what is the best dry dog food for itchy skin
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)
10 Best Dog Foods for Dry Skin 2023 (Premium & Budget)
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Last Updated on April 24, 2023
When your pet has dry skin, it can be frustrating for you and your pup.
Not only is it a clear sign that your dogs skin isnt healthy, but it can also lead to all sorts of issues in the long run, like secondary infections, such as bites and scratching.
Luckily, dry skin can be counteracted with a proper diet. So, lets look at some of the best dog food for dry skin.
Top 5 Picks for Best Dog Food for Dry Skin
Best Dog Foods for Dry Skin and Coat (by Life Stages)
The dietary needs of dogs differ depending on their life stage.
Puppies will need more protein and fat, for instance. So, choosing a food thats appropriate for puppies, adults, and seniors is essential for your canines overall health.
Best Puppy Food for Dry Skin
If your puppy suffers from dry skin, it can be challenging to find a food that is specifically appropriate for them.
Luckily, there is one option out there that can help relieve your puppys skin problems.
1. AvoDerm Natural Grain-Free Salmon & Vegetables Formula
Our Rating: 4.8Top Ingredients: Salmon, Herring Meal, PeasType: Dry
This dog food is designed for all life stages, including puppies. It includes salmon as the first ingredient, which ensures it is high in fatty acids.
Avocados add some extra omega fatty acids for even more skin and coat health.
Pros:
- High in antioxidants
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals
- Full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Cons:
- High in peas and similar filler veggies
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best Adult Dog Food for Dry Skin
There are tons of dog food options for adults with dry skin. Many of these include components like omega fatty acids and are free from common allergens.
2. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Real Duck & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Our Rating: 5Top Ingredients: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry
This dry dog food includes real duck as the first ingredient.
65% of this food is real duck with sweet potatoes as a source of carbohydrates, helping promote healthy muscle tissue and energy levels.
It is completely grain-free, making it suitable for dogs with gluten allergies.
Pros:
- Omega fatty acids included promoting healthy skin
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- Deboned duck as the main protein source
Cons:
- Contains chicken meal, so it is not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
- Very high in protein which might cause weight gain or kidney damage
CHECK PRICE HERE
3. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
Our Rating: 4.6Top Ingredients: Salmon, Barley, RiceType: Dry
This high-protein dog food is less expensive than many of the other options on the market.
It is formulated with omega-6 fatty acids and extra vitamin A and E to support your dogs skin and coat, as well as their joints and mobility.
Pros:
- Includes probiotics and prebiotics
- Supports digestive and immune health
Cons:
- Lower in protein than other formulas
CHECK PRICE HERE
4. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Duck & Potato Formula
Our Rating: 4.7Top Ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, PotatoesType: Dry
This food is limited in ingredients, so it is perfect for those with food sensitivities. It includes farm-bred duck as the protein, which is an ingredient dogs are rarely allergic to.
A team of board-certified clinical veterinarians helped formulate this dog food.
Pros:
- No peas, pea protein, lentils, legumes, corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains Omega fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Zinc for a complete nutrition
- High in protein
Cons:
CHECK PRICE HERE
5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP
Our Rating: 4.7Top Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken FatType: Dry
Whether your dog is suffering from itching, hair loss, or stomach troubles, this palatable dog food has less risk of causing immune reactions with its hydrolyzed proteins.
Theyre also suitable for all breed sizes. Looking for a limited ingredient thats free of peas? This might be the answer.
Pros:
- Veterinary diet made for dogs with digestive issues, coat, skin, and food sensitivities
- Help reduce GI and skin reactions
- Contains omega 3 fatty acids that help aid for healthy skin and coat
Cons:
- Lower in protein compared to other dog foods for dry skin
- Requires authorization from a veterinarian
- Not suitable for dogs with gluten intolerance since the top ingredient is Brewers rice
CHECK PRICE HERE
6. Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Formula Limited Ingredient Recipe
Our Rating: 4.7Top Ingredients: Beef, Lentils, Tomato PomaceType: Dry
This formula includes four main ingredients, making it perfect for dogs who have a lot of sensitivities and allergies. It is fortified with probiotics, which can help your dogs digestion as well.
Pros:
- Includes Angus beef as the first ingredient
- Contains omega fatty acids
- Grain and GMO-free
Cons:
- Relatively low in protein compared to other dog foods for dry skin
CHECK PRICE HERE
7. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
Our Rating: 4.8Top Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal. Menhaden Fish MealType: Dry
This recipe includes just eight ingredients, most of which are fish.
It is perfect for those with sensitivities since dogs are rarely allergic to fish. It is completely grain-free and free from soy and other fillers.
Pros:
- Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Fortified with probiotics and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Cons:
- Peas included high on the ingredient list
CHECK PRICE HERE
8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Salmon & Potato Recipe
Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Peas, PotatoesType: Dry
This limited-ingredient dog food is designed for those with sensitivities. Deboned salmon is included as the first ingredient and includes pumpkin, which helps moisturize your dogs skin and coat.
