10 Allergy Supplements For Dogs: Top Picks For Itch Relief

Scratching, chewing the paws, and chronic ear infections are all signs that your dog may suffer from allergies. Allergy supplements for dogs may help, as an estimated 7.5 million dogs are diagnosed with pruritus (itchiness) yearly.(1) 

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to many things in the environment and household. These include foods, dust mites, fleas, pollen, and even plants. While humans might experience watery eyes, sneezing, or a runny nose, dogs’ allergies can manifest in other ways.

If your dog displays signs of itchiness or you suspect they have allergies, always start with your veterinarian as a first response. They may refer you to a veterinary dermatologist or do some in-office tests such as blood work and a physical examination.

From environmental triggers to dietary sensitivities, allergies can wreak havoc on our furry companions’ skin and overall health. In this post, we delve into the world of dog allergy supplements, unveiling our top picks to alleviate itching and help restore comfort to your dog’s life.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Our List: Top Allergy Supplements for Dogs

• Vet’s Best Seasonal Allergy Soft Chew Dog Supplements
• Pet Honesty Dog Allergy Relief Chews
• Native Pet Dog Allergy Relief
• Vibeful by Chewy Allergy and Immune Support
• NOW Pets Pet Allergy Supplement
• Nutrition Strength Quercetin for Dogs with Bromelain
• NaturVet Aller-911 Plus Antioxidants Powder
• Finn Allergy & Itch Support
• Canine Matrix Skin & Coat Seasonal Supplement
• Licks Pill-Free Skin & Allergy Dog Supplement

Best Allergy Supplements for Dogs: 10 Choices To Consider

Vet’s Best Seasonal Allergy Soft Chew Dog Supplements

Veterinarian-formulated and made in the USA, Vet’s Best Chews are gluten-free and designed for puppies (over 12 weeks), adults, and senior dogs. Each chew is made with real chicken liver and a blend of natural ingredients like nettle leaf and ocean kelp. Boasting the NASC’s quality seal, the product is designed to support normal histamine levels in dogs.

Highlights

• Infused with ocean kelp, which contains natural antioxidants and prebiotics
• Easy-to-adminster soft chew format most dogs loves
• Designed for seasonal discomfort caused by allergies
• Can be fed directly or at mealtimes
• Helps support a dog’s skin moisture
• 90 chews per bag

Things to Consider

• Dosage depends on the weight of your dog
• Not all dogs can eat chicken liver

Pet Honesty Dog Allergy Relief Chews

Pet Honesty’s dog allergy relief chews are marketed primarily as a solution for pets who experience seasonal allergies. However, the product’s ingredient blend also helps promote a healthy immune system and digestion. In addition to salmon oil, these tasty chews also contain turmeric, a probiotic blend, vitamin C, and bovine colostrum.

Highlights

• Supports a normal histamine response to help improve seasonal allergy symptoms
• Features a carrot, sweet potato, and mushroom base blend
• Available in multiple flavors, including salmon, peanut butter, and chicken
• Features the NASC quality seal on the label
• 90 chews per container

Things to Consider

• Dogs will require 1 to 3 chews per day, depending on their weight
• Best when taken on a full stomach
• You should not use this in high doses if your dog is on anticoagulant drugs or has stomach ulcers. Do not use this product if your dog is on blood thinners 
• Packaging may vary as the brand updates its look but the product is the same
• Maximum strength option available for “enhanced potency”

Native Pet Dog Allergy Relief

Native Pet’s air-dried chews provide targeted relief from seasonal allergy symptoms and an added boost to immunity, thanks to a blend of nine organic ingredients. Formulated by a vet nutritionist, these chews feature clean ingredients with minimal processing and zero additives. They taste like chicken and contain spirulina, dried fermentate, colostrum, and probiotics to fight allergies and support immune and gut health.

