is limited ingredient dog food good for dogs

What Is a Limited Ingredient Dog Food?

Limited ingredient dog food is formulated to reduce the number of ingredients that your dog is exposed to within their diet. These diets are used in hypoallergenic dog food trials to diagnose and treat food allergies (adverse food reactions).

Theres conflicting evidence about how common food allergies are in dogs. In a dog with allergic symptoms, about 15-20% of those are related to food allergies. The principle with food allergies and limited ingredient dog food is that a dog cannot be allergic to an ingredient that it has not been exposed to before.

Beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat account for 79% of food allergies in dogs. It is uncommon for a dog to have a food allergy to a grain other than wheat.

Heres what you need to know about limited ingredient dog foods and what they can do to help dogs.

What Does Limited Ingredient Dog Food Mean?

Limited ingredient dog food is not a regulated term. The term limited ingredient or limited ingredient diet (LID) is used loosely, and although there may be fewer ingredients in the food, those ingredients may or may not be appropriate for your dog.

If you are looking for a dog food with limited ingredients, you should still always check the ingredient label to see whats in it. There can be surprising hidden ingredients in these diets that are potential problems for dogs with food allergies.

LID dog food should have been evaluated for contamination with unwanted ingredients. Studies show that prescription versions of limited ingredient dog food diets are less likely to have contamination with unwanted ingredients. A recent review of several studies showed that 33%-83% of nonprescription limited ingredient pet food diets had ingredients in them that were not listed on the label.

To determine if a particular diet is right for your dog, consult with your regular veterinarian.

How Many Ingredients Is Limited?

There are no set regulations for how many ingredients are in a limited ingredient dog food. This term indicates that the number of ingredients in the food is reduced from the number in your average dog food formula, but the important consideration is what the ingredients are, not the actual number of ingredients.

Whats Usually in a Limited Ingredient Dog Food?

Generally, a limited ingredient dog food diet has a novel protein (one thats not common in other dog foods), and sometimes, a carbohydrate source that is out of the ordinary. LID dog foods may contain a carbohydrate source that is an unlikely cause for food allergies, such as rice.

Protein in Limited-Ingredient Dog Food

Limited ingredient diets list proteins such as:

It is important to note that just because a nonprescription dog food is labeled as limited ingredient, it does not mean that it is appropriate for a hypoallergenic food trial to diagnose food allergies in dogs.

Many of these ingredients, like lamb, turkey, and chicken, are very commonly used in regular dog foods, and therefore, most dogs have been exposed to them.

Carbohydrates in Limited-Ingredient Dog Food

Common carbohydrate sources used in limited ingredient dog foods are:

• Potatoes

• Rice

• Sweet potatoes

• Peas

• Brown rice

• Lentils

• Oatmeal

Whats the Difference Between Grain-Free and LID Dog Food?

A grain-free diet is not the same as a limited ingredient diet.

A grain-free diet does not contain any of the grains that are commonly used in dog foods:

• Wheat

• Rice

• Barley

• Oats

• Rye

• Corn

• Quinoa

But some limited ingredient dog foods do contain certain grains, although you might not find grains like corn and wheat.

A limited ingredient diet typically contains one or two protein sources and one or two carbohydrate sources. Grain-free diets may contain many other food sources, so they are not necessarily what you would call a limited ingredient food.

Does My Dog Need an LID Dog Food?

A limited ingredient diet is not necessary for healthy dogs with no medical issues.

The most common reason to feed a limited ingredient dog food is to diagnose a food allergy (adverse food reaction). This is currently the only way to diagnose a food allergy in dogs. Skin tests, hair or saliva tests, and blood tests are not accurate for diagnosing food allergies.

Food-allergic dogs can have symptoms involving the ears, feet, inner thighs, armpits, face, and area around the anus. Itchy ears, with or without infection, may be the only symptom in up to 25% of dogs with food allergy.

Some dogs may only have recurrent skin infections, with or without itching. Some dogs with chronic diarrhea may have an underlying food allergy, as 10-15% of dogs with a food allergy have GI symptoms.

Using LID Dog Food to Diagnose Allergies

The principle with a hypoallergenic food trial to diagnose a food allergy is to feed foods that a dog has not been exposed to before. Limited ingredient diets are often the first choice of veterinary dermatologists for diagnosing food allergies.

Another type of diet that is commonly used is a hydrolyzed diet. These are diets in which the protein is broken down into very small particle sizes, with the goal being that the body cannot recognize it as an allergy causing substance.

Food trials are conducted for 8-12 weeks and require strict adherence. Flavored medications, flavored chews and toys, human foods and treats must be discontinued and/or substituted with acceptable alternatives.

Any infections that are present in the skin or ears must be treated at the same time to be able to tell if the food trial is successful.

Is Limited Ingredient Dog Food Better?

You may think that just having fewer ingredients makes LID dog food better than other dog food, even if you dont suspect that your dog has allergies.

But having fewer ingredients doesnt mean much on its own, unless those ingredients are high-quality ingredients. You could have a human food that only has three ingredients, but those might be corn syrup, food coloring, and an artificial preservative.

If you suspect that your dog might have food allergies, you might be wondering which dog food is best out of limited ingredient, grain-free, and gluten-free dog food. Veterinarians do use limited ingredient diets for food trials to diagnose allergies, so you should talk to your vet about starting a food trial and determining which formula is best for this.

While grain-free and gluten-free diets may be beneficial to some dogs, the reported percentage of dogs that have adverse reactions to grains is low, relative to proteins. A diet that is labeled grain-free or gluten-free may or may not be a limited-ingredient diet.

Your veterinarian is the best person to help you choose which type of diet is the best choice for your particular dog, whether or not you are worried about dog food allergies.

Featured image: iStock.com/Edafoto

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

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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.