What to Feed Dogs With Itchy Skin: Best Foods, Tips & Tricks

When it comes to determining what to feed dogs with itchy skin, understanding the underlying cause of the itching is crucial.

Itchy skin in dogs can be attributed to various factors such as food allergies, environmental allergens, or even dry skin. We will explore how to identify and address itchy skin in dogs through proper nutrition and dietary choices.

In this blog post, we will investigate how to decide on an eating regimen for your pooch's sensitive skin by discussing hypoallergenic food options and eliminating common sensitivities from their meals.

Table of Contents:

• Identifying the Cause of Itchy Skin in Dogs
• Underlying Health Conditions
• Choosing a Nutritious Diet for Dogs with Itchy Skin
• Feeding Your Itchy Dog: Tips and Tricks
• Supplements to Soothe Your Dog's Itchy Skin
• Monitoring Your Dog's Health
• FAQs
• Ian's Wrap

Identifying the Cause of Itchy Skin in Dogs

Is your furry friend constantly scratching and biting at their skin? It's time to determine the cause of their discomfort. There are several possible reasons for itchy skin in dogs.

Allergens or Food Intolerances: 

Seasonal allergies, such as pollen from grass or trees, can trigger skin irritation, redness, and excessive scratching. Environmental allergens like dust mites, mold, and household cleaners can also cause persistent itching, while food intolerances to common ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy, or grains may lead to inflammation and skin discomfort.

Fleas and ticks: 

Common parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites can infest your dog's skin, leading to intense itching, redness, and even skin infections. Fleas are particularly notorious for causing allergic reactions, while ticks can transmit diseases, and mites can lead to mange, all of which result in discomfort for your dog.

Parasites and Skin infections:

Skin infections, like bacterial or fungal infections, can lead to significant itching, redness, and swelling. Bacterial infections often occur when a dog’s skin is compromised by scratching or irritation, causing sores that become infected. Fungal infections, such as yeast infections, are also common and can cause itching, a greasy coat, and a strong odor.

Internal parasites like intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms) can also affect your dog’s health, leading to digestive issues and skin problems from scratching.

Dry skin: 

Dry skin in dogs can be caused by low humidity, especially during winter months, or by a lack of regular grooming. Without proper grooming, dead skin cells and hair can build up, leading to flaky, irritated skin that causes itching. Additionally, frequent bathing with harsh shampoos can strip natural oils from the skin, exacerbating dryness and discomfort.

Underlying Health Conditions:

Dogs can develop itchy skin for reasons beyond diet, often due to underlying medical conditions that affect their overall health. Some of the most common issues include hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic infections, all of which can lead to skin irritation and discomfort.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to dry, flaky skin, hair loss, and increased infections due to a weakened skin barrier.

Crushing's Disease

Cushing’s disease results from excess cortisol production, causing thin, fragile skin, hair thinning, and frequent bacterial or yeast infections that contribute to persistent itching. Both conditions impair the body’s ability to maintain healthy skin, making dogs more vulnerable to irritation.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders like pemphigus and lupus trigger the immune system to attack the skin, leading to blistering, crusting, and inflammation. Chronic infections, whether bacterial (pyoderma) or fungal (yeast), can cause red, inflamed skin, scabbing, foul odors, and excessive scratching, especially in dogs with weakened immune systems. To identify the root cause of your dog's itching, it is important to consult with a veterinarian who will perform an examination and possibly run diagnostic tests. Depending on how the appointment goes, they might recommend an elimination diet if they suspect a food allergy is the cause of your dog’s itchy skin.

If you notice improvement during this time frame without those ingredients present within their meal plan, then reintroduce them one by one until you find which ingredients trigger reactions.

How To Choose a Nutritious Diet for Dogs with Itchy Skin

Persistent dog itching can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience for both the dog and the owner . A healthy diet can help soothe their skin and keep them feeling their best. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting dog foods for those pups with sensitive skin:

Hypoallergenic ingredients: 

An ingredient is considered hypoallergenic when it has a low likelihood of triggering allergic reactions or sensitivities. Since food allergies develop from repeated exposure to the same proteins (like chicken or beef), switching to a novel protein can help reduce allergic reactions and skin irritations. A novel protein in food refers to a protein source that a dog has not been exposed to before and is less commonly found in standard dog diets.

Easily digestible ingredients (like sweet potato or single-source proteins) reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset, which can be linked to allergic responses. Skip the chicken and beef and opt for fish or venison instead. These proteins are less likely to cause allergies and can help calm your dog's skin.

Grain-free options: 

Some dogs can't handle grains like wheat, corn, or soy due to food allergies, sensitivities, or digestive intolerances. When a dog has a grain allergy, its immune system overreacts to proteins in grains, leading to itchy skin, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Some commercial pet foods also use low-quality grain fillers with little nutritional value. For these reasons, many pet owners turn to grain free dog food, which replaces grains with easily digestible alternatives like sweet potatoes, peas, or pumpkin. 

Fatty acids: 

Omega fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and a shiny coat. They help reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and moisturise the skin. Look for foods that contain fish oils, coconut oil, or flaxseed. We highly recommend our Seafood Bundle to provide your pup with high omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.

