15 Best Foods for Australian Cattle Dogs with Allergies

2 days ago 5



Dealing with your Australian Cattle Dog’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of Australian Cattle Dog community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Australian Cattle Dogs who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 15 responses here.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Australian Cattle Dog’s diet. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

15 Best Dog Foods for Australian Cattle Dogs with Allergies

Zignature makes some good limited ingredient foods. They have a kangaroo one that is a good place to start if you think it is a protein he is allergic to.

Author: Christina K.

Likes: 0


I tried for 2 years to find things for dog that suffers from allergies. I finally let my vet give him an allergy shot. To my surprise, It worked! He is much happier and he is back to eating the foods he likes.

Author: Gitch S.

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My step mom had to put one of her dogs on vegan dog food because he was allergic to all meat proteins, he did pretty well on that. She would add egg to it

Author: Meg J.

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My dog has yeast problems, and I get Rachael Ray’s no-grain foods to keep her from reacting badly.

Author: David Schlosser J.

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Try raw food and human grade. He might be allergic to all the preservatives and how highly processed most dog foods are.

Author: Brianna M.

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My girl has been great on Life’s Abundance.

Author: Kelly Adams G.

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We do Natural Balance Lamb and Brown Rice.

Author: Madalyn H.

Likes: 3


My vet recommended trying only salmon dog food and duck treats. It seemed to really help. I didn’t have him allergy tested but chicken and common proteins seemed to be the problem.

Author: Kathleen S.

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We adopted a 1 yr old ACD. From a rescue. He was at the vet about every month for antibiotics and nausea meds. Everything made him throw up and diarrhea.We even tried cooking his food. I was at the vet one more time and started talking to a lady she said hers had the same problem and to try Purina Pro Plan salmon and rice formula for sensitive stomach and skin. It’s been a year now and he has not been sick once. Maybe worth a try. Good luck.

Author: Colleen S.

Likes: 0


I found Taste Of The Wild ‘PREY’ for my blue healer, he’s allergic to everything it seems

Author: Wes S.

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Are you feeding chicken kibble. The yellow dye was the problem. Toss it or give it away. Birds will love it. Salmon. Lamb, rice and venison. Added salmon oil to her food for 3 months. Every breakfast on the kibble. Couple tablespoons

Author: Carol Lynn H.

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My dog was allergic to some food grains or possibly the way some food is processed. We had to do grain free for awhile. We use costco food now with no issue.

Author: Robin C.

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My ACD was allergic to grain. Chicken and grass. I feed him the costco nature’s domain turkey and sweet potato dry and turkey and pea canned. Hydroxyzine for the allergies.

Author: Alison L.

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Have an allergy test done at the vet and buy based on those results. It’s a little spendy but so worth it. It will save you time and money in trying different foods plus your pup will feel better faster.

Author: Keela F.

Likes: 3


Rachel Ray yeast free

Author: Ed C.

Likes: 0


Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Australian Cattle Dogs with Allergies

  1. What are the most common food allergens for Australian Cattle Dogs?
    The most common food allergens for Australian Cattle Dogs include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn. Some dogs may also react to artificial preservatives or colorings. Identifying specific allergens often requires an elimination diet under veterinary supervision.

  2. How can I tell if my Australian Cattle Dog has food allergies?
    Signs of food allergies in Australian Cattle Dogs include itchy skin, ear infections, digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea), excessive licking or biting at paws, and chronic gas. If symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian for allergy testing or a controlled diet trial.

  3. What ingredients should I look for in hypoallergenic dog food?
    Look for limited-ingredient dog foods that feature novel proteins (like duck, venison, or kangaroo) and easily digestible carbohydrates (such as sweet potatoes or peas). Grain-free and gluten-free formulas may also benefit sensitive dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics are helpful for skin and gut health.

  4. Is grain-free dog food better for allergic Australian Cattle Dogs?
    Not necessarily. While some allergic dogs benefit from grain-free diets, others may react to ingredients like peas or legumes used as grain substitutes. Always evaluate the individual dog’s allergies and consult a vet before switching to grain-free food.

  5. Can homemade dog food help manage allergies in Australian Cattle Dogs?
    Yes, homemade dog food allows precise control over ingredients, which can be beneficial for allergy management. However, it’s crucial to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog receives a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs.

  6. How long does it take to see improvement once switching to an allergy-friendly food?
    Most dogs show improvement in 6 to 8 weeks after switching to a hypoallergenic or elimination diet. However, some may take up to 12 weeks for full results. It’s important to avoid treats or table scraps during this period to ensure accurate results.

  7. Are there any specific brands recommended for Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies?
    Brands such as Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Hypoallergenic, Blue Buffalo Basics, and Natural Balance L.I.D. are often recommended for dogs with food sensitivities. Always choose a product suited to your dog’s specific allergen profile and consult your vet for tailored advice.


As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Australian Cattle Dog’s food. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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