What diet helps dogs itchy skin
Itchy skin (pruritus)
Vivien Williams: Drink plenty of water. Don't smoke and wash your face and body each day with a gentle hypoallergenic soap for healthy-looking skin says Mayo Clinic dermatologist, Dr. Dawn Davis. And, after bathing,
Dawn Davis, M.D., Dermatology, Mayo Clinic: Moisturize with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer when you're done to help the skin hydrate.
Vivien Williams: With so many products from which to choose, how do you pick the right moisturizer? Dr. Davis says hypoallergenic is the key.
Dr. Davis: So you want it to be fragrance-free. Unscented doesn't necessarily mean that it doesn't have fragrance. Oftentimes unscented just means more chemicals.
Vivien Williams: What ingredient should you look for?
Dr. Davis: The most inert natural hypoallergenic product that you can find in a moisturizer is petrolatum.
Vivien Williams: As in petroleum jelly. Dr. Davis has another important tip for healthy skin care that could potentially save your life.
Dr. Davis: Please remember to wear your sunscreen.
Vivien Williams: For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I'm Vivien Williams.
Itchy Skin Conditions In Dogs
Itchy skin for dogs
Unfortunately for our four-legged friends, itchiness and uncomfortable scratching can be a fact of life for dogs. The proper veterinary term for the unpleasant feeling of itchiness is pruritis. Any dog can suffer from pruritis at any age for a variety of reasons, which weve detailed below.
How do skin conditions affect dogs?
In dogs, chronic itching or scratchy skin has a huge impact on wellbeing. Just as in humans, where chronic itching is said to be as debilitating as chronic pain due to the impact on quality of life. Similarly, weve noticed that pet owners have reported that their dogs demeanour, following treatment of their itchy skin, is hugely positive. Weve had owners describe them as having a new lease of life, being more playful, eating better and seeming more interested in interaction suggesting that conditions and skin allergies can have huge impact on quality of life for an itchy dog too.
Skin problems can cause great discomfort and irritation for your dog. They are rarely life-threatening, but if not treated promptly and properly can cause a great deal of suffering and make your dog uncomfortable. Your pet will likely become irritable, withdrawn, restless and in some cases, painful.
Which dog breeds are affected most by skin diseases?
Certain dog breeds are more commonly affected by allergies and are more often seen by our vets with skin problems and itchy conditions. These breeds include, but are not limited to:
- West Highland White Terrier (Westies)
- Shar Pei
- French Bulldog
- English Bulldog
- Cockerpoo
What causes a dog to itch?
A dog scratching is a sign of an underlying skin problem, including bacterial infections, dog food allergies, and more. The most common causes of itching in dogs are parasites, infections, and allergies.
Parasites
Parasites such as fleas and dust mites are the most common cause of itching in dogs. Itchy dogs scratching at flea bites can lead to bleeding, red skin and bald patches.
Unfortunately, some flea control preparations available from supermarkets and pet stores are no longer fully effective in controlling parasites, due to resistance developing. Spot-on treatments become less effective if your dog swims or you bathe your dog.
Dog skin infections
Infectious causes of itching include bacterial and fungal (yeast) skin conditions. These are sometimes secondary to other causes such as an allergic reaction or systemic illnesses causing weakness in the dogs body or damage to the skin. Infections are often accompanied by patches of missing fur, scaly skin, odour and discharge.
Dog allergic reactions
Allergic itching or allergic dermatitis can be caused by insect bites, food allergies or environmental allergens such as pollens, mould and dust. Allergies may be seasonal or all year round, depending on the individual dogs triggers.
Find out more about the most common dog skin conditions on our blog.
What are the symptoms of itchy skin in dogs?
In most dogs, itching may be generalised or focal (confined to one area). This means you might find hot spots or areas of bald skin, or you may just notice your dog scratching all over.
Common symptoms of itching in dogs include:
- Excessive scratching
- Chewing/ biting at the skin
- Licking (and saliva staining of the fur)
- Rubbing the skin against furniture or on the ground
- Rashes and redness of the skin
- Flaky skin
- Irritability
- Being unable to settle or rest
Excessive licking, scratching and rubbing can cause damage to the skin, leading to inflammation, thickened skin, hair loss (alopecia) and skin infections.
