Understanding whether your dog has skin allergies or simply sensitive skin can be challenging, which is why it is important to identify whether there are any triggers. If you notice your dog’s skin reacting after they have eaten certain foods, there could be an ingredient in their diet that doesn’t agree with them. To determine whether food is the cause of your dog’s allergies, consider booking them in for a wellbeing consultation with a canine nutritionist to figure out whether raw, wet or dry dog food is the best choice for them.
In our comprehensive guide, we will explore the ingredients that most commonly trigger skin allergies in dogs, and the best dog food options out there to keep your dog’s skin allergies at ease. We will also explore the best meat options for dogs with skin allergies, other ways you can help your dog, and how our dog food, products and wellbeing consultations at Fetch can help.
Discover what foods to avoid if your dog is susceptible to allergies
If your dog has sensitivities, consider these alternatives to their normal diet
Meat is incredibly beneficial in a dog’s diet, but some meats may be responsible for your dog’s allergic reactions
As well as changing their diet, there are other ways you can ease your dog’s symptoms
Here’s how we can help
What Common Food Ingredients Trigger Skin Allergies in Dogs?
If your dog is allergic to something in their food, you may notice symptoms such as itchy skin and paws, skin rashes, sneezing, vomiting and diarrhea, and hair loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, or you suspect they may be allergic to something in their food, you should review their diet.
Dogs are most commonly allergic to:
- Commonly consumed proteins, such as beef, chicken, lamb and pork: proteins are common food allergens, especially those beef and chicken. Some dog’s immune response is to treat these proteins as harmful invaders, causing allergic reactions. Novel proteins such as turkey or venison may work better for your dog.
- Dairy: for some dogs, dairy products can be eaten in small amounts as a rare treat. However, most dogs are lactose intolerant, and will display unpleasant symptoms as well as itchy skin and rashes
- Soy: soy allergies are relatively common in dogs, and can cause tell-tale signs such as eyelid inflammation, hair loss and ear infections.
- Grain: many dog foods contain high levels of grains and carbohydrates that can cause inflammation in the body and in turn cause skin irritation
To understand what is causing your dog’s allergies, consider a wellbeing consultation from our canine nutrition specialists here at Fetch to find the best diet for your pooch.
What is the Best Dog Food to Feed a Dog with Skin Allergies?
Once you have determined which food, or group of foods, is causing an allergic reaction in your dog, you should remove it from their diet immediately.
To help your dog with skin allergies, raw dog food can be a good choice. Novel proteins (meat that is uncommon in a dog’s diet) such as turkey, rabbit and venison can be a great option to provide raw, as they contain no grains, a common allergen in dog food. A raw food diet with the right balance of nutrients can improve your dog’s immune system, and can improve their quality of life.
There are various grain free wet food options available ideal for dogs with stomach and skin sensitivities. Wet food also has a high moisture content, which can promote hydrated, healthy skin. Once the allergen has been identified, you can take steps to avoid the ingredient in the future. However, you should still consult with a canine nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet.
Dry food is a more convenient option if you don’t have much fridge or freezer space. Dry dog food can also be a great source of vitamins and minerals, and can be provided alongside raw food as part of your dog’s daily diet. It can also be a great option for dogs with skin allergies depending on the brand you buy; Nourish Rite grain free trout dog food is the ideal option, with 50% fish and Omega 3 for a healthier coat and skin.
What Meat is Best for Dogs with Skin Allergies?
As well as switching up their diet, you could also help your pooch by providing them with supplements and changing their grooming habits. At Fetch, we recommend:
- Special treats: novel protein treats such as Atlas and Tail’s venison treats are the perfect delicacy for your pet to enjoy.
- Skin and coat supplements: Four Leaf Rover provides a blend of herbs that can promote a healthy coat and skin while reducing your dog’s histamine reaction.
- Allergy support: look for other supplements that can improve your dog’s health and remove symptoms of allergies.
- Itch spray: Holistic Hound have created a spray that provides instant relief from itchy skin, composed of natural herbs and homeopathic remedies.
- Shampoo: fragrant shampoos can irritate your dog’s skin if it is already itchy; consider switching to a shampoo designed with sensitive skin in mind.
Sensitive Diets and Healthy Products at Fetch
At Fetch, we have a wide collection of raw, wet and dry dog food options and supplements perfect for dogs with skin allergies. Before you make any changes to your dog’s diet and grooming habits, consider a wellbeing consultation today. We can examine your dog to get to the root cause of their issues, and provide a diet plan that works for them, as well as advice on supplements and shampoos.
To find out more, get in touch with us today.