With symptoms that include itchy skin, ear infections, and bloating, dog allergies can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience for pets and their humans. There's good news, though: Food, contact, or environmental allergy symptoms can be alleviated by certain foods.

There is a broad category of dog foods that can decrease inflammation from allergies, soothe the skin, and improve skin barrier functions even in pups who are allergy-free. lowing highly rated dog foods meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional recommendations and are formulated under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These factors ensure that your dog gets the right nutrients for their age and breed size. The list provides a variety of dietary options including prescription foods and OTC options. You should always consult your dog's veterinarian for any restrictions specific to your pup's age, breed, or medical conditions.

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Oatmeal

This limited-ingredient, grain-free dry food uses lamb as its single meat-protein source. The recipe has carbohydrates that are gentle on the stomach and probiotics for easy digestion, according to the brand's website. It also has nutrients that help soothe skin allergy symptoms like omega fatty acids and glucosamine, according to the brand. While glucosamine is typically added to the diet to support joint health, Paterson says it also benefits the skin.

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat

Healthy skin diets are enriched with fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and strengthen the skin barrier, according to Paterson. This OTC kibble option from Blue Buffalo has omega-3 and -6 fatty acids from deboned salmon, salmon meal, and fish oil. It's also free of wheat and soy, which are two common dog allergens, according to Pucheu-Haston.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA

This dog food features a single hydrolyzed protein source and a single carbohydrate source. The process of hydrolyzing the protein breaks it down using enzymes to the basic components of amino acids and peptides. This means that the food is easily digestible and promotes healthy nutrient absorption.

You may feed Purina Pro HA to dogs of any size small, medium, and large breed dogs as well as senior dogs because the hydrolyzed protein suits any dog that has trouble with digestion. The food comes in 6-16.5- and 25-pound bags, and in salmon, chicken, and vegetarian varieties.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed

Easily digestible and highly palatable, the Royal Canin HP wet dog food tackles two issues in dogs with eating issues, sensitive tummies and picky appetites. Using hydrolyzed protein, this formula is perfect for allergic puppies and adult dogs.

The ingredients in this canned dog food support the skin's natural barrier, making it a great option for dogs whose skin easily becomes irritated. In addition, it has prebiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids, considered cancer-fighting ingredients for dogs.

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator

While you might shudder at the thought of serving alligator-based food to your dog, hear us out. Novel proteins, in particular this reptilian one, happen to be much better for dogs who experience allergic reactions to conventional dog food. Alligator is rarely associated with allergies and therefore an ideal choice.

The food also contains fish oil and flaxseed, both healthy omega fatty acids that are vital for skin and coat health. Plus, the food is grain-free and reviewers report their dogs enjoy the taste. It comes in 6- and 22-pound bags once you get your vet's authorization.

Hills Prescription Diet Food Sensitivities z/d 

This easy-to-digest kibble pick for senior dogs with food allergies is made with chicken and chicken liver that is highly hydrolyzed. This single protein combined with the single carbohydrate of cornstarch helps minimize the risk of allergic reactions. But why is Hills Prescription Diet especially good for aging pups? The food is available in dry and wet options that can be mixed, which is great for older dogs, It comes in 8-17.6- and 25-pound bags.