Did you know that the Golden Retriever is ranked 4th in the first tier of the most intelligent dogs? Yes, and that is only after the Border Collie, Poodle, and the German Shepherd.
If you own a Golden Retriever, then you know that they love to eat and they can turn anything chewable. This love of food can make your Golden Retriever overeat so you should be careful with the amounts of food you are feeding him. For novice pet parents, limit their treats as well.
We all want our canine friends to stay healthy and happy and lead comfortable lives. And to achieve that, we have to feed them nutritious, well-balanced high-quality diets. Golden Retrievers stands out among the finest family dogs. However, they are susceptible to some skin allergies that can traumatize you as the owner.
Are you looking for the best dog food for Golden Retrievers with skin allergies? Being a retriever owner, I know the whole situation feels so challenging. But I have some good news that will help you. Before that anyway…
Table of Contents
What are Food Allergies in Dogs?
Food allergy is among the most common hypersensitivities or allergies that dogs face. In a dog with allergy, the immune system overreacts and generates antibodies to substances it would naturally endure. During an allergic reaction to foods such as complex carbohydrates and protein, antibodies are produced against it and are only evident after prolonged exposure.
Typically, itchy skin is the first sign of food allergies in dogs as well as digestive issues such as diarrhea or throwing up. Others include:
- Weight loss
- Aggression
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of energy
As mentioned above, proteins are the major contributors to food allergens in pooches, especially those found in gluten, chicken eggs, beef, chicken, lamb, and dairy products. So, you should identify the ingredients that distress your Golden Retriever and take him to the vet.
Most likely, your dog’s vet will put your Golden Retriever on an elimination diet. The procedure can be time-consuming, but it is a reliable way to determine food allergies in your pooch.
Skin Conditions in Golden Retrievers
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions in dogs and Golden Retrievers are among the breeds susceptible to it. While the signs of food allergies and atopic dermatitis are clinically vague, research is ongoing to find the correlation between antibody levels in pooches with the disorder.
Scientists, however, deduce a correlation between environmental allergens and atopic dermatitis which means the skin irritation in your Golden Retriever can be relieved via dietary adjustments.
8 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers with Skin Allergies
While it helps alleviate allergy symptoms, finding the best dog food for Golden Retrievers with skin allergies is not an easy task. The search becomes even more demanding if you still need the dog food to be palatable.
However, we did the hard part for you, and here are our picks:
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Taste of the Wild Dog Food Pacific Stream with Smoked Salmon
- Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
- Natural Balance L.I.D Dry Dog Food
- Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food
- Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food
- PetHonesty Allergy Relief Immunity Supplement for Dogs
Review of the 8 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers with Skin Allergies
In this review, we shall look at what makes these foods a good option for Golden Retrievers with skin allergies, including their pros and cons. By the end of this review, you will have at least one or two brands that suit your canine buddy best.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Our best overall dog food for Golden Retrievers with skin allergies is the Salmon & Rice recipe from Purina Pro Plan. This sensitive skin & stomach formula features real salmon as the first ingredient which is a rich source of protein your dog needs to support a strong muscle build.
Salmon is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that support skin and coat health in your dog and you can choose the lamb recipe as well. This dry dog food is fortified with live probiotics that give your Golden Retriever with skin allergies healthy digestion and immune system.
Other ingredients include rice or oatmeal which are highly digestible and it contains no corn, soy, wheat, or artificial additives.
Pros:
- Vet approved
- Nutritious & palatable
- Perfect for sensitive skins
- Highly digestible
Cons:
- Inconsistency of batches at Amazon
- High price tag
Taste of the Wild Dog Food Pacific Stream with Smoked Salmon
This smoked salmon dog food recipe from the Taste of the Wild is our runners-up for Golden Retrievers with skin allergies. With a balanced diet that nature intended, this dog food features real salmon as the first ingredient, an optimal amino acid profile that supports muscle health.
The recipe contains premium ingredients with superfoods such as fruits & veggies as well as minerals & vitamins that promote your Golden Retriever’s immune system health. It also includes sweet potatoes and other ingredients that are easily digestible and a blend of fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
This smoked salmon formula is egg-free in case your Golden Retriever is sensitive to eggs and it has no fillers or grains.