Highlights

• Easy-to-read label and clean ingredients
• Designed by vets and free of fillers and artificial flavors
• Aids in long-term immune support
• Builds defense against allergies and provides an all-natural antihistamine
• Helps provide relief from itchy skin and hot spots
• 30-, 60-, 100-count sizes

Things to Consider 

• The brand recommends using 2 chews for every 25 pounds of body weight for the first 14 days, then using 1 chew for every 25 pounds for regular maintenance thereafter
• Only one flavor option (chicken)

Vibeful by Chewy Allergy and Immune Support

From Chewy comes a chewable supplement designed for seasonal allergies in dogs. In addition to specific probiotic strains, each tasty morsel includes colostrum, apple cider vinegar, salmon oil, and astragalus root. The number of chews dispensed depends on your dog’s weight. It is recommended to start slowly and split the dose between morning and evening. Available in three flavors to please any dog’s palate.

Highlights

• Available in lamb, peanut butter, and salmon flavors
• Features Wellmune®, a yeast beta glucan for immune support
• Contains BC30™ probiotic for healthy digestion
• Ideal for occasional or seasonal allergies in dogs
• Made for adult and senior dogs

Things to Consider

• Not certified by NASC
• Available in 90 count only
• Each chew contains products manufactured in the USA from domestic and imported ingredients

NOW Pets Pet Allergy Supplement

Each NOW Pets Allergy Supplement tablet has been formulated by Dr. Barbara Royal, founder of the Royal Treatment Veterinary Center. NASC-certified and developed to maintain normal histamine levels, each tablet works on dogs and cats. The proprietary blend of natural botanicals are designed to work together to ease your pet’s symptoms.

Highlights

• Easy to chew
• Made for all lifestages
• Tablet can be broken easily into smaller pieces for administration
• No need to worry about calories, since this is not a chew

Things to Consider

• Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven.
• Some pet parents state the tablets are large in size
• Long-term use may contribute to hypertension, water retention, and other side effects

Nutrition Strength Quercetin for Dogs with Bromelain

Pet parents might consider a supplement containing quercetin for dogs to avoid the side effects of prescription allergy medications. Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid and is sometimes called ‘nature’s Benadryl.’ Nutriton Strength brand delivers a supplement designed to promote inflammatory relief and dog allergies. Made in the USA to promote healthy histamine levels, each bottle contains 120 tablets.

Highlights

• Contains no ingredients derived from corn, soy, or grain
• Made in an FDA registered facility
• Manufactured in a cGMP facility that is also UL certified
• Non-GMO, human-grade, and gluten-free
• Supports a balanced immune system
• Contains a protein-digesting enzyme called bromelain

Things to Consider

• Contains natural chicken flavor
• Always check with your veterinarian before starting any supplement

NaturVet Aller-911 Plus Antioxidants Powder

Many dogs don’t care for tablets, so NaturalVet’s Allergy Aid advanced support powder is a handy solution. Formulated by veterinarians in the United States, it is filled with Omega-3’s, 6’s, and 9’s.

Highlights

• Easy to feed and mix in with food
• Can be mixed with a liquid and served with kibble
• Safe for dogs over 12 weeks of age
• Also contains pumpkin powder, bromelain, and quercetin
• Contains the NASC quality seal

Things to Consider

•  Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not yet been proven. Not for use with anticoagulants or blood thinners
• Chicken-flavored supplement

Finn Allergy & Itch Support

The combination of colostrum, quercetin, and bee propolis combine in a beef liver flavor for allergy and itch relief in dogs. Getting dogs to take pills or sneaking them into their food may not always be an option. Finn’s delectable soft chews contain the NASC quality seal of approval. This product can be combined with other Finn products under the supervision of your pet’s veterinarian.

