The nutritious dog diets, in the market, have fruit, antioxidant supplements, and probiotics. Each component of grain free limited ingredient dog food is carefully chosen to ensure healthy digestion and minimize the chances of an adverse reaction.
With proportions of all the right nutrients loaded in one pack of kibbles, your dog can enjoy an active, disease-free life void of allergy-prone grains (corn, soy, and wheat). As a pup owner, you have the power to make the right life choices for your pet.
Our Top Pick
Nulo Dry Salmon Recipe
Nulo is one of the leaders in providing quality limited ingredient food for dogs. There are 2 tastes available - turkey and salmon, so you can choose option, which your dog loves the most. Probiotics helps your friend with digestion problems, so food assimilated better.
Should All Dog Owners Buy Limited Ingredient Dog Food?
In reality, sensitivity to grains is very rare. But in case it occurs, other starch options, like potatoes, can be used. In essence, every limited ingredient can be substituted. Pet's nutritional needs can, therefore, be covered with substitute ingredients locally available and with the same nutritious values.
Why Dogs Need Simple Diet Foods
Starch is a necessary component of a balanced diet. Gluten-free grains like rice, barley, and oats compose a good volume in simple diet foods. However, there are other sources like sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and oats that are better alternatives.
This starch sources ensure easy acceptance with less hypoallergenic absorption in canine digestion. As an energy source full of potassium, vitamins C and B, it promotes a rise in immunity, antioxidants, enzymes, metabolism, and deals with inflammation in dogs.
Ultimately, potatoes as starch in canines, nourish general vigor and growth. Considering a potato included diet may be the beginning of dealing with grain sensitivities. It is often one of the best substitutes used in grain free limited ingredient dog food.
5 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Because you might be spoilt for choice when shopping for dog food online, here are 5 products you should consider purchasing because of their nutritious, safe components.
Product Information:
- Brand Name - Nulo
- Weight - 10 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Chickpea Flour, Canola Oil
- Price - $$$
- Breed Size - All Sizes
- Lifestage - Puppy, Adult
Nulo leads as a provider for healthy food for delicate guts. It caters to both young and old mutts, and it is one of the best pup products. Having salmon as the main protein, the limited ingredient dog food for allergies ensures minimum attacks in pets prone to sensitivity.
Intolerances get manageable thanks to its mono protein nature. Open bags of this dry meal can easily get sealed to use later. This packaging also effortlessly guarantees easy portability when your pet accompanies you during trips.
- Fewer carbohydrates
- High in proteins
- Patented probiotic formulation
- Allergy friendly
- Natural ingredients
- Pricey
Product Information:
- Brand Name - Blue Buffalo
- Weight - 11 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas
- Price - $$
- Breed Size - Small
- Lifestage - Adult
The second dog meal in this review considers tiny breeds and their dietary requirements. These vitamins and mineral-rich recipes comprise authentic components. The turkey meat and potato starch feed have a natural taste and smell. Having omega 3 and 6, the limited ingredient dog food for allergies ensures smooth hair for petite fur babies.
- Antioxidant enriched
- Natural taste
- Rich with fish oils
- Expensive
Product Information:
- Brand Name - Purina Beyond
- Weight - 15.5 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Chicken, Rice, Whole Barley, Canola Meal, Chicken Meal, Whole Oat Meal
- Price - $
- Breed Size - All Sizes
- Lifestage - Adult
Purina is a vitamin and mineral enhanced source of nutrition. The gluten-free feed is a favorite of many pet parents due to its affordable price. Packed in a 24lb (ca. 11 kg) sack for grown-up canines, it has 9 ingredients, designed for the average dog. Whole Barley is a unique choice of carbs for your pet's meal. As a result, it almost guarantees the safety of this meal.
- Fairly priced
- Vitamin enriched
- Has a wide variety of ingredients
- Large package
Product Information:
- Brand Name - Lucy Pet Products
- Weight - 4.5 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Duck, Dried Potatoes, Duck Meal, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Duck Fat
- Price - $$$
- Breed Size - All Breeds
- Lifestage - All Lifestages
This limited ingredient duck dog food has a unique duck flesh and potato combination. The components in this mixture work perfectly for a canine's entire system. Duck provides a robust protein base, while potatoes are an easily-digestible alternative to most carbs.
It also has a probiotic component and is a great addition to a proportional fiber diet. The fiber boosts a dog's digestive system for complete nutrient intake. With additional supplements in the feed, all dogs are well served with Lucy formula regardless of their size, age, or variety.