How to treat your dogs itchy skin
There are several treatment options to try to get your dog to stop scratching. Successful vet treatment of your dogs pruritis depends on diagnosing the underlying cause.
If your dog is suffering from itchy skin, contact our friendly call team or book online to make an appointment at your local Animal Trust vet clinic for expert advice. Our vet consultations are free (except for out of hours) and our veterinary surgeons will examine your pet for any lesions that may indicate the cause of their itching.
Our veterinary medicine nurses and vets will offer investigations of your dogs skin condition based on their findings and outline any lab fees involved. They will then plan with you the most appropriate management of your pets skin condition. This will consider your dogs age, the condition of their skin, hormonal imbalances, other underlying medical issues and other symptoms, and will ensure the plan is affordable for you.
Common dog skin condition treatments
There are a number of options available for your dog, which our team of vets will discuss with you at consultation.
Treating itching in dogs with antihistamines is one of the most common forms of treatment. However, in many dogs the response to antihistamines is variable, and their use is not supported by current research.
Prescription strength parasite control, ideally in tablet form, will be required to clear mite infestations for an itchy dog. These tablets can treat the entire flea life cycle where fleas are found.
Anti-inflammatory steroids are often considered the most effective medication to manage itching. Unfortunately, they can cause multiple side effects if used systemically for long-term courses, so are often used for short-term management or applied topically.
Where infection is found to be present, antibiotics or medicated shampoos will be required to clear the infection and relieve the itching. Sometimes this treatment may be required for a month or more.
Prescription hypoallergenic food trials (similar to an elimination diet) may be advised for 6-8 weeks to feed your dog to test for food allergy or intolerance. These diets can be used for longer-term management if they help to control the itching.
If a cause of itching cannot be identified, or the treatment of underlying diseases does not control the itch, then medical treatment may be required for longer-term management of your dogs pruritis. These medications include steroids, Apoquel, cyclosporine and Cytopoint injections. These act on the dogs immune system to prevent the excessive release of inflammatory mediators in reaction to an allergen.
Further things which may help relieve your dogs itchy or dry skin include:
- Keeping up to date with parasite control. Fleas are prevalent all year round. Dogs at increased risk are those who encounter other dogs, cats and wildlife. However, 95% of the flea life cycle is in the environment, so all animals are at some risk of fleas. Some parasites, such as ear mites, demodex and scabies mites are only treated by prescription-strength medications.
- Avoiding strong detergents or biological washing powders if your dog has sensitive skin.
- Avoiding possible triggers eg., certain fields where grass/ plants have triggered a reaction, particular walks where your pet has become irritated.
- A hypoallergenic food trial, removing all additional treats and foodstuffs which may trigger gastrointestinal or skin reactions.
- Various skin care supplements are available to add into your dogs food or be given as treats. These often provide omega fatty acids, which help to improve the oil content in your dogs skin, soothe itching and reduce excessive moulting.
- Shampoos can be useful to moisturise your dogs dry or sensitive skin, which can relieve irritation. Washing your dogs paws after a walk will also remove allergens such as pollens and dust. Medicated shampoos may be required for dogs with skin infections or conditions (such as sarcoptic mange or folliculitis).
Home remedies for a dog with itchy skin
Our advice would be to contact your veterinary surgeon as the first port of call before trying a home remedy for your itchy dog. Your vet will offer a professional opinion on the likely causes of your dogs itching. They can also offer investigations where appropriate and can prescribe medication or advise home remedies as deemed appropriate to alleviate your dogs discomfort.
Can you cure your dogs itchy skin?
Potential cures will depend on the underlying cause for your dogs itching.
For example, if irritation is caused by a parasite, contact with an allergen which can be avoided, or an infection, then the itching can be cured with appropriate treatment.
However, for many dogs, there is an underlying hypersensitivity to food, allergens in the environment or atopy. In these cases, lifelong management of your dogs condition will be required. This may include control of your dogs diet, allergen avoidance, occasional or long-term medication, and treatment of any complicating factors (such as infection, conditions like an autoimmune disorder and more), may be required to keep them comfortable.
