Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food
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It’s completely normal for your dog to scratch once in a while—we all do it. But if your dog seems to be scratching frequently or if you notice other symptoms like dry skin or hair loss, it could be something more than just the occasional itch. Nothing is worse than seeing your dog suffer, and food allergies can cause some pretty bad reactions in some dogs.
Dog food allergies are more common than you might realize, and they could be linked to a surprising cause: your dog’s diet. Food allergies in dogs typically present with skin-related symptoms, which can be a little bit confusing at first.
Keep reading to learn more about your dog’s basic dietary needs and to receive some tips for picking the best limited-intensity dog food to meet those needs.
You’ll also receive our top 10 picks for the best hypoallergenic dog food.
Compare Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food
|
BEST AFFORDABLE
2. The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Diet Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food |
BEST HIGH-PROTEIN
4. BLUE Basics Limited-Ingredient Formula Adult Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR SKIN ALLERGIES AND SENSITIVITIES
8. Nature's Variety Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog |
BEST FOR SMALL BREEDS
9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food - Sweet Potato & Fish Formula |
BEST GRAIN FREE
10. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Salmon & Whitefish Recipe |
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|
Protein
24% Min |
Protein
24% Min |
Protein
20% Min |
Protein
20% Min |
Protein
32.0% Min |
Protein
29.0% Min |
Protein
30% Min |
Protein
47% Min |
Protein
24% Min |
Protein
24% Min |
|
Fat
13% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
12% Min |
Fat
18.0% Min |
Fat
14.0% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
17% Min |
Fat
10% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
|
Fiber
7.5% Max |
Fiber
6% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
6% Max |
Fiber
4.0% Max |
Fiber
5.0% Max |
Fiber
4.5% Max |
Fiber
3% Max |
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
|
Calories
505 kcal/cup |
Calories
506 kcal/cup |
Calories
475 kcal/cup |
Calories
352 kcal/cup |
Calories
509 kcal/cup |
Calories
450 kcal/cup |
Calories
424 kcal/cup |
Calories
491 kcal/cup |
Calories
350 kcal/cup |
Calories
3600 kcal/kg, 381 kcal/cup |
How to Choose the Best Limited-Ingredient Dog Food
The best place to start is a natural dog food recipe made with fewer ingredients.
You can look for the word “natural” or “organic” on the label, but keep in mind that claims on pet food packaging are not as closely regulated as for human food, so take these claims with a grain of salt.
For most dogs with allergies, this might mean cutting out or reducing the amount of grain. Fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and legumes are all good options. You should also make sure that the recipe contains plenty of fiber and probiotics to ensure smooth digestion.
To avoid triggering an allergy, a limited-ingredient diet is a good idea.
You can also try a food trial with your veterinarian; you should know with some degree of certainty which ingredients trigger your dog’s food allergy.
Keep reading to see our top 10 recommendations for the best limited ingredient.
Best Rated Limited Ingredient Dog Food Reviewed
After finalizing the kind of limited diet option you want to feed your pet, the next step is to choose the most reliable options available on the market. Therefore, we make this job easier for you by suggesting some of the items below.
FirstMate Grain-Free LID Australian Lamb Formula
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 13% Min
- Fiber: 7.5% Max
- Calories: 505 kcal/cup
- Limited number of main ingredients
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Digestible grain-free carbohydrates
- Very expensive to feed as a staple diet
It is a limited ingredient diet made with 78% animal ingredients and 22% vegetables and supplements.
It features protein-rich lamb as a single source of novel protein with potatoes for digestible carbohydrates. This recipe is supplemented with glucosamine for healthy joints with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption.
The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Diet Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Calories: 506 kcal/cup
- Made with a limited number of human-grade ingredients
- Contains novel sources of protein and carbohydrates
- Highly digestible and rich in essential fatty acids
- Some dogs dislike the texture of reconstituted dried food
This Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe is an excellent choice because it contains just a handful of human-grade ingredients freeze-dried to preserve their nutritional content.
This recipe is completely grain-free, highly digestible, and packed with healthy fats for skin and coat support.
NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 20% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 475 kcal/cup
- Novel protein, chicken-free, and limited number of ingredients
- Highly digestible with grain-free carbohydrates
- Supplemented with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Not popular with some really picky eaters
The ingredients cause sensitivities in dogs like chicken, corn, beef, and dairy. It has high-quality Australian-New Zealand lamb and real sweet potatoes.
