Skin allergies can have a significant impact on your dog’s health; constant itching can lead to scabbing and bleeding, irritating your dog and causing painful sores. Allergies can often be triggered by ingredients in dog food, so it’s important to consider diet if your dog is constantly itching. Grain free dog food is a great option for dogs with skin allergies, reducing irritation and providing a tasty meal in the process.
In our comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of grain free dog food for skin allergies, the alternatives to grains that you can give your dog, and the best grain free dog food brands to choose from. We will also look at the supplements to provide your dog alongside their diet, and other potential causes of allergies and dry skin in dogs.
Discover the benefits of feeding grain free dog food to your dog with skin allergies
To replace the grains in dog food, here’s what you can provide instead
Discover the grain free dog food brands we stock here at Fetch
As well as changing your dog’s diet, there are various supplements you could provide
As well as dog food, there are other causes of skin allergies in dogs
See how we can assist
Is Grain Free Better for Dogs with Skin Allergies?
Grain free dog food is a great option for dogs with skin allergies. All hypoallergenic dog food will be grain free, however, not all grain-free dog food is hypoallergenic, so it is important to find the best option for your dog. Consider a wellbeing consultation with one of our canine nutrition experts today to see which diet would benefit your dog best.
Discovering the allergen that is triggering a reaction should be your first step, as grain-free dog food alone may not stop itching. Common allergens include beef, chicken and dairy, so eliminating the allergen from their diet could make all the difference.
If your dog is allergic to grains, there are plenty of dry dog food options to choose from...
What Alternative to Grains Can I Give my Dog with Skin Allergies
If your dog has skin allergies and you suspect grains may be a contributing factor, you can consider grain-free alternatives that provide essential nutrients without triggering allergic reactions, such as:
- Grain free carbohydrate alternatives, such as sweet potato, pumpkin, peas and carrots
- Novel protein sources, such as duck, salmon and venison
- Specialised dog food options, tailored to dogs with skin allergies and grain intolerances
- Supplements, such as probiotics and fish oil
Nourish Rite is a great choice for dogs with skin allergies; complete grain free and available with novel protein sources, Nourish Rite is a convenient dry food option too.
You can view our complete collection of grain free dry dog food here.
The Best Grain Free Dog Food Brands for Skin Allergies
Nourish Rite Grain Free Adult Dog Food - Salmon
This formula features salmon as the primary protein source, providing Omega 3 fatty acids that support skin and coat health. It's free from grains, reducing potential allergens that may cause skin issues.
Canagan Grain Free Dog Food
Canagan provides a range of grain-free recipes with high-quality meat and fish ingredients, designed to mirror the ancestral diet of dogs. These formulas are free from common allergens and include beneficial botanicals.
Alpha Spirit Grain Free Dog Food
Alpha Spirit offers grain-free options made with a high percentage of fresh meat and fish, aiming to provide biologically appropriate nutrition that supports skin health and reduces allergy risks.
Innocent Hound Air Dried Salmon Fishcakes
Innocent Hound air dried dog food is completely grain free and minimally processed to give the benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of kibble. The salmon fishcake option contains chicory root to feed good gut bacteria.
Supplements to Provide Alongside Grain Free Dog Food
If grains are causing your dog's skin allergies, there are other ways you can ease your dog’s symptoms. Consider these products for dogs with dry, itchy skin:
- Four Leaf Rover Red Rover Berry Blend: complete with antioxidants and quercetin which supports a normal histamine response, Four Leaf Rover Red Rover has a delicious taste and can complete your dog’s diet
- Holistic Hound Ditch De Itch: Holistic Hound make various supplements for skin conditions, including Ditch De Itch spray
- Natural Vet Co. Skin and Coat: this product contains essential fatty acids, amino acids and skin soothing herbs to calm itchy, red and inflamed skin.
- Four Leaf Rover Harmony: this is the perfect for seasonal allergies, and can detoxify the skin and organs that support the skin
You can view our full list of stocked skin supplements here.
What are Other Causes of Allergies and Dry Itchy Skin in Dogs?
Allergies and dry, itchy skin in dogs can stem from various non-food-related factors. Here are the common causes:
- Environmental allergens: such as pollen, dust mites and mold spores
- Parasites: such as fleas, mites and ticks
- Skin infections
- Environmental factors: such as low humidity, overbathing and harsh shampoos
- Stress and anxiety
- Nutritional deficiencies: such as Omega 3 fatty acids and zinc
If your dog is suffering from itchy skin due to an allergic reaction, consider sending them to a canine nutrition specialist for a wellbeing consultation, to determine the best diet and supplements needed to reduce their irritation.
Grain Free Dog Food and Advice at Fetch
At Fetch, we stock a wide range of grain free dog food perfect for dogs with skin allergies. Our grain free brands are perfect for dogs with allergies and intolerances alike, ensuring their symptoms are kept at bay. Before choosing grain free dog food, consider a wellbeing consultation to determine exactly what your dog is allergic to, and develop a diet plan suitable for you and your pooch.
You can get in touch for a wellbeing consultation here.
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