Best Foods for Alaskan Malamutes with Allergies - iHeartDogs.com

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Best Foods for Alaskan Malamutes with Allergies

By: Zyra Capalac
Zyra is a Special Project Coordinator of HomeLife Media and a writer for iHeartDogs.com. She has 3 dogs namely Skye, Luna, and one of them is a rescue, named Tesla.Read more
| April 21, 2026
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iHeartDogs is reader-supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Dealing with your Alaskan Malamute’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of the Alaskan Malamute community on Facebook the following question: “Those of you with Alaskan Malamutes who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 15 responses here.

Best Dog Foods for Alaskan Malamutes with Allergies

I was using Hills Derm Defense. It is an amazing food, but with all the shortages, it has been hard to get. Currently, I am feeding a lamb and rice diet, and that has worked pretty well. Not as well as the derm diet, but close.

Author: Haley H.

Likes: 0


Hugo was chewing his paws with chicken, so we switched him to Blue Basics Salmon. It is working well.

Author: Patti Foster S.

Likes: 0


First, we gave her Trovet, French medical food, and now she eats Acana Wild, fish-based food. All is good. She is allergic to chicken

Author: Siniša Š.

Likes: 0


Go to your vet and get allergy testing. It’s expensive, but it’ll give you various foods and help with environmental allergies. I’d also ask your vet about a limited antigen food, which basically gives you low doses (microscopic) of various proteins… doing this can be almost like giving them a vaccine against the allergies. That’s about the best way to describe it.

Author: Tasch P.

Likes: 1


I have a male mally who is allergic to everything……literally the only food that has been successful is Diamond Naturals Grain-free Whitefish and sweet potato. Trader Joe’s grain-free peanut butter and banana dog treats, and carrots. If he has any people food, he has severe diarrhea and vomiting. I have had great success with this food. My dog is allergic to grains and proteins. Whitefish is very easy to digest. Also, vet recommended B vitamins and probiotics.

Author: Amanda B.

Likes: 1


I used Purina potato, but you need a prescription.

Author: Amanda G.

Likes: 1


We switched to Purina sensitive skin and stomach formula that is salmon-based. It did the trick

Author: Dave S H.

Likes: 3


Health Extension…. No grains or fillers/byproducts. Has pre and probiotics, coconut oil, pumpkin, and more. Many different flavors are made with real meat. We give our girl buffalo/whitefish, and she LOVES it. She’s usually fussy, but not with this. We can even use them as treats instead of buying separate and she’s happy. She was itching MAJORLY, and we thought maybe it was her food. Started giving it to her and saw a huge difference in just a few days. She’s still itching some, but it’s a process and not nearly like she was; it was terrible. She was itching herself bald in some spots. I buy from Chewy online, it’s a better price than direct from the company, and they have small bags to try before buying a large bag

Author: Cassie C.

Likes: 2


Salmon pro plan large breed did it for mine

Author: Nat C.

Likes: 0


Mine was allergic to many different things. I ended up on the Taste of the Wild Salmon formula and a supplement that I put on his food every day. A little expensive, but worth it. NutraTrive. They run sales on it often.

Author: Ray B.

Likes: 1


A homemade dog can become allergic to chicken, like mine. 3 lbs ground beef, 2 cups green beans, 2 cups peas and carrots, 2 cups sweet potatoes, 2 cups squash, 2 cups spinach, 1 c lentils, and you can add white rice. This feeds my two healers for 4 days, 1 .5 cups 2 times a day. My vet is a specialist in Seattle. He wanted my dogs on a rabbit diet, but it was 160.00 for 30 lbs. My homemade is about 30.00 for a week

Author: Peggy S.

Likes: 0


Hamburger and rice. You can buy vitamin powder at pet food stores. You can add green beans and carrots, also. Use salt-free canned green beans and carrots

Author: Julie Miller M.

Likes: 0


Bones and raw food (BARF) diet with a probiotic powder, my malamute made it to 14 years and 2 months without any major issues on this kind of food

Author: Tony D.

Likes: 0


Ours eats Prescription Diet ZD

Author: Karen Arnold-F.

Likes: 0


Royal Canin HYDROLYZED HP

Author: Brenda B.

Likes: 0


Frequently Asked Questions About Foods for Alaskan Malamutes with Allergies

1. What is the best food for an Alaskan Malamute with allergies?

    The best food is typically a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet made with easily digestible proteins. Many owners find success with fish-based or novel protein formulas.

2. What causes food allergies in Alaskan Malamutes?

    Food allergies are often caused by common proteins like chicken or beef, as well as grains or fillers. Each dog may react differently to specific ingredients.

3. Are grain-free diets good for Malamutes with allergies?

    Some Malamutes benefit from grain-free diets, especially if they have grain sensitivities. However, it depends on the individual dog and should be discussed with a vet.

4. What protein is best for dogs with allergies?

    Proteins like salmon, whitefish, or other novel sources are often easier to digest and less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

5. Should I consider a prescription dog food?

    Prescription diets can be very effective for managing allergies because they are specially formulated to reduce reactions and support digestion.

6. Can homemade food help with allergies?

    Homemade food can help if properly balanced, as it allows you to control ingredients and avoid known allergens.

7. Can probiotics help my dog’s allergies?

    Probiotics can support gut health and may help improve digestion and immune response, which can be beneficial for dogs with allergies.

8. How do I know what my dog is allergic to?

    Allergy testing through your veterinarian can help identify specific triggers, allowing you to tailor your dog’s diet more effectively.

9. How do I transition my dog to a new allergy-friendly food?

    Transition gradually over several days by mixing the new food with the current one to avoid digestive upset.

10. What foods should I avoid for a Malamute with allergies?

    Avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, and grains if your dog is sensitive to them. Artificial additives and fillers should also be avoided.

11. When should I see a vet about my dog’s allergies?

    If your dog shows signs like itching, digestive issues, or chronic ear infections, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Supporting Your Alaskan Malamute’s Skin and Gut Health

Managing allergies in your Alaskan Malamute starts with identifying the right diet and sticking to consistent, high-quality ingredients. Many dogs benefit from limited-ingredient or novel protein foods that reduce exposure to common allergens. Since every Malamute is different, finding the ideal solution may take some trial and adjustment. With patience and guidance from your veterinarian, you can help reduce allergic reactions, improve digestion, and keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and thriving.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Alaskan Malamute’s food. iHeartDogs is reader-supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

RELATED: The Complete Dog Food Guide: Nutrition, Ingredients, Feeding & How to Choose

iHeartDogs is reader-supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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