20 Best Foods for German Shepherds with Allergies - iHeartDogs.com

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20 Best Foods for German Shepherds 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 9, 2026
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Dealing with your German Shepherd’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members in the German Shepherd community on Facebook the following question: “Those of you with German Shepherds who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 20 responses here.
As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your German Shepherd’s diet. Also, view our roundup of the Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies

Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies

Nature′s Recipe Lamb, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Nature′s Recipe Lamb, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

My Chopper was allergic to wheat, so we went to Nature’s Recipe Lamb and Rice. I’ve fed all the GSDs that have ever been with me (more than six of them over 10 years). It’s never had a recall.

Author: Jo Ann McKahan B.

Likes: 7


iHeartDogs Allergy & Itch Relief for Dogs with Salmon Oil

iHeartDogs Allergy & Itch Relief for Dogs with Salmon Oil

Not a food recommendation, but I would HIGHLY recommend this allergy supplement on Amazon. Reduced my dog’s itching substantially. My vet said keep using it!

Author: Jay C.

Likes: 18


All my animals are on a raw diet. No allergies, no skin conditions.

Author: Barb P.

Likes: 6


Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food

Purina Pro Sensitive skin and stomach. Vet recommended and has not needed steroids or had any breakouts since she started

Author: Melissa M.

Likes: 3


Grain-free. But…Give a teaspoon of Raw organic coconut oil in food, work up to a tablespoon a day. What it does is control the Candida overgrowth in the gut, which is the basis of supposed allergies and sensitive skin issues. Learned all this from a very trusted Dr. Works every time!!!!

Author: James K.

Likes: 1


Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe

Taste of the wild. Bison n Vinson

Author: Lisa H.

Likes: 4


Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

We use Blue Buffalo Basics, grain-free, duck and potato. He’s allergic to beef, rice, lamb, sweet potatoes, corn, and carrots. Various molds and grass. Spring and fall are rough. He’s currently on a steroid because of itching and biting that resulted in a hot spot. This was after 3 weeks of Apoquel. Really wish they would come out with a generic for that.

Author: Nikki M.

Likes: 1


Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Recipe All Life Stages Quality Protein Dry Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Recipe All Life Stages Quality Protein Dry Dog Food

We used Diamond Naturals Grain-free white fish and sweet potato.

Author: Reneé Zingalie S.

Likes: 2


Taste of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Taste of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

My girl, Lady, was allergic to chicken. I switched her to Timberwolf Salmon Kibble & the scratch & shaking VANISHED IMMEDIATELY!! OVER NIGHT!!! I later switched to: Taste of the Wild Salmon Kibble, & she thrived until DM took her at age 16!

Author: Lynn B.

Likes: 3


Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Mine has a problem with chicken, so we use Diamond Naturals large breed lamb and rice, no corn, wheat, or soy

Author: Carol Rosch T.

Likes: 2


Blue Buffalo Basics Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Adult Dry Dog Food

I use Blue Buffalo salmon and sweet potatoes formula for mine. She’s allergic to anything with corn in it. She loves this food, and the salmon does good things for her skin and coat

Author: Barbara Jean O.

Likes: 1


Authority Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Salmon and Rice Dry Dog Food

Authority Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Salmon and Rice Dry Dog Food

Authority sensitive skin and stomach. Plus, I give her plain yogurt and pumpkin purée, which is good for digestion.

Author: Sherry G.

Likes: 3


Taste Of The Wild, Southwest Canine Formula Wild Boar

Taste Of The Wild, Southwest Canine Formula Wild Boar

This is a good one: Has Beef, Lamb, Fish, and Wild Boar….. NO CHICKEN or Grain…..

Author: Al K.

Likes: 0


Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

Hill Science for sensitive skin and stomach.

Author: Rusty M.

Likes: 0


Raw because it’s the only food that didn’t upset her stomach after years of trying to find something suitable.

Author: Tez K.

Likes: 0


Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food

Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food

Nature’s Recipe Chicken, Pumpkin, and Sweet Potato

Author: Jami Granger H.

Likes: 0


Blue Buffalo Basics Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Adult Dry Dog Food

We use Blue Buffalo Basics Salmon and potatoes. No chicken/no grain. Plus, we give her a fish oil capsule, and she takes 1 1/2 Apoquel tablets every day to help her skin dermatitis. It all works well and stays under control.

Author: Terri B.

Likes: 0


Zignature Trout & Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food

Zignature Trout & Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food

The only thing that we have found that helps is Zignature Trout and Salmon.

Author: Samantha K.

Likes: 0


Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin! It’s specially formulated for the breed!

Author: Kevin L.

Likes: 0


Simply nourish large breed salmon and sweet potato is great too

Author: Akshita C.

Likes: 0


To keep my shepherd’s skin from being dry (looking like eczema), I put a little olive oil in their food…this is what the dry foods lack, and my shepherd’s fur and skin are healthy; my dad had me do this.

Author: Debbie R.

Likes: 0


FAQs: Best Foods for German Shepherds with Allergies

1. What are the common food allergies in German Shepherds?

German Shepherds commonly develop allergies to proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soy. Identifying the specific allergen can help you choose a suitable diet.

2. How can I tell if my German Shepherd has a food allergy?

Signs of food allergies in German Shepherds include itchy skin, ear infections, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea, and excessive licking or scratching. Consulting a veterinarian can confirm the allergy.

3. What ingredients should I avoid in dog food for allergic German Shepherds?

Avoid ingredients like chicken, beef, wheat, soy, and dairy if your dog has shown sensitivity. Opt for limited-ingredient diets or hypoallergenic formulas to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

4. Are grain-free diets better for German Shepherds with allergies?

Not necessarily. While some dogs are sensitive to grains, others may react to proteins instead. It’s essential to conduct a proper allergy test to identify triggers before choosing a grain-free option.

5. What are some of the best protein sources for German Shepherds with allergies?

Novel proteins such as duck, venison, lamb, and fish are less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to common proteins like chicken and beef. Look for high-quality, single-protein dog foods.

6. Can homemade dog food help manage allergies in German Shepherds?

Yes, homemade diets can be beneficial as they allow complete control over ingredients. However, consult a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced.

7. What are the benefits of hypoallergenic dog food for German Shepherds?

Hypoallergenic dog foods use hydrolyzed proteins or novel ingredients that minimize allergic reactions. They are especially beneficial for dogs with chronic skin issues or digestive problems related to food allergies.

Support Your Dog’s Allergy Relief With Better Nutrition

Choosing the right food can make a world of difference for dogs with allergies. When you select recipes made with gentle ingredients and clean nutrition, you help soothe irritation, support digestion, and keep your pup feeling their best. Every thoughtful choice brings your dog closer to the comfort and wellness they deserve. With the right allergy-friendly diet, you can ease symptoms and enjoy more joyful, energetic days together. Because a healthy, comfortable dog is a truly happy dog.

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

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