Does your Labrador constantly scratch, chew their paws, or suffer from itchy skin? If so, you’re not alone. Many Lab owners face the frustrating challenge of figuring out what to feed their beloved dogs when allergies strike. These gentle giants often develop sensitivities to common ingredients, turning mealtime into a guessing game filled with trial and error.
Finding the perfect food for a Labrador with allergies feels overwhelming. You want your dog to be happy and healthy, but wading through ingredient lists and confusing marketing claims can leave you scratching your head. The wrong food can lead to discomfort, vet visits, and a very unhappy pup. This guide cuts through the confusion.
We’ve compiled the essential information you need. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which ingredients to look for and which to avoid. You will gain the confidence to select a safe, delicious, and allergy-friendly diet that lets your Lab thrive again. Let’s dive into the best nutrition strategies for your sensitive Lab.
Top Dog Food For Labs With Allergies Recommendations
- SENSITIVE SKIN & STOMACH ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Nutritionally dense crunchy kibble, chicken free recipe, made with salmon and rice for whole body health.
- GENTLE ON STOMACH: Easily Digestivble recipe is gentle on the stomach
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Supported by antioxidants for strong immune systems, vitamins for healthy eyes and teeth, glucosamine for strong joints, omega fatty acids ensure healthy skin and coat, and probiotics and taurine for a healthy heart.
- NO ADDED CHICKEN, BEEF, OR WHEAT: Contains only premium, all natural ingredients with no added chicken, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; recipes crafted with wholesome ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits
- Diamond Naturals Skin and Coat All Life Stages Salmon and Potato dry dog food; REAL SALMON is the #1 ingredient; from puppy to senior, this formula helps maintain healthy skin and coat
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from VEGETABLES and SUPERFOODS; energy-rich carbohydrates and immune-system-supporting antioxidants; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS — plus antioxidants and prebiotics — to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
- Advanced Formula - Support your dog’s gut balance and promote a normal immune response with our specialized seasonal allergy-supporting probiotic dog chews
- Gut and Yeast Level Support - Is your dog paw licking or biting? Do they have smelly ears? Help support their gut which in turn supports healthy levels of yeast for your dog with our probiotic soft chews
- Powerful Ingredients - Each chew is packed with a blend of premium-quality prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. As well as Borage Oil, and Krill Oil, which are a great source of Omega fatty acids, and Vitamin E which provides antioxidant benefits
- Premium Products - Our mission is to ensure our dog health supplies are of the highest quality, and we strive to do so through research and rigorous production practices. Our Probiotics are manufactured in the USA using ingredients sourced from prime locations in the US & worldwide
- Invest In Your Dog’s Health - Join our family of over 4 million dogs who tried PetLab Co.’s products. Help support your dog with seasonal allergies and promote healthy yeast production with daily supplementation
- Precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin
- Prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome
- Omega-6s & Vitamin E to promote a healthy coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- ALLERGY FRIENDLY FOR SENSITIVE STOMACHS– For healthier and smoother digestion our food has no chicken, no meal ingredients, no grains, and only lamb animal protein. We designed this for pets with allergies, intolerances, a sensitive stomach, or just pets that want clean, healthy dog food.
- RAW YOU CAN SEE INGREDIENTS FOR REAL HEALTH BENEFITS: We’ve mixed our freeze dried raw pumpkin and air dried purple sweet potato to further supplement digestion and aid in food transition. We also added our freeze dried raw lamb and green beans to help entice picky eaters to chow down. We use these simple ingredients so pet parents can see the quality of the whole food ingredients we use. The kibble is formulated by a Ph. D. in Animal Nutrition and is AAFCO approved and uses salmon as the #1 ingredient!
- FREEZE DRIED RAW PIECES: We’ve used our bestselling single ingredient freeze dried lamb with freeze dried pumpkin and green beans to boost nutrients such as Omega 3 and fiber. Freeze drying is the best way to preserve natural nutrients, with over 61% more nutrients retained relative to dehydration or cooking. Most importantly you can see the quality whole food ingredients we are using!
- THE BEST RAW FRIENDLY DOG FOOD: A Better Dog Food mixes allergy friendly ingredients and probiotics in our kibble with freeze dried raw treats in one bag. A complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all types, including small breeds, puppies, and seniors. We also use a sturdy resealable bag to make it easier to grab and go!
- A BETTER DOG FOOD, YOU CAN TRUST: Our dog food is made with real, recognizable ingredients you can see! No chicken, no meal ingredients, grain free, minimally processed, and only lamb animal protein to make a highly digestible allergy friendly healthy and natural food. A Better Dog Food is made in the USA and our mission is to deliver the healthiest, most irresistible dog food to our fellow pet parents!
