Does your furry friend sneeze, itch, or get upset stomachs after enjoying a tasty treat? You’re not alone! Many dog owners face the challenge of finding safe and delicious treats for their pups with allergies. It can be frustrating to see your dog uncomfortable, and even more so when you’re trying to spoil them. You want to give them a little reward, but the fear of triggering a reaction makes choosing the right treat a minefield.
Navigating the world of dog treats when your dog has allergies can feel overwhelming. You’re bombarded with ingredients lists, fancy claims, and confusing labels. It’s tough to know what’s truly safe and what could cause more harm than good. Many common ingredients like wheat, corn, dairy, and certain proteins can be major culprits for sensitive pups.
But don’t despair! This blog post is here to be your guide. We’ll break down the common allergens to watch out for and highlight the best types of treats that are both safe and incredibly yummy for your allergic canine companion. You’ll learn how to read labels like a pro and discover simple, effective solutions to keep your dog happy and healthy, one delicious bite at a time. Get ready to say goodbye to the guessing game and hello to tail-wagging joy!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For Dogs With Allergies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Treats For Dogs With Allergies Detailed Reviews
1. CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Healthy Dog Treats – Grain-Free
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking for a delicious and healthy treat for your furry friend? The Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Healthy Dog Treats are a fantastic option! These grain-free, human-grade biscuits are made with simple, natural ingredients that dogs absolutely love. They’re perfect for training, rewarding, or just showing your pup some extra love.
What We Like:
- Made with organic pumpkin puree, a healthy and tasty ingredient.
- Features a limited ingredient list (7 or fewer) with no preservatives, wheat, dairy, or artificial colors, making them great for dogs with sensitivities.
- The biscuits are double-baked and can be easily broken into smaller pieces for training or for smaller dogs.
- Crafted with ingredients sourced and grown in the USA only, and packaged in BPA-free bags.
- The flavor is a big hit, even with picky eaters!
- Available in other flavors and mixed variety packs for more options.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product comes in a single 5 oz pack, which might be gone quickly for owners of multiple or very good dogs!
These treats offer a wholesome and enjoyable way to spoil your dog. They’re a smart choice for responsible pet owners who prioritize quality ingredients and delicious flavors.
2. Blue Buffalo Basics Crunchy Dog Biscuits for Skin & Stomach Care
Rating: 8.8/10
Is your dog dealing with a sensitive tummy or itchy skin? The Blue Buffalo Basics Crunchy Dog Biscuits for Skin & Stomach Care, Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Treats, Salmon & Potato Recipe could be the answer you’re looking for. These tasty treats are made with a simple recipe designed to be gentle on your dog’s digestive system and support healthy skin.
What We Like:
- Real salmon is the first ingredient, providing a high-quality protein source.
- Formulated with ingredients that help with gentle digestion.
- The crunchy texture is great for rewarding dogs of all sizes.
- Made without corn, wheat, soy, or chicken/poultry by-product meals, making them a good choice for dogs with sensitivities.
- The packaging clearly highlights the key benefits and ingredients.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 6-oz bag might be gone quickly if you have a larger or more treat-loving dog.
- While the ingredients are simple, some dogs might still have specific allergies to potato or salmon.
These Blue Buffalo Basics treats offer a wholesome option for dogs needing a little extra care. They provide a delicious way to reward your furry friend while supporting their well-being.
3. Fruitables Baked Dog Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a healthy and delicious way to reward your furry friend? Fruitables Baked Dog Treats in Pumpkin & Banana flavor are a fantastic choice! These crunchy biscuits are made with real superfoods and are designed to keep your dog engaged during training sessions. Plus, they’re low in calories, making it easy to spoil your pup without the worry.
What We Like:
- Great for Training: These treats make training fun and rewarding. Your dog will stay focused because they love the taste.
- Packed with Goodness: They are made with real pumpkin, oats, barley, and potatoes. These are healthy ingredients that boost nutrition.
- Low in Calories: With only 8 calories per treat, you can treat your dog often. They are perfect for managing your dog’s weight.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and banana is super tasty. Even picky dogs can’t resist them.
- Made in the USA: You can trust the quality because these treats are made right here in the United States.
- Free from Common Allergens: They contain no wheat, corn, or soy, which is great for dogs with sensitivities.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bag Size: For owners of larger dogs or those who train frequently, the 7oz bag might run out quickly.
Fruitables Baked Dog Treats offer a healthy and tasty option for rewarding your canine companion. They are a guilt-free indulgence that dogs absolutely adore.
4. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits
Rating: 8.9/10
Looking for a tasty and healthy reward for your furry friend? Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits in Banana & Yogurt flavor are a fantastic choice. These oven-baked treats are made with simple, natural ingredients that dogs love. They offer a satisfying crunch and are packed with goodness.
What We Like:
- Made with natural ingredients like oatmeal, bananas, and yogurt.
- Satisfying crunchy texture that dogs enjoy.
- Packed with vitamins and antioxidants to support your dog’s health.
- Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
- Free from common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and chicken by-product meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might prefer softer treats.
- The packaging imagery might differ slightly from the actual product received.
These Blue Buffalo Health Bars are a wholesome way to show your dog some love. They provide a nutritious and delicious treat that you can feel good about giving.
