The 8 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls With Allergies

Written by Shannon Amber
Updated: March 18, 2023
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Pit bulls are known for many things, such as their loyalty, stocky build, and affectionate nature. However, it’s less known that they tend to suffer from allergies. The term “pit bull” refers to the following breeds: American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, American bully, and Staffordshire bull terrier. Regardless of which breed of pit bull you have, you’ll want to carefully select their nutrition as their diet is most often the cause of their allergies. So, what is the best dog food for pit bulls with skin allergies?

Unlike humans, when dogs experience allergies rather than sneezing their skin becomes itchy. If you see your pit bull has a red belly, is licking its paws, or suffers from frequent ear infections, they likely have a skin allergy, which is called “atopy.” Visible signs of atopy begin showing as early as a year old. Without intervention, their allergies will only worsen as they age and can cause severe and long-term issues.

Due to their energetic nature and muscular build, pit bulls require a higher caloric intake to meet their needs. Additionally, they’ll need high-quality protein to give them the fuel necessary for their zoomies and playtime. Feeding your pit bull the proper nutrition will keep them happy and healthy, so we’ve compiled a list of the best dog foods available for pit bulls with skin allergies. From grain-free, sensitive stomachs, to budget-friendly, keep reading to find the right choice for your pit bull. 

  1. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food
    • Wholesome grains provide the fiber for a healthy digestive system
    • Tailor-made for large breed dogs
    • Amino acids and vitamins and minerals help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat
    • Free of corn, soy, gluten, preservatives, or fillers
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Nature's Recipe Grain Free Large Breed Dry
    • Grain-free formula with high nutritional value
    • No preservatives of fillers
    • Affordable option
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Hill's Prescription Diet Derm Complete Dry Dog Food
    • May help show visible skin improvement in dogs with food sensitivities.
    • May help improve night-time scratching and improve sleep quality in some dogs.
    • Helps support the skin barrier year-round against environmental irritants.
    • Contains a single animal protein source.
    • Bioactives and phytonutrients can help normalize immune response.


    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
    • Contains non-GMO ingredients, high-quality protein, and healthy whole grains
    • Also has essential antioxidants to support skin, coat, and immune system
    • No fillers or preservatives, only natural ingredients
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy
    • Ingredients include blueberries and spinach for immune system, as well as deboned chicken for strong bones and flaxseed for coat
    • Free of fillers, meat by-products, and artificial preservatives
    • Full of amino acids and minerals
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  6. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support
    • Simple, high-quality ingredients
    • Includes all the amino acids and vitamins and minerals your dog needs
    • Comes in a variety of flavors
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  7. CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
    $71.27
    • Canidae PURE Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
    • Contains real salmon, menhaden, fish meal, peas and sweet potatoes
    • 10 or fewer key ingredients for sensitive dogs
    • Antioxidants and probiotics to support healthy digestion and and immune health
    • Vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin and coat


    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls With Allergies

#1 Best Overall: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food

After a thorough review, we found Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food to be the best overall choice based on price, quality, and simple ingredients. A single source of high-quality protein means your pit bull is receiving all the fuel they need to build strong muscles while minimizing unnecessary exposure to potential allergens. Wholesome grains provide the fiber they need for a healthy digestive system. This formula is tailor-made for large breed dogs providing key nutritional support for strong bones, joints, heart, and teeth. Additionally, the amino acids and vitamins and minerals help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Being free of gluten, corn, soy, and preservatives or fillers, this is an excellent choice for promoting a healthy diet of thoughtful ingredients. 

This recipe is also available in Chicken & Brown Rice.

Several negative reviews said that the manufacturer had changed the recipe and their dogs no longer liked it.

Pros and Cons of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This dry dog food features a single source of protein (in this case, lamb).Some reviewers said that the recipe had changed and their dogs no longer liked this food.
Grains provide fiber for a healthy digestive system.
This recipe is formulated for large breed dogs and provides the nutritional support they require for strong bones, joints, heart, and teeth.
Amino acids, vitamins, and minerals help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
It’s free from free gluten, corn, soy, and preservatives or fillers.
The Best Overall
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food
  • Wholesome grains provide the fiber for a healthy digestive system
  • Tailor-made for large breed dogs
  • Amino acids and vitamins and minerals help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat
  • Free of corn, soy, gluten, preservatives, or fillers
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best on a Budget: Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food

For quality and affordability, we love Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food. Higher quality dog food usually comes at a higher premium, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for less when you have a limited budget. Grains can often be the cause of allergies so their grain-free formula with protein as the first ingredient provides an excellent nutritional value for your pit bull. They’ve left out preservatives, fillers, or any of the unsavory by-products and instead include sweet potatoes and pumpkins, which are a great source of fiber that maintains your dog’s digestive health. Many owners had high praise for Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food, noting they saw a significant improvement in their dog’s skin and digestive system. 

