25 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Foods

Limited ingredient dog foods have been the trend in recent years. We see them everywhere. And from the looks of it, this trend isn’t going to stop any time soon. Still, these foods aren’t properly understood and there are a lot of conflicting reports out there.

For the most part, limited ingredient food for dogs is preferred by pet parents whose dogs suffer from allergies. The reasoning behind this is pretty simple really. The fewer the number of ingredients the fewer the chances of an allergic reaction in a dog. However, many questions need answering. What are these foods? What benefits do they bring? But most importantly, which one should you get for your dog? We are going to answer these and a whole lot more so stick around.

25 Best Dog Foods with Limited Ingredient

Now that you know how to spot an allergy and the things you should look for in a limited ingredient food, it’s time to present the 25 best-limited ingredient dog foods on the market.

1. Natural Balance LID Venison Dry Dog Food

If your dog has shown signs of an allergic reaction like an ear infection, grain-free dog food may be the answer. The Natural Balance LID Venison Dry Dog Food is one such offering. Staring at the ingredients, this dog food has a novel protein source. Venison, the protein source, is a fancy term for deer meat. The key advantage of using Venison is that it is not a known allergen. That means there are extremely rare chances of it causing an allergic reaction in your dog.

In addition to venison, sweet potatoes play the role of the sole carbohydrate source in this limited ingredient dog food. This is what makes Natural Balance’s LID grain-free. Few things to point out here:

• Consult your vet before using this diet as some dogs may suffer from malnourishment
• Make sure to check the expiration date as some people have complained about moldy food

All in all, it is certainly one of the best-limited ingredients in dog foods.

2. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

Next up is Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet for adult dogs. The formula for this diet is quite good, at least on paper. The main ingredient of this dog food is turkey meat. Proteins sourced from turkey meat are considered to be novel because they aren’t among major allergens. So, you can be sure that the protein source used in this won’t be the cause of allergies.

When it comes to carbohydrates, the Blue Buffalo LID uses potatoes as the main source. Moreover, it also incorporates pumpkin and peas for extra nutrition. This extra nutrition means that your dog will get the nourishment it needs.

Couple all of this, with Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource bits that, a healthy combination of essential vitamins and minerals, and you can see why it’s such a good product. As always be sure to take the advice of your vet before buying any LID. It will save you trouble later on.

3. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

The best thing about Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food is that it uses salmon as a protein source. Let us tell you why that is a piece of good news:

• Fish meat is a source of novel protein
• The meat also contains essential vitamins, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that help tremendously with skin infections

Aside from the protein source, lentils provide carbohydrates. So, you see across the board no ingredient is a major allergen. Additionally, Nutro LID is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It is a good limited ingredient food for dogs. (Still, ask your vet first)

4. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe

If there is such a thing as Minimalist dog food, it would be the Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe. The company claims only one protein source and only one carbohydrate source. And to be fair, there is no reason to doubt it.

The protein source the company talks about is raw lamb. It’s grass-fed, raw lamb. If you are thinking there might be pieces of raw meat in the bag then don’t worry this is not the case.

Instinct coats their kibble with raw, freeze-dried lamb. It is safe and is pretty good for dogs with sensitive tummies. All in all, read the label first, consult your vet, and you’ll be good to go.

5. AvoDerm Natural Duck Recipe

AvoDerm is following the footsteps of instinct as it is only using one protein source and one carbohydrate source. The protein source present here is a duck which is not a major allergen. So, it gets a clean pass here.

Similarly, for carbohydrates and other essential minerals, AvoDerm uses avocado. Avocado is anything but a normal fruit. From essential vitamins to essential fatty acids, avocados have everything. In short, if your dog isn’t allergic to duck and avocadoes, there is no reason not to get this.

6. Wellness Simple Natural Grain Free Dry Limited Ingredient Dog Food

No gluten, no wheat, and certainly no chicken; that is the promise of Wellness with its Simple Nature Grain Free LID. And to be honest, the claims hold up.

Looking at the product itself, the protein source on show here is salmon. Fish protein is a pretty good choice since it also contains essential vitamins and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Similarly, the use of potatoes as a source of carbohydrates is also a good choice as most dogs don’t have an allergy to potatoes. Just be sure that your dog doesn’t have an allergy to potatoes. The best way to be sure is to consult the vet.

7. Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Real Meat Recipe

The last entry on this list is the Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Real Meat Recipe. And as the name suggests it is not a limited ingredient in dog food but it is grain-free nonetheless.

