what s the best 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)
The 13 Best Dog Foods For Dry Itchy Skin in 2023
Dry, itchy skin doesnt sound like a big health problem. If we have an itch, we scratch it, and we know when to stop. Our dogs arent so lucky. They scratch, chew, bite, and slobber all over an itchy spot, often causing a lot more damage than they intend.
Different things cause dry and itchy skin in dogs: insect bites, contact allergies, and food allergies, among them. And while the food that your dog eats isnt always the cause of the distress, feeding your dog something less likely to cause irritated skin that instead nourishes the skin and coat seems like a no-brainer.
If you want to relieve itchy skin on dogs, you can give them a hypoallergenic diet. But shopping for hypoallergenic food can be a challenge.
Many of our dogs suffer from skin allergies. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, but its safe to say they always make your pup uncomfortable.
There are various ways to give your dog some relief, including allergy medication, bathing with special shampoos, and limiting exposure to certain ingredients. Adjusting your dogs diet is one of the best ways to help it feel better. So, what is the best dog food for skin allergies?
In this buying guide, we look at the best dog food for dry, itchy skin.
Lets dive in!
The Best Dog Foods for Dry Itchy Skin
| Top Products | Rating | Top 5 Ingredients |
| 1. Brothers Complete Turkey Meal & Egg Advanced Allergy Formula | 4.7 | Turkey Meal, Whole Eggs Dried, Pea Starch, Cassava/Tapioca, Peas |
| 2. Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Dog Food | 4.8 | Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Potatoes, Peas |
| 3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | 4.7 | Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas |
| 4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food | 4.7 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes |
| 5. Natural Balance LID. Limited Ingredient Diets Potato & Duck Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | 4.6 | Duck, Duck Meal, Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Sweet Potatoes |
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting your Pup Sick
1. Brothers Complete Turkey Meal & Egg Advanced Allergy Formula
Top 5 Ingredients:Turkey Meal, Whole Eggs Dried, Pea Starch, Cassava/Tapioca, Peas
This formula provides optimal nutrition that mimics a dogs natural diet, featuring premium animal-sourced proteins like turkey, chicken, and dried eggs. It provides natural allergy healing with carefully selected ingredients. Every ingredient offers advanced and balanced nutrition.
If your dog has itchy skin and a sensitive stomach, this advanced allergy formula can help. It contains Tapioca starch, which helps combat leaky gut, itchy skin, allergies, and fungal infections. The tapioca starch also has a higher glycemic index than other carbohydrates. Finally, this recipe comes in flavor-preserving bags for maximum freshness.
2. Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Potatoes, Peas
Blue Basics Limited-Ingredient Formula is free from grains and gluten, which may cause itching in dogs. This recipe has turkey as the primary ingredient. It also has highly digestible ingredients like peas and potatoes.
The Blue Buffalo dog food features natural ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids and is a limited ingredient diet with fewer ingredients to cause allergies. Some of these are flaxseed, pumpkin, fish oil, and blueberries. It also has taurine to support heart health and chondroitin for mobility.
3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
The Taste of the Wild Pacific Dog food contains salmon as the primary protein source. Salmons protein content is beneficial for your dogs muscles, and its richness in omega fats also helps prevent itchy skin. If you want to nourish your dogs skin and coat, this dry dog food is a great choice.
Your dog also gets ample antioxidant support and prebiotics from real vegetables. The formula also includes a mix of minerals for full, all-around nutritional support to your dog. Its also free from grains and fillers to ensure premium nutrition.
4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
Wellness Core Original is one of the most popular dog foods out there. Its protein content, sourced from deboned turkey, provides quality nourishment for your sensitive dog. It has grain-free to prevent allergy flare-ups and itchy skin in dogs. Its an excellent choice for your dogs overall health.
The recipe has a higher fat content sourced from salmon and flaxseed oils for a softer, nourished coat. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone and joint health. And lastly, the dog food is just way too tasty for any dogs to ignore!
5. Natural Balance LID. Limited Ingredient Diets Potato & Duck Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients:Duck, Duck Meal, Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Sweet Potatoes
If you have a sensitive dog with itchy skin, Natural Balance LID Dog food offers a great solution. This dog food has carefully selected ingredients for dogs with fragile immune systems. The limited ingredient diet has duck protein and potatoes to minimize allergic reactions and digestive issues. Plus, the dog food is grain-free and contains no artificial ingredients that cause itchy skin.
The nutritious ingredients help rebuild and strengthen your dogs health, while the omega fatty acids maintain their shiny fur and skin.
