best food for labs with allergies
Food allergy
Diagnosis
There's no perfect test used to confirm or rule out a food allergy. Your healthcare team will consider a few factors before making a diagnosis. These factors include:
- Your symptoms. Give your care team a detailed history of your or your child's symptoms which foods, and how much, seem to cause problems.
- Your family history of allergies. Also share information about members of your family who have allergies of any kind.
- A physical examination. A careful exam can often identify or exclude other medical problems.
A skin test. A skin prick test can determine your reaction to a particular food. In this test, a small amount of the suspected food is placed on the skin of your forearm or back. A doctor or another healthcare professional then pricks your skin with a needle to allow a tiny amount of the substance beneath your skin surface.
If you're allergic to a particular substance being tested, you develop a raised bump or reaction. However, a positive reaction to this test alone isn't enough to confirm a food allergy.
A blood test. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to particular foods by measuring the allergy-related antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE).
For this test, a blood sample taken in your care professional's office is sent to a medical laboratory. It will then be tested for different foods.
Elimination diet. You may be asked to eliminate suspect foods for a week or two and then add the food items back into your diet one at a time. This process can help link symptoms to specific foods. However, elimination diets aren't foolproof.
An elimination diet can't tell you whether your reaction to a food is a true allergy instead of a food sensitivity. Also, if you've had a severe reaction to a food in the past, an elimination diet may not be safe.
- Oral food challenge. During this test, done in a healthcare professional's office, you'll be given small but increasing amounts of the food suspected of causing your symptoms. If you don't have a reaction during this test, you may be able to include this food in your diet again.
Treatment
The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid the foods that cause symptoms. However, despite your best efforts, you may come into contact with a food that causes a reaction.
For a minor allergic reaction, prescribed antihistamines or those available without a prescription may help reduce symptoms. These drugs can be taken after exposure to an allergy-causing food to help relieve itching or hives. However, antihistamines can't treat a severe allergic reaction.
For a severe allergic reaction, you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine and a trip to the emergency room. Many people with allergies carry an epinephrine autoinjector (Adrenaclick, EpiPen). This device is a combined syringe and concealed needle that injects a single dose of medicine when pressed against your thigh.
If you've been prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector:
- Be sure you know how to use the autoinjector. Also, make sure the people closest to you know how to give the drug if they're with you in an anaphylactic emergency, they could save your life.
- Carry it with you at all times. It may be a good idea to keep an extra autoinjector in your car or in your desk at work.
- Always be sure to replace epinephrine before its expiration date or it may not work properly.
Experimental treatments
While there's ongoing research to find better treatments to reduce food allergy symptoms and prevent allergy attacks, there isn't any proven treatment that can prevent or completely relieve symptoms.
One treatment currently being studied as a treatment for food allergy is oral immunotherapy. In this treatment, small doses of the food you're allergic to are swallowed or placed under your tongue. This is known as sublingual delivery. The dose of the allergy-provoking food is gradually increased.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first oral immunotherapy drug, Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Allergen Powder-dnfp (Palforzia), to treat children ages 4 to 17 years old with a confirmed peanut allergy. This medicine isn't recommended for people with uncontrolled asthma or certain conditions, including eosinophilic esophagitis.
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and home remedies
One of the keys to preventing an allergic reaction is to completely avoid the food that causes your symptoms.
Don't assume. Always read food labels to make sure they don't contain an ingredient you're allergic to. Even if you think you know what's in a food, check the label. Ingredients sometimes change.
Food labels are required to clearly list whether the food products contain any common food allergens. Read food labels carefully to avoid the most common sources of food allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.
When in doubt, say no thanks. At restaurants and social gatherings, you're always taking a risk that you might eat a food you're allergic to. Many people don't understand the seriousness of an allergic food reaction and may not realize that a tiny amount of a food can cause a severe reaction in some people.
If you have any suspicion at all that a food may contain something you're allergic to, don't eat it.
Involve caregivers. If your child has a food allergy, enlist the help of relatives, babysitters, teachers and other caregivers. Make sure that they understand how important it is for your child to avoid the allergy-causing food and that they know what to do in an emergency.
It's also important to let caregivers know what steps they can take to prevent a reaction in the first place, such as careful hand-washing and cleaning any surfaces that might have come in contact with the allergy-causing food.
Coping and support
A food allergy can be a source of ongoing concern that affects life at home, school and work. Daily activities that are easy for most families, such as grocery shopping and meal preparation, can become occasions of stress for families and caregivers living with food allergies.
Keep these strategies in mind to help manage your or your child's food allergy-related stress:
Connect with others. The opportunity to discuss food allergies and exchange information with others who share your concerns can be very helpful.
Many internet sites and nonprofit organizations offer information and forums for discussing food allergies. Some are specifically for parents of children with food allergies. The Food Allergy Research & Education website can direct you to support groups and events in your area.
- Educate those around you. Make sure family and caregivers, including babysitters and school staff, have a thorough understanding of your child's food allergy.
- Address bullying. Children are sometimes bullied at school because of their food allergies. Discussing your child's allergy with school personnel greatly reduces your child's risk of being a bullying target.
Preparing for your appointment
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready and what to expect.
- Write down any symptoms you've had, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medicines, vitamins and supplements that you're taking.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may recall something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your care team.
Your time is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. Some basic questions to ask include:
- Is my condition likely caused by a food allergy or another reaction?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or long lasting?
- What types of treatment are available, and which do you recommend?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
- Are there any dietary restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- Do you have any printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?
If your child is seeing the doctor for a food allergy, you may also want to ask:
- Is my child likely to outgrow this allergy?
- Are there alternatives to the food or foods that trigger my child's allergy symptoms?
- How can I help keep my child with a food allergy safe at school?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a few questions. Being ready to answer them may save time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. You may be asked:
- When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
- How severe were your symptoms?
- How long did it take symptoms to appear after eating the food you suspect you're allergic to?
- Did you take any nonprescription allergy medications such as antihistamines, and if so, did they help?
- Does your reaction always seem to be triggered by a certain food?
- How much food did you eat before the reaction?
- Was the food that caused the reaction cooked or raw?
- Do you know how the food was prepared?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
What you can do in the meantime
If you suspect you have a food allergy, avoid exposure to the food altogether until your appointment. If you do eat the food and have a mild reaction, nonprescription antihistamines may help relieve symptoms. If you have a more severe reaction and any symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek emergency help.
Dec. 13, 2023
Best Dog Foods for Allergies
Farmers Pork is one of 3 fresh recipes included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog pork recipe gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breed puppies Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes studied in our review of the Nom Nom cooked-then-frozen product line.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
If youve ever wished you could feed your dog a fresh, home-cooked meal but you didnt know how to make sure it was nutritionally complete and balanced then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
The first time you visit Nom Noms website, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed and suspected allergies. Nom Nom will then create a customized, single protein diet designed to keep your dog at optimal weight.
Expertly designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
An excellent limited ingredient recipe and a solid place to start an at-home elimination diet. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adults + puppies (including large breeds) Turkey and Potato Formula is one of 6 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient dry product line.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
An excellent limited ingredient option for adult dogs with food and skin sensitivities. Easily recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
See all 11 available recipes
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Turkey Patties is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs."
Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is one of 10 formulas included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure dry product line.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A high-quality recipe ideal for adult dogs.
See all 10 available recipes
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Angus Beef Recipe is one of 3 dry formulas included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient product line.
Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef receives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat, natural flavor Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies Chicken Flavor is one of 2 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food dry product line.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor gets most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein isolate. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 20% protein, 11% fat and 61% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
An exceptional selection for sensitive dogs. Highly recommended.
See all available recipes
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, coconut oil, powdered cellulose Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 20% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Real Turkey and Brown Rice is one of 4 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet wet product line.
This Merrick Limited Ingredient formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh deboned turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
A balanced, wet alternative to dry kibble. A practical option for those seeking to pin down a possible offending ingredient. Plus its available in 4 other featured proteins. Highly recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein dry product line.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 21% protein, 19% fat and 52% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 89%.
A solid all life stages option for dogs with allergies.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp Type Grain-inclusive (brewers rice) Protein Percentage 21% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + small or medium breed puppies Z/D is one of 2 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Prescription Skin Food Sensitivities product line.
This product gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 19% protein, 14% fat and 59% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
Hills Z/D is made with hydrolyzed protein derived from chicken to help avoid adverse food reactions and promote healthy skin.
A time-proven, hypoallergenic formula thats been recommended by veterinary professionals nationwide for years. Ideal for dogs diagnosed with food and skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Canine Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, powdered cellulose, soybean oil, calcium carbonate Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 19% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only, including seniors (not for puppies) This Salmon and Brown Rice Formula is one of 26 recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets dry product line.
This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 26 available recipes
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, brewers rice) Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sensitive Skin Salmon and Rice is one of 19 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan dry product line.
This Purina Pro Plan formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note the inclusion of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from sunflower and fish oils designed to help support dry, itchy skin.
An exceptional over-the-counter, non-prescription dog food that may provide symptomatic relief from chronic skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal Type Includes grain (barley, rice, oat meal) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Zignature Turkey is one of 13 wet dog food recipes included in our review of the Zignature canned product line.
Zignature Salmon extracts the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 52% protein, 23% fat and 17% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
An exceptional, simple ingredient formula. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 52% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies 15. Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