5. Zesty Paws Dog Allergy Relief- Dog Itching Skin Relief- Dog Probiotics for Itchy Skin and Itchy Ears- Dog Allergy Paw Relief- Dog Allergy Chews- Dog Itch Relief – Dog Skin Allergy Relief – Lamb – 90ct
Rating: 9.0/10
Does your dog scratch a lot? Is their skin bothering them? The Zesty Paws Dog Allergy Relief Chews are here to help! These yummy lamb-flavored chews are designed to calm itchy skin and ears, making your dog happier and more comfortable. They support your dog’s tummy and their whole body’s defense system.
What We Like:
- Helps stop dogs from scratching and feeling itchy.
- Supports a healthy tummy with good bacteria (probiotics).
- Boosts the body’s natural defenses with special ingredients like EpiCor Pets.
- Contains Omega-3s to help keep skin healthy and reduce itchiness.
- Made with natural ingredients like Colostrum and Astragalus Root.
- Dogs seem to enjoy the lamb flavor, making it easy to give them.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might take a little time to see the full results.
- The price might be a bit high for some pet owners.
If you’re looking for a way to ease your dog’s allergies and itchiness, these chews are a fantastic option. They offer a natural approach to a more comfortable and healthy pup.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Dog Treats For Dogs With Allergies
Finding the right treats for a dog with allergies can be tough. You want to reward your furry friend without causing them discomfort. This guide will help you choose the best treats for your allergic pup.
Key Features to Look For
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances for an allergic reaction. Look for treats with a short ingredient list.
- Novel Protein Sources: If your dog is allergic to common proteins like chicken or beef, try treats made with duck, venison, rabbit, or fish.
- Hypoallergenic Formulas: Some treats are specifically made for dogs with sensitivities. These often avoid common allergens.
- Natural Ingredients: Treats with natural, recognizable ingredients are usually better. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Grain-Free Options: Many dogs are sensitive to grains like wheat, corn, and soy. Grain-free treats are a good choice.
- Digestive Support: Some treats include prebiotics or probiotics to help with your dog’s digestion, which can be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Important Materials
The “important materials” in dog treats for allergies are the ingredients themselves.
- Protein Sources: These are often the first thing to consider.
- Good Choices: Duck, venison, lamb, rabbit, salmon, whitefish, sweet potato.
- Be Cautious Of: Chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, wheat, corn, soy. These are common allergens.
- Carbohydrates:
- Good Choices: Sweet potato, potato, peas, tapioca, coconut.
- Be Cautious Of: Wheat, corn, soy, barley, oats.
- Binders and Preservatives:
- Good Choices: Natural preservatives like Vitamin E (tocopherols), rosemary extract.
- Be Cautious Of: Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- High-Quality Proteins: Treats made with real meat as the first ingredient are usually better.
- Absence of Fillers: Fillers like corn gluten meal or wheat middlings add bulk but little nutritional value. They can also be common allergens.
- Transparency in Sourcing: Knowing where the ingredients come from can give you peace of mind.
- Manufacturing Standards: Treats made in facilities that follow good manufacturing practices are often of higher quality.
- Artificial Additives: Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can trigger allergic reactions and reduce the overall quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Owners of allergic dogs often report a significant improvement in their dog’s health when switching to appropriate treats.
- Reduced Itching and Scratching: This is a common sign of allergies.
- Healthier Skin and Coat: Less redness, fewer hot spots, and a shinier coat are good indicators.
- Improved Digestion: Less vomiting or diarrhea.
- Training: Hypoallergenic treats are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions.
- Special Occasions: You can still spoil your dog with special treats on birthdays or holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in allergy-friendly dog treats?
A: The main Key Features are limited ingredients, novel protein sources, hypoallergenic formulas, natural ingredients, and grain-free options.
Q: What are some common ingredients that dogs with allergies should avoid?
A: Dogs with allergies should often avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, wheat, corn, and soy.
Q: What are “novel proteins”?
A: Novel proteins are protein sources that your dog hasn’t been exposed to much before, like duck, venison, or rabbit. This makes them less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Q: Are grain-free treats always the best for dogs with allergies?
A: Grain-free treats are often helpful because grains are common allergens. However, some dogs can be allergic to other ingredients too, so it’s important to check the whole ingredient list.
Q: How can I tell if a treat is good quality for my allergic dog?
A: Look for treats with high-quality protein as the first ingredient and no artificial additives or fillers.
Q: Can I use any dog treats for training if my dog has allergies?
A: No, it’s best to use treats specifically made for dogs with allergies during training to avoid any reactions.
Q: What are some signs my dog might be having an allergic reaction to a treat?
A: Signs can include increased itching, scratching, skin redness, ear infections, or digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea.
Q: Where should I start if I don’t know what my dog is allergic to?
A: It’s best to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you identify specific allergens or suggest an elimination diet.
Q: Are there any natural preservatives I should look for?
A: Yes, natural preservatives like Vitamin E (tocopherols) and rosemary extract are generally preferred over artificial ones.
Q: Can I make my own allergy-friendly dog treats?
A: Yes, many owners make their own treats using safe, limited ingredients. This gives you complete control over what goes into them.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.