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

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20 Best Foods for Australian 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 18, 2026
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Dealing with your Australian Shepherd’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of the Australian Shepherd community on Facebook the following question: “Those of you with Australian 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 Australian Shepherd’s diet.

Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Dry Dog Food

Hills Science Diet Lamb and Rice.

Author: Holly K.

Likes: 0


Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food

For my Aussie’s food allergies, it’s by prescription from the vet – Hills Z/D. Then cause he has some environmental allergies, too a allergy shot every few months if he starts scratching a lot.

Author: Lisa H.

Likes: 1


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


Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Dry

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Dry

I feed Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach salmon and rice, wet and dry. Allergies cleared up, coats are thick and beautiful again.

Author: Lorie E.

Likes: 0


Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

My dog ate Whole Earth Farms, lamb/grain-free, for a few years once I discovered his chicken allergy. Then I switched because his coat was very dry. No problems with Blue Buffalo, it’s been about 4 more years now.

Author: Kathleen Rodweller W.

Likes: 2


Check how to do a food elimination diet. Forget the ‘tests’, this is the gold standard, and is not difficult to do. Playing Food Monopoly is not fun. I don’t know how many foods we went through, finding some that all four Aussies could eat without blasting us out of the living room. Different from allergies, but tracking sensitive ingredients helps. My BC could never handle the grain-free formulas, but did super on the single-grain models. Food elimination. My husband was a holistic Vet, and we set up a whole lot of them. Google is your friend.

Author: Valerie V.

Likes: 2


Fromm Four-Star Duck & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

Fromm Four-Star Duck & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

From duck and sweet potato or whitefish and potato. No chicken or corn, as those were the allergens.

Author: Mary Lucas S.

Likes: 2


My dog was not allergic to chicken; he was allergic to the additives they put in dry food. And they almost all use them. I was advised by some friends to try feeding raw food, and that worked like a charm. I add all-natural vitamins that are recommended for raw diets, and when you read the ingredients on the label. You know what they are putting in the vit mix. I give eggs twice a week. And add apples, carrots, greens, and any fresh vegetables I have in the fridge to give them some variety. My dogs love it, and I know what is in my dogs’ food. You could use the same mix and just cook the meat if you are worried about feeding raw, but my do great on the raw. And I buy their meat from the grocery store, so they are getting human-grade food.

Author: Patty B.

Likes: 1


I cook lamb and rice with green vegetables. Also, my Aussie is allergic to preservatives in kibble and cookies, so I make everything for my boy from scratch

Author: Tracy Lee H.

Likes: 1


Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Hypoallergenic PR Potato & Rabbit Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Hypoallergenic PR Potato & Rabbit Dry Dog Food

I used Royal Canin Selected Protein Rx – uses only 3 ingredients, rabbit meat being the protein. Vet prescribed.

Author: Carolyn P.

Likes: 0


My boy started having some skin issues, and no matter what food I tried after that, be it a grain or a grain-free food, skin issues seemed to always be lurking. Then I hear NOT to feed grain-free foods, and hear some brands like Purina and others are highly encouraged by veterinarians…Seriously, I wouldn’t touch Purina. Interesting to me was that the ones most touted by vets are the ones they happen to sell in their offices and most likely get kick-backs for. So I just stopped searching and made my dog’s food with a variety of ingredients from the grocery store. My boy is very healthy and at an ideal weight, and his vet approves.

Author: Jennifer Z.

Likes: 3


Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Real Salmon and Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Real Salmon and Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

I just switched from Nutro to Diamond Naturals, yes, stay away from chicken… I use beef for 2 of my dogs and salmon for my other dog… my aussie gets paw itching at the beginning of fall, so we take him to the vet for an allergy shot, but it has nothing to do with food.

Author: Jen S.

Likes: 1


Mine can’t have peas, pork, oats, or peanuts. Peas are in most dry foods as a filler, so finding a food he can eat is difficult. He currently eats Royal Canin Gastrointestinal diet

Author: Sarah E.

Likes: 1


Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula

Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula

Mine don’t have any known food allergies, fortunately, but I know a lot of dogs are allergic to chicken. Mine enjoy a rotation of different foods, and one of their favorites is Purina One lamb and rice. Might be good for a doggo allergic to chicken.

Author: Rebecca K.

Likes: 1


AvoDerm Natural Advanced Sensitive Support Trout & Pea Formula Dry Dog Food

AvoDerm Natural Advanced Sensitive Support Trout & Pea Formula Dry Dog Food

Avoderm grain-free trout. It’s for all life stages, and my one Aussie mix can’t have grains. It works for all of them

Author: Christine S.

Likes: 2


I’m in Canada, but something like this may be available or perhaps shipped to you? Best food I’ve ever found.

Author: Jeni G.

Likes: 3


I cut out chicken and have him on Nutri-Life fish and pork, never had a problem!

Author: Wendy Farnsworth-M.

Likes: 0


Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Sport Salmon. Only food 2 of my Aussies can eat that doesn’t cause them to break out in hives.

Author: Angel Lea Cochran-K.

Likes: 1


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

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

Taste of Wild, Pacific Stream. It’s a salmon-based kibble, grain-free. Mine are allergic to grain.

Author: Christopher L.

Likes: 0


Forza10 – Dog Food, Limited Ingredient Dog Food for Colon

Forza10 - Dog Food, Limited Ingredient Dog Food for Colon

This is what I use for my food allergic Aussie. She’s allergic to chicken and barley. It is available on both Chewy and Amazon WITHOUT a prescription. Forza10 Active Colon Support Diet Phase 1 Hydrolyzed Dog Food, Dry Dog Food Helps Dogs with Diarrhea, Colitis and Constipation, Wild Caught Anchovy Protein Flavor, 22 Pound Bag

Author: Veronica Ramsey Graham-W.

Likes: 0


Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Australian Shepherds with Allergies

1. What are common food allergies in Australian Shepherds?

Australian Shepherds often develop allergies to common proteins like beef, chicken, or dairy, as well as grains like wheat, corn, and soy. Identifying the allergen typically requires an elimination diet and working closely with a veterinarian.

2. What ingredients should I avoid in my Aussie’s food if they have allergies?

Avoid ingredients such as artificial preservatives, colorings, and common allergens like wheat, soy, corn, and certain animal proteins. Reading ingredient labels carefully is crucial for avoiding potential triggers.

3. What are the best protein sources for Australian Shepherds with food allergies?

Novel proteins such as duck, venison, rabbit, or fish (like salmon) are often recommended for dogs with allergies. These proteins are less likely to have been encountered by your dog, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

4. Are grain-free diets good for Australian Shepherds with allergies?

Grain-free diets can be beneficial if your dog is specifically allergic to grains. However, not all dogs with allergies require grain-free food. It’s best to confirm the allergy type with your vet before switching to grain-free options.

5. Can homemade dog food help with my Australian Shepherd’s allergies?

Yes, homemade dog food allows full control over ingredients and can be helpful in managing allergies. Always consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure the meals are balanced and meet your Aussie’s nutritional needs.

6. Is hypoallergenic dog food effective for Australian Shepherds with allergies?

Hypoallergenic dog foods are often formulated with limited ingredients or hydrolyzed proteins, making them effective for managing food sensitivities. These diets can reduce exposure to common allergens and help alleviate symptoms.

7. What signs indicate my Australian Shepherd has a food allergy?

Symptoms include itchy skin, frequent ear infections, excessive licking, gastrointestinal issues (vomiting or diarrhea), and hot spots. If you notice these signs, consult your vet for allergy testing and dietary recommendations.

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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