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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
| May 15, 2025
Dealing with your German Shepherd’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members 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. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Also, view our roundup of the Best 11 Foods for Dogs with Allergies

20 Best Dog Foods for German Shepherds with Allergies

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

Author: Jo Ann McKahan B.

Likes: 7


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 are on raw diet . No allergies no skin conditions.

Author: Barb P.

Likes: 6


Purina Pro Sensitive skin and stomach. Vet recommended and has not need 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 over growth in the gut which is the basis of supposed allergies and sensitive skin issues. Learned all this from a very trusted Dr. Works everytime!!!!

Author: James K.

Likes: 1


Taste of the wild. Bison n Vinson

Author: Lisa H.

Likes: 4


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


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

Author: Reneé Zingalie S.

Likes: 2


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


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


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

Author: Sherry G.

Likes: 3


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

Author: Al K.

Likes: 0


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 Chicken Pumpkin and Sweet Potato

Author: Jami Granger H.

Likes: 0


We use Blue Buffalo Basics Salmon and potato. No chicken/no grain. Plus we give her a fish oil capsule and she takes 1 1/2 apoquel tablet everyday to help her skin dermatitis. It all works well and stays under control.

Author: Terri B.

Likes: 0


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

Author: Samantha K.

Likes: 0


Royal Canin! It’s specialy 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


FAQs: Best Foods for German Shepherds with Allergies

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about feeding German Shepherds with allergies. These answers are designed to be informative and optimized for SEO.

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.

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To keep my shepherds 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 shepherds fur and skin are healthy; my dad had me do this.

Author: Debbie R.

Likes: 0

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