6. Taste of the Wild High PrairieGrain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Top 5 Ingredients:Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Give your dog a protein-packed treat made with buffalo as the number-one ingredient. This recipe has bison and venison as other protein sources, and you cant go wrong with that. It contains quality carbs to fuel dogs with high energy levels.
The formula contains omega oils to prevent dry, itchy skin. If youre looking for a grain-free recipe that contains many vitamins and minerals, this one from Taste of the Wild has it all. It also includes a propriety prebiotic blend to support digestion and gut health.
7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mountain Recipe Red Meat Grain-Free Puppy Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Beef Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
If you want to heal your dogs itchy skin, this red meat dinner from Blue Buffalo is a great option. It mimics your dogs ancestral diet and contains minerals for a strong immune system. It has real meat and vegetables and complex carbs for energy.
This grain-free recipe contains no by-products, fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives. Its one of the best recipes for your pup.
8. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Turkey Entree Grain-Free Puppy Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Liver, Meat By-Products, Water, Beef
If your dog isnt fond of dry food, then Purina Pro Plan Turkey Entree is one of the best wet recipes you can find. Its a grain-free recipe, which makes it a good choice for puppies with itchy skin. The high amount of omega fatty acids promotes a healthy coat and better cognitive development.
This recipe has quality proteins needed for muscle development. Its a great option for a smart, strong pup.
9. Brothers Complete Lamb and Egg Itchy Skin Dog Food Recipe
Top 5 Ingredients:Lamb Meal, Dried Whole Eggs, Turkey Meal, Cassava/Tapioca, Pea Flour
This dog food for itchy skin is a great alternative for dogs allergic to fish and its derivatives. It uses whole-cell blue algae instead of fish oil. It has high protein content from animal sources such as lamb, turkey meal, and egg. Other nutritious ingredients include pumpkin, carrots, flaxseed, alfalfa, and tapioca starch.
The Brothers Complete Lamb Meal and Egg Allergy Formula is perfect for dogs with dietary restrictions. It prevents itchy skin and gastrointestinal discomfort in dogs. Plus, it has a delicious flavor so that dogs can enjoy eating their meals.
10. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Chickpeas Recipe
Top 5 Ingredients:Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
Merricks Limited Ingredient Diet is a healthy recipe with quality proteins from a novel source. It is an option for dogs that may be allergic to poultry-based diets. Aside from novel proteins from lamb, you get easily digestible carbs from grain-free sources such as potatoes.
It is a lightweight recipe that is perfect for sensitive dogs. It also has a good blend of fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for optimal health.
11. Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients:Lamb, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower Oil
Zignature is another premium dog food brand known for its high-quality ingredients and nutritional value. This limited ingredient diet has farm-raised lamb as the primary ingredient. It also offers a wholesome blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
This hypoallergenic recipe is free of grains and artificial additives. Its ideal for dogs with allergies and dry, itchy skin. If you want the best dog food for your favorite pal, this one is a great option. You will notice a visible difference in your dogs skin.
12. American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients:Lamb, Lamb Broth, Lamb Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil
American Journey Food offers relief from itching and allergy flare-ups. If your dog has food sensitivities, this limited ingredient diet can help control allergic reactions.
It has four ingredients, including lamb, sweet potatoes, and sunflower oil. Fewer ingredients make it easier for pet owners to avoid allergy-triggering substances. Its the best food for dogs allergic to grains, soy, potatoes, dairy, chicken, fish, beef, or eggs. Many dog owners rely on this dog food for good reason. It supports their pets overall health and relieves itching.
13. CANIDAE Puppy Real Chicken, Lentil & Whole Egg Recipe Grain-Free Puppy Food
Top 5 Ingredients:Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Peas, Potatoes, Dried Whole Egg
If you are looking for hypoallergenic food for your sensitive puppy, you need a limited-ingredient recipe that doesnt compromise quality. CANIDAE PURE Puppy Real Chicken, Lentil, and Whole Egg Recipe provides a healthy amount of lean protein from chicken and essential nutrients from eight more ingredients.
Its a grain- and gluten-free formula featuring whole foods like peas and lentils to fulfill your dogs daily nutritional requirements. This recipe also has probiotics for the digestive support of your sensitive dog.
Bonus. Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Dry Dog Food (Veterinary Diet)
Top 5 Ingredients:Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Vegetable Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil
The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed is a veterinary diet, meaning you can only buy it with a prescription. The hypoallergenic formula is a soy-based diet that includes a single carbohydrate source and hydrolyzed protein. Its a highly digestible formula, making it easier to digest for sensitive dogs.
