When a dog is repeatedly itchy, suffers from red or irritated skin, has recurring ear problems or experiences digestive upset, it is natural to wonder whether food could be involved.
Sometimes it is. But allergies can also be triggered by fleas, pollen, grass, dust mites and other environmental factors.
That is why the first step is not simply choosing a food labelled “hypoallergenic”. It is understanding what your dog is reacting to and choosing a diet with clear, easy-to-understand ingredients.
At Nature’s Harvest, we offer a range of complete foods with clearly identified protein sources, including grain-free recipes, so you can make a more informed choice about what goes into your dog's bowl.
What are you noticing?
Allergies can show themselves in different ways.
Regular scratching, licking or chewing can be associated with allergies, particularly if it keeps returning.
Allergic skin disease can cause redness, rashes, inflammation or areas of sore skin.
Repeated itchy or inflamed ears can sometimes be associated with allergy, although there are many other possible causes.
Dogs with itchy skin will often concentrate on their feet and paws.
Some dogs with food allergies can experience vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive wind alongside skin symptoms.
What should you look for when choosing your dog's food?
If you're trying to understand what agrees with your dog, clarity matters.
Which Nature’s Harvest option might suit your dog?
I want a grain-free wet food recipe with a clearly identified protein
Our Grain Free recipes are complete wet foods made without cereals and with clearly identified animal protein sources.
They are not veterinary allergy diets, but they can provide a straightforward feeding option for owners who want a grain-free recipe and clear protein source.
Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato - Adult
£2.75
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I prefer a dry food
For dogs prone to allergies, our Cold Pressed range is a simple dry-food option made with fish and sweet potato, with no wheat or gluten.
Cold Pressed Ocean Fish and Sweet Potato 3KG Hypoallergenic Dog Food - Raw Made Easy
£35.95
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What does “hypoallergenic” actually mean?
This is one of the most misunderstood terms in pet food.
“Hypoallergenic” should not be interpreted as meaning a food cannot cause an allergic reaction. Every dog is different, and a dog can potentially react to an ingredient that another dog tolerates perfectly well.
For a dog with a suspected or confirmed food allergy, what matters is identifying and avoiding the specific trigger. If your vet suspects food allergy, they may recommend a controlled food trial using a specially selected diet.
Nature’s Harvest everyday foods should not be used as a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet unless your vet specifically recommends them.
Allergy myths
GRAIN-FREE FOOD PREVENTS ALLERGIES
GRAIN-FREE FOOD PREVENTS ALLERGIES
No.
A grain-free food simply avoids cereals.
Some dogs may react to wheat, but dogs can also be allergic to animal proteins and other ingredients.
Grain-free does not mean allergy-proof.
CHICKEN IS BAD FOR ALLERGIC DOGS
CHICKEN IS BAD FOR ALLERGIC DOGS
Not automatically.
Chicken can be a trigger for an individual dog, but many dogs eat chicken without any problem.
The important issue is whether your dog reacts to it.
IF MY DOG IS ITCHY, IT MUST BE THEIR FOOD
IF MY DOG IS ITCHY, IT MUST BE THEIR FOOD
Not necessarily.
Fleas, pollen, grass, dust mites and other environmental allergens can all cause itching.
Some dogs have several triggers at once.
I CAN DIAGNOSE A FOOD ALLERGY BY CONSTANTLY CHANGING FOODS
I CAN DIAGNOSE A FOOD ALLERGY BY CONSTANTLY CHANGING FOODS
No.
Repeated food switching can make identifying the real trigger harder.
A properly controlled veterinary food trial is far more useful.
HYPOALLERGENIC MEANS MY DOG CANNOT REACT TO IT
HYPOALLERGENIC MEANS MY DOG CANNOT REACT TO IT
No.
There is no everyday food that can guarantee an allergic dog will not react.
What matters is identifying and avoiding the ingredient that causes the reaction.
WHAT IS AN ELIMINATION DIET?
If your vet suspects a genuine food allergy, they may recommend a structured food trial or elimination diet.
This usually involves feeding your dog a specific diet and nothing else for a set period.
That means no:
- treats
- table scraps
- dental sticks
- flavoured extras
- other pet food
Depending on your vet's advice, the trial may need to continue for 6–12 weeks.
If your dog's symptoms improve during the trial, your vet may then advise reintroducing ingredients methodically to help identify the trigger.
This is very different from simply changing brands several times and seeing what happens.
OUR 'PRONE TO ALLERGY' RANGE
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Regular price£35.95Regular priceSale price£35.95 Save £-35.95 (%)Unit priceperCold Pressed Ocean Fish and Sweet Potato 3KG Hypoallergenic Dog Food - Raw Made Easy
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Regular priceFrom £2.75Regular priceSale priceFrom £2.75Unit priceperGrain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato - Adult
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Regular price£20.75Regular priceSale price£20.75 Save £-20.75 (%)Unit priceperNature’s Harvest Daily Balance Mixer with Prebiotic - 3kg
Not sure which food to choose?
Tell us about your dog.
Our Food Finder asks a few simple questions about your dog's age, preferences and needs and recommends a Nature’s Harvest option to explore.
It cannot diagnose an allergy, but it can help you narrow down the feeding options available.
Question 1 of 5
20%
First, tell us a little about your dog
What's your dog's name?
This just helps us personalise the recommendation.
Question 2
How are you looking to feed your dog?
Question 3
Which style of food suits you best?
Question 4
Do you have a preference when it comes to grains?
One last question
What matters most when choosing their food?
Your Nature's Harvest match
We've found a food to suit your dog.
Based on the way you told us you like to feed, we'd start here.
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Want to try before committing to a full size?
Explore samples
Explore our sample sizes and single trays to find out what your dog enjoys.
This food finder is intended as a helpful starting point based on your feeding preferences. If your dog has a diagnosed medical condition, allergy or specific dietary requirement, please seek advice from your vet.
Our recommendation
Nature's Harvest Variety Pack - Adult
A convenient complete wet food and a great choice for dogs whose diets include wholesome wholegrains.
£24.75
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Our recommendation
Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato - Adult
A complete wet food option for owners who prefer to feed without grains.
£2.75
View this food
Our recommendation
Cold Pressed Chicken and Sweet Potato 3KG Hypoallergenic Dog Food - Raw Made Easy
An easy-to-serve complete food, gently cold pressed and ideal when you want the convenience of dry feeding.
£34.50
View this food
Our recommendation
Cold Pressed Ocean Fish and Sweet Potato 3KG Hypoallergenic Dog Food - Raw Made Easy
A fish-based cold pressed option combining straightforward feeding with the convenience of dry food.
£35.95
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Our recommendation
Nature’s Harvest Daily Balance Mixer with Prebiotic - 300g Sample
A versatile complementary food designed to be fed alongside suitable wet, raw or home-prepared foods.
£3.00
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Our recommendation
Hand Baked Grain Free Cookie
A tasty choice for everyday rewards and regular treating.
£2.00
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Our recommendation
Training Coins – Peanut Butter Mini Dog Treats 100g
Small, handy rewards that work particularly well for training.
£3.50
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Our recommendation
Stress Relieving Dog Treats 'Chill Out' 100g
A treat option designed with calmer moments and settling in mind.
£3.00
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Our recommendation
Calming Digestive Dog Treats 'Tummy Tamer' 100g
A treat choice with digestive support in mind.
£3.00
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Our recommendation
Oral Hygiene Dog Treats 'Refresh Breath' 100g
A handy reward for dogs whose breath could use a little help.
£3.00
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