How to choose low-allergy protein snacks for dogs
Food allergies are a common health issue for dogs, potentially causing itchy skin, rashes, or gastrointestinal discomfort. This guide covers allergens, purchasing guidelines, and five recommended foods to help your furry friend avoid discomfort.
Common food allergens in dogs
Beef, dairy products, grains and chicken rank in the top three. Understanding allergens is the first step in choosing hypoallergenic snacks.
| Allergens | Proportion |
|---|---|
| beef | 34% |
| dairy | 20% |
| Wheat (contains gluten) | 15% |
| chicken | 9% |
| egg | 6% |
| mutton | 5% |
| soybeans | 5% |
| corn | 3% |
| pork | 3% |
| fish | 2% |
Principles for choosing low-allergy protein snacks
- Single protein source: Contains only one type of animal or insect protein.
- Novel protein snacks: rare meat species such as ostrich and insects.
- Hydrolyzed protein snacks: protein is broken down into small molecules that are less prone to allergies.
- Grain-Free Natural Snacks: Free of fillers like wheat and corn.
- No artificial additives: no coloring, flavoring, or preservatives.
Five low-allergy dog snacks recommended
| Brand/Product | Protein sources | feature |
|---|---|---|
| Dear Deer Delicious Snacks Series - Venison Jerky Snacks | Single venison | Novel protein, hypoallergenic dog treats |
| SWISSCOWERS® Swiss-made Creamy Cheese Grains | Made with 100% natural Swiss milk | Protein and calcium-rich, lactose-free, gluten-free snack |
| Fish4Dogs - Salmon Sticks 100% Salmon Sticks | 100% salmon | Salmon sticks are made from salmon and skin, a hypoallergenic snack |
| Sunday Pets Freeze-Dried Snacks | Made with 100% New Zealand meat | Grain-free natural snacks, gluten-free |
| Kōrure Pets - New Zealand frozen dehydrated snacks | Made with 100% New Zealand meat | Snacks with a variety of meat options, snacks for dogs with allergies |
Exclusion + restimulation test
- Feed only single or hydrolyzed hypoallergenic dog treats for 8–12 weeks.
- Introduce a new ingredient each week and observe for any allergic reactions.
- Keep a record and consult your veterinarian to confirm the allergen.