If your dog has allergies, switching to a raw diet can help relieve symptoms like itchy skin, licking or chewing paws, ear infections, tear stains, digestive upset, and more. Many commercial dog foods contain common allergens like chicken, beef, grains, fillers and artificial additives—ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
A high-quality raw diet makes it easy to eliminate potential allergy triggers while providing nutrient-rich, minimally processed ingredients without unnecessary fillers and additives. Keep in mind that not every dog’s allergies are food-related, so if your dog has persistent symptoms, a vet consultation is always a good idea. Also remember that it can take 1-2 weeks for your dog to get settled on a new food, so don’t start monitoring them for allergy symptoms until they have been on a new diet for one month after transitioning to raw.
Which Raw Dog Food Is Best for Allergies?
When choosing a raw diet for a dog with allergies, look for:
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Novel proteins like rabbit, venison, pork, duck & fish. You want a protein your dog has never been exposed to before so that it doesn’t cause a reaction.
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Single-protein recipes to simplify elimination diets
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Complete & balanced formulas to ensure your dog is getting the nutrients they need to thrive
Stella & Chewy’s offers many novel and premium raw dog food options free from artificial additives, grains, and unnecessary fillers—ideal for allergy-prone dogs.
Here are our top raw food picks for dogs with allergies:
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Duck, Duck, Goose – A delicious novel protein recipe for poultry-obsessed pups, great for dogs who need to avoid chicken or beef!
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Absolutely Rabbit – A limited-ingredient recipe with rabbit, a novel protein that’s lean, easy to digest, and likely new to your dog!
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Simply Venison — Venison is packed with iron and naturally high in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, therefore it is a great novel protein option for dogs prone to skin issues.
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Dandy Lamb — Lamb has a distinct taste that many dogs go wild for, which can make it even easier for your pup to switch to a new food.
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Tantalizing Turkey — Turkey is a lean, highly digestible protein that’s easy on sensitive stomachs.
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Purely Pork — Pork is a delicious and more economical novel protein that supports muscle health while avoiding common allergens.
All of these recipes are available as freeze-dried raw dinner patties and frozen raw meals.
Both raw options are made from the same recipe and provide the same nutritional benefits, but many dog parents find freeze-dried raw to be more convenient since there’s no need to thaw, as well as more enticing for picky eaters due to its more concentrated flavor.
Why Raw Food Helps with Allergies
A raw diet can reduce your dog’s allergy symptoms for several reasons:
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Fewer allergens & irritants – Our raw foods are free from grains, artificial preservatives, or fillers that commonly trigger allergies.
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Easier digestion – Raw food is highly bioavailable, meaning dogs absorb its essential nutrients more efficiently during digestion. Think of how you feel after eating a salad versus a bag of potato chips; that’s like your dog eating raw, minimally processed foods versus traditional cooked food. Raw is what your dog’s digestive system was designed to process, and so your dog will get more nutrients out of our raw meals.
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Rich in omega-3 fatty acids – Supports healthy skin, reduces inflammation, and helps with itching and tear stains.
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Supports immune function – Natural, minimally processed ingredients and added probiotics help strengthen the immune system to reduce inflammation and minimize sensitivities.
Real Stories of Raw Food Helping Dogs with Allergies:
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"Since 2019 our 2 chihuahuas have been LOVING Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Dinner Patties! Pluto has many allergies and S&C just makes shopping for dog food so easy as the ingredients are so CLEAN! Turkey, Lamb and Beef are all a staple in their food rotation! Thank you for making our lives easier in choosing the best food for our fur babies!" -Pinto |
"Our dog has many allergies and this is the only brand he can eat. Thank goodness he absolutely loves Stella and Chewy. Minimal ingredients, organic ingredients, best quality proteins." -Ouzo |
"We've been giving our rescued Chihuahua the freeze dried patties, cut up into tiny pieces, along with some kibble, for 11 years now. He has a lot of food allergies so we are confident this, single ingredient food is ideal for him. Takes the guessing and the worry out of the equation. Stuck to what works, and this does. He is 16 and going strong!" -Helena |
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Transitioning to a Raw Diet for Allergy Relief
Switching your dog to any new diet, raw included, should be done gradually to ensure a smooth adjustment:
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Start slow – Use a freeze-dried raw meal topper to introduce raw food alongside their current diet.
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Gradual transition – Replace kibble with raw food over 7-10 days, adjusting as needed.
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Monitor improvements – Watch for better digestion, less itching, and more energy!
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Consider protein rotation – Rotating between proteins helps prevent future sensitivities.
Is Raw Food the Right Choice for Your Dog’s Allergies?
A raw diet can be a game changer for some dogs with allergies, but every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If your dog continues to experience symptoms, consult your vet to rule out other underlying issues.
By choosing a high-quality raw diet from the #1 Freeze-Dried Raw Pet Food Brand in the USA, you’re taking a proactive step toward helping your dog feel their best!