A few reviewers said that the food had a disagreeable odor when they opened the bag.

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This dry dog food is our top choice for affordable quality.A few reviewers said that the food had a disagreeable odor when they opened the bag.
This recipe is grain-free and protein is the first ingredient for the nutrition your pit bull needs.
It’s also free from preservatives, fillers, and by-products.
It includes sweet potatoes and pumpkins, which are a great source of fiber to help maintain your dog’s digestive health.
Many reviewers noted a significant improvement in their dog’s skin and digestive system when their dogs ate this formula.
The Best On A Budget
Nature's Recipe Grain Free Large Breed Dry
  • Grain-free formula with high nutritional value
  • No preservatives of fillers
  • Affordable option
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Premium Choice: Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete

While a veterinarian’s approval is needed countless users felt it was worth it for Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete. Sometimes the cause of your pit bull’s allergies may be more of a mystery and despite eliminating certain ingredients you’ve yet to see an improvement. Hill’s has clinically tested their nutrition not only for food allergens but also for environmental allergens.

Crafted by veterinarians and nutritionists, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re providing quality nutrition for your pit bull. Their formula provides the necessary protein, amino acids, and vitamins and minerals your pup needs and is proven to show improvement in as little as three weeks. It’s formulated to provide year-round protection against environmental irritants by maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete has scientifically proven results and is veterinarian-recommended, making it an excellent choice.  

A couple of reviewers reported that their dogs wouldn’t eat this food.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete

ProsCons
Hill’s has clinically tested their recipes for food allergens and environmental allergens.A couple of reviewers reported that their dogs wouldn’t eat this food.
This recipe, which requires a veterinarian’s prescription, was created by veterinarians and nutritionists.
It includes the protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs.
It is proven to show improvement in as little as three weeks.
It provides year-round protection against environmental irritants by maintaining your dog’s healthy skin barrier.
Best Premium Choice
Hill's Prescription Diet Derm Complete Dry Dog Food
  • May help show visible skin improvement in dogs with food sensitivities.
  • May help improve night-time scratching and improve sleep quality in some dogs.
  • Helps support the skin barrier year-round against environmental irritants.
  • Contains a single animal protein source.
  • Bioactives and phytonutrients can help normalize immune response.


Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Natural Choice: NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food contains non-GMO ingredients, high-quality protein, and healthy whole grains because feeding your pit bull shouldn’t be complicated. This recipe is free from chicken by-products, wheat, soy, and corn. Instead, you’ll find amino acids, vitamins and minerals, vegetables, and other ingredients you know are healthy and know how to pronounce. The single-source protein (chicken) will ensure that your dog receives all the nutrients they need to maintain their strength and mobility. It’s enhanced with essential antioxidants to help support your pit
bull’s skin, coat, and immune system. Considering the quality and cost, this is a great choice to provide your pup with a natural diet. Several reviewers said that their dogs got sick after eating this food,
including diarrhea and vomiting.

Pros and Cons of NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This recipe includes high-quality protein and healthy whole grains.Several reviewers said that their dogs got sick after eating this food, including diarrhea and vomiting.
It’s free from chicken by-products, wheat, soy, and corn.
It includes amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and veggies.
The single-source protein in this recipe is chicken to help your dog maintain strength and mobility.
It’s enhanced with antioxidants for skin, coat, and immune system health.

Best Natural Choice
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
  • Contains non-GMO ingredients, high-quality protein, and healthy whole grains
  • Also has essential antioxidants to support skin, coat, and immune system
  • No fillers or preservatives, only natural ingredients
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best For Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach with Probiotics

If you’ve noticed that your pit bull has a sensitive stomach you’ll want to support their digestive needs with a dog food formulated to address the problem like Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach with Probiotics. High-quality salmon provides all the rich nutrients your big dog requires and oatmeal helps reduce constipation and skin inflammation. It’s specifically crafted without any fillers and includes live probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support healthy gut bacteria. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach with Probiotics was carefully formulated to address skin and stomach issues, making it a great asset for combatting your pit bull’s allergies.

Some reviewers said that their dogs didn’t like this recipe. And a few dog owners said they didn’t like the fishy smell of this this food.