Pros:
- Free from chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs
- Includes LifeSource Bits
Cons:
- Low in animal protein
- Includes peas as the second ingredient
CHECK PRICE HERE
9. AvoDerm Original Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White RiceType: Dry
This recipe is made with a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains everything your dog needs to stay healthy and thrive.
With omega-rich avocados, it is perfect for your dogs skin and coat.
Pros:
- Includes chicken meal as the first ingredient
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-products
Cons:
- Includes lots of rice, including white rice
- Very low in protein
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best Senior Dog Food for Dry Skin
Senior dogs are more prone to dry skin and other skin problems. Fortunately, there is one dog food that can help improve your aging dogs skin conditions.
10. Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Lamb Meal and Eggs
Our Rating: 4.7Top Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Dried Whole Eggs, Turkey MealType: Dry
This food is designed for all life stages to safely be used by seniors, adults, and puppies alike.
The formula is designed to mimic their natural diet. It includes dried whole eggs, free-range lamb, and similar ingredients.
Pros:
- Contains Vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and pre and probiotics
- Includes free-range lamb and low-glycemic carbs
- Added digestive enzymes to helps dogs with stomach trouble
Cons:
CHECK PRICE HERE
What Causes Dry Skin in Dogs?
Some breeds are simply more prone to it than others. They may be more susceptible to specific causes of dry skin or to dry skin in general.
Allergies are one major cause of dry skin. Typically, a sensitive dog will develop skin problems or allergic reactions after eating a specific food.
Most food allergies are not present at birth but develop after your canine eats the same food for an extended period.
For this reason, we recommend switching a dogs food regularly. If a dog does not eat much of any particular protein type, the odds of developing an allergy to it are fairly low.
Parasites can also cause dry skin. Usually, these parasites will need to be treated by a vet before the dry skin will fix itself. However, suitable dog food can help treat dry skin after the parasites have been cleared up.
Infections can also cause dry skin. Sometimes, these infections are the primary problem. Other times, the infections are a secondary problem.
The skin became dry and irritated due to another reason, which allowed the disease to take hold.
Systemic disorders and breed-specific conditions can also cause dry skin. For example, a dog with lots of skin folds may develop irritation between the folds from the skin rubbing against each other.
Symptoms of Dry Skin in Dogs
Youll be able to notice dry skin visibly when you look at it. However, if your dog has a thick coat, its easy to miss unless you check your dog regularly.
The first sign that your dog has dry skin is when they keep biting and scratching, which can be caused by irritation.
Itchy skin can lead to excessive scratching, which can cause secondary infections that might be more serious than dry skin.
You also need to note that not all dogs would have the same symptoms. Some dogs would have flaking, dandruff, scabs, or experience hair loss.
Other dogs experience only one or two of these symptoms, while others will suffer from several.
Buyers Guide: Choosing the Right Food for Dogs with Dry Skin
When choosing the right food for a dog with dry skin, ensure that youre providing a complete and healthy diet.
The food should also contain specific nutrients to conquer your dogs dry skin.
Dog Nutrition 101: What kind of food does your dog need for dry skin?
Start by choosing food that fits your pups life stage. Puppies, adults, and seniors have slightly different nutritional requirements.
Unless you can get dog food that caters to all life stages while addressing their health and skin needs, it should be a diet specific to their age.
Things to look for when selecting food for dry skin:
First, aim to choose high-quality dog food. The best dog foods will contain high-quality protein as the first few ingredients.
Remember, ingredient lists start with the most prominent component by weight. This includes the water in the food.
Avoid low-quality meats as well, including unnamed meat meals.
Meal isnt necessarily a problem by itself, as it is simply meat that has been cooked down. This is necessary when making dry food and leads to a more protein-packed ingredient.
Meals have more protein and nutrients in them than whole meat.
Chicken meal is an excellent ingredient, but meat meal is not, simply because you have no idea what the meat is. It could be anything.
Foods specifically for dry skin should contain a lot of omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are essential to healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Many dog foods contain at least a little bit of them, but some dogs may need a considerable amount to keep their healthy coat and skin.
Omega-6s and omega-3 fatty acids are both essential dietary fatty acids, including linoleic acid. Most dog foods for dry skin contain added fatty acids but check for them anyway.
They are usually added in the form of fish oil, flaxseed, or salmon oil, which can help with skin issues.
Often allergies can cause dry skin, as most food allergies appear as skin problems. Dogs can only become allergic to proteins, including gluten from grains. They can be sensitive to other ingredients, which can cause problems as well.
If your dog is allergic to chicken, ingredients like venison, fish, and similar proteins are a good choice.
Adding vitamin E can also be helpful, though less so than essential fatty acids. Pet owners should also look for foods formulated by a nutritionist.
Wet, Semi-Moist, or Dry? Which food for dry skin is best for your dog?
While there are many arguments against both types of food, it doesnt appear that there is any scientific evidence favoring one food over the other. For the most part, it seems that each food has its pros & cons.
