vet recommended dog food for itchy skin
What to feed a dog with itchy skin? (Vet Recommends)
One of the most common complaints canine patients present to me with are skin problems, usually pruritus (itching).
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an itchy skin disease caused by an allergic reaction to either an environmental or dietary allergen. This reaction presents as intense itching, rubbing, licking, and chewing at a patch or patches on a dogs skin.
The itchy, raw skin reaction is the same whether the allergen is pollen, flea bite, or a food allergy, so some testing is required to determine the underlying cause of the reaction.
How does food impact dogs itching?
Environmental allergies are reportedly more common than dietary ones, with adverse food reactions (AFRs) also causing similar clinical signs to an allergy without the immune system being involved.
This is why your veterinarian will recommend specific tests and/or elimination diets to confirm the exact cause of the AFR. One method often used is to feed a hydrolyzed elimination diet (ED) for a minimum of 6-8 weeks before re-introducing the previously fed diet or a specific ingredient within.
The goal of this is to ascertain if the clinical signs resolve and then recur when your pups diet is reintroduced. During the elimination diet period, its essential that your dog is only fed the special diet, and no treats are permitted.
Some studies have suggested that supplementing your poochs diet with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids can reduce itching and may even help reduce the amount of medications required to control clinical signs (Logas & Kunkle, 1994 and Watson et al., 2021).
Vitamin E and C supplementation may also help to reduce the severity of clinical signs in dogs with AD. A recent study also indicated that feeding a diet high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and the PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) reduced the itchiness dogs experienced due to food reactions.
Foods to Avoid
There are no specific foods to avoid in all pooches with itchy skin caused by food antigens. If your pup has been diagnosed with a sensitivity to a specific ingredient, then obviously, that should be avoided in their diet.
Youll often see reports that the most common food allergens are beef or chicken, but thats because theyre likely the most commonly used protein sources in commercial canine diets and not that our pooch dogs are inherently allergic to these proteins.
Another commonly reported evil ingredient is gluten, but the celiac disease has only been diagnosed in Irish Red Setters to date, so gluten doesnt need to be avoided for the vast majority of our furry friends.
Common Ingredients used in Hypoallergenic Diets
There has been increasing popularity and availability of commercial hypoallergenic diets in recent years. A hypoallergenic diet is one thats specially designed and formulated to minimize the risk of adverse reactions due to a dietary source.
These diets are often targeted at dogs with food sensitivities and have a few things in common. Some of these diets have extrapolated directly from human medicine with little evidence on their application in our canine companions lives. Some diets have eliminated ingredients that are common human allergens, such as soy and gluten. These are listed below:
Novel Protein Source
Many hypoallergenic diets contain a single protein source that isnt commonly used in commercial diets from the dog store.
These include games such as venison and buffalo or even insect proteins. One concern with the advent of the popularity of these diets means that many more dogs are being exposed to these diets as a matter of routine which will reduce their suitability for those that develop food sensitivities or skin reactions due to environmental allergens.
Hydrolyzed Protein
Commonly seen in prescription diets hydrolyzed proteins have been completely hydrolyzed into their constituent building blocks of amino acids and peptides to a point where the body doesnt recognize them as a specific protein source that could be an allergen.
What else can I do to relieve my dogs itching?
Having an itchy pooch is incredibly distressing, so youre constantly searching for any way to soothe their discomfort. While diet changes can be helpful, there are a few ancillary methods of easing your dogs itchiness.
Colloidal Oatmeal Baths
Completely safe for your pooch (theyll likely have a taste), bathing them in oatmeal can help soothe swelling and redness that contributes to itching.
Aloe Vera
Use aloe vera that is completely alcohol-free (to prevent drying out skin) to relieve redness and reduce heat to gently ease itchiness for a short period.
Medicated Shampoos/Ointments
Veterinarians often prescribe medicated shampoos and ointments to help relieve itching while supporting the skins natural barrier against environmental allergens.
Oral Medications
For severe cases or those that dont respond to home remedies, your veterinarian may prescribe oral medications such as corticosteroids or anti-histamines.
There are newer medications with arguably less side-effects and improved efficacy available also, such as oclacitinib which aims to stop the inflammatory chemicals produced that cause pruritus.
What Does the Science Say?
Studies have shown that your dogs diet can impact skin health and support their natural defenses against environmental allergens and irritants as well as food sensitivities that lead to skin reactions.
Some studies have even found that providing a modified diet such as an elimination or limited-ingredient diet can even reduce the amount of medication some pooches require to control their skin irritations (Watson et al., 2021). Novel protein diets may also be suitable, these are diets that contain a protein source that your dog is unlikely to have been previously exposed and thus shouldnt have a sensitivity. Examples include buffalo, venison and even insect proteins (Bhm et al., 2018).
When to see a vet?
