Best Foods for Papillons with Allergies - iHeartDogs.com

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Best Foods for Papillons 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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Dealing with your Papillon’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of Papillon’s community on Facebook the following question: “Those of you with Papillons who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarised the top 15 responses here.

Best Dog Foods for Papillons with Allergies

Chicken is a common allergen. Also, freeze the dry food for several days to kill mites. Our little guy was allergic to both.

Author: Karen F.

Likes: 0


Chicken with rice or Chicken and veg, our girl, 14, only weighs 5lb x

Author: Kay J.

Likes: 1


Pro plan, Chicken and rice formula..

Author: Patrick B.

Likes: 0


I cook turkey, peas, carrots and rice for my baby

Author: Vickie W.

Likes: 1


He did well with Purina lamb and rice, but watch because a lot of food has chicken by-products even if it is beef, lamb ect.

Author: Karen F.

Likes: 0


I make homemade food, usually ground turkey, carrots, peas, green beans, spinach or kale, blueberries, cranberries, apples, brown rice, quinoa, etc. He is not chewing on his paws as much, his coat is softer, his breath is not bad, and he has lost the extra weight.

Author: Shannon C.

Likes: 2


When I was faced with this with my dog, my vet said to try hydrolysed food. I wasn’t keen, but my poor boy was so poorly. He has not looked back since going on this food. It would seem that he is allergic/intolerant of all meat proteins. Hydrolysed food is where the protein molecules are made so small that the dog’s body does not recognise them.

Author: Angie T.

Likes: 1


Turkey/fish-based diets. My Papillon is highly allergic to chicken!

Author: Marion M.

Likes: 0


We fed ours on our food ie Meat, vegetables, his favourite were stick beans. He lived to nearly 17, and the other 3 a little less; it never did any of them any harm

Author: Margaret T.

Likes: 2


If they’re allergic to animal-based protein, you could always give an insect protein diet a try

Author: Keavy M.

Likes: 0


I recently changed my food because of a possible chicken allergy. Red Ford beef formula..

Author: Mindy J.

Likes: 0


I have one of those people who is allergic to everything. She gets dry food from the vet, Royal Canin Anallergenic. And she gets meds for her allergies as well

Author: Linda B.

Likes: 0


First Mate oceanic fish

Author: Leona Sameerah H.

Likes: 0


Our little man started developing allergies to commercial dog food when he was about 8. We tried many high-end and organic brands, but nothing worked. We cooked homemade food for him exclusively after that and did amazing on it. We lost him last year at 17.

Author: Sherry D.

Likes: 0


Blue Salmon and sweet potato.

Author: Salena H.

Likes: 0


Frequently Asked Questions About Foods for Papillons with Allergies

1. What is the best food for a Papillon with allergies?

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

2. What foods are Papillons most commonly allergic to?

    Chicken is one of the most common allergens, but some Papillons may also react to beef, dairy, grains, or certain additives in commercial dog food.

3. Are fish-based diets good for allergic Papillons?

    Yes, fish-based diets are often recommended because they are less likely to trigger allergies and can support healthy skin and coat.

4. Can homemade food help manage allergies?

    Homemade food can be helpful since it allows you to control ingredients and avoid known allergens, but it should be properly balanced for nutrition.

5. What is hydrolyzed dog food?

    Hydrolyzed dog food contains proteins that are broken down into very small molecules, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

6. Should I avoid all meat proteins?

    Not necessarily. Some dogs are only allergic to specific proteins, while others may require alternative options like fish or even non-traditional protein sources.

7. Can allergy testing help my Papillon?

    Yes, allergy testing through your veterinarian can help identify specific triggers, allowing you to choose the most appropriate diet.

8. How do I transition my Papillon to a new diet?

    Transition slowly over several days by mixing the new food with the current one to avoid digestive upset and monitor for reactions.

9. What foods should I avoid for a Papillon with allergies?

    Avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, and foods with artificial additives or fillers. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

10. Can freezing dry food help with allergies?

    Freezing dry food can help eliminate storage mites, which may trigger allergic reactions in some sensitive dogs.

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

    If your dog shows persistent itching, digestive issues, or skin problems, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Works Best for Papillons with Food Allergies

Managing allergies in your Papillon starts with finding the right diet and sticking to simple, high-quality ingredients. Many dogs do best on limited-ingredient or alternative protein diets that reduce exposure to common allergens like chicken. Since every Papillon is different, it may take some trial and adjustment to discover what works best. With patience and guidance from your veterinarian, you can help reduce allergy symptoms, improve overall health, and keep your dog feeling comfortable and happy.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Papillon’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. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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