Springer/Lab mix with chronic allergies

Question
Hi Diane,
Milo is 12 years old. He is constantly plagued by allergies. Constantly licking his tummy, his paws, or chewing on his feet. It gets irritated and raw sometimes even infected. I usually end up giving him a round of Cephalexin, Aveeno Moisturizing baths, he gets a 10 mg. pill of Loratadine a day (allergy pill), eyedrops. I happened to be talking to a lady one day who owns a Springer that also had bad allergies. She bought a food called Innovative Veterinary Diet IVD Potato/Venison formula. She hasn't had any more problems with his allergies. I went to Petsmart and finally found this brand to try on Milo. He eats Purina Beneful. I found out that I actually have to get a prescription for this food from my vet. Why would you need a prescription? We live in a small town and the Petsmart is 2 hrs. away. I was a little disappointed leaving there empty handed. Any suggestions on a type or brand of food to try for allergies?
                           Thank-you  

Answer
Throw the Purina away. IMO one of the worst dog foods you can purchase. Very little you can buy at a grocery store that is worth feeding and Purina is one of the worst. Go back to petsmart. They have foods that are for dogs with sensitive skins and stomach's that are reasonably priced and should work for you. If all else fails, cook for her. You can check Petsmart online to see all of the dog foods offered that are specifically for dogs with allergies. You can also do a search online find something you like and have it shipped direct. You might want to ask your vet for a steroid or steroid shot as a temporary bandaid to allow her to heal.
Diane