Pros and Cons of Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach with Probiotics

ProsCons
This dry dog food was formulated to address large dogs’ digestive and skin issues.Some reviewers said that their dogs didn’t like this recipe.
It features high-quality salmon for protein and other nutrients and oatmeal to reduce constipation and skin inflammation.A few dog owners said they didn’t like the fishy smell of this this food.
It’s free from fillers and includes live probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support healthy gut bacteria.


6. Best For Puppies: Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food

If your puppy is itching and scratching, start feeding them Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food. Itching and scratching can be the first sign of irritations from food or skin allergies. Feeding your puppy quality nutrition like Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food will set them up for long-term health.

Blueberries and spinach are included to support your puppy’s immune health, as well as deboned chicken for strong bones and flaxseed for healthy skin and coat. While they’re chowing down on the delicious kibble they’ll also absorb the amino acids and vitamins and minerals, all of which support healthy growth and development. Lastly, this nutrition is free of fillers, meat by-products, and artificial preservatives, making it a safe and healthy choice for your growing pup.

A few reviewers reported that their puppies experienced diarrhea after eating this food.

Pros and Cons of Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food

ProsCons
This recipe will set large breed puppies like pit bulls up for long-term health.A few reviewers reported that their puppies experienced diarrhea after eating this food.
Blueberries and spinach support immune health.
Deboned chicken supports strong bones.
Flaxseed supports your puppy’s healthy skin and coat.
This delicious kibble is filled with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy growth and development.
It’s free from fillers, meat by-products, and artificial preservatives.

Best For Puppies
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy
  • Ingredients include blueberries and spinach for immune system, as well as deboned chicken for strong bones and flaxseed for coat
  • Free of fillers, meat by-products, and artificial preservatives
  • Full of amino acids and minerals
Check Chewy Check Amazon

7. Best Limited Ingredient: Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support

We selected Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support based on quality and simplicity. If you’ve ever had a food allergy, you know the pain of eliminating one thing after another from your diet to track down the culprit. Another way to improve food or skin allergies for your pit bull is to feed nutrition with a limited number of high-quality ingredients.

With 10 or fewer key non-GMO ingredients, you know Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support is providing your pit bull all the dietary support they need, without anything else added. It’s free of gluten, dairy, soy, corn, fillers, or artificial preservatives. Additionally, it includes all the amino acids and vitamins and minerals your dog needs for healthy skin, shiny coat, and immunity support. Best of all it comes in a variety of flavors your pup is sure to love. 

Some reviewers said that this product was too expensive.

Pros and Cons of Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support

ProsCons
One way to improve food or skin allergies is to feed your pit bull a diet with a limited number of ingredients.Some reviewers said that this product was too expensive.
This recipe includes 10 or fewer non-GMO ingredients to give your dog the nutrition they need with nothing else added.
It’s free from gluten, dairy, soy, corn, fillers, or artificial preservatives.
It includes all of the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs for r healthy skin, shiny coat, and immunity support.
This line of limited-ingredient recipes is available in a variety of flavors.

Best Limited Ingredient
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support
  • Simple, high-quality ingredients
  • Includes all the amino acids and vitamins and minerals your dog needs
  • Comes in a variety of flavors
Check Chewy Check Amazon

8. Best Grain-Free: CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food

CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient includes only high-quality proteins and easily digestible vegetables for fiber to ensure your pit bull maintains a healthy digestive system. Other manufacturers will often add more grains to dog food rather than focus on high-quality protein as a way to keep dogs full. These grains such as corn, soy, and wheat are not easily digestible for dogs because they don’t possess enough of the necessary enzymes called amylase to fully break them down. In turn, this causes digestive issues for dogs which can lead to other serious conditions.

The manufacturer enhances the formula with probiotics, antioxidants, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support your dog’s immune system, heart, and skin, and coat all with this specially formulated, quality nutrition. 

Several reviewers said that their dogs didn’t like this food.

Pros and Cons of CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This limited-ingredient recipe starts with high-quality proteins and easily digestible veggies for fiber to keep your pit bulls digestive system healthy.Several reviewers said that their dogs didn’t like this food.
It’s free from corn, soy, and wheat, which can cause digestive issues for dogs and lead to other serious conditions.
The recipe is enhanced with probiotics, antioxidants, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support your dog’s immune system, heart, and skin, and coat.

Best Grain Free
CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
$71.27
  • Canidae PURE Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
  • Contains real salmon, menhaden, fish meal, peas and sweet potatoes
  • 10 or fewer key ingredients for sensitive dogs
  • Antioxidants and probiotics to support healthy digestion and and immune health
  • Vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin and coat


Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls With Allergies: What to Look For

When choosing the best dog food for pit bulls with allergies there are three main factors to consider: protein, limited ingredients, and grains. We’ve expanded on these below so you can better understand what may trigger your dog’s allergies and how to select nutrition to help nourish their skin and coat, and support a healthy digestive system. 

