TL;DR:
Dogs with skin allergies can benefit from diet changes. Food proteins often trigger skin allergies. Switching to fish-first dog food can reduce symptoms of allergies while improving overall health.
Main Points:
- Skin allergies in dogs can be caused by diet.
- Allergies are immune responses to food proteins.
- Common allergens: beef, chicken, pork, dairy, eggs, lamb, wheat, soy, corn.
- Symptoms: itchy skin, hives, chronic infections, GI distress.
- Best foods: fish and venison-based, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
An itchy patch on your pup usually isn’t cause for concern. However, pet parents should keep an eye out for excessive itching and scratching. Dogs with skin allergies can scratch themselves raw, leading to wounds that are susceptible to infection. Yowch!
Skin allergies in dogs can be caused by many things, including your pet’s diet. If that’s the case, we believe that’s a good thing! Once you change your pet’s food, the itching will calm down, leaving your pup free to live happily itch-free!
Let’s look at why food sensitivities occur and explore some of the best foods for dogs with skin allergies.
What Causes Skin Allergies in Dogs?
Before we dig in, we want to make sure to distinguish between skin allergies and skin sensitivities.
Allergies are an immune response triggered by an outside stimulus, such as your pet’s food.
Sensitivities, also known as intolerances, build up gradually over time, usually in response to a single ingredient. Both allergies and sensitivities might necessitate a change in your dog’s diet.
Allergies in dogs are the result of an overactive immune system. If they have an allergy, your dog’s body will begin producing antibodies against that ingredient in their food. Most commonly, this occurs with major sources of protein, like beef, chicken, or dairy. When the antibodies react against these ingredients, it will trigger symptoms, such as itching, to occur.
Food allergies are more likely to develop if you’ve fed your dog one type of protein for a long time.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Allergies in Dogs
If your dog has developed a skin allergy caused by its diet, you might notice the following symptoms:
- Itchy skin, ears, or paws
- Hives
- Chronic skin infections
- Dry or oily skin
- Hair loss
- Sores
You’ll most likely notice irritation around your pet’s eyes, ears, and paws. However, some dogs experience hot spots on their torsos or limbs.
Food allergies can manifest in many ways, even beyond skin irritation. Some dogs may experience GI distress, such as diarrhea or vomiting. In such cases, you might notice your pet beginning to lose weight.
You might also notice behavior changes in your pet. They might become preoccupied with itching and less likely to play. Some dogs may become lethargic, hyperactive, or even aggressive.
If you notice symptoms or a change in your dog’s behavior, always schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
Food to Avoid for Dogs with Skin Allergies
The most common trigger for dogs with skin allergies are proteins. Both animal and plant proteins can trigger an immune response. That includes certain grains, such as wheat.
Take note of the primary protein source in the food you’re currently feeding your dog. Consider substituting it for a different protein to see if anything changes.
The most common food allergens include:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Lamb
- Wheat
- Soy
- Corn
With that said, it’s possible for dogs to develop an allergy to almost any ingredient. That can include additives, which can be more challenging to identify. We recommend that you bring your furry friend in to see the vet if you notice symptoms. They will be able to help you develop an elimination diet and identify the allergen causing the discomfort.
The Best Dog Food for Dogs with Skin Allergies
Following a vet-supervised elimination diet, many pet owners find themselves in search of new pet food. Consider the following protein sources when making a change.
Fish-based Dog Foods
It’s rare for dogs to develop an allergy to fish because it’s considered a novel protein source. Fish is not only a safe allergy-friendly option but can even be beneficial for itchy pets. Fish are a naturally rich source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to reduce inflammation in dogs, which can relieve itching and skin irritation.
Likewise, omega-3 fatty acids are associated with coat health. If your dog has patchy fur after scratching, feeding it fish can encourage it to grow back sleeker, softer, and shinier. Omega-3s have even also been found to support wound healing, which can be helpful if your dog has developed sores or hot spots.
Additionally, pet food rich in omega-3s can:
- Reduce joint pain and inflammation
- Encourage healthy brain development
- Strengthen a dog’s immune system
- Benefit your pet’s heart health
Like humans, dogs can’t produce omega-3s on their own, so the only way they can obtain these nutrients and their benefits is through their food.
Furthermore, fish is a lean protein. While it packs a big nutritional punch, it tends to be lower in calories and fat than other protein sources. As a result, it can be helpful for weight management and overall health.
Venison-based Dog Foods
Venison is another novel source of lean protein that rarely triggers immune responses in dogs. It’s a highly digestible form of red meat, which helps dogs break it down and better absorb the nutrition. This can be helpful if your dog’s food allergies involve GI symptoms.
Some of the beneficial vitamins and minerals in venison include:
- Vitamin B
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
- Iron
Like fish, venison is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, it contains up to five times more of these healthy fats than beef!
Dogs With Skin Allergies Benefit from Fish-first Diets
Ultimately, fish is the best food for dogs with skin allergies.
A fish-based diet can help resolve irritation in dogs with skin allergies and help prevent their onset in dogs without allergies. Plus, the incredibly beneficial omega-3 fatty acids benefit overall health and wellness in all dogs, supporting everything from heart health to joint health. Dogs who eat fish are often more energetic, with shinier coats and healthier immune systems.
Are you ready to give a fish-first diet a try? Dive into our fish-first dog food and see the benefits of switching to fish for yourself.
