Dog Food for Itchy Skin | Is Dry Dog Food the Best for Itchy Skin?

If you have noticed your dog itching more frequently, rubbing up against surfaces or dragging their bellies across the floor, your first instinct might be fleas. However, if they have been checked and given flea treatment and they are still itching, they could have an allergy or skin problem. Untreated itchy skin can lead to pain, bleeding and raw skin, which is incredibly uncomfortable for your dog. Sometimes, itchy skin is even caused by food allergies in your dog’s diet. If food is the culprit, it’s time to switch up your dog’s diet, but is dry dog food the best choice?

In our comprehensive guide, we will explore whether or not your current dog food is potential causing itchy skin conditions, and the ingredients and food types that would be much more beneficial for your dog. We will also explore the dog food types to avoid, the benefits of certain dog food choices for itchy skin, and how our canine nutrition experts at Fetch can help.

Is My Dog Food Causing Itchy Skin?

It is possible that your current dog food diet could be causing your dog to have itchy skin. Common causes of itchy skin in dogs that aren’t flea, tick and parasite related include:

• Dermatitis: some dogs suffer from a condition called dermatitis, which can caused by diet deficiencies, such as copper, zinc and certain vitamins. Contact dermatitis is caused by irritants such as soap and perfumes, so it may also be worth switching your dog’s shampoo or the detergent you wash their bedding in.
• Allergies: as well as allergens such as dust, grass and mould, your dog could be having an allergic reaction to the food they are eating. Try carrying out an allergy test on your dog to decipher whether or not their food is the issue.
• Infections: bacterial and fungal infections can cause itchy skin, as well as inflammation, oozing and hair loss.
• Breeds: certain breeds are more susceptible to itchy skin, such as cocker spaniels, border terriers, French poodles and retrievers.

Before changing your dog’s diet, you should first determine the cause of your dog’s itchy skin. Our canine specialists can provide a wellbeing consultation and suggest the best course of action for your dog. If food is the culprit, we can provide a beneficial diet plan that can ensure your dog is back to feeling like themselves.

What Ingredients are Beneficial in Dog Food for Itchy Skin?

Certain food and ingredients are much better for dogs with itchy skin, especially if their skin is sensitive. Ingredients to look out for are:

• Fish: famously, fish is great for your dog’s coat and skin. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids from fish oil can help reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function. DARF cold pressed dog food that includes salmon is rich in omega fatty acids, perfect for your dog’s skin.
• Hypoallergenic ingredients: some dogs' itchy skin is triggered by common food allergens such as beef, chicken or dairy. Using novel proteins such as turkey, duck or rabbit can help calm your dog’s immune system, reducing flare ups and encouraging healthy skin.
• Grain-free food: grain is a common allergen in dog food, which can contribute to skin issues. Try Nourish Rite Grain Free Salmon which contains added Omega 3 as well as no grains and sweet potato, providing a healthy diet that can reduce inflammation.
• Supplements and probiotics: - certain probiotics can help with conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, and can help to repair the gut microbiome

What Dog Food Should I Avoid for Itchy Skin?

To try and prevent itchy skin, you should formulate a diet plan with a qualified canine nutritionist. This diet plan could consist of novel proteins like lean turkey and lamb, sweet potato, fish oil and a small serving of vegetables. However, every dog is different, so requesting a wellbeing consultation for your pooch is essential.

Foods to avoid feeding your dog include:

• Beef and chicken: known as common allergens in food, try and swap chicken and beef out for more novel proteins such as venison, salmon and rabbit. If meat is causing the issue, you should see a change in your dog in no time.
• Artificial colours and flavours: if your dog has sensitive skin and a sensitive stomach, these could cause irritation.
• Wheat, soy, corn and grain: like chicken and beef, these are common allergens in food. However, some food that presents as “hypoallergenic” or “grain free” does not guarantee that the food is suitable for dogs with itchy skin. You should always consult an expert before changing and sticking to a diet.
• Dairy: another common allergen, dairy products can also cause digestive distress for dogs with sensitivities.

What are the Benefits of Certain Dog Foods for Itchy Skin?

By switching your dog’s diet, you should notice them become happier healthier, and most importantly, itching less. Once the irritant has been removed from your dog’s diet, skin inflammation should decrease, and hair that was lost due to skin issues should start to grow back.

Consult with us today to see how you can help your dog ditch the itch.

How Can I Help my Dog with Itchy Skin and Allergies?

As well as changing their diet, there are other ways to help your dog, including:

• Bathing them with sensitive soap: even if their food is causing the problem, bathing your dog with perfumed soap can cause further inflammation and discomfort. The Natural Dog Company provides shampoo specifically for itchy dogs, which can be followed by their dog spritz for sensitive skin.
• Feeding them hypoallergenic treats: although their meals have changed, certain treats can still cause a reaction. Atlas and Tail cod rings are the perfect choice, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and improve skin health
• Add fish oil to their meals: if their regular meals don’t include as much fish oil as you’d like, adding extra has plenty of benefits. Consider this wild Alaskan fish oil from the Natural Dog Company to improve your dog’s health

Nutritional Help from Fetch

At Fetch, we provide 45-minute consultations to help get to the bottom of your dog’s issue, and provide them with a specific diet and health plan that you can use for years to come. We specialise in a range of health issues, including dry and itchy skin, and can develop plan that not only suits your dog, but your lifestyle and budget too. Dog food allergies and food intolerances are common, and we can help you find the best dog food for your pooch.

Get in touch with us today to book in for a wellbeing consultation.

Related Content

Dry Dog Food for Dry Skin

Dry Dog Food for Skin Allergies