If your dog has a mild itch due to a sting, bite, or even a dietary indiscretion, you may not need to attend your local DVM clinic as the irritation may be manageable at home using home remedies such as aloe vera, a small amount of hydrocortisone cream (click here for our comprehensive article on the topic) or bathing in soothing shampoos (check out our review of soothing shampoos, here).
You should see your vet if the irritation persists or if there is any foul smell that could indicate an infection that needs anti-microbial therapy. Intense itching or broken skin may also need stronger medications, so if you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian in the first instance.
Final Woof
Food sensitivities in our canine companions are likely not as common as often thought. However, we now know that modifying a poochs diet can actually relieve some skin irritations even if diet wasnt the inciting cause of the reaction. Nobody wants their dog on medication if it can be avoided, and that includes your veterinarian. This is partly why your DVM may recommend an elimination diet to determine if and what your dog is sensitive to with regard to food, and its imperative that the diet be strictly adhered to in order to ensure accurate results.
Offering your dog a single source or novel protein diet can help reduce itching and may even lessen the reliance on medication for pooches with skin conditions. Skin-supportive diets are also enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids while supplemented with vitamins E, C, and B complex. Speak with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your best furiends needs.
References
Logas, D., Kunkle, G.A. (1994). Double-blinded crossover study with marine oil supplementation containing high-dose icosapentaenoic acid for the treatment of canine pruritic skin disease. Vet. Dermatol. 5: 99-104
Watson, A., Rostaher, A., Fischer, N.M. & Favrot, C. (2001). A novel therapeutic diet can significantly reduce the medication score and pruritus of dogs with atopic dermatitis dueing a nine-month controlled study. Vet. Dermatol.
Bhm, T.M.S.A., Klinger, C.J., Gedon, N., Udraite, L., Hiltenkamp, K. & Mueller, R.S. (2018). Effect of an insect protein-based diet on clinical signs of dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions. Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/heimtiere 46(5):297-302
Best Dog Foods for Allergies
Farmers Pork is one of 3 fresh recipes included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog pork recipe gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breed puppies Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes studied in our review of the Nom Nom cooked-then-frozen product line.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
If youve ever wished you could feed your dog a fresh, home-cooked meal but you didnt know how to make sure it was nutritionally complete and balanced then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
The first time you visit Nom Noms website, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed and suspected allergies. Nom Nom will then create a customized, single protein diet designed to keep your dog at optimal weight.
Expertly designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
An excellent limited ingredient recipe and a solid place to start an at-home elimination diet. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adults + puppies (including large breeds) Turkey and Potato Formula is one of 6 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient dry product line.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
An excellent limited ingredient option for adult dogs with food and skin sensitivities. Easily recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
See all 11 available recipes
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Turkey Patties is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs."
Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is one of 10 formulas included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure dry product line.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A high-quality recipe ideal for adult dogs.
See all 10 available recipes
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Angus Beef Recipe is one of 3 dry formulas included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient product line.
Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef receives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat, natural flavor Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies Chicken Flavor is one of 2 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food dry product line.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor gets most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein isolate. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 20% protein, 11% fat and 61% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
An exceptional selection for sensitive dogs. Highly recommended.
See all available recipes
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, coconut oil, powdered cellulose Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 20% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Real Turkey and Brown Rice is one of 4 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet wet product line.
This Merrick Limited Ingredient formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh deboned turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
A balanced, wet alternative to dry kibble. A practical option for those seeking to pin down a possible offending ingredient. Plus its available in 4 other featured proteins. Highly recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein dry product line.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 21% protein, 19% fat and 52% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 89%.
A solid all life stages option for dogs with allergies.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp Type Grain-inclusive (brewers rice) Protein Percentage 21% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + small or medium breed puppies Z/D is one of 2 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Prescription Skin Food Sensitivities product line.
This product gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 19% protein, 14% fat and 59% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
Hills Z/D is made with hydrolyzed protein derived from chicken to help avoid adverse food reactions and promote healthy skin.
A time-proven, hypoallergenic formula thats been recommended by veterinary professionals nationwide for years. Ideal for dogs diagnosed with food and skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Canine Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, powdered cellulose, soybean oil, calcium carbonate Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 19% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only, including seniors (not for puppies) This Salmon and Brown Rice Formula is one of 26 recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets dry product line.
This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 26 available recipes
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, brewers rice) Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sensitive Skin Salmon and Rice is one of 19 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan dry product line.
This Purina Pro Plan formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note the inclusion of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from sunflower and fish oils designed to help support dry, itchy skin.
An exceptional over-the-counter, non-prescription dog food that may provide symptomatic relief from chronic skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal Type Includes grain (barley, rice, oat meal) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Zignature Turkey is one of 13 wet dog food recipes included in our review of the Zignature canned product line.
Zignature Salmon extracts the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 52% protein, 23% fat and 17% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
An exceptional, simple ingredient formula. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 52% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies 15. Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
