So, that cute little ball of fur you brought home not too long ago is now keeping you up at night—scratching and chewing until they’re raw. You’ve tried shampoos, sprays, and allergy meds, and nothing seems to work. You’re at the end of your rope. What now? Since you aren’t getting any sleep anyways, you may as well do some research on what else could be causing your new pet schnauzer all this itching and discomfort. But wait, we’ve already done some of that for you!
There’s a very good chance your poor, miserable schnauzer is allergic to the food you’ve been feeding her. Let’s look at some options that you may want to investigate, in order to make an informed decision on a new food for them. Here are some reviews on foods that are good choices for your schnauzer with skin allergies. The right dog food will have your spirited canine healthier in only a matter of time.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
The 5 Best Dog Foods for Schnauzers with Skin Allergies
1. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Lamb and Sweet Potato, Duck and Lentils |
| Protein content: | 20-22% |
| Fat content: | 14% |
| Calories: | 430-442 kcal/cup |
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive has been chosen as our best overall dog food for schnauzers with skin allergies. Many options are available, such as canned food, and dry kibble. There are several flavors and varieties to choose from, in case your dog has an aversion to a specific protein, or a special fondness for another. The kibble also comes in small, regular, and large dog bites—therefore, suiting every schnauzer, from toy-sized to giant. It is grain-free, and is made without ingredients that commonly cause food sensitivities in pets. It is also crafted with ten key ingredients (or less), plus natural flavors, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients—specially formulated to help nourish sensitive skin, from the inside out.
2. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care Adult Dry Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, turkey, lamb, potato |
| Protein content: | 20% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | approximately 350 kcal/cup |
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care adult dry dog food is a limited-ingredient dog food that does not contain chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs,making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities. It is made with all-natural ingredients, and loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help support your dog’s immune system. It comes in several different recipes—with salmon, turkey, and lamb being the main proteins. It is also available in grain and grain-free diets. At a price less expensive than its competitors, and all of it being made in the US, we have chosen this to be the best dog food for the money for dogs with skin allergies.
3. Royal Canin – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Hydrolyzed protein (Soy), potato, coconut oil |
| Protein content: | 19% |
| Fat content: | 10% |
| Calories: | 302 kcal/cup |
Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food is made specifically for dogs with food sensitivities. It is a prescription diet—therefore, a trip to the vet is necessary before purchasing this food. It helps to reduce skin and GI reactions that may be a result of sensitivities to common proteins found in pet foods. This food also aids in digestion, with a blend of fibers and prebiotics that is exclusive to Royal Canin’s brand. B vitamins and amino acids have also been added to reinforce your dog’s skin barrier. This food is formulated for all breed sizes.
4. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Duck, salmon, chicken, lamb |
| Protein content: | 25% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 395 kcal/cup |
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient puppy food is formulated with a simplified list of premium ingredients, designed to help your little pup become big and strong. It comes in four varieties, one of which is grain-free. It is suitable for all breeds of dogs, from the smallest to the largest. It is especially perfect for puppies with allergies, digestive sensitivities, and skin irritations.
5. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, barley, rice |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 467 kcal/cup |
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice is an easily digestible dog food that does not contain corn, wheat, or soy. It contains live probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health. It is formulated to nurture your dog’s sensitive skin and stomach, and is a high-protein dog food—with salmon being the first ingredient, as well as added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
Conclusion
When choosing dog food for your schnauzer with skin allergies there are many things to consider. If you know what foods your dog is allergic to, that is a great starting point. If not, the limited ingredient dog foods are an excellent way to find out exactly what is safe for your dog to eat. Always talk to your vet before switching to grain-free food, to make sure it is safe for your four-legged friend.
Featured Image Credit: Jacek Korzeniewski, Shutterstock
