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Best Dog Food for German Shepherds – Relieve Skin Allergies (2024)

By: Author Mutasim Sweileh

Posted on Last updated:

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When it comes to finding the best dog food for your German Shepherd with skin allergies, you want a solution that will relieve their discomfort and promote overall health. In this article, we’ll explore top-rated dog foods specifically formulated to soothe sensitive skin and alleviate allergic reactions. By providing you with research-based recommendations and valuable insights into proper nutrition, we aim to help you make an informed decision that will enhance your beloved pet’s well-being. Get ready to nourish your German Shepherd from the inside out!

Key Takeaways

  • Wellness Grain-Free Salmon Potato Dog Food
  • Natural Balance Lamb Brown Rice Large Breed
  • Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Sensitive Stomach
  • Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Potato

Best Dog Food for German Shepherds With Skin Allergies

Finding the right diet for a German Shepherd with skin allergies can be tricky. However, there are several excellent options that can provide balanced nutrition while helping to manage symptoms.

Wellness Grain Free Salmon Potato Dog Food, Natural Balance Lamb Brown Rice Large Breed, Hill Science Diet Large Breed Sensitive Stomach, and Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Potato are all great grain-free limited ingredient choices that contain natural probiotics and antioxidants.

Tuscan Natural Lamb Meal Dog Food is hypoallergenic and contains extra virgin olive oil for health benefits.

Purina Pro Plan Salmon Rice Large Breed Puppy offers DHA from fish oil for brain and vision development, as well as prebiotic fiber to aid digestion.

Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey is lower in carbs than other brands, which makes it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

PetHonesty Allergy Dogs Supplement provides relief from seasonal & occasional allergies by supporting a healthy immune system response.

PointPet Dog Omega 3 6 9 Supplement has omega fatty acids & vitamin E promoting soft silky coats of all breeds & sizes.

Finally, Dr. Gary Best breed german dog food features New Zealand green-lipped sea mussels promoting joint health.

Wellness Grain Free Salmon Potato Dog Food

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient DietView On Chewy
You can try Wellness Grain-Free Salmon Potato Dog Food for your German Shepherd’s skin allergies, as it features natural probiotics and antioxidants to support digestive health and promote a healthy coat.

This food is suitable for all breeds of adult dogs with sensitive digestion. It is a grain-free, gluten-free, limited ingredient diet that does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or chicken.

The formula also contains omega fatty acids, which aid in maintaining healthy skin, while the glucosamine helps to maintain joint health. Additionally, this food includes vitamin E and taurine, which are beneficial nutrients for promoting the overall well-being of your dog.

Pros
  • Contains natural probiotics & antioxidants
  • Suitable for all breeds with sensitive digestion
  • Natural ingredients such as potatoes, peas, pumpkin, and olive oil
  • Includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, prebiotic fiber, and omegas
  • Made in the USA without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
  • Some customers reported their dogs didn’t like the taste
  • Reported issues with delivery/recurring ordering system

Natural Balance Lamb Brown Rice Large Breed

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient LambView On Chewy
Try Natural Balance Lamb Brown Rice Large Breed to nourish your pup’s sensitive skin and promote a healthy coat. This limited ingredient diet features lamb as the first ingredient for essential protein and amino acids to support strong muscles.

It also contains brown rice, which is a rich source of fiber for digestive health. Additionally, it includes extra virgin olive oil, providing monounsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial in promoting healthy skin and coat.

Furthermore, this food is free from corn, wheat, soy, peas, chicken, or other common allergens and fillers. It does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, making it safe even for dogs with sensitive digestion.

This makes it suitable for grain-free, gluten-free, limited ingredient diets, and more.

Additionally, this formula has been developed by PhD nutritionists who have used the latest research in dog nutrition. It is suitable for all breeds and life stages. Moreover, it is proudly made in the USA, giving owners peace of mind when feeding their furry friend.

Pros
  • Lamb as the first ingredient providing essential proteins & amino acids
  • Brown rice offers a rich source of fiber aiding digestion
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil adds nutrients promoting healthier skin & coats
Cons
  • Some customers have experienced mold issues
  • Kibble may be crushed/crumbly

Hill Science Diet Large Breed Sensitive Stomach

HillView On Chewy
For German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs and skin, Hill Science Diet Large Breed Sensitive Stomach is a nutritious food that can help reduce allergies and improve digestion. One customer mentioned their dog’s constant runny poops were gone within two days of switching to this food.

Crafted with natural ingredients such as beet pulp, oatmeal, fish oil, vitamin E, and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat support, this dry kibble contains prebiotic fiber to promote a healthy gut.

Added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids provide essential nutrition for large breed dogs, while antioxidant nutrients boost the immune system. Customers have reported improvements in their dog’s allergies as well as stool firmness after just a few weeks of use.