- Has duck meat as a protein
- Has probiotics
- Promotes gut health
- Expensive
Product Information:
- Brand Name - Blue Buffalo
- Weight - 4 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Deboned Turkey, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Turkey Meal, Peas, Potatoes
- Price - $$
- Breed Size - All Sizes
- Lifestage - Adult
This turkey and potato meal serves big dogs, and it is a great addition for pets that are struggling with healthy weight gain. It has easily absorbed potatoes as a starch. Boosting a dog's weight healthily with this grain free limited ingredient dog food needs 14 days.
This brand is known for its natural smelling food that also tastes natural. It is packed into a resealable, easy to carry, dry food bag. Its packaging is of great convenience to owners who travel with their pets.
- Dry formula is convenient
- Short transition period from grainy foods
- Promotes weight gain
- Easy, light package
Another 5 Great Options
Product Information:
- Brand Name - Natural Balance
- Weight - 26 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Sweet Potatoes, Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Potato Protein, Canola Oil
- Price - $$
- Breed Size - All Sizes
- Lifestage - Adult
This meal has a mixture of seafood and sweet potato that even dogs with poor appetites cannot resist. It has the required amount of proteins, carbs, and a load of vitamins. Therefore, every pup's nutritive demands are met by this fish meal. The array of nutrients also ensures that mature canines get enough animal protein to sustain growth and carbohydrates for strength.
- Promotes shiny and healthy fur
- Great source of energy
- Great for picky eaters
- Bulky package
Product Information:
- Brand Name - CANIDAE
- Weight - 3.5 Oz x 12
- Main Ingredients - Salmon Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Dried Peas
- Price - $$
- Breed Size - Small
- Lifestage - All Lifestages
Canidae is meant to serve petite breeds. The wet presentation uses simple ingredients like salmon, shrimps, and peas. Fish being a less allergenic protein renders this food a perfect inclusion in meals for delicate pets. Being free of derivatives, artificial flavors, and preservatives, it is a favorable source of nourishment.
- Free of additives
- Rich in proteins
- Wet formula boosts hydration
- Limited to small breeds
Product Information:
- Brand Name - ACANA
- Weight - 25 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Deboned Duck, Duck Meal, Duck Liver, Sweet Potato, Whole Chickpeas
- Price - $$$
- Breed Size - All Sizes
- Lifestage - All Lifestages
This fresh meal is easily digested because of its duck meat base. The goal of such diets is to limit your pet's exposure to known protein allergens, and duck is not one of those. With 60% of the meat coming from a mix of cartilage, bones, and flesh, this food has a very natural flavor and smell. Also included in it is 40% vegetables and fruits to boost the vitamin contents of the food.
- High in proteins
- Easily digestible
- Contains fresh fruits
- Includes animal by-products
Product Information:
- Brand Name - CANIDAE
- Weight - 24 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Price - $$
- Breed Size - All Sizes
- Lifestage - Adult
This combination of salmon, peas, and sweet potato is a great alternative for dogs that have poultry intolerance. It is filled with antioxidants and fatty acids that improve the appearance of dogs' fur. These also help combat the issues that cause windiness and indigestion. The unique formula makes them appropriate for old dogs with a slow digestive system.
- Rich fish ingredient
- Has antioxidant supplements
- Works for old dogs with slow digestive systems
- Multi-ingredient formula may not be appropriate for all dogs
Product Information:
- Brand Name - Instinct
- Weight - 20 Lb
- Main Ingredients - Lamb Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Canola Oil
- Price - $$$
- Breed Size - All Sizes
- Lifestage - Adult
Both chicken and cow meat are the go-to proteins for makers of such allergen-free foods. In fact, it is very rare to get dog meals that do not have either of the two components. Lamb dog food is not only flavorful but also safe from the usual protein aggressors. The addition of vegetable peas makes this meal a buyer favorite.
It is not only a meal that contains safe proteins but also one that comes in a wet presentation that is good for hydration. The price tag can be burdensome for some buyers, but given its high-quality formulation, it is truly worth buying.
- Promotes hydration
- Easy allergy detection
- Tasty
- Expensive
Peas Free Dog Food
Like other legumes, peas are an allergen, suspected to have a connection with an increase in Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) for dogs. Preliminary research suggests the inclusion of peas in dog foods blocks Taurine production. Normally, a good diet enables effective Taurine production by dogs.
This amino acid ensures clear vision, the right heart muscle functions, an immune operating system, good digestion, and favorable fetal development during pregnancy. In case pea is an issue, pea derivatives like fiber, and flour can also be hazardous. It also applies to dog food limited ingredient.
Canned Dog Food for Allergies
Canned food that has limited ingredients is usually wet. Water is a significant element in dog food not only for hydration but also for healthy skin and fur. It is recommended that dogs should take water in the ratio of 1:1 based on their body mass.
Canned food makes it easy for owners who are struggling with giving adequate water ratios. Because it has enticing aromas, wet dog food works well for pets with poor appetites.
