If you own a German Shepherd, you know how protective and loyal they are, and naturally, you want to return the favor. Your Shepherd is probably active and playful and lives up to all the great qualities that make them a perfect companion—except for the excessive scratching and licking that is irritating both of you.
Skin allergies are incredibly common in canines and are one of the primary reasons for visiting the vet. Humans suffer from allergies too, so we can empathize with the frustration, but lucky for some of us, we can outgrow them. For our canine friends, the allergy usually gets worse as they get older.
Fortunately, there are foods that your pup can enjoy that are designed for dogs with allergies. These reviews will help you select the ideal food that may provide relief to your pet.
Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)
The 9 Best Dog Foods for German Shepherds With Skin Allergies
1. Ollie Fresh Lamb Dog Food Subscription — Best Overall
Ollie Fresh Lamb Dish With Cranberries is our best overall dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies, and this recipe doesn’t contain any common allergens. It is a great choice for canines that have sensitivities or food allergies and contains fresh ingredients and superfoods to deliver essential nutrients. This recipe contains protein-packed chickpeas and vitamins and minerals that support eye health and help regulate sugar levels. Kale supports the immune system while promoting healthy skin and fur, and butternut squash is high in fiber to assist digestion. The unique ingredient in this formula is cranberries, which are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, calcium, and potassium.
Although cranberries are packed with nutrition, the acidic taste may not be a favorite for some pups.
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dog Food is a nutritious recipe with minimal ingredients to support dogs with food sensitivities. The first ingredient is real turkey to provide protein, and it includes pumpkin and potatoes for easy digestion. There is no dairy, eggs, or wheat included in this recipe, making it a good option for sensitivities. Blue Buffalo is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and a unique blend called LifeSource Bits to support a healthy immune system. The benefits of this formula, paired with the affordable price tag, make this recipe a great budget dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies.
This formula is grain-free, which is helpful to dogs with sensitivities, but grains can also be beneficial to a lot of dogs, so it is important to consult with your vet to know what is best for your pup.
3. Brothers Advanced Allergy Dog Food
Brothers Advanced Allergy Dog Food is packed with protein from free-range lamb and whole eggs. Eggs contain nine essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body. This special formula contains digestive enzymes that help reduce the risk of allergies, boost immunity, and maximize nutrient absorption. Probiotics are included to heal, maintain, and balance the gut microbiome.
This recipe contains chicken, so if your dog is allergic, this food is unfortunately unsuitable.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food is a wholesome and limited-ingredient recipe that gives your growing German Shepherd the nutrients that they need while having a low risk of allergens. Muscle health is supported by protein-rich duck meat, and the DHA provided by fish oil supports your pup’s brain health. The recipe includes potatoes that are rich in fiber, and it’s free of artificial flavors and colorants.
Some puppy owners have reported that their dogs have a cat urine-like odor after eating this food. This formula is also grain-free, which may be beneficial to some dogs, but not all dogs thrive from a grain-free diet, so it is best to consult with your vet.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is an easily digestible formula that is made to assist your German Shepherd’s sensitive skin. It’s enriched with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A to nurture your dog’s coat and skin and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy joints. This recipe contains live prebiotic and probiotic fiber to support digestive health and maintain a strong immune system. Protein-rich salmon is the first ingredient in this recipe, but it’s farm-raised rather than wild-caught.
Some pet parents mentioned that the rich salmon flavor can cause fish breath.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food is a tasty recipe recommended by veterinarians and formulated with natural ingredients that are highly digestible. It contains beef pulp, which is a prebiotic fiber to nurture gut health, and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E support a healthy coat and skin. Added vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants will ensure that your dog’s immune system is strong and healthy.
Although this recipe is tasty and nutritious, it can be a little expensive.
When it comes to your pup’s sensitive skin, a hypoallergenic formula like Tuscan Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a great choice. Tuscan Natural is easy to digest due to its limited ingredients and is made with grass-fed lamb meal. This recipe includes extra virgin olive oil, which not only provides several benefits but also delivers essential monosaturated fatty acids to keep your dog’s skin healthy and their coat shiny. Developed by a Ph.D. nutritionist in the U.S.A., this recipe is a complete diet that your German Shepherd will enjoy.
Some dog owners have reported that their pet’s stools are smellier than usual after eating this food.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Dry Dog Food is a great choice for your German Shepherd’s itchy skin, and it is clinically formulated to assist in managing environmental and food sensitivities. In some dogs, it may improve sleep quality, reduce nighttime scratching, and improve the condition of the dog’s skin. Bioactives and phytonutrients help normalize your dog’s immune response, and the dog’s skin will be protected against environmental irritants all year round.
Your vet has to prescribe this formula for your pet, and a few dog owners have reported that it hasn’t made a big difference in their dog’s skin.
Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Dry Dog Food is a high-protein recipe with organically sourced, free-range chicken, free from hormones and antibiotics. Organic oatmeal and barley promote healthy digestion, and the recipe includes a blend of superfoods like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed. Castor & Pollux is free from fertilizers and chemical pesticides, and it’s packed with antioxidants to support your German Shepherd’s skin.
Some customers noticed that Organix has a strong odor, and others were disappointed with the high price tag.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Food for German Shepherds With Skin Allergies
When it comes to choosing the right food for your German Shepherd with skin allergies, you need to look at either hypoallergenic brands or ones with limited ingredients.
Limited-Ingredient Food
Using dog food with limited ingredients can help you pin down the exact ingredient causing the allergic reaction. Limited-ingredient meals are available online and at pet stores.
Hypoallergenic Food
Hypoallergenic foods are made by hydrolyzing proteins into their basic amino acid building blocks. These are not recognized as antigens by your dog’s antibodies; therefore, they won’t cause a reaction. Your vet may recommend a prescription for hypoallergenic food.
What Is a Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food?
Protein is an important element of the canine diet. Proteins are taken from the food and broken down into amino acids, which are combined into new proteins. Dietary proteins can trigger an adverse immune response in some animals, and a process called hydrolysis chemically breaks down proteins into smaller pieces that the immune system no longer responds to because they are so small.
Special Ingredients to Look For in a Skin Care Diet
- Essential Amino Acids and B-Group Vitamins: These help support the connecting bonds between skin cells known as ceramides.
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These help support a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon oil is the richest source of fatty acid. The DHA and EPA have anti-inflammatory benefits, which help soothe inflamed skin.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants support the immune system and reduce skin-damaging free radicals.
Image Credit: LADO, Shutterstock
Conclusion
The best overall dog food to help your pup with allergies is Ollie Fresh Lamb Dish With Cranberries, as it is prepared fresh and contains no allergens. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dog Food is a good budget option with plenty of nutrition at an affordable price.
We hope that these reviews help you select the ideal food to help relieve your dog from allergies and get them feeling better soon.
See also:
- 10 Best Raw Dog Food Delivery Services
- 10 Best Dog Foods for Colitis
Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock
