best limited ingredient small breed dog food

The Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food in 2022

Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food Buying Guide

Just a decade ago, you would have struggled to find a good limited ingredient dog food at your local pet shop. Nowadays, with so many different brands and tastes to choose from, its difficult to pick just one L.I.D. dog food! From grain-free, to gluten-free, to single protein source, there appear to be countless of limited ingredient dog foods out there.

Related Post: Grain Free Dog Food

To help you find the right diet for your pet, weve prepared this buying guide where we talk about the ingredients to look for and avoid when shopping for L.I.D. foods. We also answer some of the frequently asked questions about this type of dog diet, so stay tuned until the end.

What to Look for When Choosing a Limited Ingredient Dog Food

Because there is no clear definition of limited ingredient dog food, it can be hard to outline the exact things one should look for. Some dogs are sensitive to grains, some to chicken and some to artificial colors and flavors. Still, there are some general guidelines that can help you pick the right diet for your dog. Make sure the food you plan to purchase satisfies the following criteria.

The most important thing to pay attention to is whether or not the food is complete and balanced. According to AAFCO, a dog food labeled as such provides total nutrition to sustain your dog at his given life stage. This means that it provides an optimal balance of protein, carbs and fat, as well as all 23 essential vitamins and minerals. Rest assured, every food featured in our Top 15 list offers complete nutrition.

• Wholesome, natural ingredients

Whether its grain-free or potato-free or even chicken-free or not, a quality dog food should contain wholesome and natural ingredients. Preferably, named whole meats and meals, so you know exactly what works and what doesnt for your dogs digestion. L.I.D. should also contain at least one vegetable, legume or fruit. Although many pet parents believe that grains are a no-no, the only time you should avoid grans is if you know your dog is sensitive/allergic to them. Generally speaking, whole grains are welcome ingredients in otherwise healthy, balanced foods.

Related Post: Organic Dog Food

Because many sensitive canines have trouble with anything artificial, its best to stick to dog foods that contain natural preservatives. Look for tocopherols or vitamin E and ascorbate or vitamin C, and avoid BHT, BHA and ethoxyquin.

Why Feed a Limited Ingredient Diet

If your pet suffers from various allergies or has very dry, itchy skin and skin rashes, its time to think about the diet youre feeding him. Even though the food you feed him may be healthy, it doesnt mean its right for him. For one reason or another, some dogs will develop an intolerance or even an allergy to a food or ingredient they once ate with no issues. Its not exactly known why this happens, but what is clear is that the problem is multi-factorial. This means that there can be a genetic predisposition, but also that the environment can affect/trigger the underlying issue as well.

Whatever the cause, if your dog becomes allergic to a certain food or even several different ingredients, its best to talk with your veterinarian and go on an elimination diet. Ultimately, when your vet discovers what food is causing the issue, an L.I.D. dog food should be able to help nourish your pets health without triggering his food intolerances/allergies.

Common Causes of Food Allergy or Intolerance

Around 10% of dogs with allergies are actually allergic to foods, specifically proteins. And as mentioned, allergies or intolerances to certain foods usually have a genetic cause. Saying that, virtually any food can become an allergen, but some have been shown to be more likely to trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. These include:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soy
• Lamb
• Pork
• Rabbit

Naturally, you dont want to avoid any of these foods unless your dog has actually been diagnosed with an allergy to certain food(s).

Food Allergies vs Food Intolerance

Both food allergies and food intolerances are adverse reactions to certain foods. However, the former ones have an immune component, while the latter ones do not. To simplify things, these are the most important distinctions between allergies and intolerances:

• Food allergies: this is your pets immune systems response to a food (allergen) that her body had previously been exposed to. Although not very common, allergies can be serious, even life-threatening. Symptoms include nonseasonal itching, hives, hair loss, skin rashes and infections, chronic ear infections, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Food intolerance: although they dont have an immune component, intolerances can have similar symptoms, especially if theyre connected to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include flatulence, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss. Find out more about dog food for weight loss here.

Our Top Pick

Although there is no one right limited ingredient diet, when we compared the ingredients, formulations and prices, we found the Blue Buffalos Basics L.I.D. turkey & potato to offer the best bang for the buck. Its a simple, easy-to-digest, single-animal protein source dry food that still provides balanced and complete nutrition for sensitive dogs. As a bonus, besides essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, it also contains Glucosamine to support joint function and overall mobility. All in all, when it comes to value for money, we believe this is the best limited ingredient dog food currently.

7 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food: Simple, Short-List Eats!

Some dogs have food allergies and dietary sensitivities that make finding the right food tricky.

Luckily, there are limited-ingredient dog foods now available to aid in the process. By reducing the number of ingredients and often sticking to a single protein source, a limited ingredient dog food let you worry less about scouring miles-long ingredient lists and more about the important things, like belly rubs.

Below, well share some of our favorite limited-ingredient dog foods and discuss food allergies and intolerances.

• #1 JustFoodforDogs [Best Overall LID Food]: A tasty LID option thats made with fresh, human-grade proteins, and formulated to meet your pets specific needs. This is easily the best option for dogs with food allergies.
• #2 Zignature [Best Premium LID Kibble]: Zignature offers a variety of single-protein recipes that are ideal for dogs suffering from food allergies. These recipes are perfect for owners who want fantastic quality at a lower price point than fresh foods.
• #3 Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 [Most Affordable LID Option]: An affordable, yet nutritious choice, this dog food is made with only six core ingredients, along with vitamins and minerals. Its the perfect choice for cost-conscious owners of dogs with food allergies.

What Are Dog Food Allergies?

Like us, dogs can have food allergies and intolerances. While these conditions sound similar and can cause similar symptoms, theyre different issues.

Food allergies trigger an immune response in your dogs body, while food intolerances are simply the result of your dogs system not handling a particular food well.

With an allergy, youll see symptoms similar to a human allergic reaction, like a rash, itchy skin, or inflammation.

And these symptoms can be pretty severe, especially around the ears, inner thighs, or paws. Your dog may also vomit or experience severe diarrhea or eye discharge.

With a food intolerance, your dog may experience diarrhea, vomiting, or putrid gas. However, offending food items dont trigger immune responses (such as itchy skin) in intolerant dogs.

For example, think of a person with lactose intolerance versus a shellfish allergy. Someone allergic to shellfish can wind up seriously ill or even dead if they ingest crab. Meanwhile, a sufferer of lactose intolerance wont die if they eat cheese, but theyll likely wind up in a bathroom somewhere feeling pretty crummy.

The most common food allergies for dogs are:

• Primary Proteins: Beef, lamb, and chicken are the most common meat protein culprits that trigger food allergies in floofs.
• Eggs: Egg product is often included in kibble as a protein source. But while its a nutritious ingredient, it can trigger allergic reactions in some pups.
• Dairy Products: Dairy products arent very common in dog foods (though a few foods do contain cheese), but they can still cause a reaction.
• Soy: Soy is commonly used to boost the protein content of foods, but it can trigger allergic reactions in some four-footers. Accordingly, many foods are being made without soy.
• Wheat: Wheat can be a problem for some dogs, but fortunately, gluten-free foods are on the rise.

While recently shunned in the canine kibble world, its important to note that grains are not a common trigger for allergies or food intolerances.In fact, theres some research that has found a correlation between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy, so it is generally wise to select a grain-inclusive recipe unless your dog has a specific intolerance or allergy to grains.

If your veterinarian suspects a food allergy or intolerance, he or she may recommend an elimination diet to pinpoint the problem ingredient. Any type of protein can cause an allergic reaction, however, so finding the exact one can take time.

Some Breeds Are More Likely to Have Food Allergies than Others

Any breed or mixed-breed mutt can suffer from food allergies. However, theyre more common in some breeds, including dachshunds, pit bulls, golden retrievers, pugs, and German shepherds, among others.

Have a Dog with Food Allergies? You Have Two Choices

Unfortunately, dogs who have food allergies or intolerances will need a different dog food, which wont cause them any discomfort or stress.

Youll essentially have two options for feeding your dog and preventing issues:

• Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) Dog Foods: LID foods contain fewer ingredients than traditional kibbles, allowing you to avoid the items your dog is allergic to or intolerant of.
• Hydrolyzed (Hypoallergenic) Dog Foods: These feature proteins that have been chemically split up, letting your dog ingest them without triggering an immune response. These hypoallergenic dog foods can also be useful for dogs with simple intolerances, but given their cost, this is generally overkill.

Which is better for you depends on several factors, including:

• Vets recommendation: Oftentimes, hydrolyzed dog food requires a prescription. This isnt always the case, as sometimes you can purchase them directly from the manufacturer.
• Pricing: Hydrolyzed dog food is more expensive, whereas LID diets come in at several price points, some of which are more affordable than others.
• Availability: LID foods are generally easier to find than hydrolyzed options.
• Past experience: If your dog has had poor results with LID dog food, hydrolyzed food may be a better option.

If you suspect food allergies or intolerances, discuss the issue with your vet. Its always best to do so before making any dietary switch just to make sure it fits your dogs unique case, and nutritional needs can vary significantly from dog to dog.

For example, a large-breed puppy dog food will have a composition thats vastly different than a dog food designed for a senior pug with kidney disease.

Novel Proteins FTW!

In addition to having fewer ingredients than conventional dog foods, LID recipes often include novel proteins, such as venison, kangaroo, alligator, goat, or bison.

Because your dog has probably never consumed these types of meats, hell be very unlikely to suffer allergic reactions after eating them.

The 7 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Foods

The limited ingredient market has been flooded with options, but weve run through them and grabbed the best, whether youre looking for a fresh food, a premium kibble, or a canned chow.

1. JustFoodForDogs

Best Overall LID Dog Food

JustFoodForDogs

Fresh dog foods thats custom-blended for YOUR dog and made with a limited number of human-grade ingredients.

About: JustFoodForDogs is changing up the limited ingredient dog food market with fresh selections formulated by veterinarians and dog nutritionists. Unlike mass-produced dog foods, this fresh dog food option will be custom-crafted to suit YOUR dogs needs, and that includes leaving out ingredients thatll cause him problems.

Features:

• Custom formulated for your specific dog
• Real, human-grade protein always included
• Grain-free and grain-inclusive options available
• Zero preservatives or hormones
• Made in the USA

Options: There are six daily meal recipe options, including beef and russet potato, venison and squash, and chicken and white rice. You can also opt for veterinary-specialty diets under your veterinarians guidance, with recipes for renal, hepatic, and skin support among their offerings. Available in 7.8, 23.6, and 31.5-pound boxes.

Ingredients List

(Beef and russet potato): Lean ground beef, Russet potatoes, Sweet potatoes, Carrots, Green beans...,

Beef liver, Green peas, Apples, Safflower oil, Premium FPA/DHA from fish oil

Protein Content for: 8.5%

Pros

• JFFD makes it easy to avoid triggering your dogs allergies or intolerances
• Highly palatable, even among pickier dogs
• Can be purchased online for convenience or picked up in-store at CA retail locations or limited Petco locations across the US
• Offers a money-back guarantee

Cons

• Refrigeration or freezing required
• Quite expensive

2. Zignature

Best Premium LID Kibble

Zignature

Featuring your choice of exotic meats, Zignatures line of LID kibbles are great for dogs whore allergic to common proteins.

About: Zignature is the top-tier price point among LID dog food recipes, but it sure delivers when it comes to quality and safety. With an impressive range of protein options, theres something for every sensitive pups palate.

Features:

• High-quality meat is always the first ingredient
• Single-source protein recipes ideal for sensitive systems
• Ingredients are sourced from Australia, France, the USA and similar countries
• Made in the USA

Options: Zignature dog food is available in a wide variety of common and rare proteins, including kangaroo, salmon, venison, and more. Also offered in small bites form for little doggos.

Ingredients List

Kangaroo, Kangaroo meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower oil, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal...,

Natural flavors, Flaxseed, Dicalcium phosphate, Salt, Choline chloride, Vitamin A, Acetate, Vitamin D3 supplement, Vitamin E supplement, Niacin, DCalcium pantothenate, Thiamine mononitrate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Riboflavin supplement, Folic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Taurine, Zinc proteinate, Iron proteinate, Copper proteinate, Cobalt proteinate, Manganese proteinate, Calcium iodate, Sodium selenite, DHA, Mixed tocopherols, Calcium carbonate, L-Carnitine

Protein Content for Kangaroo Recipe: 28%

Pros

• Wide offering of exotic proteins excellent for dogs with sensitivities to standard fare
• Contains zero chicken, potatoes, corn, soy, or wheat
• Flavor is a favorite among many doggos

Cons

• One of the more expensive options
• No grain-inclusive recipes

Special Note: Zignatures Kangaroo Recipe cannot be shipped to California.

3. Blue Buffalo Basics

Best Mid-Tier LID Kibble

Blue Buffalo Basics

An LID dog food thats great for dogs with sensitive systems and owners looking for a combination of value and quality.

About: Blue Buffalo Basics is a high-quality dry dog food kibble made from a limited slate of ingredientsthat aid in digestion, making things a little easier for sensitive systems with easy-to-digest legumes and other produce.

This dog food even contains probiotics, so you dont need to worry about including added supplements. With all single protein dog food recipes, you dont have to worry about hidden chicken or other meaty surprises.

Features:

• Protein is always the first ingredient
• Grain-free and grain-inclusive versions available
• Plenty of probiotics for healthy digestion
• Made in the USA

Options: Canned and kibble versions are available along with specialty recipes, including healthy weight, senior, puppy, large breed, and small breed.

Ingredients List

(Salmon and Potato): Deboned salmon, Oatmeal, Brown rice, Salmon meal, Peas...,

Potatoes, Pea fiber, Canola oil, Natural flavor, Pea protein, Dicalcium phosphate, Calcium carbonate, Fish oil, Potassium chloride, Pumpkin, Dried chicory root, Dehydrated alfalfa meal, Flaxseed alfalfa nutrient concentrate, Salt, Choline chloride, Vitamin E supplement, DL-methionine, Mixed tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Zinc Amino acid chelate, Zinc sulfate, Glucosamine hydrochloride, Vegetable juice, Ferrous sulfate, Iron amino acid chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried kelp, Yucca schidigera extract, Niacin, Calcium pantothenate, Copper sulfate, Biotin, L-Lysine, Vitamin A supplement, Copper amino acid chelate, Dried yeast, Manganese sulfate, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Taurine, Manganese amino acid chelate, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Thiamine mononitrate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Calcium iodate, Folic acid, Sodium selenite, Rosemary oil

Protein Content for Salmon and Potato: 20%

Pros

• Contains none of the most common sensitivity triggers like corn, chicken, egg, soy, or wheat
• Specialty recipes available for puppies, seniors, and more

Cons

• Larger bag sizes would be ideal for families with big dogs
• Not every dog is a fan of the included LifeSource Bits, a hallmark of Blue Buffalo recipes

4. Hills Prescription Diet d/d

Best Prescription LID Kibble

Hills Prescription Diet d/d

A prescription LID recipe thats great for owners who are serious about nutrition and not triggering their dogs food allergies.

About: Hills Prescription Diet is a great kibble for dogs with extreme dietary sensitivities. Developed by veterinarians and dog nutritionists, this prescription-only dog food is designed for safe eating by the most delicate of digestive systems, making it a great dog food choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Features:

• Made with a single intact protein source
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Tested for adverse reactions in sensitive dogs during the products development
• Made in the USA

Options: Available in 8, 17.6, and 25-pound bags.

Ingredients List

Potatoes, Potato starch, Venison, Potato protein, Soybean oil...,

Coconut oil, Powdered cellulose, Pork liver flavor, Dicalcium phosphate, Lactic acid, Fish oil, Potassium chloride, Glyceryl monostearate, Calcium carbonate, Iodized salt, Choline chloride, Vitamin E supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Niacin supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Calcium pantothenate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin A supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Folic acid, Vitamin D3 supplement, DL-methionine, Taurine, Ferrous sulfate, Zinc oxide, Copper sulfate, Manganous oxide, Calcium iodate, Sodium selenite, Mixed tocopherols, Magnesium oxide, Natural flavors, Beta-carotene

Protein Content: 19.1%

Pros

• Specially formulated by experts for dogs with the most sensitive of systems
• Backed by a money-back guarantee
• Hills donates dog food regularly to shelters AND helps in doggy adoption (a win for every dog lover)

Cons

• Veterinary prescription required
• Kibble size can be too large for small breeds
• Pretty pricey compared to mainstream kibbles

5. Natural Balance L.I.D. With Grains

Best Grain-Inclusive LID Dog Food

Natural Balance L.I.D. With Grains

An LID kibble made with healthy grains, this food provides the things your dog needs, without including any triggering ingredients.

About: Natural Balances LID With Grains provides the limited ingredient list sensitive dogs require with quality carbohydrates to aid in energy and digestion. With its added omega-3s, your dogs skin and coat will thank you. Natural Balance is a great dry dog food pick for any dog with allergy issues, as they offer a wide range of various limited ingredient recipes to meet your pups unique needs.

Features:

• Single protein source in every recipe
• Grain-inclusive, but a grain-free option is also available
• Contains no corn, soy, or wheat
• Made in the USA

Options: Available in five standard protein options, including chicken, beef, and lamb. Bag sizes range from 4 pounds to 26 pounds. Small-breed bites are also available.

Protein Content for Salmon & Brown Rice: 24%

Pros

• Every batch is rigorously tested for safety
• More affordable than most other LID kibbles
• Company offers a UPC charity rebate program for qualified dog rescues

Cons

• Larger bag options would be nice for families with large dogs
• No exotic protein options available

7. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6

Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6

An LID kibble providing the nutrition your dog needs with just six main ingredients, allowing you to quickly spot any potential triggers.

About: Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 eliminates guesswork by including just six core ingredients, along with vitamins and minerals. Added beet pulp aids in digestion, giving your doggo a fiber boost.

Features:

• Concentrated protein meal is always the first ingredient
• Grain-free and grain-inclusive options available
• Contains no corn, soy, or wheat
• Made in the USA dog food

Options: Available in grain-free turkey and pea and grain-inclusive lamb and rice. Bag options vary from 5 to 28 pounds, depending on recipe.

Ingredients List

Turkey meal, Dried peas, Pea starch, Dried plain beet pulp, Chicken fat...,

Natural flavor, Dicalcium phosphate, Salt, Potassium chloride, Zinc proteinate, Vitamin E supplement, Iron proteinate, L-Ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Copper proteinate, Manganese proteinate, Biotin, Niacin, d-Calcium pantothenate, Sodium selenite, Vitamin A supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin B12 supplement, Calcium iodate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 supplement, Folic acid

Protein Content for Salmon & Brown Rice: 21%

Pros

• Affordable
• One of the truly shorter ingredient lists to weed through among LIDs
• Every bag sold includes a donation to the Rachael Ray Foundation, helping pets in need

Cons

• Limited protein options
• Small bag sizes are a bummer for large breed owners

7. Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula

Best Canned LID Dog Food

Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula

A limited-ingredient canned food available with several novel proteins thats great for dogs with allergies who prefer wet foods.

About: Zignatures Limited Ingredient Formula canned dog food lets dogs with sensitivities enjoy a balanced, healthy meal, whether eaten on its own or added to kibble for enticement. Made with high-quality ingredients sourced from the US, France, Australia, and New Zealand, this LID option takes safety seriously.

Features:

• Meat is always the first ingredient
• Wide array of protein options
• Single protein source recipes that are potato-, grain-, and chicken-free
• Made in the USA

Options: Each 12-count case features 13-ounce cans offered in thirteen recipes using unique proteins, including salmon, duck, and goat.

Ingredients List

Duck, Duck broth, Peas, Duck meal, Chickpeas...,

Sun-cured alfalfa meal, Agar-agar, Salt, Choline chloride, Potassium chloride, Zinc proteinate, Iron proteinate, Copper proteinate, Manganese proteinate, Sodium selenite, Calcium iodate, Vitamin E supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Niacin supplement, Calcium pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 supplement, Folic acid, Taurine, L-Carnitine

Protein Content for Duck: 8%

Pros

• Many rare protein options are available
• Can be fed on its own or used as a topper
• Flavor is a hit compared to most other LID options

Cons

• Expensive
• Texture can be an issue with pickier pooches

***

Is your doggo on a limited ingredient diet? Do you feed him one of the dog foods on our list, or does he enjoy another? Let us know in the comments! Wed love to hear.