Natural ingredients: 

Keep it simple and avoid artificial additives and preservatives that could irritate your dog's skin.  Keep an eye out for additives BHA, BHT, and preservative Ethoxyquin. Stick to natural ingredients that won't cause any problems.

Seasonal allergies can cause irritation on a dog's skin, but by incorporating nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods into their diet, you can help alleviate their itchiness and support their immune system.

At Zach's Pet Shop, we're here to help you find the perfect food for your pup. Contact our customer service team for assistance or check out our selection of dog foods today.

Feeding Your Itchy Dog: Tips and Tricks

Watch Those Portions

Overfeeding can make skin issues worse. Ask your vet for guidance on portion sizes based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level.

Small Meals, Big Benefits

Consider feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than two meals, one in the morning and the other in the evening. This can help keep their blood sugar levels stable and reduce inflammation.

Avoid Allergens

To effectively address itchy skin in dogs, it's crucial to identify and avoid potential allergens and food intolerances in their diet.

This can involve selecting hypoallergenic dog foods that are free from common allergens like wheat, soy, corn, and artificial additives, while also considering novel protein sources such as fish or kangaroo to minimise the risk of triggering allergic reactions.

Hypoallergenic and Limited Ingredient Foods

• Hypoallergenic diets: These foods contain hydrolysed proteins that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

• Limited ingredient foods: These diets focus on a single protein source and minimal ingredients to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Many high-quality dog food brands such as Prime100 offer limited ingredient options.

Freeze-dried whole sardines from Freeze Dry Australia are an excellent choice for dogs with skin allergies as they provide a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve coat and skin health.

These sardines are processed through freeze-drying, preserving their nutritional value and eliminating common allergens, making them a hypoallergenic and easily digestible option for sensitive dogs.

Supplements to Soothe Your Dog's Itchy Skin

Supplements can be used to reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, promote healing, and support overall skin and coat health in dogs with itchy skin. They can help relieve allergy symptoms, improve hydration, and provide essential nutrients that may be missing from a dog’s diet. Common supplements for itchy skin include omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, biotin, and antihistamines, which work together to soothe irritation and reduce excessive scratching.

Here are some of the most effective supplements you can consider:

Fish oil: 

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are essential fatty acids, fish oil helps reduce inflammation and supports healthy skin and coat. 

Biotin: 

This B vitamin promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails in both humans and animals. Supplementing your dog's diet with biotin may help improve their itchy skin condition.

Vitamin E: 

Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Adding this supplement to your dog's diet may also support skin and coat health.

Zinc: 

Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and immune function. A zinc deficiency could contribute to your dog's itchy skin issues.

Before introducing any new supplement into your pet's regimen, consult with a veterinarian who will be able to guide you on appropriate dosages based on factors such as the size or breed of the animal.

In addition to these supplements, there are various grooming products available at Zach's Pet Shop that can help provide itch relief for dogs. A tip is to look for shampoos or sprays containing soothing ingredients such as oatmeal or aloe vera. You can find a range of grooming products here. 

FAQs

What Is The Best Food for Dogs with Itchy Skin?

The best food for dogs with itchy skin is natural, hypoallergenic, and free from common allergens like wheat, soy, and artificial additives. Brands like Freeze Dry Australia, Prime100, and Drool by Dr. Chris Brown offer excellent options.

What Type of Diet Should I Follow for Dogs with Skin Allergies?

Avoid known allergens such as beef, chicken, dairy products, wheat gluten, or soy. Consider feeding them hydrolysed protein diets or single protein sources like kangaroo meat.

What Type of Food Should I Avoid for Dogs with Itchy Skin?

• Beef
• Dairy products
• Soy
• Corn
• Wheat gluten

What Are Some Home Remedies for Dogs With Itchy Skin

Coconut oil and fish oil supplements can help soothe irritated skin and promote a healthy coat. However, always consult your veterinarian before trying any home remedies to ensure your pet is receiving proper nutrition and veterinary care.

Do eggs help dogs with itchy skin?

Yes, eggs can help dogs with itchy skin, as they are rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins that promote overall skin health. Eggs also contain biotin (a B-vitamin) and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help reduce inflammation and improve skin conditions.

Before feeding your dog an egg, consult with your vet. Some medical conditions prevent dogs from being able to eat eggs.

Ian's Wrap

Take it from me, sooner or later you will find that your dog is constantly scratching. So that's why I advise dog owners to identify the cause of their itchy skin before choosing a nutritious diet and supplements as early as possible

I've seen this many times, the common allergens like certain proteins, grains, and environmental allergies such as fleas or pollen can be the root cause of their discomfort.

I would also recommend considering switching to a high-quality diet with limited ingredients that won't trigger allergies and incorporating supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to soothe their irritated skin.

Explore the assortment of natural treats and skin care products available at Zach's Pet Shop, designed to alleviate and prevent itchy skin in dogs. Discover the selection of, paw balm, and soothing lotions to provide your furry friend with relief and comfort.

About Ian

With an impressive track record of nearly 15 years, Ian has been supplying high-quality pet products to Australians, earning their trust and loyalty.