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The 10 Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds With Skin Allergies

If you own a German shepherd, you understand how protective and devoted they are, and you naturally want to repay the favor. Except for the incessant scratching and licking that is driving you both insane, your shepherd is undoubtedly energetic and lively and living up to all the fantastic attributes that make them an ideal companion.

Skin allergies are highly frequent in dogs and are one of the most common causes of medical visits. Humans suffer from allergies as well, and we understand the frustration, but fortunately, we can outgrow them. The allergy frequently worsens with age in our canine companions.

Fortunately, there are meals created specifically for dogs with allergies that your pooch can appreciate. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) evaluations can assist you in selecting the best dog foods for German shepherds with skin allergies.

Reviews

Dog Food Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care

  • Deboned turkey, potatoes, turkey meal (glucosamine source), pea starch, peas, tapioca starch, pea fiber
  • 20% protein content
  • 12% fat content
  • Calories per cup: 352 kcal

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care Dog Food is a nourishing diet with few ingredients designed to help dogs with food allergies. The first component is actual turkey, which provides protein, and it also contains pumpkin and potatoes, which aid with digestion. This recipe has no dairy, eggs, or wheat, making it suitable for anyone with food sensitivities.

Blue Buffalo is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, as well as a proprietary combination called LifeSource bits, which helps to maintain a strong immune system. The benefits of this formula, together with its low cost, make this recipe the greatest dog food for the money.

This recipe is grain-free, which is good to dogs with sensitivities, but grains can also be beneficial to many dogs, so contact with your physician to see what is best for your pet.

Pros

  • Simple to digest
  • 100% natural ingredients
  • There are no byproducts.

Cons

  • Grain-free diets may not be appropriate for all dogs.

 

Advanced Allergy Dog Food by Brothers

  • Ingredients include lamb meal, dried whole eggs, turkey meal, cassava/tapioca, and pea flour.
  • 30% protein content
  • 15% fat content
  • 400 kilocalories per cup

Brothers Complete Dog Food is high in protein, thanks to free-range lamb and whole eggs. Eggs contain 9 necessary amino acids that the body cannot synthesize.

This unique mix combines digestive enzymes that help minimize allergy risk, increase immunity, and maximize nutrition absorption. Probiotics are added to aid in the healing, maintenance, and balance of the gut microbiota.

Because this dish contains chicken, it is sadly inappropriate for dogs that are allergic to chicken.

Pros

  • Free-range lamb is used.
  • Digestive enzymes are included.
  • Probiotics are present.

Cons

  • Costly

 

Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food Purina Pro Plan

  • Salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, canola meal, and fish meal are the main components.
  • 26% protein content
  • 16% fat content
  • Calories per cup: 467 kcal

Purina Pro Plan dog food is an easy digested composition designed to help your sensitive German shepherd’s skin. It contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A to nourish your dog’s hair and skin, as well as omega-3 fatty acids for healthy joints.

This recipe combines live prebiotic and probiotic fiber to help with digestive health and immune system strength. The first ingredient in this dish is protein-rich salmon, but it is farm-raised rather than wild-caught.

According to some pet owners, the strong salmon flavor might produce fish breath.

Pros

  • Fiber with probiotics and prebiotics
  • High protein content
  • Omega-6 fatty acids promote skin health.

Cons

  • This product contains farm-raised salmon.
  • Can provide your dog with fish breath

 

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food by Hill’s

  • Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearled barley, and brown rice are the main components.
  • 20% protein content
  • 13% fat content
  • 394 kilocalories per cup

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dog Food is a delectable diet suggested by veterinarians and made with natural, easily digested ingredients.

It includes beef pulp, a prebiotic fiber that promotes intestinal health, as well as omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, which promote a healthy coat and skin. The addition of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants will keep your dog’s immune system robust and healthy.

Although this meal is excellent and healthful, it may be pricey.

Pros

  • Prebiotic fiber is present.
  • Very easily digested
  • Veterinarians recommend

Cons

  • There is no glucosamine or chondroitin added.
  • Expensive

 

Prescription Diet by Hill’s Dry Dog Food Derm Complete

  • Corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, hydrolyzed chicken, powdered cellulose, soybean oil are the main constituents.
  • 13.5% protein content
  • 13% fat content
  • 373 kilocalories per cup

Hills Diet Prescription Derm Dog Dietary is an excellent solution for itchy skin in your German shepherd, and it is carefully prepared to help manage environmental and food allergies.

It may enhance sleep quality, minimize nightly scratching, and improve the skin condition of certain dogs. Bioactives and phytonutrients assist to restore your dog’s immunological response, and the skin of the dog is protected against environmental irritants all year.

This solution must be prescribed by your veterinarian, and some dog owners have stated that it hasn’t made a significant change in their dog’s skin.

Pros

  • Sleep may be improved.
  • Skin improvement that is visible

Cons

  • Not every dog will see a change.
  • Prescription is required.

 

ORGANIX Organic Dry Dog Food by Castor & Pollux

  • Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic oatmeal, and organic barley are the main components.
  • 26% protein content
  • 15% fat content
  • 383 kilocalories per cup

Castor & Pollux Organix Dog Food is a high-protein formula made with hormone- and antibiotic-free organically sourced free-range chicken. Organic oats and barley aid digestion, and the dish includes a superfood combination of blueberries, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed.

Castor & Pollux is devoid of fertilizers and artificial pesticides, and it’s high in antioxidants, which will help your German shepherd’s skin.

Some buyers complained about the strong odor of Organix, while others were dissatisfied by the exorbitant price tag.

Pros

  • Ingredients that are organic
  • Superfoods are included.

Cons

  • It has a pungent odor.
  • Expensive

How to Choose the Best Food for German Shepherds with Skin Allergies

When it comes to selecting the correct food for your German shepherd with skin allergies, seek for hypoallergenic products or those with few ingredients.

Food with Few Ingredients

Using a dog food with few ingredients might assist you in determining which component is causing the adverse response. Limited ingredient meals are offered at pet retailers and online.

Food that is hypoallergenic

Hydrolyzing proteins into their fundamental amino acid building units yields hypoallergenic meals. Because they are not identified as antigens by your dog’s antibodies, they will not elicit a reaction. A prescription for hypoallergenic food may be recommended by your veterinarian.

What exactly is Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food?

Protein is an essential component of the canine diet. Proteins are extracted from food and degraded into amino acids, which are then combined to form new proteins. In certain animals, dietary proteins can produce an unfavorable immunological response, and a process known as hydrolysis chemically breaks down proteins into smaller bits that the immune system no longer responds to because they are so little.

Skin Care Diet Special Ingredients to Look for

Essential Amino Acids and B Vitamins: These nutrients help to strengthen the ceramides, which are the connecting links between skin cells.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Aid in the maintenance of a glossy coat and healthy skin.

Salmon oil is the highest source of omega-3 fatty acids. The anti-inflammatory properties of DHA and EPA aid to calm irritated skin.

Antioxidants help the immune system and prevent skin-damaging free radicals.

Conclusion

Ollie’s Fresh Lamb Dish with Cranberries is our best overall option for dog food to help your canine with allergies since it is cooked fresh and contains no allergens. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care Dog Food is our top value pick, with Brothers Complete Lamb Meal & Egg Formula Advanced Allergy Care Dry Dog Food coming in third. Natural Harmony Grain-Free Duck & Potato Puppy Recipe with Limited Ingredients Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a healthy choice for your developing pup, and Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is our vet’s recommendation for your dog’s allergy-prone skin.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes these evaluations assist you in selecting the best dog foods for German shepherds with skin allergies and getting them feeling well as soon as possible.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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