20 Best Foods for Basset Hounds with Allergies

Dealing with your Basset Hound’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of Basset Hound community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Basset Hounds who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 20 responses here.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Basset Hound’s diet.

Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies

We went with a vegetarian diet plus probiotics, digestive aid and several other supplements including fish oils. I consulted with a retired vet who now consults on dietary issues. It was such a relief to have her help.

Author: Julie W.

Likes: 1

We found this unbelievable. Our Basset Hound was allergic to milk. That was late eighties and can not remember the food we had to buy. Got our Lucy off milk, which was in most dog foods, no more vomiting.

Author: Sharon T.

Likes: 0

My basset has allergies and is very picky- she loves this kibble (Earthborn Salmon) and it only took us 7 years to find it

Author: Palm Coast Pet Sitters

Likes: 0

Salmon— Purina Pro Plan sensitive skin and stomach in addition to a probiotic. Most of the itching and yeast production comes from the gut. A probiotic plus the omega 3’s from the salmon eliminates the gut issue, and chance for a poultry allergy. Sorry for the long explanation, I’ve had 8 bassets all with allergies and I’m in the veterinary field and this diet is a miracle. Good luck!!!

Author: Michelle Simon C.

Likes: 6

I had a basset/beagle who was allergic to all sorts of stuff. We tried various food even kangaroo and eventually settled on hydrolyzed soy.

Author: Brenda Knights-G.

Likes: 0

Not a food recommendation, but I would HIGHLY recommend this allergy supplement on Amazon. Reduced my dog’s itching substantially. My vet said keep using it!

Author: Jay C.

Likes: 18

Nutro Beef dry dog food. Zero chicken byproducts. One of our 3 is very allergic to chicken.

Author: Michael M.

Likes: 2

Also worth noting that dogs have a bloom, or environment, in their coats. Wash too often and skin problems can be unending. Let them be dogs! I rarely wash my Bassets. I use Dawn when I do. They go to the barn with me, run and roll in grass…if they roll in nasty stuff (manure or dead) they get a sponge off if not a whole bath. Rare. I feed Diamond naturals adult. A few treats. Emphasis on small volume.

In short, skin issues are often created by owners over cleaning and disrupting a dogs normal coat and not letting them be dogs. Like children they need to play in the dirt. Lick some off their toes…

I applaud the diligence required to care for dogs who do have skin issues. I had a Westie years ago that suffered a lot no matter what. I get it. Letting her be a not quite white Westie helped the most.

Author: Mary Ratchford D.

Likes: 0

we did an elimination diet and it turned out that he could have rice, chicken, pork and sweet potatos. We cooked for him for years with no ill effects. It depends on the dog and what he is allergic to…. I spent a small fortune at the vet and they tested for 5 different grasses that don’t even grow here. They kept putting him on courses of antibiotics and prednisone. Good luck.

Author: Jessie Joyce K.

Likes: 0

I have bassets for eleven years! They had several problems, the old one who is eleven, has an autoimmune skin disease, and the only good food along the years, it proved to be Eukanuba. Every single time when we tried another brand, it was a disaster. Stomach problems, skin problems, a lot of shedding and so on.

Author: Georgiana P.

Likes: 0

Primal Raw is a great option with lots of proteins to choose from.

Author: Lynda M.

Likes: 0

Purina HA (it’s prescription), got him allergy tested and that’s about the only thing he can have!

Author: Sarah B.

Likes: 0

I don’t have them anymore. They both passed on but they did have allergies. The only food we had much with was Rachel Ray Nutrish. Beef did not help, but the chicken did.

Author: Dawn Rotolo-K.

Likes: 0

I have had 3 bassets. They all had skin problems. I found a great food Diamond Naturals Salmon and Potato for sensitive skin. My Buford loves it.

Author: Susan B.

Likes: 0

We give our basset Royal Canin Senior for bassets over 10.

Author: Rosalind F.

Likes: 0

First it was any land animal other than chicken, because chicken is most likely to cause issues with skin and allergies. Then it was fish. Then it finally was a hypoallergenic food because he had bad skin allergies that caused skin infections, excessive itching and licking. Medicated baths (once a week) and hypoallergenic food helped him the best.

Author: LaNette S.

Likes: 0

At first I did the vegetarian kibble from Royal Canin and was only able purchase it from the vet. Then I found Zignature Limited Ingredient Kangaroo Formula (they have it in dry 4lb, dry 25lb & wet canned), And it was fantastic.

Author: Claire H.

Likes: 0

Taste of the wild salmon with a bit of cottage cheese

Author: Shelley V.

Likes: 0

I had my girl tested for allergies. It’s well worth the price. What I found out was that she is allergic to life. Her food allergies are so severe, I can’t find any dry food that doesn’t have at least 3 or more of her allergies. My biggest issue is that she is sensitive to every protein source except bison. I can’t afford to make her food using bison. So I found one dry kibble that she can use, however she still has to take Benadryl for her environmental issues. Do yourself a headache and get yours tested so you know exactly what to avoid.

Author: Victoria C.

Likes: 0

Purina One Sensitive Systems

Author: Jami Shaw B.

Likes: 1

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Foods for Basset Hounds with Allergies

1. What are common food allergens for Basset Hounds?

Basset Hounds can be sensitive to common allergens such as beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn. These ingredients are often found in lower-quality commercial dog foods and can trigger symptoms like itching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues.

2. How do I know if my Basset Hound has a food allergy?

Signs of food allergies in Basset Hounds include excessive scratching, hot spots, red or itchy ears, chronic ear infections, and digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea. An elimination diet or allergy testing with a veterinarian is the best way to confirm specific triggers.

3. What ingredients should I look for in hypoallergenic dog food for my Basset Hound?

Look for limited ingredient diets (LID) or hypoallergenic formulas that feature novel proteins (like duck, venison, or salmon) and carbohydrates (like sweet potatoes or peas). These diets reduce the risk of triggering a reaction.

4. Is grain-free food better for allergic Basset Hounds?

Not necessarily. While some dogs do better on grain-free diets, the key is identifying the specific ingredient your Basset is allergic to. Some grains like rice or oatmeal are well-tolerated and can be part of a healthy allergy-friendly diet.

5. Can I feed my Basset Hound a homemade diet to manage allergies?

Yes, a homemade diet can help manage allergies if done under veterinary guidance. It allows complete control over ingredients but must be nutritionally balanced. Consulting with a veterinary nutritionist is strongly recommended.

6. Are there any prescription diets recommended for Basset Hounds with severe allergies?

Yes, prescription diets like Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d, Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein, or Purina Pro Plan HA are formulated to help manage food allergies. These diets often contain hydrolyzed proteins, which are less likely to trigger immune responses.

7. How long does it take to see improvements after switching to an allergy-friendly food?

It can take 8–12 weeks to see noticeable improvement in allergy symptoms after changing your Basset Hound’s diet. Patience and consistency are essential, and make sure not to introduce treats or table scraps during the trial period.

Support Your Dog’s Allergy Relief With Better Nutrition

Choosing the right food can make a world of difference for dogs with allergies. When you select recipes made with gentle ingredients and clean nutrition, you help soothe irritation, support digestion, and keep your pup feeling their best. Every thoughtful choice brings your dog closer to the comfort and wellness they deserve. With the right allergy-friendly diet, you can ease symptoms and enjoy more joyful, energetic days together. Because a healthy, comfortable dog is a truly happy dog.

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