Let’s look at the following in more detail:

Protein

We all know our dogs need protein but may not realize how important it is. Protein is comprised of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of your body and are responsible for providing energy, supporting a healthy digestive system, building muscles, and repairing body tissues, just to name a few! This is why it’s so important your pit bull receives the high-quality protein they need to have total body care. Certain essential amino acids are only received through consumption so feeding your pit bull nutrition that incorporates a nutrient-rich protein like salmon or chicken, is a great way to ensure they’re receiving the fuel they need for growth and recovery.

Limited Ingredients  

Often we look at our dog’s food packaging but may skim over the long list of ingredients. Big mistake! Taking the time to review what’s included in your pit bull’s food can make a big difference in their health and well-being. Allergies are often caused by food and because dogs can’t shop and read labels themselves, we need to be their advocates by feeding them quality nutrition focused on simple ingredients. Their ancestors, wolves, relied heavily on protein, and today’s dogs are no different. Thoughtful fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants for a healthy immune system and the necessary fiber for a healthy digestive system. Take a few minutes to research the ingredients in your dog’s food, they will thank you for it!

Grains

As humans, we often think most grains are healthy and a necessary part of one’s diet, however, this is not the case for dogs. They lack sufficient enzymes called amylase to fully digest grains such as wheat, corn, and barley. Thus, they never fully break down and cause digestive issues which over time can lead to serious conditions. Instead, look for nutrition that uses vegetables and fruit to provide essential fiber rather than grains, such as sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, peas, carrots, and berries.

The Different Types of Dog Food for Pit Bulls With Allergies: Pros and Cons Compared

Often skin allergies and stomach issues are directly tied to your dog’s diet, and finding the right nutrition helps you promote your pup’s long-term health. While there are many choices of dog food on the market, you’ll want to look for labels that include the following key elements when selecting nutrition for a pit bull with sensitive skin or stomach.  

  • Grain-Free: Will exclude all the following grains barley, corn, oats, pasta, rice, and wheat.
  • Limited-Ingredient: Besides vitamins and minerals necessary for your dog, the remaining ingredients will usually be comprised of 10 or fewer high-quality, simple ingredients
  • Veterinarian Approval Required: Requires a visit to the veterinarian and their approval to order this scientifically formulated nutrition
  • Sensitive Stomach: Compromised of specific ingredients necessary to support a healthy digestive system which also omits unnecessary ingredients which can contribute to poor digestion.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type:

Grain-Free

ProsCons
Easy on your dog’s digestive systemCan be more costly
Free of unnecessary fillersLimited flavor choices
Focused on high-quality sources of protein and fiberNot always available in all stores 

Limited Ingredient

ProsCons
High-quality proteinCan be more costly
Usually include healthy fruits and vegetablesLimited flavor choices
You know exactly what your dog is eatingNot always available in all stores 

Veterinarian Approval Required

ProsCons
Clinically proven results Requires veterinarian approval
Recommended by veterinariansMore expensive
Nutrition crafted for food sensitivities Limited flavor choices

Sensitive Stomach

ProsCons
Formulated to be easily digestibleCan be more costly
Limited high-quality ingredientsLimited flavor choices
Includes live probiotics for immune and digestive healthNot always available in all stores 

Verified Reviews: Users’ Experience

Owners loved the affordability and noticeable results of feeding their dogs Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food. It’s specifically formulated for large breeds so your pit bull will get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong. Additionally, with different flavors available you’re sure to find the right choice for your pup. 

One owner said “My dog was suffering from bad allergies, dry patches, and hot spots. We switched to this grain-free formula and have not looked back. She is healthier and happier. As soon as I put this food out, she goes and eats it immediately so I believe she loves the flavor.”

The reviews for Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed raved about the quality of the nutrition and the improvement owners saw in their dogs. Many owners commented how they’ve kept their dogs on this nutrition for years and seen them remain happy and healthy. This is an excellent choice as it’s suitable for both adult and senior dogs.

One owner who is a Veterinarian said: “I have 2 Great Danes (12.5 years and 8 years) and I feed this and Nutro ultra large breed senior. I like the amount of glucosamine and chondroitin. The ingredients are great and Nutro is a well-respected company with real science behind their diets.”

About the Author

Shannon's experience as a pet parent shapes her writing and empowers her to produce informative and engaging content. She has a wonderful poodle-terrier mix named Nelson, and together, they enjoy long walks, outdoor adventures, and playing with his many toys.

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