Skin conditions can be complex. Always follow your vets advice to avoid unnecessary flare ups and discomfort for your dog. If you do not feel that the current plan is working, or your dog suffers a relapse, please contact your vet for further advice.
Seeking a veterinary opinion in the early stages of skin disease may help to prevent the signs worsening, avoid suffering and ultimately reduce the amount of treatment required.
To speak to a vet about dog skin disorders or to arrange a consultation for your itchy dog, get in touch with your local Animal Trust clinic.
Best Dog Food for Dry Itchy Skin: Novel Proteins for Every Age
Dry, itchy skin seems like a minor issue, but it can quickly get worse if not treated early. Constant itching and scratching can diminish the well-being and quality of life of our beloved furry friends.
The vicious itch-scratch cycle is also an infection risk. But what does food have to do with itchy skin? Find out in this review of the best dog food for dry itchy skin.
Here at DogFood.Guide we have a dedicated mission to provide dog owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the nutrition and health care towards their dogs.
Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.
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What Causes Dry, Itchy Skin in Dogs
A dogs dry skin can be caused by numerous factors. From harsh chemicals to food allergies and even various medical conditions, its not always easy to pinpoint exactly what causes the itchy, dry skin in our pets.
In many cases, a combination of different factors can cause dogs skin to be unhealthy. Here are some of the most common causes of a dogs dry skin:
Allergies
Dogs can have food, seasonal, and environmental allergies. Allergic reactions can be triggered when the dogs come in contact with dust mites, smoke, perfumes, grass, weeds, and pollen in their environment.
There may be many other items in your pups environment that could cause allergic reactions and your dogs itchy skin. Household disinfectants, harsh soaps and shampoos, and other chemicals can also cause hypersensitivity or atopy.
Food is one of the most common sources of allergens for dogs. Common food allergens are chicken and beef proteins; and certain grains such as wheat and corn.
They can be eating the same food and protein sources and still develop an allergy to some of its ingredients years later. Food allergy can cause itchy skin, rashes, loss of hair, and ear infections.
Aside from food allergy and seasonal allergies, flea allergy dermatitis can also cause severe itching in pups. This occurs when a dog who is allergic to flea saliva has been bitten by fleas.
Parasites
Flaky, dry skin can be a sign of mange. Mange can be caused by an infestation of mites, There are two types of mange that affect dogs: demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange. Of the two types, sarcoptic mange is the only one that is contagious.
If you suspect that your dogs dry skin is caused by mange, take her to the vet. The vet may take a scrape sample from your dogs skin to look at under the microscope to determine if mites are present.
Proper diagnosis is very important. You can spend thousands on your dogs skin creams, special diets, and other products, but if the real cause is not properly diagnosed, it could all go to waste.
Infections
Itchy, flaky dry skin can also be a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection. Some infections are transmissible to humans. Treatment varies depending on the specific type of infection.
Systemic Disorders
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dry skin is one of the symptoms of Cushings Disease and hypothyroidism. Auto-immune diseases and cancer can also cause dry skin among dogs.
Poor Nutrition
Deficiencies in certain essential nutrients can cause your dogs skin to be dry. Some of the best indicators of good health in pups are healthy skin and shiny coats. Dogs that dont get enough essential fats in their diet can have dry skin and rough, dull coats.
Best Dog Food for Dry Itchy Skin
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| Check Price Here! |
Acana Singles LID Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe
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American Natural Premium Sensitive Care
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Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care
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Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
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Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator
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Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon |
- Ollie Fresh Dog Food
- Acana Singles LID Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe
- American Natural Premium Sensitive Care
- Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
- Pet Tao Harmony Diets
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf
1. Ollie Lamb Dish with Cranberries Fresh Dog Food
First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Butternut Squash, Lamb Liver, Kale, Rice
Guaranteed Analysis:
For pet parents who want only the best, tastiest, human-grade food that is the closest to a homecooked meal without all the guesswork, we highly recommend Ollie Lamb Dish with Cranberries Fresh Dog Food. This fresh-cooked dog food can be customized according to your pups age, weight, breed, activity, and any allergies.