- Sensitive skin dog food made with real salmon as the #1 ingredient to help support strong muscles, including a healthy heart
- A SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients in this adult dog food, along with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, promotes healthy skin and a radiant coat
- Purina ONE Skin & Coat dog food includes four antioxidant sources for a strong immune system and natural glucosamine sources for joint health
- Calcium and deliciously crunchy bites in this dog food kibble support strong teeth and healthy gums
- Sensitive stomach dog food crafted in Purina-owned, U.S. facilities with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives for 100 percent nutrition, 0 percent fillers
- SALMON IS THE FIRST ANIMAL PROTEIN SOURCE providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles; Sweet Potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health; Contains (1) 4-Pound Bag
- WITH SENSITIVE PETS IN MIND we’ve carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin & digestive system; made with a single animal protein source, and no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR SMALL DOGS Made with the same balanced nutritional philosophy, our Small Breed recipes are tailored to your dog. Every bite is packed with flavor! Smaller size accommodates smaller jaw sizes for easier eating
- NUTRITION FOR EVERY TYPE OF DOG Any dog can enjoy our delicious recipes, not just dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin or allergies; Our purposefully crafted formulas reduce the number of ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition
- SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY Natural Balance's 'Feed with Confidence' program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite; Validate bag on our site or call our Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians
- Precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin
- Prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome
- Omega-6s & Vitamin E to promote a healthy coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
Finding the Best Dog Food for Labs with Allergies: A Complete Buying Guide
Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but some of them have sensitive stomachs or skin allergies. Choosing the right food is super important for their health. This guide helps you pick the best options for your allergic Lab.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for allergy-friendly food, check the label for these things:
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): These foods use very few ingredients. This makes it easier to find out what causes the allergy.
- Novel Proteins: If your Lab is allergic to chicken or beef, look for unique proteins like duck, venison, or fish.
- Hydrolyzed Protein: This special protein is broken down so small that your dog’s body doesn’t recognize it as an allergen.
- Skin & Coat Support: Good food should have Omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil) to soothe itchy skin.
Important Ingredients to Know
The ingredients list tells the whole story. You want good things in the bowl and bad things out.
What to Look For:
Always look for a named, high-quality protein source listed first, like “Salmon” or “Lamb.” Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or peas are often better choices than white rice or corn for sensitive dogs.
What to Avoid (Common Allergens):
Many dogs react badly to common fillers and proteins. You must try to avoid:
- Beef and Dairy
- Chicken (a very common trigger)
- Wheat, Corn, and Soy
- Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives (BHA, BHT).
Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Quality
The quality of the ingredients greatly affects how well the food works for your allergic Lab.
Improving Quality:
Foods that use whole, recognizable ingredients rate higher. If the label says “real salmon” instead of “meat by-products,” that is a big plus. High levels of Omega-3 fatty acids directly improve skin health. Look for third-party testing seals, which show the food company cares about quality control.
Reducing Quality:
Foods loaded with fillers or ingredients you cannot pronounce usually lower the quality. If the first few ingredients are corn or generic meat meals, the nutritional value for an allergic dog might be low. Cheap foods often use ingredients that are harder for sensitive systems to digest.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does the food fit into your life and your dog’s routine?
Successful Use Cases:
Owners often report success when they switch to a grain-free or single-protein diet. If your Lab scratches constantly, a switch to a fish-based food often calms the itching within a few weeks. Happy dogs have shiny coats and normal, firm stools.
Tips for Transitioning:
Never change your Lab’s food overnight. Allergies can sometimes mimic digestive upset. Mix the new food slowly with the old food over seven to ten days. This gentle change helps the dog’s stomach adjust smoothly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Food for Labs with Allergies
Q: How long does it take to see if a new food works?
A: Most vets suggest feeding the new allergy food consistently for at least 8 to 12 weeks. This gives the skin time to heal and shows if the food truly stops the allergic reaction.
Q: Are grain-free foods always better for Lab allergies?
A: Not always. Some dogs are allergic to grains, but many others are allergic to proteins like chicken. Grain-free helps if grains are the problem, but focus more on finding a novel protein source first.
Q: Can I feed my allergic Lab homemade food?
A: You can, but it is hard to balance. Homemade diets must be carefully planned by a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your Lab gets all necessary vitamins and minerals.
Q: What is the biggest difference between limited ingredient and regular food?
A: Limited ingredient diets (LID) have fewer components, which removes many chances for an allergic reaction. Regular food has many more ingredients, increasing the risk.
Q: Should I look for specific vitamins for itchy skin?
A: Yes. Look for Vitamin E and high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which fight inflammation and soothe irritation.
Q: My Lab is itchy, but I don’t know the allergen. What should I do first?
A: First, talk to your veterinarian. They might suggest an elimination diet or a food trial using a prescription hydrolyzed protein food to pinpoint the exact trigger.
Q: Is wet food better than dry kibble for allergies?
A: The format (wet vs. dry) does not usually matter for allergies. The ingredient list is what counts. Some wet foods, however, contain more binding agents, so check labels carefully.
Q: What does “novel protein” mean?
A: Novel protein means a protein source your dog has never eaten before, like kangaroo, bison, or alligator. These are great for Labs whose immune systems already react to common meats.
Q: Are prescription foods necessary for mild allergies?
A: Prescription foods are often the gold standard because they use hydrolyzed proteins that are nearly impossible for the body to react to. They are very helpful when over-the-counter foods fail.
Q: How do I read the ingredient list correctly?
A: Ingredients are listed by weight, heaviest first. If “Corn” is the first item, the food is mostly corn. You want a named protein source, like “Salmon,” listed first or second.