Pros:
- No eggs or egg products
- Excellent dog food
- Quality ingredients
- Palatable & aromatic
Cons:
- A discrepancy in Amazon batches
- Price increase
Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food
If you wish to feed your Golden Retriever with a beef and chicken alternative source of protein, Blue Buffalo got you covered. Their grain-free turkey & potato recipe contains real turkey as the first ingredient to support lean, strong muscle build, and health.
Other ingredients include peas, potatoes, and pumpkin that support gentle digestion in your Golden Retriever with a sensitive stomach. To help meet the required energy and support a healthy lifestyle, the formula contains carbs and is boosted with vitamins & minerals for immune health.
This limited ingredient dog food diet contains the finest natural elements with no soy, corn, artificial additives, or wheat.
Pros:
- Ideal chicken & beef alternative
- Easily digestible
- Limited ingredient recipe
- Good for sensitive stomachs
Cons:
- Inconsistency in batches
- Alleged lead contamination
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
Do you want the best dog food for your Golden Retriever with skin allergies at an affordable price? You can never go wrong with Hill’s Science Diet. The tender turkey & rice stew recipe has been crafted to provide your adult dog with optimal digestive health.
With tender turkey as the first ingredient, this grain-free wet dog food features high-quality protein in a palatable flavor that your dog will enjoy. To ensure your Golden Retriever with skin allergies has smooth digestion, the recipe is crafted with natural ingredients like rice. This supports easier stool pick-up.
We also like that the food contains omega-3 and vitamin E to support healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
Pros:
- Supports smooth digestion
- Quality ingredients at an affordable price
- Palatable for fussy eaters
- Ideal for sensitive skin & stomach
Cons:
- Difference in batches
- Grain-free which is unfit for some dogs
Natural Balance L.I.D Dry Dog Food
If your Golden Retriever is allergic to chicken and prefer giving him an alternative source of protein, this limited ingredients dog food from Natural Balance is a fantastic choice. This lamb meal & brown rice formula helps reduce the number of ingredients pooches are subjected to.
The formula has a lamb meal as the first ingredient, a macronutrient that supports muscle build and maintenance and adds palate to the food. While being ideal for Golden Retrievers with skin allergies, it also contains the right amount of fat that supports skin and coat health. Brown rice is also very digestible which is excellent for pooches with allergies.
Pros:
- High-quality ingredients
- Vet recommended
- Limited ingredient
- Pocket-friendly
Cons:
- Complaints about bite size
- Unfit for some dogs
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food
This salmon & potato recipe dry dog food from Diamond Naturals is crafted with premium ingredients making it ideal for Golden Retrievers with skin allergies. With wild-caught salmon as the first ingredient, the food offers an optimal amino acid profile for lean, robust muscles.
The recipe features high-quality ingredients with added superfoods like minerals & vitamins that help promote immune and digestion. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that give your Golden Retriever a healthy skin and glossy coat. It also contains highly digestible probiotics that endure and thrive in the GI tract for smooth digestion.
This nutrient-rich dog food contains no wheat, fillers, synthetic additives, corn, or preservatives.
Pros:
- Reputable brand
- High-quality dog food
- Perfect for dogs with sensitivities
- Healthy ingredients
Cons:
- Different quality in batches
- Unsuitable for some dogs
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food
Are you considering the best dog food specifically crafted for Golden Retriever puppies with skin allergies? This puppy food features deboned chicken as the first ingredient which is high in protein content to give your pup lean, robust muscles.
As your Golden Retriever pup grows, he needs healthy brain development which is why this dog food contains salmon oil as an ingredient. It also includes antioxidants that support a healthy immune system and balanced nutrients to promote optimal energy. To ensure that your pup maintains healthy skin and coat, the recipe is equipped with omega fatty acids.
Ensure your Golden Retriever puppy grows healthy and happy even with skin allergies by feeding him this formula.
Pros:
- High nutritional value
- Specifically crafted for pups
- Vet recommended
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Complaints about poor packaging
- Cases of loose stools
PetHonesty Allergy Relief Immunity Supplement for Dogs
If you are a dog owner who prefers feeding his Golden Retriever with skin allergies a diet that is recommended by a veterinarian, this Allergy Relief Immunity Supplement is a fantastic choice. These chews feature wild-caught Alaskan salmon as the first ingredient for a high-quality sources.
Crafted using all-natural ingredients, the supplement contains salmon oil which helps relieve itchy skin allergies and is rich in omega fatty acids that support skin and coat health. It combines powerful ingredients to improve immune and digestion health by addressing the cause of allergies in Golden Retrievers.
To provide wholesome nutrition to your pooch, the supplements contain no wheat, corn, GMO products, wheat, or synthetic additives.
Pros:
- Incredible dog supplement
- Support digestive, coat & skin health
- Quality ingredients
- Ideal skin allergies solution
Cons:
- None so far
Remedies for Skin Allergies in Golden Retrievers
While many suggestions have been given concerning cures for skin allergies in dogs, there are those with the upper hand. However, paying special attention to your Golden Retriever’s diet is the first remedy for his allergic condition.
As we mentioned above, food (especially some proteins & carbs) is the major problem and triggers of allergic reactions in dogs. So, that tells you that food is the first remedy for this. As such, trace the ingredient that is allergic to your Golden Retriever’s skin.
You should also consider making your dog’s environment habitable.
In addition, you can try some home remedies to help alleviate the allergies using the supplies from the cupboard. If you do not have them, you can simply pick them at the local pet store.
- To help soothe irritation, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water (8oz) in a bottle, shake it well, and spray your dog’s skin.
- To help heal and support healthy skin growth, apply fresh aloe vera gel on his skin, and make sure you rub it in properly.
- Add a few cups of oatmeal to the dog’s bath and rub it well into the skin. Soak your dog in this water for at least 20 minutes and then rinse him properly.
With the correct diet and these home remedies, you can be sure your Golden Retriever is taken care of. However, ensure that your dog visits his vet for better recommendations.
How to Transition Your Golden Retriever’s Diet
Transitioning your Golden Retriever’s diet should not be done in haste and can sometimes lead to some side-effects such as decreased eating habits, stomach upset, and even diarrhea. As such, you should make the process smooth so you do not make your dog’s condition uncomfortable.
The time taken to change your canine buddy’s diet should range between 5 to 7 days and must be done gradually as you are introducing them to a new food they are not used to. Check out this food transition guide from the AKC site:
| Day | New Diet | Old Diet | |
| 1 | 25% | 75% | |
| 3 | 50% | 50% | |
| 5 | 75% | 25% | |
| 7 | 100% | – |
Table: AKC recommendation for Food Transitioning
It is that easy and your Golden Retriever is ready to continue eating the new diet comfortably.
FAQs
What should I do if my Golden Retriever has skin allergies?
Before you think of any remedies, the first action you should be taking your canine friend with skin allergies to his veterinarian. Make sure you follow the vet’s instructions. If, however, the condition is considered to be normal, you can use the remedies mentioned above.
What foods are bad for Golden Retrievers?
As with other dog breeds, foods that contain synthetic additives such as BHA, sodium nitrite/nitrate, Ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, and BHT are bad for Golden Retrievers. These ingredients are suspected to cause cancer in dogs.
How much food should I feed my Golden Retriever?
We found Golden Retrievers to be one of the dogs that are predisposed to obesity. Because they love eating, you should control the amount of food he eats daily and avoid giving too many treats. In my opinion, I prefer following the dog food manufacturer’s feeding guide.
Wrap-Up
When it comes to dealing with skin allergies in dogs, it is never a walk in the park. From vet visits to trying out new dog food brands, taking care of your Golden Retriever is an extra cost. Even worse, finding the best food for the condition that is delicious is not easy.
As a rule of the thumb, make sure you consult his vet before initiating a new dietary plan and identify which ingredients he is allergic to and eliminate it. Before you settle on a specific brand for Golden Retrievers with skin allergies ensure there are improvements and that your dog likes it.
I hope this information helps. Ciao!
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