Made of premium lamb from human-grade farms in the US and Australia, this dog food provides highly digestible protein that is gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Known as a cooling meat, lamb has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit dogs with itchy skin. It is also naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids to further promote healthy skin and coats.
Butternut squash is a high-fiber superfood that is packed with vitamins. It helps aid digestion and is rich in vitamin A and potassium. Rice is included as another carb source that is very easy to digest.
Cranberries and kale are also included to give your dog a boost of antioxidants. These promote good cellular function and are packed with coat and skin health benefits as well. This premium dog food is also fortified with vitamin supplements such as vitamin E and B6.
According to reviews, pet parents are delighted to see their dogs run excitedly to their meals and lick their bowls clean. The gently cooked high-quality ingredients truly make their food delicious and nutritious.
The perfectly prepared natural dog food gives dog owners the confidence that they are feeding their sensitive pups only the good stuff.
The pooches have shown noticeable good overall health through their healthier skin, coats, brighter eyes, and increased energy levels.
Pros
- Customized dogs diet according to age, weight, breed, activity, and any allergies
- High-quality, human-grade natural ingredients
- Packed with superfoods, vitamin E, B6
- Healthy fat source for better skin: cod liver oil
- Highly digestible and palatable
2. ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver
Guaranteed Analysis:
This limited ingredient diet from Acana is a grain-inclusive dry food suitable for all life stages, breeds, and sizes except for large breed puppies.
With only a handful of carefully selected natural ingredients, this single-source protein dogs food is great for pups who have both sensitive skin and stomachs.
Made of deboned lamb and lamb meal, this dog food recipe is suitable for dogs allergic to chicken or beef, yet requires a fairly high protein diet. At 27% protein and 17% fat, this dog food can help sustain even active pups high energy levels.
Lamb is a great protein source for dogs with itchy skin. Not only is it naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids, but it is also high in dietary zinc, iron, and other minerals.
Zinc plays a role in maintaining healthy skin in dogs. It is also involved in hair growth and regulation, as well as normal skeletal development and collagen synthesis. It also helps support the immune system.
Wholesome grains like oat groats and whole sorghum are used as the fiber and carb sources of this dog food. The highly digestible grains are nutritious and gentle on sensitive tummies. These healthy grains along with pumpkin and lamb tripe promote a healthy digestive system and gut flora.
Imbalance or disruption of the gut microbiome can lead to inflammation reactions or allergic reactions such as itchy skin. This is why many holistic nutrition experts believe that if you heal the gut, you will heal the skin health as well as the overall health.
Based on reviews, the high-quality ingredients of this food seem to be working well for very sensitive dogs. Pet owners are relieved to finally find a dog food that has helped resolve the itching and scratching of their pups.
Those with sensitive stomachs are also showing signs of better digestive health. Their stool quality has improved, and their better skin and coat quality show their good overall health.
Pros
- Limited-ingredient diet: chicken, beef, pea, legume, potato-free
- Single-source protein: lamb
- Omega fatty acids from fish oil, lamb fat
- Gut health support from wholesome grains, lamb tripe, pumpkin
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives
- Highly digestible, palatable
- Great results based on reviews
Cons
- Kibble size may be a bit too large for some small breed dogs
3. American Natural Premium Sensitive Care Formula
First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Oat Flour, Potato, Brown Rice
Guaranteed Analysis:
American Natural Premium Sensitive Care is a dry dog food that is suitable for adult dogs who require less protein and fat in their diets. This chicken-based formula is designed to be highly digestible and gentle on sensitive tummies.
Chicken meal, fresh chicken, and whole dried eggs are the sources of protein in this dog food. It has slow-release carbohydrates that slow down digestion to make the process easier on dogs tummies. The main sources of fiber and carbs in this recipe are oatmeal, potato, and brown rice. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy.
Chicken fat provides more flavor and omega 6 fatty acids to this meal. While flaxseeds provide both omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These healthy fats are vital in promoting healthy skin and coat in dogs.