This grain-free dog food not only tastes great but also nourishes sensitive skin for a soft and shiny coat. Additionally, it is always made with non-GMO ingredients. Therefore, there are no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives are added.
BLUE Basics Limited-Ingredient Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 20% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Calories: 352 kcal/cup
- High protein content
- Supplemented with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Highly digestible recipe and supplemented with probiotics
- Change in formula caused some dogs to develop digestive problems
- Some reviewers complained about toxic levels of lead in the food
It may prove helpful for dogs with food sensitivities. Furthermore, all the recipes of this brand come with real meat from a single animal protein source. The protein source comes with fruits and vegetables, like pumpkin and easily digestible carbohydrates.
Canidae Grain Free Pure Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32.0% Min
- Fat: 18.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 509 kcal/cup
- Easy digestion with no stool problems
- Excellent for sensitive stomachs
- High energy levels
- Some reviewers found bugs in their package
- Not very popular with a few picky eaters
So, even if your dog isn’t sensitive to ingredients, it will love the taste. It will also benefit from the nutritional value.
The formula is made from fresh meat or fish (There are a few variations of the recipe). They are then paired with whole ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, or chickpeas.
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 29.0% Min
- Fat: 14.0% Min
- Fiber: 5.0% Max
- Calories: 450 kcal/cup
- No more licking or itching problems
- Good option for senior dogs
- Big kibble but easily chewable
- Some dogs suffer from poop problems
- Less popular with very picky eaters
They keep it simple by balancing a single source of protein along with easily digestible carbohydrates.
There are no extra fillers, additives, meat by-products, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. Furthermore, the limited ingredient recipe is from salmon and peas.
Nulo Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 30% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 424 kcal/cup
- Several sources of novel animal protein
- Digestible grain-free carbohydrates
- Supplemented with probiotics
- Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
Nature's Variety Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog
Product Info
- Protein: 47% Min
- Fat: 17% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Calories: 491 kcal/cup
- Made with novel protein and limited number of ingredients
- Grain-free to reduce the risk for skin allergies and sensitivities
- Contains a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin health
- Above average in cost compared to other brands
It is packed with probiotics that are good for nutrient absorption and digestion. The meal is also well-balanced and has many vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Therefore, this would be a good product to try out.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food - Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 10% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- Good for very sensitive stomachs
- Less smelly and healthy looking poop
- Some reviewers found mold in food
- Unpleasant kibble smell for some reviewers
The other recipe comes in the form of smaller bites. It is meant for smaller dogs. Furthermore, the recipes help maintain a healthy digestive system completely free from artificial flavors or additives.
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Salmon & Whitefish Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 3600 kcal/kg, 381 kcal/cup
- Several sources of novel protein
- Grain-free carbohydrates for digestibility
- Supplemented with probiotics
- Contains chicken ingredients, some dogs may be sensitive
This recipe is grain-free and highly digestible. Plus it can reduce the risk for allergies. It is made with real animal proteins like salmon and whitefish.
It contains plenty of essential fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional support. It also contains probiotics for healthy and regular digestion.
Benefits Of A Limited-Ingredient Diet
As our canine pets may become sensitive to low-quality ingredients or certain foods, choosing a limited-ingredient hypoallergenic dog diet is the best way to handle the problem.
It is an easy way to isolate the ingredients that your dog is allergic to. Furthermore, it provides it with nutrition that is only beneficial. When you offer your dog a limited-ingredient diet, you will notice changes like:
- Higher energy and performance
- Less stomach sensitivity issues or bowel problems
- Better weight management
- Fewer skin issues, such as itching, scratching or constant licking
What Else Can You Do for Skin Allergies?
Feeding your pup a dog food diet rich in skin-supporting ingredients is key, but there are other helpful ways to supplement its diet.
Adding a little canned, soft or wet food to your dog’s routine can add moisture to its diet and to its skin.
Providing plenty of fresh drinking water is essential, and supplementing your dog’s diet with probiotics and healthy fatty acids like flaxseed oil or fish oil could be helpful as well.
You can also improve its skin allergies by giving it a bath with some kind of skin-soothing shampoo and conditioner.
Natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe can soothe your dog’s itchy, irritated skin and help moisturize it so it can heal. After bathing, simply towel your dog dry instead of using a blow dryer, because that could be too drying.
Final Thoughts
Switching to the right diet for your dog can be challenging, but consulting a specialist is recommended to understand the root cause of sudden weight changes. They can provide suggestions and help you feed the right items, ensuring your dog receives the right nutrients to maintain their health.
