🐾 What to Do if Your Dog Has Allergies and Is on Limited Proteins

A raw feeding guide for dogs with sensitivities — and how to support their health naturally

If your dog is dealing with food allergies or intolerances and is restricted to just one or two proteins, raw feeding might feel a bit… limited. But don’t worry — even with fewer options, you can still feed a balanced, nutritious, and interesting raw diet with confidence.

You just need a bit of strategy, the right supplements, and some creative ways to add variety without compromising your dog’s sensitivities.

🧬 Why Raw in the First Place?

Raw feeding — when done properly — can actually help dogs with allergies.
By removing ultra-processed ingredients, unnecessary fillers, and synthetic additives, you’re reducing the overall burden on the immune system. This allows the body to calm down and heal.

Many allergy-prone dogs improve significantly once they’re on a clean, consistent, and biologically appropriate raw diet.

🧪 First Things First: Have You Tried a Proper Elimination Diet?

Before we dive into feeding strategies, it’s worth checking:
Are you absolutely sure those proteins are the problem?

Many pet parents assume their dog is allergic to loads of things when, in reality, they might not have done a true elimination diet — or they’ve unknowingly fed products that contain undisclosed proteins (a common issue with cheaper raw minces).

A proper elimination diet involves feeding a true single-protein raw mince (meat, bone, and offal from just one animal) for at least 6 weeks.
Stick to one brand that confirms no added extras — like Dougies or others that clearly label their products.
For full instructions, check out our Raw Elimination Diet Guide.

🥩 If You’re Already Down to Just One or Two Proteins…

That’s okay — you can still feed raw beautifully. Here’s how:

🧠 Important Note on Nutritional Gaps

Feeding just one or two proteins can feel like it’s helping — and often, in the beginning, it does.
But over time, nutritional gaps can start to form. That’s because different proteins offer different levels of:

• Amino acids

• Fatty acids

• Vitamins and minerals

If your dog never receives nutrients outside of their small protein group, symptoms like dry skin, inflammation, or digestive issues can creep back in — even if the protein itself isn’t causing the problem.

💡 That’s why supplements and smart additions are key — they help fill in those gaps so your dog stays balanced and well.

🌿 Add Nutritional Support with Toppers & Supplements

💚 BARF Complete (Topper, Not a Meal)

A nutrient-rich booster that supports immune health, digestion, and nutrient balance.

💊 Shanzi Naturals Supplements

Support your dog from the inside out with natural, allergy-safe options:

• Superfood Support – A daily top-up

• Allergy Armour – Helps calm overactive immune responses

• Yeast Support – For itchy paws, bellies, or ears

• Skin & Coat – For barrier repair and anti-inflammatory support

• Fibre Support – For gut regularity and stool consistency

🍖 Don’t Forget Bones, Chunks & Treats

As long as they're from a tolerated protein, bones, chunks, and treats are a great way to add texture and interest.

• Try rabbit chunks, duck feet, venison ribs, or single-protein sausages

• Use in Kongs or food toys with broth or kefir for extra enrichment

🔄 Rotate Brands (If You Can)

Different brands of the same protein offer subtle variation. Even if it’s all duck or all rabbit, rotating can change:

• Fat content

• Texture

• Organ and bone ratio

Just make sure the brand is transparent and the product is truly single protein.

❄️ Cooling vs Warming Proteins – A Natural Support Option

Depending on your dog’s symptoms, food energetics might help too:

• Cooling proteins like rabbit, duck, and white fish can help calm inflammation

• Warming proteins like lamb and venison may be more stimulating

This approach is gentle but supportive — especially for skin and seasonal issues. Learn more in our Cooling vs Warming Proteins Guide.

💡 Final Tips for Allergy-Safe Raw Feeding

• ✅ Don’t rush to reintroduce proteins — go slow and track reactions

• ✅ Balance your meals with supportive supplements

• ✅ Stick to true single-protein minces while figuring things out

• ✅ Rotate trusted brands for texture and mild variation

• ✅ Incorporate bones, chunks, and treats for enrichment

• ✅ Stay consistent — raw done properly helps reduce symptoms long-term

💬 You’re Not Alone — And You’re on the Right Path

Allergy journeys can feel frustrating — but raw is still absolutely the right direction. You’re already doing something amazing by choosing fresh, whole, natural food. Don’t let limited proteins make you feel defeated.

🌱 With the right support, raw feeding is not just possible — it’s powerful.
We’re here to help every step of the way — from elimination diets to top-up supplements, and from simple product recommendations to full feeding plans.