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Best Dog Foods for Newfoundlands with Allergies
Have you tried Purina Pro Plan Salmon and Rice Sensitive Skin and Stomach?
Author: Emily A.
Likes: 1
Have your Newfie allergy tested. It’s not cheap but worth it. My boy is allergic to peas and pea grain. Look at the ingredients in dog food. Peas and pea grains are at the top of the ingredients of most dog foods. I found a food that had them further down the list. He does quite well on that. Now if only I could remove grass, maple, and oak trees from our property, he’d be clear of his allergies. Lol.
Author: Barb Friedel N.
Likes: 1
Author: Allison Hoffman B.
Likes: 1
My newf became a vegetarian, and she was a lot, lot better. worth a try.
Author: Carol Haigh M.
Likes: 2
My dog is very allergic, and after a long time with tests of different diets, he tolerate hills prescription diet canine z/d.
Author: Laila L.
Likes: 2
Mine eats N&D wild boar, and he seems to have no issues with it or raw beef, Buffalo, chicken, turkey, duck, or eggs. It is beneficial to get an allergy test done at your vet’s office.
Author: Bonnie R.
Likes: 1
We have finally found Hill’s gastrointestinal biome. It’s a prescription. They used to eat royal Canaan until COVID. Made everything impossible to get anymore. Good luck! It’s taking us quite a while to find something that seems to work.
Author: Becky Peterson G.
Likes: 1
Simpsons salmon and potato
Author: Jane P.
Likes: 1
My Newfie is allergic to everything (all poultry and fish). But he tolerates Solid Gold barking at the moon, beef recipe, canned food, and Solid Gold Wolf King Bison, brown rice, and sweet potato for adult large breed dogs
Author: Jackie R.
Likes: 1
All my pets get sweet potato, salmon, and pumpkin dog food. Nature’s Recipe. Less shedding, no throwing up, and no gas
Author: Teresa S.
Likes: 1
Mine was allergic to everything, he had to go on steroids, Nutro for food
Author: Tom O.
Likes: 1
Acana (fish and herring)
Author: Chantal V.
Likes: 1
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach
Author: Amy K.
Likes: 1
Rizzo is very sensitive to chicken. Vet suggested Canadae Bison lentil and carrot. No problems since
Author: Nancy Uhle-K.
Likes: 1
Have an allergy panel done so you can see what exactly your pup is having a reaction to. Then go from there.
Author: Jim G.
Likes: 2
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for Newfoundlands with Allergies
1. What are common food allergies in Newfoundlands?
Newfoundlands, like many large breeds, can develop allergies to ingredients such as beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, or corn. Symptoms may include itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive upset. Identifying and eliminating allergens through a limited-ingredient diet or an elimination diet is key.
2. What ingredients should I avoid if my Newfoundland has allergies?
Avoid common allergens like grains (especially wheat and corn), artificial preservatives, fillers, dairy, and proteins your dog has previously reacted to. Look for hypoallergenic formulas that use novel proteins (e.g., duck, venison) and easily digestible carbs like sweet potatoes or peas.
3. Are grain-free diets better for Newfoundlands with allergies?
Not always. While some dogs with grain allergies may benefit from grain-free food, not all grain-free formulas are ideal. Focus more on your dog’s specific allergens. Some whole grains, like brown rice or oats, are well-tolerated and nutritious unless your Newfoundland is specifically allergic to them.
4. What are the best protein sources for dogs with food sensitivities?
Novel or single-source proteins like salmon, duck, lamb, rabbit, or venison are ideal. These proteins are less likely to have caused prior sensitivities. Fish-based diets are especially good for skin health due to their high omega-3 content.
5. Should I try a limited-ingredient diet (LID)?
Yes, limited-ingredient diets can be beneficial as they reduce the risk of triggering allergies. These diets typically include only one protein source and one carbohydrate, making it easier to pinpoint allergens and support digestive health.
6. Can homemade food help with my Newfoundland’s allergies?
Homemade diets offer full control over ingredients and can help eliminate allergens, but they must be nutritionally balanced. Work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog’s diet includes essential nutrients and is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
7. What supplements can help manage allergy symptoms?
Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), probiotics, and vitamin E can support skin and coat health while reducing inflammation. Always consult your vet before introducing new supplements to ensure safety and correct dosage.
As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Newfoundland’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.
A Happier Tummy, A Happier Newfoundland
Finding the right food for your allergy-prone Newfoundland might feel like a long, messy journey—but it’s one worth taking. Each thoughtful choice you make brings your gentle giant closer to comfort, better health, and more tail-wagging days. Remember, it’s not just about what’s in the bowl; it’s about giving your dog the life they deserve—itch-free, energetic, and full of joy. So take that next step, explore what works best, and don’t settle until you see them thrive. Because at the heart of it all is a simple, powerful truth: every dog matters, and every Newfoundland deserves a loving home, a healthy body, and a future where shelters are no longer needed.
Toledo, United States.