The source of protein in Diamond Natural Dog Food is beef. While it is better than chicken when it comes to allergic reactions, it may not be for everyone. On the other hand, the carbohydrate situation looks quite good. It employs a mix of fruit and vegetable as the chief carbohydrate and minerals source and it seems like Diamond Naturals has done a good job here.

To sum it all up, if your dog is allergic only to environmental allergens or you know that these ingredients won’t cause any trouble, then there is no reason to skip this option.

8. ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food 

With its grain-free and high-protein ingredient formula, this ACANA dog food is perfect for diet-sensitive dogs. Plus, with the aid of fresh and raw animal ingredients, fruits, and whole vegetables, this food contains essential nutrients and vitamins that help in maintaining your dog’s overall health. 

In addition, this product is also available in the following flavors: Duck and Pear, Lamb and Apple, Pork and Squash, and New Turkey and Pumpkin. Its wide flavor variations are good for dogs with specific preferences.

ACANA also claims that its product is the best choice for dogs who are choosy or picky when it comes to their foods. 

9. Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Lamb Meal Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food  

This Tuscan Natural dry dog food is best for allergy-prone dogs. With fresh lamb as its main ingredient, this product contains average protein levels with a percentage of 29%. It also has canola oil as one of its contents. Canola oil is known as one of the main sources of omega-3 fatty acids that have several positive impacts on your dog’s health. 

Moreover, this Tuscan Natural dog food is 100% free from grains and other preservatives or artificial flavorings. 

10. Simply Nourish Puppy Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

The Simply Nourish Puppy Dry Dog Food, available in salmon and sweet potato flavors, is designed for all puppy dog breeds. This product is also free of chicken and grains. In addition, having deboned salmon as its first ingredient, this dry dog food has a total of 29% protein and 16% of fat content. Based on dry dog food standards, those percentages are extremely great. 

Aside from that, Simply Nourish also includes a good amount of fatty acids that have EPA and DHA, which are the ones that are good for brain development. 

11. Freely Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Dog Food

This grain-free and limited ingredient dog food from Freely is designed for both small and large dog breeds. Another highlight of this product is its rich minerals, vitamins, and nutrient content that helps in guaranteeing healthy skin, coat, muscles, and heart. All of its ingredients are also thoroughly checked to ensure that they will be at their best qualities.

Lastly, this dog food doesn’t have any preservatives and artificial flavorings, only wholesome, simple, and natural ingredients are utilized. It is also available in various flavors like lamb, salmon, and turkey. 

12. Zignature Lamb Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Having high-quality and authentic lamb as its primary ingredient, this Zignature dog food is guaranteed to have a high-protein content. Proteins are essential for developing muscle mass and support. Plus, it only uses lamb as the main source of protein – this lowers the chances of allergy contractions from having too many ingredients. 

Additionally, several buyer reviews stated that this product is the best choice for allergy-prone dogs. This dog food is also designed to be applicable for rotational diet or switching with other Zignature formulas.

13. Hill’s Prescription Diet 

Developed directly by nutritionists and veterinarians, this Hill’s Prescription Diet is the best choice for dogs with extremely sensitive stomachs or digestive systems. Its dry kibble and single

animal protein formula help with minimizing the chances of food allergies or reactions. In addition, this dog food is made of natural ingredients and 100% free from allergens like grain, gluten, and soy protein. 

Hill’s Pet is also proud of being the #1 US Vet Recommended therapeutic dog food. However, before you can avail this product for your dog, you first need to visit your veterinarian and ask if it’s the best choice for your dog. Then, they will give you a prescription. 

14. Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Limited Plus Dry Dog Food 

The Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Limited Plus Dry Dog Food is known for having an allergy-friendly ingredient list. This product does not contain any common sources of allergies like chicken, soy, eggs, corn, wheat, and white potatoes. Another factor that makes this food great is that it also has probiotic support to ensure that your pet will digest its food properly. 

Furthermore, Nulo includes other healthy ingredients like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, amino acid L-Carnitine, and other low glycemic ingredients. And lastly, this amazing product is available in Alaska pollock, salmon, and turkey flavors. 

15. American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This grain-free dry dog food by American Journey only has one source of its animal protein – which makes it a top choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin concerns. This product’s protein content is 35%. Plus, it also contains the needed omega fatty acids for a healthier and smoother coat. 

The American Journey is also proud of its complete and balanced nutrition formula without including any poultry by-products, preservatives, corn, and wheat. 

16. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6

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The Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 is considered one of the most affordable limited dog foods available on the market. Despite its affordability, this product still contains high-quality ingredients that are essential in maintaining your dog’s overall health. Additionally, this dog food does not have any fillers, glutens, corns, wheat, and soy. 

Lastly, what makes this dog food stand out from other brands is that it has fewer ingredients compared to other limited dog foods. With that, food sensitivities and allergies have lower chances of happening. 

17. Chippin Fish Jerky Healthy Dog Treats

Developed along with veterinarians, this limited ingredient dog treat from Chippin is composed of healthy and high-quality ingredients that will help your dog attain all nutrition they need.  Chippin doesn’t also incorporate filler ingredients for a more flavorful taste. Also, despite having fresh fish as their main ingredient, this dog treat doesn’t smell bad at all.

Another plus point of this product is it also uses eco-friendly ingredients and materials. With that, you are not only providing your dog with a healthy treat, but you are also promoting more sustainable consumption. 

18. Go! Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

With its single source of animal protein, this limited ingredient dog food by Go! is specially designed for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. This product’s number one ingredient is a cage-free, deboned, and authentic turkey. Aside from that, there are no added grains, potatoes, wheat, corn, and chickens in this dog food. 

Moreover, to ensure a high-quality result, this dog food is developed by a team of health experts and nutritionists. 

19. American Natural Premium Lamb & Rice Recipe Dog Food 

This product from American Natural Premium is chicken-free and does not have any potential allergens like potato, corn, wheat, soy, and grain. With limited main ingredients like brown rice and lamb meal, this dog food is a top choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. 

In addition, probiotics and prebiotics, which both help in maintaining a healthy digestive system, are some of this product’s ingredients. This American Natural Premium recipe also has essential minerals and vitamins that support the dog’s overall health and well-being.

20. Bench & Field Holistic Natural Formula Dry Dog Food

The Bench & Field Holistic Natural Formula Dry Dog Food claims to have superior nutritional content and palatability with their high-quality protein sources. It also features essential antioxidants like vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene. 

In addition to that, it has omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, together with flaxseeds,  that assist in maintaining healthy skin and coat. Lastly, this product also has a set of fresh fruits and vegetables as one of its ingredients. 

21. Performatrin Ultra Limited Sweet Potato & Chicken Formula Dog Food

This limited ingredient dog food from Performatrin helps your dog achieve complete and balanced nutrition. It is also known for its single-source protein from high-quality and fresh chickens. Another good thing about this product is it’s entirely free from soy, wheat, corn, preservatives, and other artificial flavorings. 

With its fatty acids like Omega-6 and Omega-3, this Performatrin product helps build and maintain a healthy body.

22. American Journey Limited Ingredient Lamb & Sweet Potato Canned 

This another product from American Journey is proud of its authentic and fresh lamb as the main ingredient and source of protein. It is also fit for dogs who are prone to allergies since this product doesn’t have any possible allergens like wheat. 

Furthermore, all ingredients used came from trusted and reliable suppliers within the United States of America. American Journey also used BPA non-intent cans to ensure that the dog food is safe to consume. 

23. Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food

This other grain-free limited ingredient dog food from Zignature has few ingredients that make it good for dogs who are extremely sensitive to their foods. Moreover, they don’t use any common source of allergens like chicken, soy, dairy, corn, and wheat. 

Another good aspect of this product is, that it only uses farm-raised Turkeys as its main source of animal protein. Turkeys are very rich in protein, low in saturated fat, and rich in selenium. The ingredients like chickpeas and wholesome peas also provide essential antioxidants and fiber. 

24. JustFoodForDogs Limited Dog Food

This limited dog food manufactured by JustFoodForDogs is known for its customizable recipe formulas that are designed to perfectly meet your dog’s specific nutrition needs. To ensure its quality, this product is developed along with dog nutritionists and veterinarians. 

Being custom-crafted, this product automatically removes any ingredient that might cause food reactions in your dog. For example, this limited dog food can be grain-free or grain-inclusive based on your dog’s needs. 

Lastly, they don’t also use any preservatives and artificial flavorings in developing the product. 

25. Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Rabbit Meal & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food

With methionine and taurine as one of their ingredients, this limited dry dog food from Earthborn Holistic helps in developing a healthy heart among dogs of all ages. The main source of protein, which is the rabbit meal, originated from French farms run by expert rabbit farmers. Rabbit meals are usually rich in vitamins like B12 and B3, phosphorus, and selenium. 

