15 Best Foods for Mastiffs with Allergies

Dealing with your Mastiff’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of Mastiff’s community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Mastiff’s 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 Mastiff’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.

Our vet derm would only do environmental testing and not food as readings aren’t accurate. The best way was an elimination food diet. She put our mastiff on Science Prescription Diet- D/D- venison and potato. Ours also needed additional immune therapy and prescription meds to help manage his allergies but that food was the best for us. The combo was a game changer! Good luck!

Author: Karie M.

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I have to cook for my dog. She allergic to the protein in poultry and beef and anything in kibble. She gets either salmon or venison with a wide variety of veggies, blueberries, apples, bananas, brown rice, kidney beans. It’s expensive but I can’t have her living life with chronic ear and skin infections.

Author: Vickie Stinson-B.

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Tractor supply 4 life duck and sweet potatoes! Works great

Author: John Pratt S.

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We also use the purina one lamb and rice. Ours is allergic to chicken. We sometimes add hamburger and rice

Author: Bethany Witham B.

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I have 1 that’s allergic to chicken, turkey, and fish. Literally all dog foods have at least one of these ingredients. I spent about 45 minutes in the pet store reading labels. I feed them plant based kibble with cooked ground beef and chopped cooked veggies and cut up fruits. I started on Natural Balance food, but I recently switched to Wellness plant based with egg. He’s seemed to improve a little. Just remember that food allergies take weeks to resolve. He took at least 6-8 weeks. I also take him to a dermatologist. She feels he may have a thyroid issue (still waiting on the blood work). Not all skin issues are totally food related.

Author: Lisa B.

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I had a mastiff with allergies. I had a full allergy panel done to find out what caused reactions. I ended up making her wet food using beef, pork or duck, sweet potatoes, carrots, yellow or russet potatoes and oatmeal. Her dry food was less than 30% protein, beef, fish or duck without grains or peas.

Author: Hughina G.

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Omg! Join the club, my mastiff is allergic to everything, But I can give her Blue Buffalo lamb and rice formula or Tricia Yearwood pork and rice or something like that. Her ears will bother her so bad if she eats chicken,turkey or certain treats.

Author: Angie M,

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Author: Brandi Anne O.

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Pro plan sensitive stomach with salmon

Author: Karen Banks-k.

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Diamond Naturals Lamb and Rice

Author: Kimberly Silverthorne M.

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I had to cut out grain and poultry. I did the grain first which cleared up his ears. But the scratching kept getting worse. So now he’s fed salmon and sweet potato grain free, large breed. It’s American journey brand from chewy. His fur grew back and no more scratching. He’s been on it 5 years.

Author: Linda S.

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Taste of the Wild

Author: William M.

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Home cooked diet, watch him and see which foods make his ears turn red my rottie was allergic to soy

Author: Mona R.

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I’ve got one allergic to lamb, beef, Turkey, chicken

Ok with pork and venison

She gets fff pork lolol

Author: Anouska S.

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The dog roll from ALDIs helped my dog with allergies..stay away from dry food as the salt content is usually pretty high and effects them.

Author: Libby De L.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Mastiffs with Allergies

1. What are the most common food allergens for Mastiffs?
   The most common food allergens for Mastiffs include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn. These ingredients are often found in lower-quality commercial dog foods. Identifying and eliminating these from your Mastiff’s diet can significantly help in managing allergy symptoms like itching, digestive upset, and ear infections.

2. What are the best protein sources for Mastiffs with allergies?
   Novel or limited-ingredient protein sources such as duck, venison, salmon, rabbit, or turkey are excellent for Mastiffs with allergies. These proteins are less likely to trigger immune responses and are often featured in hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets.

3. Are grain-free diets better for Mastiffs with allergies?
   Not necessarily. While some Mastiffs may benefit from a grain-free diet, especially if they’re allergic to grains like wheat or corn, others may not need to avoid grains. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa are generally easier to digest and may still be suitable unless a specific grain allergy is diagnosed.

4. How can I tell if my Mastiff is allergic to their food?
   Common signs of food allergies in Mastiffs include chronic itching, ear infections, paw licking, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea, and skin infections. A veterinary diagnosis, often involving an elimination diet, is the most reliable way to confirm food allergies.

5. Are raw or homemade diets good for Mastiffs with allergies?
   Raw or homemade diets can be beneficial if properly formulated to avoid allergens. However, they should always be created with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist to ensure balanced nutrition. Homemade meals give owners full control over ingredients, which is helpful in avoiding triggers.

6. Can supplements help with my Mastiff’s allergies?
   Yes, supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), probiotics, and certain vitamins can help strengthen your Mastiff’s immune system and reduce inflammation. Always consult your vet before adding supplements to your dog’s diet.

7. What should I look for in hypoallergenic dog food for Mastiffs?
   Look for dog foods labeled “limited ingredient,” “hypoallergenic,” or “novel protein.” Ensure the product is free from common allergens and made with high-quality, whole-food ingredients. Foods with added probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3s are also helpful for managing allergies and promoting skin and coat health.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Mastiff’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.