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Dealing with your Cavalier’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of Cavalier community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Cavaliers 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 Cavalier’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.
Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies
If you’re referring to itchy skin allergies, please try a regular application of antifungal shampoo on your cav before using any type of steroid medication. Many times skin allergies are simply from an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Also our vet had us try all kinds of different protein sources in kibble for possible food allergies (rabbit, duck, kangaroo, etc) and it was a waste of time and money.
Author: Sandy M.
Likes: 1
I have tried more brands than I can count, and cooked for her for years then I finally found SMACK. It really has the least amount of inflammatory ingredients, and ingredients in general (which is what you want when dealing with allergies) and it has single source proteins. Ie: no protein meals. It is a dehydrated raw. So it comes in what looks like a kibble form. I feed the Salmon. I have taken my poor pup to both dermatologist vets and holistic vets in search of answers for her severe allergies. They both were excellent sources of information for me but on the end they could only partially help us. I learned so much about the dog digestive system when I was cooking for her as well. I did extensive food mapping and tracking and food elimination diets with her. Finally after everything I found SMACK and it aligned with everything from the specialists and from my research. It’s literally been a life saver. It’s not cheap!! $137 CAD for 25 cups. But I promise it will change your dogs life!!!!
Author: Stephanie W.
Likes: 0
Not a food recommendation, but I would HIGHLY recommend this allergy supplement on Amazon. Reduced my dog’s itching substantially. My vet said keep using it!
Author: Jay C.
Likes: 18
Pure pet food cleared my cavaliers skin and appears to be helping keep his ears clear. He was a rescue who came with a terrible ear infestation. Also found it has helped my collie cross lab with her reactivity as she was badly abused before we got her
Author: Jacqueline B.
Likes: 1
Purina Pro Plan sensitive skin/stomach salmon and rice. Diarrhea with other foods
Author: Danny Mindy B.
Likes: 0
Mine was on Fromm grain free no chicken. Once I took her off both her constant scratching stop
Author: Alayne C.
Likes: 0
Burns sensitive potato and pork…. plus a bit of added ProFibre. This is pretty much the best we’ve found for our little girl. We’ve tried so many foods but dairy and most grains, including rice, seem to flare up her colitis something awful. She’s also VERY fat sensitive. This seems to do the trick. We’ve another dog who had an awful time with food too, the exact cause of her bad tummy was unknown as she doesn’t react to treats that contain grains or dairy, so we think it may be fat related…. so she too went onto Burns Puppy and is now really stable and happy on the Sensitive Potato & Pork version. It’s been a godsend for all 3 of our girls really as the third, while she has no allergies or issues, she’s a really crazy fussy eater but even she loves it. So glad I found it!
Author: Rachael H.
Likes: 1
I used Hills Prescription ZD…almost fully digestible & worked after trying LOTS of others!
Author: Kathy B.
Likes: 0
Green pantry
Author: Helen W.
Likes: 1
Author: David I.
Likes: 0
My cavalier had skin allergies, so adjusting diet to tuna and vegetables for main meal. Fruits, yoghurt (sugarless made from scratch) and rice milk for treats and snacks. But it would really depend on what the Allergy is.
Author: Chrystal L.
Likes: 0
Use Tylee, human grade. No chicken! He is good now. Fresh carrots, radish, broccoli as treats.
Author: Monika M.
Likes: 0
Author: Rose D.
Likes: 1
Viva raw rabbit and beef
Author: Maria H.
Likes: 1
No chicken at all.
Author: Linda F.
Likes: 0
Took mine off anything chicken and he is doing great. He is on Fromm Turkey and sweet potato and Duck and Rabbit. Healthy weight and no more allergies
Author: Holly Fitts B.
Likes: 0
Author: Jill Costello M.
Likes: 0
We use raw
Author: Sheri S.
Likes: 0
Royal Canine Hydrolyzed Protein, the brand my vet carry’s. She can’t digest animal proteins.
Author: Betty P.
Likes: 1
I was under the impression that pork was not good for dogs
Author: Terry S.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for Cavaliers with Allergies
1.What are common food allergies in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
Cavaliers can be allergic to ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, corn, and soy. These allergens may cause symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive issues.
2. How can I tell if my Cavalier has a food allergy?
Signs include persistent itching, paw licking, vomiting, diarrhea, chronic ear infections, or skin redness. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to identify the allergen.
3. What ingredients should I avoid in my Cavalier’s diet?
Avoid common triggers like artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), fillers (corn, wheat), and proteins known to cause sensitivity (chicken, beef) if your dog has shown symptoms.
4. What are the best protein sources for Cavaliers with allergies?
Novel or hypoallergenic proteins such as duck, venison, rabbit, salmon, and lamb are often better tolerated by dogs with allergies.
5. Are grain-free diets better for Cavaliers with allergies?
Not always. While some Cavaliers benefit from grain-free diets, others may do well with limited-ingredient diets that include non-allergenic grains like oats or brown rice. Always consult a vet before switching.
6. Can homemade dog food help with allergies?
Yes, homemade diets allow you to control exactly what your Cavalier eats. Work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced and allergy-friendly.
7. Is hydrolyzed protein dog food good for allergic Cavaliers?
Absolutely. Hydrolyzed protein diets break proteins into smaller parts, making them less likely to trigger an allergic response. These are often prescribed for severe cases.
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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