Highlights

• Beef liver flavor in a chewable format
• Designed to support seasonal allergies in dogs
• Clean ingredients with no artificial fillers
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health as a bonus
• Also contains wild Alaskan salmon oil packed with omega-3 fatty acid
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• These soft chews contain colostrum, which comes from cow milk. Avoid this product if your dog is allergic to dairy.
• For adult dogs

Canine Matrix Skin & Coat Seasonal Supplement

Soothe your dog’s skin-related issues with Canine Matrix’s Skin and Coast Seasonal Supplement. This certified organic mushroom powder is for pets with seasonal allergies. It is completely organic and gluten-free. This product is designed to promote a shiny, itch-free coat. It contains zero synthetic ingredients and is USA-grown, processed, and packaged.

Highlights

• USDA organic and gluten-free
• Contains approximately 100 servings for a 25-pound gos
• Made in a cGMP facility
• Helps maintain healthy histamine levels
• Easily mixes into food
• Contains no preservatives, fillers, GMOs, or artificial ingredients

Things to Consider

• The manufacturer recommends an examination from a veterinarian prior to usage
•  Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not yet been proven

Licks Pill-Free Skin & Allergy Dog Supplement

Consider supporting your dog’s skin and allergy symptoms with LICKS’ pill-free gel packets. They come in 10-count or 30-count packs and are chicken-flavored to make them palatable for dogs. The company reports that because they are a gel formula, they will absorb up to 98% of your dog’s body, which is faster than pills. LICKS is a woman-owned small business with a focus on helping pets.

Highlights

• Made with 50 all-natural ingredients including omega-3 fish oil, vitamin C, and green-lipped mussels
• Easily administer to your dog into their mouth or feed them in a separate bowl
• Made in facilities with ingredients meant for human consumption
• Sourced and manufactured in the United States

Things to Consider

• Dogs over 100 pounds require one to two packets a day
• Use consistently for desired results, which can get expensive
• Chicken flavor only

Food Allergy or Sensitivity: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to differentiate between food allergies and food sensitivities. According to Dr. W. Jean Dodds a dog’s body produces the antibody IgE to defend against a true food allergy. Think of how a person allergic to peanuts might react if they come in contact with them – the reaction is potentially life-threatening. Dr. Dodds writes that these types of true food allergies in dogs are rare.

 Determining the actual cause of allergies can be challenging, even for your veterinarian. If you suspect your dog may have allergies, you can start with home allergy tests. 

In contrast to food allergy reactions, the body produces the antibodies IgA and IgM to combat food sensitivity and intolerance, which is more common and can be a long-term reaction,” she says, “Sensitivity is a response to a particular food or compound found in a range of foods that are often exhibited through skin and/or bowel.”(2)

Food allergies tend to show up in dogs who have been eating the same protein for many years. As their body is exposed to the same protein source, the allergy begins to manifest.(3)

Dog Allergy Supplements Buyer’s Guide 

Always talk to your dog’s veterinarian before starting any new supplements. Any supplement you give your pets should be specifically formulated for them. Never give a dog human allergy supplements. 

Supplements come in many different formats, including chewable treats, liquids, powders, and capsules. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided on the packaging, and be careful where you purchase supplements for your dog’s safety. 

According to the Food and Drug Administration (4), “Products marketed as dietary supplements for animals don’t fall under DSHEA, and FDA doesn’t recognize them as a special category. Rather, the agency regulates these products as either food for animals or animal drugs, depending on their composition of ingredients and intended use.”

Look at the back of the packaging where the ingredients are listed. This is where a treasure trove of information can be found (5), including:

• What species is the product intended for 
• Quantity statement 
• Guaranteed analysis
• Ingredient statement with ingredients listed in descending order
• Nutritional adequacy statement
• Instructions 
• Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor (website, sometimes)
• Caloric count
• Any seals of approval

Dog Allergy Supplements FAQs

Resources

(1) https://www.zoetisus.com/news-and-media/zoetis-celebrates-itchy-pet-awareness-month-in-august

(2) https://hemopet.org/food-sensitivities-vs-allergies-for-pets/

(3) https://palmcityanimalclinic.com/food-allergies-in-pets-debunking-the-myths/

(4) https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/fdas-regulation-pet-food

(5) https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/reading-labels/