If your canine friend can’t stop scratching or has skin irritations, it could be time to ditch their current diet and switch to hypoallergenic dog food instead. Keep reading to know how this benefits your doggie, and discover the best brands that make it.
Best brands for hypoallergenic dog food in Australia
Here are our top picks for the best hypoallergenic dog food available in Australia:
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is specially crafted to address the dietary needs of dogs prone to food allergies or intolerances. These common allergens include chicken, eggs, beef, soy, dairy, and wheat gluten.
So, how does it work?
- It includes only a limited set of ingredients (unlike regular dog food that usually mixes a lot), typically a single protein source and a single carbohydrate source. This lowers the chance of containing allergens.
- It uses hydrolysed proteins, which are basically regular proteins broken into smaller bits. This makes it less likely for the body to detect these proteins as allergens, reducing the chance of allergic reactions.
- It uses novel protein sources, such as duck, kangaroo and ostrich, which are not commonly found in most dog foods.
- It offers a grain-free alternative, avoiding grains like wheat, which could potentially cause irritations.
Benefits of hypoallergenic dog food
The benefits of feeding your fur buddy with hypoallergenic dog food include:
- Reduced allergic reactions
Hypoallergenic dog food lowers the risk of allergic responses by getting rid of allergens typically contained in dog food. As a result, your dog can live a more comfortable, itch-free life.
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
The carefully chosen ingredients in hypoallergenic dog food are gentle on sensitive stomachs. So, your dog is less likely to have tummy troubles like vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Better skin and coat health
Allergies can take a toll on a dog’s skin and coat. Fortunately, hypoallergenic options often include ingredients that promote healthier skin and a shinier coat.
- Complete and balanced nutrition
Even though hypoallergenic dog food has limited ingredients, it’s still designed to give your dog a well-balanced and complete diet. This ensures your dog gets all the necessary nutrients without compromising their health.
Hypoallergenic dry dog food choices
Prime100 – SPD Air Dried Duck & Sweet Potato
Designed as a complete and balanced diet, this hypoallergenic dog food features duck as its exclusive protein source. But what sets it apart from the other options here is the air-drying process that preserves all the essential nutrients while adding a natural aroma.
Prime100 proudly uses fresh Australian ingredients, and the duck in this formula contributes vital elements like amino acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and essential fatty acids – all sourced locally for that extra bit of care.
Beyond addressing allergies, this formula supports your dog’s gut health with the inclusion of fresh sweet potato, a natural source of dietary fibre.
More information about this hypoallergenic dog food is detailed below:
Ingredients:
Australian Duck (whole meat & selected organs), sweet potato, carrot, potato, vitamins & minerals, apple fibre, functional oils (sunflower, algae, flaxseed, evening primrose), salt, buffered vinegar, natural antioxidants, parsley, postbiotics, chicory root extract, Algimun®, taurine, chondroitin, glucosamine.
Guaranteed analysis:
As fed basis
Crude Protein 36% (min)
Crude Fat 30.5% (min)
Crude Fibre 4% (max)
Moisture 7% (min)
Typical ME: 470 kcal/100g
LifeWise Dog Food – Ocean Fish with Rice & Vegetables
LifeWise dog food is a reliable hypoallergenic choice with their Ocean Fish with Rice & Vegetables formula. Noteworthy is the ingredient selection – tuna and lamb – steering clear of the usual protein allergens found in many dog foods.
It actively supports optimal intestinal and general health with a balanced supply of herbs and yeast extract. Plus, it’s free from gluten, GMOs, and dairy products, ensuring a wholesome meal without any unnecessary additives
Rich in essential fatty acids, including Omega-3 (DHA), this formula supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and sustains brain function across all dog types.
More information about this dog food below:
Ingredients
Freshly caught wild tuna, Australian lamb, fish oil, lamb fat, oat groats, rice, sweet lupins, alfalfa, carrots, spinach, parsley, kelp, garlic, yeast extract, vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, pantothenate, folacin, biotin, and natural organic acids, plus minerals calcium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese and iodine. Also contains natural flavours, Yucca schidigera extract and is preserved with natural vitamin E and rosemary oil.
Guaranteed analysis
Crude Protein 21%
Crude Fat,13%
Crude Fibre 4%
Ash 7%
Calcium 1.3%
Phosphorus 0.8%
For alternative protein source, consider Lifewise Adult Dog (Kangaroo).