While the brand may not be as popular as others, it has gained a lot of support from pet parents who tried their dog food recipes. This particular dog food has been credited with helping many dogs with itchy skin and sensitive tummies get better.
According to the buyers, the constant scratching, hives, and vomiting have been resolved after switching to this recipe. Many of them have tried other dog food brands but this was the only one that seemed to agree with their pups immune and digestive systems.
Pros
- Specially formulated for dogs sensitive skin and stomach
- Lower in fat, protein for less active dogs
- Chicken meal, fresh chicken, and eggs are the only animal protein sources
- Pea, legume, corn, wheat, soy-free
- Wholesome grains: oats, brown rice
- Healthy fat sources
- Great results delivered to many sensitive dogs
Cons
- The bag is not resealable
- May not be as widely available as more well-known brands
4. Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care Formula
First 5 ingredients: Oats, Soybean Meal, Rice, Peas, Coconut Oil
Guaranteed Analysis:
Addiction Zen Holistic Vegetarian Formula is a meat-free dry dog food that is nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages.
The absence of animal meat protein can help dogs who have tried all meat sources available and are still suffering from skin allergies.
This holistic vegetarian recipe is made only of non-GMO ingredients. The main source of protein is soybean meal. This plant-based kibble can give much-needed relief to dogs with severe allergies.
Soy is naturally rich in isoflavones these are phytonutrients that help promote a healthy cellular function by fighting free radicals. They are also known to help lower blood cholesterol in pets.
Easy-to-digest carb and fiber sources like rice and oats are used in this dry dog food. It is enriched with coconut oil which can help improve a dogs skin and coat health, cognitive function, and reduce allergic reactions.
It also has flaxseed which has both omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Dried kelp is included in this vegetarian formula to help reduce inflammation and itching in dogs.
Based on online feedback, pet parents bought this food specifically to try to address their dogs allergies and digestive issues or find a cheaper alternative to prescription food. Since putting the dogs on this vegetarian diet, they have noticed a significant improvement in the overall health of the pups.
The scratching has been greatly reduced, and the food does not seem to cause vomiting or loose stools. The food is also highly palatable despite the absence of meat.
Pros
- Meat-free great for an elimination diet
- Easy to digest
- All-natural ingredients
- Complete and balanced for all life stages
- Fortified with vitamin E, Bs, D3
- Gentle on sensitive tummies
- Healthy fat sources for skin and coat health
- Dried kelp helps reduce inflammation and itching
5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
First 5 ingredients: Fish Broth, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Salmon, Potato Protein
Guaranteed Analysis:
Natural Balance's Sweet Potato & Fish canned formula is a grain-free dog food formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition to adult dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Specially formulated for dogs with food sensitivities, this wet dog food has only sweet potatoes and potatoes as its carb and fiber sources. No other vegetables, fruits, or grains are included.
This grain-free fish pate has salmon, fish meal, and ocean whitefish as its only animal protein sources. Fish is great for a dogs itchy skin as it is naturally high in omega 3 fatty acids. It is also highly digestible and is less likely to upset sensitive stomachs.
These essential fatty acids support healthy coat, skin, and good brain function. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit itchy dogs.
To add more healthy fats to your pups hydrating meal, this grain-free dog food has canola oil and salmon oil. Like sunflower oil, canola oil is high in omega 6. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, C, A, and zinc that help promote good overall health.
According to buyers, they are quite pleased with this limited ingredient grain-free wet foods effect on their dogs health. Many of them have tried many other canned dog food in an effort to find one that does not trigger allergies in their pups. This fish and sweet potatoes pate seems to tick all the boxes for a lot of sensitive dogs.
Some have seen improvements in the dogs skin in just a few weeks to even one week from switching to this grain-free fish and sweet potato recipe.