The Science Behind Hypoallergenic Foods for Dogs
With an influx in many grain free limited ingredient dog food varieties, selecting what works seamlessly to combat allergies for your sensitive dog can prove tough. Such food basically contains limited quantities of potential dog allergens.
Swapping to hypoallergenic food makes it easy to nail that troublesome ingredient in your canine's diet. It is done by the introduction of novel foods that their gut isn't familiar with. Mostly used are fish and rare meats like a kangaroo and buffalo.
Most Common Foods Allergens for Your Dog
Does your dog experience discomfort after having certain foods? An understanding of hyperactive responses to what is your dog takes in and what causes them sets up a starting point.
Allergies occur when the canines digestive process incompletely breaks down rejected food. This vigorous reaction then directs the digestive operations to produce histamine, causing allergies. The entire process results in pain and distress for your pup.
Chicken Meat
Many people still doubt the possibility of dogs' sensitivity towards chicken. The truth is that your dog can slowly develop a negative reactive response to this favorite food.
Every time the dog consumes chicken, the reaction invigorates. It can still happen if the limited ingredient dog food for allergies has chicken in it.
Cow Meat
Beef remains a very common protein food allergen to dogs. Your pets digestive system can get very defensive against beef. That prompts the animal's body to consider it an intruder. Dogs tend to react vigorously to the natural, premium, or even any samples with traces of an allergen. Including it in grain free limited ingredient dog food is often a bad idea.
Dairy Products
Lactose allergy is a major problem among dogs. Once a puppy is weaned to new foods other than its mother's milk, the production of lactase also drops. Lactase enzyme is charged with breaking lactose found in dairy products. Most dairy products are rich in protein, fat, sugars, and preservatives. These high lactose levels leave dogs predisposed to attacks after consumption.
Eggs
Egg allergy includes the eggshell, egg white, and egg yolk. Whenever the dog's immune system reacts aggressively to a perceived intruder, egg, in this case, allergic reactions take place. It is inclusive of all bird eggs.
Other Dog Allergy Causes
A pretty number of factors actively contribute to getting a match for your favorite friend's limited ingredients dog food for allergies. These aspects are limited neither to breed nor origin, size, or shape. Every canine remains a viable target for such attacks. It, therefore, prompts a close eye in monitoring any allergy symptoms that can strike. Catching them early eases the condition.
Genes
It is more about your animal's hereditary aspects. Dogs with short hair strands tend to be more susceptible to skin allergies than the long-haired ones. Why? Because of the coats' exposure to external reactors. What a dog got from its mama plays out in this case.
Age
How young or old your pet is can cause or protect them from allergies. Puppies below a year old tend to be more prone to outbreaks in comparison to much older dogs. The reality is that their immunity is still weak.
Environment
Animals surrounding may be a basis for the spread of pollen, grass, fleas, and mites.
Remember, any agent that causes your canine companion discomfort can never be ignored. It gives a reason why the above factors trigger allergy symptoms in your pet.
Food Allergy of Canines
Food allergy of canines is a push of the adverse immunity reaction, often towards a protein diet common to the affected dog. The dog's body vigorously fights against each harmless ingested ingredient then releases histamine, causing allergic signs. The more familiar a limited ingredient to the dog is, the more sensitivity it can induce.
On this basis, we can get explanations as to why the common bodybuilding foods (chicken, beef, dairy products, and eggs) frequently induce allergy and are left out of limited ingredient combinations
Food intolerance is an adverse attack of a dog's digestive tract by limited ingredients. Intolerance in diets displays no immune response but has similar signs as of allergy. If left unattended, it matures to an allergy. It explains the need for dog food limited ingredient diet.
Allergies of Dogs: Causes and Symptoms
Hyperallergic reactions of dogs differ with varied causes. Understanding their causes and indications is crucial for effective remedies in lowering their impact. Remember, you can only resolve what you know about making a diagnosis, in this case, it is very important. Even before buying grain free limited ingredient dog food, you have to understand the triggers.
Important's Points to Consider in Food Allergies and Intolerance for Canines
Both allergy and intolerance are adverse food reactions. Proteins in animal and plant remain popular triggers. Through proper dog food limited ingredient diets for your dog, you can ensure effective management. Control begins with noticing symptoms and ends with the treatment of the conditions.
The most common causes of intolerances and allergies in dogs come from food ingredients. Other causes involve plants and harsh weather conditions. Symptoms range from gastrointestinal problems causing diarrhea and coat ailments like itchy dogs coat. More common signs include low appetite, indigestion, and vomiting symptoms. Genetic problems, when triggered, may lead to an allergic outbreak.
