7 Foods That Can Help Your Dog With Allergies

Whole-food support for itchy skin, inflammation, and immune imbalance

When your dog struggles with allergies — whether it’s itching, paw licking, ear infections, or skin flare-ups — it’s easy to feel helpless. Most solutions only focus on surface symptoms: a medicated shampoo here, an injection there. But to truly support your dog’s body, we have to look deeper — starting with what goes in their bowl.

Certain whole foods have been shown to support the immune system, calm inflammation, and even help repair the gut lining — all of which play a central role in chronic allergies.

Here are 7 gentle, nutrient-rich ingredients that may help:

The Role of Food in Allergic Disease

Allergies are not caused by allergens themselves — they’re caused by an overreaction of the immune system. In allergic dogs, the immune system fails to tolerate harmless substances and instead launches an inflammatory response. This response is, in most cases, worsened by imbalances in the gut microbiome, poor nutrient absorption, and long-term exposure to ultra-processed food.

Whole, minimally processed foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrientscan help restore immune balance. These foods support a more diverse microbiome, repair the gut lining (where 70–80% of the immune system lives), and help reduce circulating inflammation that drives allergy symptoms.

The right ingredients can help rebuild tolerance, calm immune overactivation, and make your dog more resilient over time.

Below are seven of the most supportive, allergy-friendly foods you can begin to include — each backed by research and experience.

1. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are one of the richest plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid with well-documented anti-inflammatory effects. In allergic dogs, chronic inflammation and dysregulated immune responses are common. ALA can help downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and support skin barrier repair — both critical in reducing itchiness and flare-ups. Flax is also rich in soluble fiber, which helps feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting microbiome diversity. Always serve freshly ground flax for optimal absorption, as whole seeds often pass through undigested.

2. Sweet Potatoes

Naturally rich in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) and vitamin C, sweet potatoes provide powerful antioxidant protection for dogs experiencing oxidative stress — a common underlying feature of chronic allergies. Vitamin A is especially important for maintaining mucosal integrity in the skin and gut, while vitamin C plays a key role in immune modulation and collagen repair. When gently steamed or baked, sweet potatoes are soothing on the gut and highly digestible, making them ideal for sensitive dogs.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries contain concentrated levels of anthocyanins and polyphenolic compounds that act as natural antihistamines and immune regulators. These compounds have been shown to reduce oxidative damage, inhibit mast cell degranulation, and support tissue repair in allergy-prone individuals. In canine nutrition, blueberries are one of the most well-tolerated fruits — low in sugar and high in antioxidants — making them an excellent therapeutic addition for dogs with chronic inflammation or immune hypersensitivity.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and is a potent source of sulforaphane, a plant compound that has been shown to reduce histamine release, modulate immune cell signaling, and support phase II liver detoxification pathways. For allergic dogs, sulforaphane may help lower overall immune reactivity and assist in clearing inflammatory byproducts. Steaming broccoli lightly helps retain its therapeutic compounds while making it easier for dogs to digest.

5. Chia Seeds

Like flax, chia seeds provide a highly bioavailable source of ALA omega-3s, which help regulate inflammatory mediators like IL-6 and TNF-α. Chia is also rich in soluble fiber and mucilage, which, when soaked, forms a gentle gel that supports gut lining integrity and may ease symptoms linked to leaky gut — a known contributor to allergic disease. The fiber also acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria that influence systemic immune regulation.

6. Pumpkin

Pumpkin offers more than digestive regularity — it’s an excellent source of zinc, beta-carotene, and prebiotic fiber. Zinc is often depleted in dogs with chronic inflammation and plays a vital role in skin repair, immune cell signaling, and the regulation of histamine production. The natural fiber in pumpkin helps stabilize stool and feeds the microbiome, while its carotenoids act as antioxidants to protect against tissue damage caused by chronic inflammation.

7. Turmeric (as Golden Paste)

Turmeric contains curcumin, a polyphenol with extensive research backing its ability to modulate immune responses. In allergic dogs, curcumin may reduce mast cell activity, inhibit NF-κB pathways, and calm Th2-dominant immune responses — all of which are involved in allergy progression. However, turmeric must be prepared as golden paste(combined with healthy fat and black pepper) to be properly absorbed and utilized by dogs. When used correctly, it can be a powerful addition to an anti-allergy protocol.

Scientific Evidence to go Further

The Role of Nutrition and the Gut–Immune Axis in Allergic Disease

• Belkaid, Y., & Hand, T. W. (2014). Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell, 157(1), 121–141.Demonstrates how gut microbial communities regulate immune tolerance and inflammation.