Pros
  • Highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption
  • Contains vitamin E & omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin & coat
  • Prebiotic fiber promotes digestive health
  • Antioxidants support the immune system
  • Positive reviews from customers who saw results quickly
Cons
  • Some find it expensive
  • Not suitable for small breeds

Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Potato

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin &View On Chewy
Consider Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Potato for your pup’s sensitive stomach and skin. It’s a grain-free, limited ingredient adult dry dog food that features turkey as the single animal protein source. The formula is enriched with natural ingredients such as potatoes, peas, and pumpkin to support gentle digestion.

It also contains an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to bolster your pup’s immune system while promoting healthy skin and coat, thanks to vitamin E and Omega 6 fatty acids.

This product does not contain chicken or beef, which may cause allergies in some pups. Plus, it has no corn, wheat, soy, or other common allergens, making it safe for most dogs with sensitivities or intolerances.

However, some customers have experienced digestive issues after feeding their pooch this food. One even reported that their vet linked the food with congenital heart problems. So be sure to consult them first before introducing any new diet into your pet’s life.

Pros
  • Grain-free/Limited Ingredient Diet Formula
  • Single protein source (turkey)
  • Natural Ingredients (potatoes/peas/pumpkin)
  • Contains Vitamins Minerals Antioxidants
  • Free from Chicken/Beef/Corn/Wheat/Soy, etc…
Cons
  • Some Customers Experienced Digestive Issues After Feeding Their Pup This Food
  • One Vet Linked Congenital Heart Problems To The Food

Tuscan Natural Lamb Meal Dog Food

Tuscan Natural Simply Pure LambView On Chewy
You may want to consider Tuscan Natural Lamb Meal Dog Food, as it’s specifically designed for dogs with sensitivities and allergies. It has been developed using the latest research in dog nutrition. Plus, its extra virgin olive oil provides essential monounsaturated fatty acids that can help promote a healthy skin and coat.

This hypoallergenic formula contains no artificial colors or preservatives, so you can be sure your pup is getting only the best nutrition without any fillers. The food also contains prebiotics to support digestive health, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to overall wellness in dogs of all ages.

Because it’s made right here in the USA from humanely raised grass-fed lamb meal, you know that your pup will be getting top-quality ingredients without having to worry about where they come from or how they were produced.

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic & easy-to-digest formula
  • Made with humanely raised grass-fed lamb meal
  • Contains extra virgin olive oil for various health benefits
  • Provides essential monounsaturated fatty acids for a healthy skin & coat
  • Developed by PhD nutritionists using the latest research on dog nutrition
Cons
  • Some picky eaters may need additional incentives such as treats
  • Oil content could lead to soft stools if not monitored correctly
  • May be expensive compared to other brands

Purina Pro Plan Salmon Rice Large Breed Puppy

Purina Pro Plan Development SensitiveView On Chewy
Try Purina Pro Plan Salmon Rice Large Breed Puppy for your pup’s sensitive digestion needs and to support their immune system. This dry dog food is specially formulated with protein-rich salmon as its first ingredient, providing essential nutrients for a complete and balanced diet.

Oatmeal and rice are added to the mix to provide additional digestive health benefits.

The formula also includes vitamin A, sunflower oil, and fish oil (with DHA) to improve skin and coat health.

To strengthen the immune system, this dog food contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber.

One of the great things about this product is that it does not contain corn or wheat. This makes it free from artificial colors and flavors that could potentially cause further irritation of your pup’s skin allergies.

Pros
  • Protein-rich salmon as the first ingredient
  • Easy digestible oatmeal and rice, which are a great source of dietary fiber
  • Contains DHA from fish oil, promoting brain and vision development
  • Vitamin A and sunflower oil help improve skin and coat health
  • No corn or wheat, free from artificial colors and flavors
Cons
  • Some customers have reported issues with diarrhea after feeding this product
  • Some dogs may not like the taste and refuse to eat it
  • Live worms found by one customer

Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey

Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Puppy Grain-FreeView On Chewy
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey is a premium, single-animal protein formula with 30% crude protein and essential nutrients for a complete and balanced diet. It is rich in probiotics to support digestive health. Additionally, it contains omegas from salmon and canola oils for healthy skin & coat.

This grain-free food is free of white potatoes or tapioca, making it suitable even for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. Moreover, this USA-made product is free from chicken eggs, peas, pea proteins, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Pros
  • Single animal protein source providing 30% crude protein
  • Contains GanedenBC30 probiotics to aid digestion and immunity
  • Lower in carbs than other formulas
Cons
  • Not all dogs may like the taste
  • Contains some potential allergens such as peas
  • Does not include added taurine

PetHonesty Allergy Dogs Supplement

PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Salmon OilView On Chewy
PetHonesty Allergy Dogs Supplement is an all-natural, non-GMO formula to reduce excessive scratching and soothe allergy-related skin problems. It contains organic mushrooms, colostrum, probiotics, salmon oil, and turkey bone broth to promote overall skin health while supporting a healthy gut and immune system.

