, but the calorie content is on the higher side, so you may need to keep a close eye on overweight or less active dogs.

    For the quality of food, the price isn’t too bad, and you may be able to save even more by signing up for an auto-delivery subscription.

    Pros
    • Grain-free, with a protein source most dogs won’t have eaten before
    • Complete, high-protein recipe
    • Ideal for diagnosis use and long-term feeding
    • Eco-friendly source of protein
    Cons
    • Need to be careful with the high-energy content
    • Some dogs may not like the taste

    6. Wellness Complete Health Dog Food

    Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry 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%

    We know every owner of an allergy sufferer has to make dietary decisions based on their dog. Wellness Complete Health is a well-rounded everyday nutrition nourishing healthy adult dogs.

    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.

    With 435 kcal per serving, it is a higher calorie food than some others on this list, so take care when following the feeding guide on the pack. You may find you’ll need to reduce the portion size if your dog starts to gain weight.

    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

    7. Blue Buffalo Natural Dry Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator Dry Dog Food

    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%

    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.

    This delicious kibble is crafted with a series of antioxidant-packed nutrients. 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.

    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 might just fit the bill. You will need a prescription or recommendation from your vet to buy this one.

    Pros
    • Contains novel protein
    • Ideal for grain allergies
    • Aids in the bladder and digestive health
    Cons
    • Requires prescription

    8. JustFoodforDogs Sampler Pack

    JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Dog Food

    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.

    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

    9. Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

    Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry 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 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.

    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

    Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_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.

    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 a veterinarian before trying to purchase it.

    If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

    PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

    Allergy or Sensitivity?

    These are two terms that are often used interchangeably but actually refer to two separate conditions. A food allergy is an immune-mediated response, where the immune system overreacts to antigens contained in certain food ingredients; usually a protein. The most common presentation of a food allergy is a skin reaction, with signs usually appearing gradually. A dog can be allergic to a food they’ve been eating all their life; it takes time for the immune system to build a response to the antigen, which can take months or years.

    A food sensitivity is usually associated with an upset stomach and may produce diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or abdominal discomfort. The signs of food sensitivities usually appear fairly shortly after ingesting the problematic food. Like with allergies, your dog may become sensitive to a food they have previously tolerated.

    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 is less likely to trigger an immune response.

    Novel Protein

    Novel proteins are animal sources that your dog has never been introduced to before and therefore, should not be allergic to. 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.

    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.However, the concerns regarding this link appear to be reducing.

    Please work with a veterinarian to determine what the best dog food option is for you or make the recipe of your choice run by them.

    Our Selection Process For Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

    To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

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    Final Thoughts

    If you’re looking for a completely balanced diet that suits mild allergy problems, we love The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. It offers complete, easily digestible recipes with healthy grains to nourish the most sensitive pups. It has an all-natural ingredient list that is 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.


    Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

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