• Cerf-Bensussan, N., & Gaboriau-Routhiau, V. (2010). The immune system and the gut microbiota: An intimate partnership. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 67(4), 745–757.Explains how 70–80% of immune cells reside in the gut, where they interact with dietary antigens and microbes.

• Suchodolski, J. S. (2011). Intestinal microbiota of dogs and cats: A bigger world than we thought. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 41(2), 261–272.Discusses the link between microbiome imbalances, inflammation, and immune dysfunction in dogs.

1. Flaxseeds (ALA and Inflammation Modulation)

• Calder, P. C. (2013). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Nutrition or pharmacology?. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(3), 645–662.Describes how omega-3s like ALA reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

• Verbrugghe, A., & Hesta, M. (2017). Impact of nutrition on the gastrointestinal microbiome and the immune system in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 47(4), 715–728.Confirms flaxseed’s role in supporting the microbiota and immune signaling in companion animals.

2. Sweet Potatoes (Antioxidants and Vitamin A)

• Ross, A. C. (2012). Vitamin A and retinoic acid in T cell–related immunity. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(5), 1166S–1172S.Shows how vitamin A (from beta-carotene) supports mucosal immunity and epithelial integrity.

• Halliwell, B., & Gutteridge, J. M. (2015). Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine. Oxford University Press.Discusses the role of antioxidants like vitamin C in mitigating oxidative damage associated with chronic inflammation.

3. Blueberries (Polyphenols and Mast Cell Modulation)

• Ghosh, D., & Scheepens, A. (2009). Vascular action of polyphenols. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 53(3), 322–331.Reviews the antihistamine and mast-cell-stabilizing properties of anthocyanins.

• Rein, M. J., et al. (2013). Bioavailability of polyphenols and gut microbiota metabolism. Food & Function, 4(6), 845–853.Demonstrates the influence of polyphenols on immune function and microbial balance.

4. Broccoli (Sulforaphane and Immune Modulation)

• Heiss, E., Herhaus, C., Klimo, K., Bartsch, H., & Gerhäuser, C. (2001). Nuclear factor κB is a molecular target for sulforaphane-mediated anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 276(34), 32008–32015.Shows sulforaphane’s ability to inhibit NF-κB and reduce inflammation.

• Fahey, J. W., & Talalay, P. (1999). Antioxidant functions of sulforaphane: A potent inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 37(9–10), 973–979.Explains detoxification and immune benefits of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli.

5. Chia Seeds (Omega-3s and Mucosal Protection)

• Bloedon, L. T., & Szapary, P. O. (2004). Flaxseed and cardiovascular risk. Nutrition Reviews, 62(1), 18–27.Reviews plant-based omega-3s and mucosal benefits, applicable to chia’s ALA content.

• Maslowski, K. M., et al. (2009). Regulation of inflammatory responses by gut microbiota and chemoattractant receptor GPR43. Nature, 461(7268), 1282–1286.Shows how SCFAs (stimulated by soluble fibers) reduce inflammation and support gut barrier function.

6. Pumpkin (Zinc and Fiber)

• Riccioni, G., & D’Orazio, N. (2010). The role of selenium and zinc in immune response against pathogens. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets, 10(2), 99–106.Demonstrates zinc’s role in histamine regulation and immune modulation.

• Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417–1435.Explains how prebiotic fibers from pumpkin support digestive and immune function.

7. Turmeric (Curcumin and Histamine Regulation)

• Jurenka, J. S. (2009). Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: A review of preclinical and clinical research. Alternative Medicine Review, 14(2), 141–153.Curcumin reduces histamine release, modulates Th2 immune response, and inhibits pro-inflammatory pathways.

• Aggarwal, B. B., et al. (2007). Curcumin: The Indian solid gold. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 595, 1–75.Comprehensive review of curcumin’s mechanisms in immune and inflammatory regulation.

About the Author: Claire Lucie Sonck is an UK-trained, CMA-registered canine nutritionist specializing in fresh, whole, anti-inflammatory plant-based diets for dogs. With experience helping dogs from 65+ countries, Claire provides science-backed nutrition guidance to improve canine health, longevity, and well-being. She is a global speaker, educator, and advocate for ethical and sustainable pet nutrition. Claire’s work has been featured in international conferences, research projects, and educational platforms, helping dog parents make informed, science-driven decisions about their dogs’ diets.

Learn more: www.clairethedognutritionist.com 

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Get in touch with Claire Lucie: info@clairethedognutritionist.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet, health routine, or medical care. The author is a certified canine nutritionist and does not claim to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

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