Suitable for all breeds of dogs, regardless of age or size, the supplement does not contain added sugar, wheat, corn, chemical preservatives, or GMOs. Customers have seen relief from seasonal allergies in their pets after taking this product, as well as improvements in digestive issues, itching associated with food sensitivities, and even joint discomfort due to aging.

Pros
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Supports a healthy immune system & gut health
  • No artificial chemicals/preservatives/GMOs
  • May help relieve seasonal allergies
  • Can improve digestion & itchy skin caused by food sensitivities
Cons
  • Some customers report that their dog had a negative reaction when using this product
  • Others report that the taste was not liked by picky eaters, making it difficult for them to take
  • Reports of loose stools after taking a lower dosage than recommended

PointPet Dog Omega 3 6 9 Supplement

PointPet Omega 3, 6 &View On Chewy
PointPet’s Omega 3 6 9 Supplement helps your pup achieve a softer, silkier coat with its mix of fatty acids and vitamin E. Made in the USA and non-GMO, this supplement contains omega-3s from salmon oil to promote healthy skin and joint function.

It also has omega-6 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation caused by allergies or injury, as well as omega-9 which supports overall health. Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection from free radicals that can damage cells over time while helping maintain a shiny coat for your dog.

Pros
  • Supports immune system, skin, and coat health
  • Contains Omega 3 – 6 – 9 vitamin E
  • Chicken flavor soft chews are easy to give
Cons
  • Some dogs don’t like the taste
  • Results may take time to be visible

Dr Gary Best Breed German Dog Food

Dr. GaryView On Chewy
Dr. Gary’s German Dog Food balances nutrition for large breeds with chicken and menhaden fish as the first proteins, helping to promote a vibrant coat and joint health – all at an affordable price! This kibble is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, green-lipped sea mussels for improved joint health, and essential vitamins to support your dog’s immune system.

It contains no corn or wheat, making it suitable for sensitive digestion diets too. Additionally, it has smaller kibble pieces that older dogs can easily eat without experiencing any digestive issues during the transition period from other foods.

Pros
  • Balanced ratio of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids promoting vibrant coat growth
  • Quality fiber helps maintain gastrointestinal functions
  • New Zealand green-lipped sea mussels supporting joint health
  • Essential vitamins supporting immune system health
  • Smaller kibble pieces ideal for older dogs
Cons
  • Price seems to be increasing
  • Need a gradual transition period when switching foods
  • Some dogs refuse to eat it or pick out small pieces

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I feed German Shepherds with skin allergies wet or dry food?

It’s best to feed German Shepherds with skin allergies a mixture of wet and dry food, as both have their benefits. Wet food can provide additional hydration that helps keep the skin healthy, while dry kibble promotes dental health.

Variety is also key – look for hypoallergenic options without common allergens like beef, dairy, and gluten.

Are there any special grooming needs for German Shepherds with skin allergies?

Grooming for German Shepherds with skin allergies should be kept gentle and consistent. Avoid harsh brushes or shampoos, which can irritate already sensitive skin. Regularly trim nails to prevent infection, as it is important too! Use a high-quality hypoallergenic shampoo to cleanse your pup’s coat without causing further irritation.

What are the benefits of feeding hypoallergenic diets to German Shepherds?

Feeding a German Shepherd hypoallergenic diet can help reduce symptoms of itchy skin. These diets are free from common allergens and fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy. They also have added vitamins to support immune health, prebiotic fiber for gut health, and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Hypoallergenic diets provide complete nutrition while maintaining your dog’s unique nutritional needs.

How often should I switch my dog’s food to help manage skin allergies?

To help manage skin allergies in your dog, switch their food every two to four weeks. Choose a high-quality hypoallergenic diet and rotate proteins for optimal nutrition. Supplement with omega fatty acids and allergen support to reduce symptoms of itchy skin.

Are there any natural remedies for skin allergies in German Shepherds?

Yes, there are natural remedies for skin allergies in German Shepherds. Talk to your vet about trying omega fatty acids and allergen supplements, adding raw organic coconut oil to food, or switching diets.

Consider a hypoallergenic diet with novel proteins or hydrolyzed proteins for additional support.

Conclusion

Finding the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies can be challenging. With so many options on the market, it’s important to find a food that not only meets your dog’s dietary needs but also supports their skin health.

From limited-ingredient diets to hypoallergenic formulas, there is a wide selection of high-quality foods available to help manage skin allergies. Consider adding supplements to your dog’s diet to provide additional support, as well as to reduce itching and irritation.

With proper diet management, your German Shepherd can live an allergy-free life.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.

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