Feeding Your Allergic Dog
Hypoallergenic Dog Food: What Labels Don't Tell You
Not every dog food labeled 'hypoallergenic' is genuinely hypoallergenic. Learn the facts to make an informed choice for your sensitive pet.
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Hypoallergenic Dog Food: What Labels Don't Always Tell You
The Term "Hypoallergenic" is Unregulated
Any manufacturer can put it on the packaging. Truly hypoallergenic dog food has specific criteria.
Two True Categories
1. Hydrolyzed Protein Diets Proteins are enzymatically broken down.
2. Novel Protein Diets (New Protein) Contains a protein source the dog has never eaten before (deer, kangaroo, crocodile, ostrich).
What to Look For When Buying
- Manufacturing cross-contamination
- The ingredient list should not contain previous allergens
- Veterinary dermatological diets are the gold standard
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References
- 1.Olivry T, Mueller RS — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (5): discrepancies between ingredients and labeling in commercial pet foods. BMC Veterinary Research 14:24, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-018-1346-y (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.Bizikova P, Olivry T — A randomized, double-blinded crossover trial testing the benefit of two hydrolysed poultry-based commercial diets for dogs with spontaneous pruritic chicken allergy. Veterinary Dermatology 27(4):289–e70, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12302 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research 12:9, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0633-8 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.Olivry T, Mueller RS — Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (3): prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research 13:51, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
