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Dealing with your Sheltie’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of Sheltie’s community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Shelties 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 Sheltie’s diet.
Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies
This is really not a question that can be answered without knowing if your Sheltie has environmental sensitivities, or food sensitivities, and what those sensitivities are. Without a proper elimination trial/vet testing, it’s just a guessing game. A friend of mine switched her dog to lamb and rice (because everyone’s knee jerk reaction is not to feed chicken even though chicken allergies are not as common as we are led to believe) and then her dog got REALLY suck because she was actually allergic to rice. So without knowing exactly what the allergy is, it’s just trial and error. One thing I do highly recommend is adding unsweetened, plain kefir (I use goat milk kefir) to your dog’s food. A small bit at a time to work your way up to a tablespoon a day.
Author: Robyn C.
Likes: 1
Purina hypoallergenic/Hydrolyzed
Author: Suzanne L.
Likes: 0
A lot of dogs are allergic to chicken and turkey and even beef. My previous dog was allergic to everything. We did a test. Fish, lamb and venison were good choices.
Author: Lyn O.
Likes: 1
Boiled chicken, rice, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Everything is trial and error. You have to start out with a little at a time. Introduce new foods in tiny portions with whatever foods your sheltie can tolerate. My sheltie takes half prilosec every morning to start his day. Very rarely now he has squishy poops that get all over his fur or he vomits if my husband gives him something I told him not to. Best wishes.
Author: Joyce L.
Likes: 1
The only one Wally tolerated without an issue was Nutro chicken, no wheat products
Author: Judy Breedlove C.
Likes: 0
Our sheltie did well on carrots (raw, cold for snacks) and any kind of squash and sweet potato (cooked and cubed, to fill in whatever else he could have) – he didn’t end up having allergies, but the vet said those things would not affect his itching (thought to be allergies that didn’t end up that way). Apoquel was the only thing that helped that itching.
Author: Barbara Clark L.
Likes: 0
Taste of the Wild Salmon. Once our two Shelties started this food they have been 100 percent better. We also use peanut butter pill pockets for any meds. All meds have to be chicken and beef protein free.
Author: Linda Anna W.
Likes: 0
I fed my girl that was allergic to everything raw food, she could not even eat red meat so she ate Turkey and sometimes chicken and Cornish game hen. All mixed with veggies. There was a place near our home at the time that ground it and flash froze it. It is called A Place for Paws, it is on Ohio. Yes they have a FB page.
Author: Onalee H.
Likes: 0
My vet switched us to Natural Balance…Duck and Potato Formula…It has worked great!We were told the #1 allergy is to chicken!
Author: Phyllis S.
Likes: 0
Dr.Marty’s. His food is fairly expensive but I believe my dogs allergies were cured by it. Just ordered 3 more bags.
Author: James E. T.
Likes: 0
Fromm salmon grain free!
Author: Elizabeth W.
Likes: 0
Try Blue Buffalo
Author: Tammy Osborne H.
Likes: 0
We cook home cooking, specifically based around using a protein rich ‘Prime 100’ pet food, mixed with chicken and pumpkin. We add Nature’s Digestive Supplement for her Gallbladder Mucocele. Have had a healthy dog once again and avoid the vaccine
Author: Nathalie Mariah G.
Likes: 0
I used to give mine lamb and rice, tractor supply store 4 health
Author: Carol Sammons S.
Likes: 0
Orijen or acana limited ingredient diet.
Author: Jim A W.
Likes: 0
Diamond natural!
Author: Beckykeith C.
Likes: 0
Try some limited ingredient diets- that way, it is easier to figure out what is causing the problem
Author: Kathy N.
Likes: 0
I feed all my animals homemade raw food. I follow the RMF (rotational mono feeding) perpetual l protocol. It’s based on ancestral wolf diets. My sheltie (who’s 15.5 yrs old & suffered from pancreatitis & Cushings) gets fruit/veg about 5 days a week & meat, bone & liver (raw) once a week. It has been the only style of feeding that has helped with his digestive issues. If you’re interested in more info let me know!
Author: Brooke S.
Likes: 0
We feed our 6 year old Luna Farmers Dog
Author: Susan M.
Likes: 0
My dog started having HORRIBLE allergies after getting her last vaccines. (the only one I will ever have her get now is rabies and ONLY if necessary) she’s allergic to almost everything now! She breaks out in rashes and yeast infections now (which she hasn’t had before!) The most fantastic information is in a book called The Forever Dog. It’s amazing and so helpful (written by a Holistic Vet) Dr Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib
Author: Rose L.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for Sheltie with Allergies
1. What food is best for a Sheltie with allergies?
The best food for a Sheltie with allergies is one that uses limited ingredients and a novel or single protein source such as lamb, salmon, or duck. These diets reduce exposure to common allergens like beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, and soy, helping minimize allergic reactions such as itching, ear infections, and digestive upset.
2. How do I know if my Sheltie has a food allergy?
Common signs of food allergies in Shelties include persistent itching, paw licking, skin redness, ear infections, hair loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. If these symptoms are ongoing, a veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet to identify the specific food trigger.
3. Are grain-free foods good for Shelties with allergies?
Grain-free foods can help some Shelties, especially if they are sensitive to grains like wheat or corn. However, not all allergies are grain-related. It’s important to choose a nutritionally balanced formula and consult your vet, as some dogs tolerate grains such as rice or oats very well.
4. What protein sources are best for allergic Shelties?
Novel proteins such as salmon, venison, duck, rabbit, or lamb are often best for allergic Shelties. These proteins are less likely to trigger immune responses, especially if your dog has previously eaten common proteins like chicken or beef.
5. Should I choose limited-ingredient dog food for my Sheltie?
Yes, limited-ingredient diets (LID) are often ideal for Shelties with allergies. They contain fewer components, making it easier to avoid allergens and identify problem ingredients while still providing essential nutrients.
6. Can homemade food help a Sheltie with allergies?
Homemade diets can help if carefully prepared, but they must be veterinarian-approved to ensure proper nutrition. Poorly balanced homemade meals can lead to nutrient deficiencies, so professional guidance is essential.
7. How long does it take to see improvement after changing food?
Most Shelties show improvement within 4 to 8 weeks after switching to an allergy-friendly diet. Skin and coat health may take longer to fully recover, so consistency and patience are key during the transition 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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