This diet can help prevent allergy flare-ups and itchy skin. You can consult your vet to prescribe Purina Pro Plan hydrolyzed protein diet for your pet.
Bonus. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients:Deboned Alligator, Peas, Pea Starch, Alligator meal, Pea Protein
Blue Buffalos veterinary diets are perfect for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs. Some dogs have negative reactions to common proteins, which can cause skin irritation and digestion problems. If your dog displays intolerance to other dog foods, this novel protein formula from Blue Buffalo can minimize those reactions.
This recipe contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed to promote healthy skin and coat. Plus, it is antioxidant-rich to support a healthy immune system.
Related:
Buyers Guide: Figuring Out Your Dogs Allergies
When dogs eat something theyre allergic to, their immune system can respond with symptoms such as itchy skin, sneezing, and a sensitive stomach. If you think your dog is suffering from an allergic reaction and youve ruled out other common causes, testing them for food allergies is a good first step. Your vet or a veterinary nutritionist can help you figure out how to make your dog feel better.
Food allergies and intolerances in dogs are most often genetic, passed down from parents to pups. A dog with a food allergy cannot digest certain proteins (the most common allergens are nearly all proteins). Removing that type of protein or protein from your dogs diet is likely to bring relief.
What is my dog allergic to?
If your dog has a food allergy, youll most likely notice skin irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort. Proteins from ingredients like chicken, dairy, wheat, and beef can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. You can try out an elimination diet to determine which ingredient is causing allergic reactions.
The best dog food for skin allergies has high omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
The most common allergy-inducing ingredients in dog food include:
- Beef
- Wheat
- Yeast
- Chicken
- Corn
- Soy
- Egg
- Dairy
Allergies can affect any dog, but some dog breeds are more susceptible than others. These include:
- Beagle
- Bichon Frise
- Bulldog
- Boxer
- Chinese Crested
- Cocker Spaniel
- Dachshund
- Collie
- Dalmatian
- German Shepherd
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Pekinese
- Pug
- Retrievers
- Poodle
- Setters
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Terriers
Environmental Allergies
Other reasons for itchiness include environmental or seasonal allergies. Environmental allergies in dogs are similar in appearance to food allergies, usually with itchy skin all over the body and paws. Fleas, dust mites, grass pollens, and trees are common culprits. Your dog may also be allergic to household cleaners, air fresheners, and cigarette smoke. These allergens can trigger reactions year-round.
You can control environmental allergies by wiping your dogs paws and coat after walks, using natural cleaning products, and providing a hypoallergenic diet.
Dietary Guidelines for Sensitive Dogs
Youll find many dog foods for dogs with skin allergies. These include:
Limited ingredient dog food
Limited ingredient dog food (LID) is a popular option for pet parents and contains carefully selected ingredients. Most limited ingredient diets feature one protein source, like hydrolyzed salmon or venison, and may also have one carbohydrate source. If your dog has itchy skin or a sensitive stomach, you may want to switch to a limited ingredient diet.
Always check the product label to see whats in it. There can be hidden ingredients in these diets that are potential problems for dogs with itchy skin.
Grain-free dog food
If your dog is sensitive to grains, you may want to choose grain-free dog food. Sensitive dogs can develop itchy skin if theyre allergic to wheat, corn, soy, and rye. Dogs have difficulty digesting these grains, which can also cause gastrointestinal disease, inflammation, and other serious health issues.
Grain-free and gluten-free diets can help reduce common allergy symptoms such as dry, itchy skin. These diets are hypoallergenic and highly digestible, meaning dogs can utilize necessary nutrients efficiently.
Novel ingredient dog food
Novel ingredient diets are ideal for allergy-prone dogs. These diets use rare ingredients that your pet hasnt eaten before and reduce the chances of an allergic reaction. Novel diets use ingredients such as rabbit, venison, hydrolyzed salmon, kangaroo, fish, or duck. They are beneficial in treating food-related allergies such as dry, itchy skin.
Macronutrient Requirements for Sensitive Dogs
Poor quality ingredients can irritate your pets skin and cause a skin allergy. The best dog food for itchy skin will contain high-quality limited ingredients. If your dog has itchy skin, you should look for these ingredients:
A high-quality protein source
Protein makes up a large part of the dog food recipe, and commonly found protein sources can cause skin irritation in dogs. Less common protein sources like venison and duck are a better option. Other high-quality protein sources include fish, eggs, and poultry.