Lastly, this product is 100% free from ingredients that can cause food sensitivities in dogs – which are GMOs, grains, potatoes, chickens, eggs, gluten, by-products, and other preservatives. 

What are Limited Ingredient Dog Foods?

Limited ingredient dog foods are made for dogs with allergies. These dog foods usually avoid known allergen ingredients for dogs and use limited ingredients to keep dog allergies at bay. With that said, there is no one universal definition that exists when it comes to limited ingredients dog foods.

So, whenever you see a limited ingredient dog food, always see the nutrient information on the back. This is so because every manufacturer takes the idea of ‘limited ingredients’ differently. So, some companies mean that their dog food has only one protein source instead of many. For instance, the food might be using only chicken protein instead of a combination of chicken, salmon, and lamb.

Some companies may pack in only one type of carbohydrate instead of multiple. In short, there is no true definition except that these foods are made for dogs who have serious allergies. There are some actual benefits to using limited ingredient foods. For your dog to get these benefits, you first need to find out the ingredients that your dog is allergic to. Ask your vet to point you in the right direction. After that choose hypoallergenic wet or dry dog food to suit your dog’s needs.

How To Choose A Limited Ingredient Dog Food?

Choosing a limited ingredient dog food requires careful consideration of your dog’s condition. You need to figure out all the variables. All the unknowns need to be known. When you have done that, only then can you start giving your dog limited ingredient dog food. So, how should you go about this whole scheme? Well, the following are some helpful pointers to take the guesswork out of this whole ordeal.

Consult a Vet

Which is better, limited ingredient dog food with grain or limited ingredient wet dog food? These types of questions can only be answered after you talk to your vet.

If you suspect that your dog may have an allergy or a GI (Gastrointestinal trac infection) taking your dog to the vet is your best bet. The vet can run a bunch of tests and can pinpoint the exact problem. Whether your dog has a genuine allergy to chicken-based protein or the problem was due to a GI, you will have all the answers you need once you go to your vet.

After the diagnosis is done, now comes the part where you ask your vet about the food. Ask the vet about the foods your dog should avoid. Foods that they should eat. No one can answer these better than your vet. All in all, when it comes to hypoallergenic dog foods your vet is your dog’s best friend.

Know your Dog’s Sensitivities

A crucial step of what to choose often revolves around the things that you should avoid. So, pay close attention to the things your dog eats. The first step in monitoring your dog’s food intake is to keep an eye open for signs of intolerance and allergy. The signs of an allergic reaction to food include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Dematting or bald spots on the body
• Skin rashes
• Itching

Keep a close watch for these signs as to when they occur. Note the ingredients in your dog food following an allergic reaction. To be sure that your dog is allergic to a specific ingredient, try an elimination diet plan. The main concept is this:

Eliminate the ingredient that is causing or is suspected of causing an allergic reaction. More often than not, by following an elimination diet, you will be able to figure out the things that your dog is allergic to. So, now stay away from dog foods that contain these ingredients.

Know the Ingredients

The next thing that you need to do is to get yourself familiar with the ingredients. Don’t just go to a store and buy the first thing you see. Read the fine print on the back of the pack. Nutrient information and the quantity of each ingredient matter a lot. Moreover, there will be things listed on the back that you won’t understand. No worries, search them on the internet. Get yourself familiar with these.

Finally, use this newfound knowledge along with the information about your dog’s sensitivity to certain foods, and tailor a diet for your dog. If you don’t want to do this much work yourself, just go to your vet and have him figure everything out.

Follow AAFCO Regulations

The Association of American Feed Control Officials AFFCO is an independent regulatory body that governs pet feeds. AFFCO has local, state, and federal agencies as its members. These agencies control and regulate animal feed.

Before you purchase dog food, make sure it follows AFFCO regulations. See on the back of the package if the dog food you are about to choose follows the labeling requirements put forth by AFFCO. If it does, then you can be almost certain that the particular dog food is of good quality. Otherwise, you are better off looking somewhere else.

Limited ingredient Dog Foods – FAQs

It is not possible to cover everything about limited ingredient dog foods in one blog post. Therefore, you may still have questions to ask. So, the following are some questions that appear on almost every dog forum.

If you have a pup with a sensitive stomach or severe allergies, be sure to consult your vet for advice and consider purchasing limited ingredient dog foods.