For example, it is a common myth that kibble helps clean your dogs teeth. However, there is no major scientific evidence that it actually helps.
We recommend choosing food based on its other qualities, such as the ingredients and protein content. You shouldnt choose a specific food just because of the type of food it is.
In some cases, dogs may need a particular kind of food. Older dogs may have difficulty eating dry food, which would make wet dog food the preferable choice.
Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, need to eat often to avoid low blood sugar, so youd likely need to choose something that you can leave out like dry food.
In general, neither type of pet food is remarkably better than another type of food. But, in particular instances, your dog may benefit from one kind of food over the other.
To grain or not to grain: Do dogs need grain-free food for dry skin?
No dog needs grain-free food unless they have a particular sensitivity to gluten. In this case, the gluten could potentially upset your canines stomach and cause skin allergies, which we are trying to avoid.
Most dogs are NOT allergic to gluten. Allergies like chicken and beef are equally as likely. If your dog is allergic to grain, go for grain-free dog food. Otherwise, its better to go with grain-inclusive food when possible.
Grain-free food often doesnt include more protein or meat, as most people think it does. Instead, the companies usually use inexpensive veggies in place of the grains they would normally add.
These vegetables include things like peas, potatoes, and lentils.
The FDA is currently investigating these veggies for a connection to certain heart problems in dogs.
Peas, in particular, are troublesome, likely because they contain a large amount of protein. Some companies specifically use pea protein in their dog food.
When peas are used, it makes the dog food appear to contain more protein.
However, this protein is not complete and doesnt contain all the amino acids that whole meat does. This can lead to potential issues, which the FDA is currently investigating.
For this reason, its usually best to choose a grain-inclusive food since these potentially troublesome veggies are not often used in these formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best treatment for dogs with dry and itchy skin?
Dry skin is always caused by something else, even if its seemingly minor. Most dogs with dry skin have a food allergy.
Unless theyre fed a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet, their dry skin will continue despite your best efforts.
Your first step should be to take your dog to the vet to determine the issue. After the underlying problem is resolved, you may need to provide some supportive skincare to your pooch while their skin heals.
This may involve a prescription ointment or a cone to prevent your dog from biting the area with dry skin.
Is it necessary to change a dogs diet if he has dry skin?
Not necessarily. If the dry skins cause isnt the dogs diet, then the diet may not need to change. However, a common cause of dry skin is a food allergy.
In this case, the diet will need to change to exclude the ingredient your dog is sensitive to.
Should you give supplements for healthy skin and coat to your dog?
There are supplements specifically made to support a canine with dry skin. However, many of the elements you find in supplements can also be found in high-quality dog food.
How do I safely transition to a new food if my dog has dry skin?
Start by mixing a small amount of the new dog food with your dogs old food.
As your dog seems to tolerate it, you can slowly increase the amount of new dog food until youve completely phased out the original dog food.
Heres a quick tutorial on how to change your dogs food with ease:
Can you give homemade food to your dog?
While some dogs thrive on homemade food, you should only feed homemade food under your vets direction.
When designing homemade food, it is important to ensure that your pet gets all the vitamins and minerals they need.
This can be accomplished by using various quality ingredients since each element will have different amounts of nutrients.
Heres a simple recipe you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- Half pound of lamb meat
- One and a half cups of brown rice
- Five teaspoons of mineral supplements and multivitamins
- One teaspoon of sunflower oil
Instructions:
- Cut up the lamb into cubes to create chewy bites
- Add enough water to the skillet to cover the lamb meat
- Wait to boil and then lower the heat to simmer
- Cover the skillet and let the meat cook for about 25 to 30 minutes
- Drain excess water
While the meat is cooking, you can cook the brown rice in a different pot. Follow the instructions on the package to cook the rice. Once the meat and rice have cooled down, mix the rest of the ingredients before serving.
What can I do to help prevent dry skin?
When preventing dry skin, there are several things you can do to help your pooch.
- Make sure they eat a healthy diet
- Give your dog baths but not too many
- Visit the vet regularly
- Use preventatives for parasites
Which Dog Food is Best for Dry Skin?
When selecting dog food for your canine, be sure to choose one that is both healthy and includes extras that are good for dry skin, like fatty acids.
Out of all the dog foods we reviewed, we preferred the Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Real Duck & Sweet Potatoes Recipe.
This dog food includes high levels of protein and plenty of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. Plus, it isnt terribly expensive.
Several dog foods for dry skin did not make it to our list. Still, they are pretty good and might be suitable for your dog.
That includes Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food and Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe. Both foods are made for pups, small to large breeds.
Consult your vet before choosing any new food for your dog with dry skin. They can also prescribe medication if your dogs skin problems are severe.
Has your dog tried any of the dog foods mentioned above? Leave a comment below wed love to know more about it.
Further Reading: Helpful guides for other health concerns
Reference
Cess Gamas( Head of Content Marketing and Editor )Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.