Pros
- Limited ingredient dog food for sensitive skin and stomach
- Chicken, legumes, peas, grain-free
- Fish (salmon, fish meal, ocean whitefish) is the only animal protein source
- Gentle on sensitive tummies
- Great feedback from owners of dogs with allergies/ itchy skin
- Highly palatable
Cons
- Pate is a bit dry
- Reports of cans being half full
6. PET TAO Harmony Diets Canned Formula
First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Carrots, Celery, Green Beans, Broccoli
Guaranteed Analysis:
PET TAO Harmony Diets canned dog food has made our list of best dog food for itchy skin because of its simple, yet highly nutritious ingredients.
The carefully selected ingredients are less likely to trigger allergies in dogs. If your pup loves chicken but is allergic to it, this turkey recipe may be the perfect wet food for her.
The brands food therapy products are formulated and designed by practicing holistic TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) veterinarians.
This specific recipe is made specifically for dogs suffering from skin allergies, ear infections, and hot spots. As such, it is made with cooling ingredients to help neutralize excess heat in certain organs.
Formulated for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages, the only animal protein source in this recipe is fresh turkey instead of turkey meal. It is a lean protein source that is easy to digest.
Nutrient-dense superfoods are added as the carb and fiber sources. It has carrots, celery, green beans, broccoli, and spinach which are high in antioxidants that help boost dogs immune systems.
Flaxseed is included for its fiber and omega fatty acid content. These essential fatty acids promote healthy skin, coat, cognitive, and immune system function. This recipe also has honey which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
As the brand is fairly new, there arent that many customer reviews available for this product. A Chewy customer review states that she is so glad to have found the brand and its products for her special needs dogs. Her dogs had various problems from severe skin issues to lung and liver issues.
If you have a sensitive pup and would like to explore homemade food but don't have the time, this Pet Tao product is probably one of the closest to freshly cooked food that you can find among canned dog foods.
Pros
- Limited-ingredient dog food for pups with allergies, sensitive skin
- Holistically formulated to promote harmony and energetic balance
- Single-source protein: fresh turkey (not turkey meal)
- Select superfoods as carb, fiber, antioxidant sources
- Complete and balanced for all life stages
- No artificial enhancers
Cons
- Not as widely available as more well-known brands
7. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Alligator, Peas, Pea Starch, Alligator meal, Pea Protein
Guaranteed Analysis:
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator is a grain-free formula specially made for dogs with allergies.
Instead of hydrolyzed protein typically used in prescription food, this has alligator meat. For many dogs who have tried various animal protein sources, alligator meat is one that their bodies seem to accept without their immune systems going into overdrive. A vets prescription is required to purchase this dry dog food.
As part of our research, we have personally spoken with several pet parents of dogs with severe allergies. According to them, after trying everything from fish to venison and even kangaroo, only crocodile-based food is able to help their pups. However, such dog foods are not as widely available as others.
Crocodile dog food is very hard to find, but alligator-based food is slightly more available in the US, though still not very common. Their meat is very similar and both rarely trigger allergic reaction or intolerances in dogs. At Chewy.com, only Blue Buffalo makes alligator-based food.
The carb and fiber sources in this grain-free prescription formula are peas, tapioca starch, and potato starch. It also has flaxseed and canola oil as sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that are very important in supporting the skin, coat, immune system, and cognitive health of dogs.
One of the highest-rated grain-free veterinary diets at Chewy.com, this dry dog food has delivered incredible results to a lot of dogs suffering from itchy skin and allergies. No more scratching and rashes for these sensitive pups after being switched to this formula.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic dog food
- Novel protein alligator
- Corn, wheat, soy, grain-free
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives
- Highly digestible
- Has antioxidants for immune support
- Omega fatty acids from flaxseed and canola oil for healthy skin and coat
- Proven results delivered to numerous dogs
8. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf
First 5 ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Pea Starch, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Vegetable Oil
Guaranteed Analysis:
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf is a pate that is specially formulated for dogs suffering from itchy skin, hair loss, and gastrointestinal issues due to allergies.
Hydrolyzed proteins are used in this prescription food to ensure fast absorption without triggering an allergic reaction. A vets authorization is required to purchase this canned food.
The main protein sources in this hydrating formula are hydrolyzed chicken liver and hydrolyzed soy protein. According to PetMD, hydrolysis uses water to chemically break proteins into pieces that are so small that the immune system no longer reacts to them. This is why this type of protein is normally used in prescription diets.
