Best Dry Food for an Itchy Dog

If your dog is scratching, licking, or nibbling at their skin a little too often, they may be dealing with skin allergies. Skin allergies can be frustrating and uncomfortable for dogs, but luckily, there are plenty of ways to help ease their discomfort! One of the best ways is through the right diet. 

What Causes Skin Allergies in Dogs?

Skin allergies in dogs are often caused by a mix of environmental factors and sensitivities to certain foods. If your dog suffers from this, you are not alone, and neither is your dog. An estimated 15% of dogs suffer from skin allergies often triggered by pollen, dust mites, mould, grasses, plants and even flea bites. Food allergies, on the other hand, are typically due to specific ingredients in dog food, such as certain meats, grains, or artificial additives. If your dog has an adverse reaction to a protein or carbohydrate, it can manifest as skin problems like itchiness, redness, flaky skin, or rashes.

Sometimes, it’s not the ingredient itself but an imbalance in the diet that causes skin issues. For instance, a lack of essential fatty acids, which keep skin hydrated and resilient, can lead to dryness and irritation. Similarly, dogs with weaker immune systems may be prone to flare-ups.

Dog Breeds Prone to Skin Allergies

Some breeds are more likely to experience skin issues than others, often due to genetics. These breeds might benefit even more from a specialized diet:

• Bulldogs (English, French): Prone to skin folds that trap bacteria.
• Labrador Retrievers: Often have food sensitivities and seasonal allergies.
• West Highland White Terriers: Known for their sensitive skin.
• Dachshunds: Their sensitive skin can be affected by allergies and dryness.
• Boxers: Often face issues with food-related allergies.
• Golden Retrievers: Prone to both food and environmental allergies.

If you have one of these breeds, it’s worth paying extra attention to the ingredients in their food to keep their skin happy and comfortable.

Top Ingredients to Look for in Dry Dog Food for Skin Health

When choosing dry dog food for a dog with skin sensitivities, some ingredients can work wonders for their skin and coat. Here are a few you’ll want to look for:

• Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These are essential for reducing inflammation and keeping skin moisturized. Look for fish oil or flaxseed oil, which help maintain a healthy coat.
• Salmon or Ocean Fish: Fish-based diets are often gentler on dogs with sensitivities, and they’re naturally rich in omega-3s.
• Antioxidants: Ingredients like blueberries, turmeric, and spinach help fight off free radicals, which can worsen skin issues. Antioxidants strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin E: This vitamin supports a shiny coat and helps maintain the protective barrier of the skin, which is especially important for dogs with skin issues. According to AAFCO, dogs should have a minimum of 50 IU of vitamin E per kilogram of body weight daily.
• Zinc & Biotin: These minerals support skin health and help reduce dryness and itchiness. Zinc, in particular, helps repair damaged skin tissue and boosts the immune system.  The recommended daily intake of zinc for an average, healthy dog is between 2.5 – 4.5 mg per kg of body weight and  0.4 mg per 1kg of body weight of biotin.
• Pre and Probiotics: Probiotics aid in gut health, which is closely linked to skin health. A balanced gut microbiome can reduce inflammatory responses in the skin, especially for dogs with food sensitivities. Some examples of these are bananas, oats, legumes, chicory, flaxseed and yoghurt. 

Look for dry foods that highlight these ingredients and avoid common allergens like artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and fillers, as these can sometimes trigger reactions in dogs with sensitivities.

Check the ingredients! What to avoid feeding if your dog has skin allergies?

If your dog is prone to skin allergies, it's important to avoid certain ingredients in their food that could trigger flare-ups. Common things to avoid include:

• Common Proteins (Beef, Chicken, Dairy):  These are the most common allergens for dogs. Switching to novel proteins like kangaroo or duck can help reduce the risk of reactions.
• Grains (Wheat, Corn, Soy):  Many dogs with skin issues are sensitive to grains, which can contribute to inflammation and digestive upset.
• Artificial Additives:  Preservatives, colourings, and artificial flavours can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions.
• By-Products:  Low-quality meat by-products can contain unlisted ingredients that may cause allergies.
• High Sugar or Carbohydrate Content:  Excess sugar or carbs can lead to weight gain and inflammation, worsening skin issues.
• Fillers (White Rice, Potatoes, Wheat):  Some dogs may be sensitive to these fillers, leading to digestive issues and skin flare-ups.

Kibble or Raw: Which is Better for Skin Allergies?

When it comes to choosing kibble or raw, it depends on your dog’s specific needs, lifestyle, and sensitivities.

Dry Kibble

Quality dry dog food which supports skin health using ingredients rich in antioxidants and omega 3’s are convenient and more cost effective option for most pet parents. Look for products with single or limited-ingredients, to reduce the risk of triggering a reaction. Look for formulas with novel proteins (like lamb or kangaroo) and free from common allergens like corn, soy, or wheat.

Raw Diet

A raw diet can be beneficial for some dogs with skin allergies, as it’s free from many of the common additives and fillers found in lower quality kibble. Raw diets often include whole, natural ingredients that support skin health. However, raw diets aren’t for every dog or household as they can require careful handling and preparation and can be very costly, especially if feeding a larger breed.

Best Dry Dog Foods for Skin Health

Here are a few top picks to help manage skin allergies and promote a healthy coat:

1. Petzyo’s Salmon & Ocean Fish with Superfood Extras
   
   Packed with high-quality salmon, this kibble has a balanced Omega 6:3 ratio to keep inflammation down and help joints as well. The added antioxidants, probiotics, and a blend of greens like spinach and blueberries make it a winner for dogs with sensitive skin.
   
   
   
2. Petzyo’s Eco Woofer - BSFL with Superfood Extras
   
   
   
   This formula uses Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) which is an excellent protein option for dogs with skin allergies because it’s hypoallergenic, highly digestible, and packed with nutrients that support skin health. As a novel protein, BSFL is less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to more common sources like beef or chicken. It’s naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help reduce skin inflammation and improve coat quality, and contains essential minerals like zinc that aid skin repair and resilience.
   
   
3. Petzyo’s Kangaroo & Sweet Potato with Superfood Extras
   
   
   
   Kangaroo is an excellent protein choice for dogs with skin allergies because it’s lean, highly digestible, and hypoallergenic. As a novel protein, it’s less likely to trigger sensitivities than common meats like chicken or beef. Rich in omega-3s, kangaroo helps reduce skin inflammation and supports a healthy coat, while its high iron and zinc content strengthens skin and immunity. Paired with sweet potato, a natural prebiotic that promotes good gut bacteria, this combination can further reduce allergy symptoms and enhance skin resilience.

Bringing Out Your Dog’s Natural Glow

Switching your dog to a skin-sensitive diet isn’t an overnight fix, in fact, don't expect to see changes for at least 8 weeks due to the skin cycle, but with the right food, you’ll likely start to notice improvements in their coat and skin. Remember to introduce any new food slowly to avoid upsetting their stomach.

Final Woof

Skin allergies are no fun for dogs or their pet parents, but with a little help from the right food, you can make a big difference. Whether you opt for high-quality kibble or consider a raw diet, paying attention to specific ingredients can lead to less scratching and a shinier, healthier coat. Remember, your dog deserves to feel good in their own skin, and a nourishing, allergen-free diet is a fantastic place to start!