Black Hawk – Healthy Benefits – Sensitive Skin & Gut
BlackHawk Sensitive Skin & Gut is easy on the tummy. Featuring hydrolysed chicken, this formula breaks down complex proteins into smaller bits, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
On top of that, it has a unique blend of grain-free carbohydrates and fibres, promoting gut health and improving stool quality – good for dogs dealing with diarrhoea or digestive issues
The inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics in this formula, as well as the ingredient Algae β-Glucan, helps maintain a balance of good bacteria and strengthens your dog’s digestive system.
More information about this dog food below:
Ingredients
Chicken (meal & fresh), field peas, chickpeas, faba beans, chicken fat (preserved with natural antioxidants), sweet potato, pea starch, natural chicken flavour, beet pulp, hydrolysed chicken, essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, fish oil, carrot fibre, dried yeast extracts, sea kelp, probiotics, fish oil, carrot fibre, dried yeast extracts, sea kelp, probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis), tomato, zinc proteinate, algae β-glucan, coconut oil, emu oil, D-glucosamine, selenium yeast, Yucca schidigera extract, blueberries, carrots, cranberries, peppermint, pumpkin seeds, dandelion and rosemary.
Guaranteed analysis
Crude Protein (min) 28%
Fat (min) 17%
Crude Fibre (max) 6%
Moisture (max) 10%
Calcium – Ca (min) 0.9%
Phosphorus – P (min) 0.7%
Calorie Content (calculated): 3,700 kcal ME/kg
What is a good hypoallergenic dog food?
Regardless of the brand of hypoallergenic dog food you choose, keep these factors in mind when making your selection:
Single protein source
Make sure the dog food is made with only one type of protein. This way, you have fewer suspects, making it easier to pinpoint the source of an allergy if ever your dog reacts.
Hydrolysed protein
When a protein is hydrolysed, it’s broken down into much smaller molecules that make it ‘invisible’ to your dog’s immune system. As a result, there is a lower chance of triggering an allergic response. Check the ingredients list for the term ‘hydrolysed’, for instance, ‘hydrolysed chicken’.
Unique proteins
Unique or novel proteins are those that your dog may not have encountered frequently in their regular diet. Instead of the usual suspects like beef or chicken, think of proteins from less common sources like ostrich or kangaroo. Introducing unique proteins helps by reducing the chances of developing sensitivities.
Other helpful reads for your pet’s wellbeing
Dive into our quick reads to give your dog the best care and keep that tail wagging happily!
- What is the best wet puppy food?
- The Best Dog Food in Australia
- Gain Healthy Weight for Your Dog: Tips & Tricks
Hypoallergenic dog food FAQs
How do I know if my dog needs hypoallergenic food?
Your dog may need to switch to a hypoallergenic diet if they experience the following:
- Itchy skin, paws or ears
- Hives or hair loss
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Ear infections
- Frequent bowel movements
Keep in mind that these symptoms could also result from other allergens, such as flea bites and other environmental factors (e.g. dust, mold, etc.). They could even be a sign of an underlying health problem. It’s best to consult your vet to verify these issues.
Can a dog without any allergic reactions still eat hypoallergenic food?
While primarily formulated for dogs with food-related allergies, hypoallergenic dog food can still be beneficial for those without any allergic symptoms. A high-quality hypoallergenic dog food diet should contain all the necessary nutrients that your dog needs, providing a complete meal.
Does hypoallergenic dog food guarantee your dog won’t have any allergic reaction?
While a hypoallergenic diet, in general, can help manage your pet’s allergy, note that there is no universal hypoallergenic diet that works for every dog. In other words, what may cause allergies in one animal, like chicken, could actually be considered hypoallergenic for another.
So, how can you determine which foods your dog is allergic to?
To effectively identify the ingredients triggering the allergies, perform an elimination diet. Replace your dog’s current food with one that contains a novel protein and carbohydrate source for two months.
For instance, if your dog’s food contains beef, switch to a kangaroo protein source, for instance.
If symptoms improve, you can reintroduce other ingredients gradually to pinpoint the allergens.
The only drawback with this approach is that it takes time and patience. You may opt for medical tests to identify allergens, though these tests may not always be accurate.
How do I properly transition my dog to a hypoallergenic dog food?
To minimise digestive upsets, start by adding small amounts to their current food, then increase by 10 to 20% every other day until it’s all hypoallergenic. If your dog reacts poorly, like loss of appetite or vomiting, adjust the transition more slowly.