Pea starch is used as its main carb and fiber source instead of corn starch. It is easily digested to help give relief to sensitive stomachs. Fish oil and vegetable oil are the sources of essential fatty acids in this pate.
As one of the front liners in veterinary diets, it is no surprise that this pate from Royal Canin has been helping many sensitive dogs for many years. Based on feedback from buyers, it has helped provide dogs relief from itchy skin, hives, IBD, and vomiting.
The highly palatable pate is also enjoyed by the pooches. It is easy to chew which makes it suitable for dogs of all ages.
Pros
- Specially formulated for dogs with itchy skin, stomach problems due to food sensitivities
- Recommended by vets all over the world
- Hydrolyzed chicken liver and hydrolyzed soy protein
- Essential fatty acids from fish oil
- Highly digestible
- Highly palatable
- Proven to have helped numerous sensitive dogs
Cons
- Expensive
- Recent supply issues make it a bit harder to find
What To Look For In The Best Food for Dogs Dry Skin and Itching
If the cause of your dogs skin issues or skin diseases is food allergies, a simple switch to dog food that does not contain the allergens may solve the problem.
If the cause is not food-related or you are still not sure what causes the itching, feeding high-quality food that has all the essential nutrients can still help in improving your dogs skin condition as well as her bodys defenses.
Here are the qualities you must look for in the best dog food for itchy, dry skin:
High-Quality And Natural Ingredients
One of the best ways to improve various aspects of your dogs overall health is to feed her with foods that are made from high-quality, natural ingredients. Look for dog foods that are free from artificial enhancers and additives such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Try to avoid dog food formulas that contain cheap fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy, especially if you are still trying to determine what causes the skin issues. Some dogs can be sensitive to certain grains, especially wheat and corn. Look for wholesome grains such as brown rice, oats, millet, sorghum, etc.
Novel Protein Sources
Because chicken and beef are the most widely used protein sources in commercially available dog foods, many dogs have developed allergies to these ingredients. Fortunately, there are numerous choices available now for sensitive pups.
Try feeding your pup food with novel proteins such as lamb, salmon, goat, kangaroo, venison, rabbit, and other animal sources that your dog has not had before. Named meat meals such as turkey meal, lamb meal are also considered high-quality protein sources.
You can also try hypoallergenic dog foods made with hydrolyzed protein such as hydrolyzed soy protein isolate. These are commonly found in prescription foods.
In more severe cases where the dog has tried almost every animal meat and is still having allergic reactions, many have found relief in crocodile or alligator meat-based dog food. As these dog foods are not very common, another alternative is to do an elimination diet with meat-free dog food.
Vegetarian dog food can help give the immune system a breather by eliminating all animal proteins in your dogs diet. With your vets guidance, you can slowly re-introduce small amounts of 1 protein source at a time after a period of elimination diet. This will help you determine which source triggers the allergic reaction.
Omega Fatty Acids
Fish is a natural source of omega 3 fatty acids which support a dogs skin and coat health, as well as other aspects of her health. If your pup is not known to be allergic to fish, try feeding her a fish-based diet such as salmon or menhaden fish meal-based foods.
Omega 6 fatty acids are another vital component of skin and overall health in dogs. Omega 6 fatty acids support cellular function and are required for reproduction, growth, and immune function.
Look for foods that contain healthy fat sources such as chicken fat, fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. You can give your dog omega fatty acid supplements to help improve coat and skin health.
You can really see the difference in their skin and shiny, healthy coat when your dog has the right balance of nutrients and essential fatty acids in her diet.
Conclusion
As itchy skin can be caused by anything from frequent baths to food allergies to systemic disorders, a trip to the vet is the best way to determine how to give your dog some relief. This will help narrow down the options and lead you in the right direction as far as treatment is concerned.
Caring for a sensitive dog can mean a lot of trial and error when it comes to food, medicines, and other treatments. With proper nutrition, a little patience, and your vets guidance, you can help improve your dogs quality of life and keep her happy and healthy.