Dogs get attacks from a number of allergens. After the first reaction, expect more such different attacks. Most proteins and grains are viable triggers that explain why their inclusion is limited in special meals. The sooner you realize your dog's allergy, the better for examination and treatment by your vet. Such analysis will inform your decision to buy grain free limited ingredient dog food.
Common Questions on Dogs Nutrition
Dogs are not strictly carnivorous. A larger part of their diet consists of meat. They also eat grains and vegetables. The all-round foods ensure they acquire all the needed nutrients.
Limited Ingredient Dog Food vs. Whole Ingredient Dog Food. Which Is More Reactive to Dogs?
Over the years, dog owners have moved away from complex to simple ingredient pet foods that have limited components. But, what exactly puts a divide between dog food for allergies and regular dog foods? These are the differences, according to most limited ingredient dog food reviews.
Limited Ingredient Dog Food |
Non-Limited Ingredient Dog Food |
What Are the Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs?
Hyperactive reactions in dogs can be difficult or simple to catch, depending on how the allergy represents. Stomach reactions may be the easiest to cite. An upset gut in dogs just like man breaks out fast, when least expected, and in the most unforeseen places.
Dogs can get fussy and show discomfort with no desire to feed. Since the food can't stay down, the belly rejects it presenting through vomiting and diarrhea. With mild stomach upsets, simple home remedies from limited ingredient dog food reviews can be a quick fix.
Conditions |
Symptoms |
Which Home Remedies Work for Allergic Relief in Dogs?
Allergic discomfort can prove unbearable. Applied in good time, home remedies can help reduce steroids and medicine side effects in easing seasonal allergies. A stitch in time saves nine, right? Regular bath using the right products can be your initial aid for skin disorders.
Soaking affected skin areas in a mix of water with oat food or Epsom salt relieves irritation. Aloe vera gel application can also help your dog dry skin. It topped up with a natural coconut oil spread should keep fleas off while soothing the coat.
Also, adding 3 teaspoons of complete oils in each canine food may be the first aid needed for stomach upsets. From solving digestive problems to boosting immunity, coconut, sunflower, corn, and peanut oils work perfectly.
Which Protein Cause No Allergic Reactions of Dogs?
Your dog's allergic reaction to certain proteins may be as a result of regular consumption of the allergen. Therefore, a new protein source that is unique to the pet needs to be introduced in the form of a limited ingredient diet. Fish based diets are viewed as a safe option.
Such limited ingredient canned dog food with omega fatty acids ensures that your dog's dry skin may is a thing of the past. Generally, pet owners have reported no hyperactive reaction towards fish as a source of protein for limited ingredient meals (unless in rare cases).
Conclusion
Nulo and Blue Buffalo make some of the best limited ingredient food for dogs that are affected by allergy. There are many other brands that you can go for based on how much you want to spend. However, you should never get your dog food based on companies' advertisements.
Most of them advertise to make sales and remain in business. Instead, look out for limited ingredients dog food reviews for a clearer picture. New diets can also be an exciting beginning for your pet. At the end of the day, what matters is your furry companion's comfort and wellbeing.
- Brand Name - Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet, Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet
- Main Ingredients - Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
- Brand Name - Natural Balance
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, Chicken-Free
- Main Ingredients - Sweet Potatoes, Venison, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Canola Oil
- Brand Name - American Journey
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Chicken-Free
- Main Ingredients - Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Sweet Potatoes
- Brand Name - American Journey
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Limited Ingredient Diet, Pea-Free, Chicken-Free
- Main Ingredients - Lamb, Lamb Broth, Lamb Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil
- Brand Name - Zignature
- Lifestage - Adult, Puppy
- Diet - Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Low Glycemic, Limited Ingredient Diet, Gluten Free, Chicken-Free, Natural
- Main Ingredients - Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower Oil
- Brand Name - Hill's Science Diet
- Lifestage - Senior
- Diet - Limited Ingredient Diet
- Main Ingredients - Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn
- Brand Name - Wellness
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Chicken-Free
- Main Ingredients - Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
- Brand Name - Purina Beyond
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - Limited Ingredient Diet, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Pea-Free
- Main Ingredients - Chicken, Rice, Whole Barley, Canola Meal, Chicken Meal
- Brand Name - CANIDAE
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Chicken-Free
- Main Ingredients - Bison, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lentils
- Brand Name - Simply Nourish
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free
- Main Ingredients - Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Peas, Dried Lentils
- Brand Name - Natural Balance
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Pea-Free
- Main Ingredients - Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Guar Gum
- Brand Name - Earthborn Holistic
- Lifestage - Adult
- Diet - No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Pea-Free, Chicken-Free
- Main Ingredients - Rabbit Meal, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Alaska Pollock Meal, Sunflower Oil
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