20 Best Foods for English Springer Spaniels with Allergies

Dealing with your English Springer Spaniel’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of the English Springer Spaniel community on Facebook the following question: “Those of you with English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniel’s diet.

Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies

I use Nutri Source Lamb and Pea (grain-free). Chicken and grain are both high allergens, and my spaniel is a happy and healthy 13.5-year-old. Definitely talk to your vet, though. This is what mine recommended for us.

Author: Tasha M.

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Boiled chicken, rice, and other hypoallergenic foods. Avoid dairy and grains. Something you should consider and to discuss with your vet would be a serum IgE test. It’s a blood test that tests for allergies to specific foods. It will make the process much less stressful for you and easier on your poor pup.

Author: Susan Delepierre R.

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My Rosie is very sensitive, on raw she lost loads of weight. tried loads of foods but now on BECO bison & pumpkin.. her wind has always gassed everyone, and I have never cured that… 1 fart can go on for 5 minutes, bless her.

Author: Tracy J F.

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Doing allergy testing, it saves a lot of time and money in the long run. Ours had IBD and was allergic to a great variety of things. He was allergic to chicken…but not turkey or duck. He also had allergies to various additives. Had him on a limited-ingredient fish-based diet. You will drive yourself crazy doing trial-and-error food trials.

Author: Melissa G.

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Fried chicken livers mixed with good quality kibble, I have a fussy springer.. loves it and hard-boiled egg every other day, and sardines in olive oil or spring water. Bowls are always licked shiny clean.

Author: Christine H.

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Breakfast: 1 slice of brown bread and a banana. 2 slices of bread in winter. Evening meal: raw mince, raw chopped carrot, raw broccoli, and 1 slice of bread, 2 slices in winter. Treats raw carrots. Our dog lived on that till 16 years old.

Author: Helen D.

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Royal Canin Chicken and Rice Sensitivity tinned dog food. We fed our Cocker Spaniel for years on this dog food. He had a sensitive tummy.

Author: June M.

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Ours are on Harrington’s salmon and sweet potato, grain-free, hypoallergenic. It’s the proteins in red meat that cause allergic reactions in my Riley. He’s fine now.

Author: Ruby T.

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Mine is allergic to everything, too. She is on a prescription. Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein, and she is doing great on that. It’s very expensive, but it has been the only thing that doesn’t make her sick.

Author: Kristin S.

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Mine is allergic to poultry and beef. I picked salmon based on Simply Nourish. Never had issues after that.

Author: Barb R.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for English Springer Spaniels with Allergies

1. What food is best for an English Springer Spaniel with allergies?

The best food for an English Springer Spaniel with allergies is typically a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet that uses a single, novel protein (such as duck, venison, or salmon) and a simple carbohydrate source. These diets help reduce exposure to common allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, and corn.

2. Are grain-free foods good for English Springer Spaniels with allergies?

Grain-free foods can help some English Springer Spaniels if grains trigger their allergies, but grains are not always the problem. Many dogs are actually allergic to proteins rather than grains. Always consult your veterinarian before switching to grain-free, as some dogs do better on diets with easily digestible grains like rice or oats.

3. What proteins are least likely to cause allergies in English Springer Spaniels?

Novel and hydrolyzed proteins are least likely to cause allergic reactions. Common options include duck, rabbit, venison, salmon, and hydrolyzed protein formulas, which are broken down so the immune system is less likely to react to them.

4. Does homemade food help an English Springer Spaniel with allergies?

Yes, homemade food can help if it is properly balanced and vet-approved. It allows you to control ingredients and avoid known allergens. However, homemade diets must include the right nutrients, so working with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist is essential.

5. How do I know if my English Springer Spaniel has a food allergy?

Signs of food allergies include itchy skin, ear infections, excessive licking, gastrointestinal upset, and chronic scratching. A veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet for 8–12 weeks to identify the specific allergen.

6. Should I avoid treats if my English Springer Spaniel has food allergies?

Yes, many commercial treats contain hidden allergens. Choose limited-ingredient treats that match your dog’s diet or use single-ingredient options like freeze-dried salmon or sweet potato to avoid triggering allergic reactions.

7. How long does it take to see improvement after changing food?

Most English Springer Spaniels show improvement within 4 to 8 weeks after switching to an appropriate allergy-friendly diet. Skin and coat improvements may take longer, but reduced itching and digestive issues often appear first if the food is effective.