Essential fatty acids
Look for essential fatty acids, including omegas, EPA, and DHA. Fish and fish oil are natural sources of these essential fatty acids.
Essential Vitamins
Vitamin Ais important for skin and fur health. Natural sources of Vitamin A include carrots, liver, spinach, fish oils, eggs, and sweet potatoes.
Biotin This vitamin supports healthy tissue growth. Meat, eggs, and milk are high in biotin.
Vitamin Eis a natural antioxidant that promotes cell renewal. Common Vitamin E sources are seeds, liver, and leafy green vegetables.
Zinchelps prevent inflamed, itchy skin. It also prevents bacterial and fungal skin infections. Natural Zinc sources include poultry, beef, and yogurt.
How can I help my pet with skin allergies?
If you want to help your dog with allergies, the first step is to consult a veterinarian. A professional can verify whether diet changes can fix your dogs allergy symptoms. If youre sure its a food allergy, youll need to identify the allergen.
Veterinarians recommend an elimination diet to help you determine what ingredients are causing your pets allergies. An elimination diet means switching to a food with a different protein and carbohydrate source. For example, you could switch from chicken and rice to salmon and sweet potato. If you find that your pet responds better, you can continue with the new diet.
Switching to hypoallergenic dog food is a great way to find your dogs food allergy. Hypoallergenic dog foods have novel proteins and carbohydrates, like venison and potato or duck and pea. Your dog must have hypoallergenic dog food for at least 810 weeks to notice any change.
Relief for Your Dogs Dry Skin
Routine grooming and applying topical conditioning can alleviate dry, itchy skin.
The Routine Grooming Method
- STEP 1 Brush your dog to remove debris and prevent mats that can contribute to itchy skin.
- STEP 2 Massage your dog with a rubber glove to distribute body oils, increase blood flow to the skin, and provide nutrients to skin tissues.
- STEP 3 Bath your dog to prevent oil and dirt buildups. These buildups can cause dry skin.
- STEP 4 Use a moisturizing shampoo when you bathe your dog. Remove any residual buildup and apply a moisturizing conditioner.
- STEP 5 Air dry your dogs skin or pat dry with a towel.
Note: Do not use human shampoo and conditioner.
Our Favorite Grooming Method
- STEP 1 Use a shampoo and conditioner containing colloidal oatmeal. You can also add essential oils to combat dry, itchy skin.
- STEP 2 Rinse your dogs skin with apple cider vinegar.
- STEP 3 Apply organic coconut oil to your dogs skin.
- STEP 4 Moisturize your dogs dry, itchy skin for instant relief. Apply organic moisturizers to your dogs nose and paws. Products made with natural ingredients are available at pet supply stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an allergy in a dog diagnosed?
A veterinarian will evaluate your dogs medical condition and behavior for a diagnosis. Some dogs break out in a rash or have itchy skin if they have food allergies. You can change your dogs diet to prevent allergic reactions. Your vet may also provide medication to heal dry, itchy skin.
Why is good nutrition important for sensitive dogs?
Its vital that your pup eats a complete and balanced diet. He needs protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and freshwater. The most important nutrient is freshwater, which makes up 65 percent of a dogs weight. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are important for optimal health and energy. Minerals are important for muscle development and nerve conduction, and vitamins balance your dogs biochemistry.
How often should I feed my dog?
If you have a puppy, you should feed him at least four times a day. Adult dogs can be fed twice a day. Dogs enjoy routine, so establish a feeding schedule and maintain it. A good time to feed your pet is during family meals.
How much should I feed my sensitive dog?
Its vital that your pup eats a complete and balanced diet. Dogs need protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and freshwater. The most important nutrient is freshwater, which makes up 65 percent of a dogs weight. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are important for optimal health and energy. Minerals are important for muscle development and nerve conduction, and vitamins balance your dogs biochemistry.
Does my sensitive dog need grain-free food?
Some dogs are allergic to low-quality grains and may develop rashes and itchy skin. Always buy premium quality grain-free dog food to support your dogs overall health.
Can Benadryl relieve itchy skin in dogs?
An appropriate dosage ofBenadrylis safe for dogs. It will reduce allergy symptoms like itchiness and skin rashes in about an hour. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dogs any medications.
Final Thoughts
Discuss dietary and environmental changes with your local vet. Making some adjustments can relieve and prevent your dogs dry skin. These may include nutrition changes, increasing humidity in your home, or avoiding possible allergens.
