TL;DR:
Discover the best dog foods for sensitive skin to soothe your itchy pet. Learn about symptoms, causes, and top food recommendations like fish, turkey, and venison to promote healthy skin and reduce inflammation. Consult your vet for a tailored diet plan.
Main Points:
- Identify signs of sensitive skin, such as itching and hair loss.
- Causes include genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
- Top recommended dog foods: fish-based, turkey, and venison.
- Look for novel proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
- Consult your vet before making dietary changes.
Are you the owner of an itchy, scratchy dog?
Sensitive skin can be uncomfortable, causing hair loss, dry patches, and painful hot spots. Once you’ve confirmed your pup isn’t dealing with fleas, it’s a good idea to take a look at their diet.
In many cases, the right nutritional support can safeguard against sensitive skin, regardless of the cause. In this guide, we’ll recommend the top dog foods for sensitive skin. Discover which foods soothe itchy pets and why ingredients make a big difference.
Continue reading to stop the itch with the best dog foods for sensitive skin.
How To Know if Your Dog Has Sensitive Skin
One of the trickiest parts about owning and loving a dog is that they can’t speak. That means if something is wrong, it’s up to you as the pet parent to spot it.
In the case of sensitive skin, the most obvious symptom is excessive itching and scratching. While the occasional itch is normal, dogs with sensitive skin tend to scratch four or more times per day. Furthermore, the scratching may be intense and even cause self-inflicted wounds.
Other signs of sensitive skin in dogs can include:
- Hair loss or bald spots
- Flaky, dry patches of skin
- Rashes, redness, or irritation
- Licking paws and using them to wipe the face
- Dragging body parts against the ground or other surfaces
Be aware that these can also be symptoms of other issues, such as fleas, yeast infections, mange, or other diseases. Some causes, like ringworm, can even spread and cause itching in humans. It’s a good idea to see your vet to confirm any diagnosis. Always consult a professional before making any major dietary changes.
Why Is Your Dog’s Skin Sensitive?
Skin sensitivity tends to be caused by genetic or environmental factors. Most commonly, dogs have a genetic predisposition to certain allergens, including those found in popular pet foods.
In other cases, dry air can lead to skin changes. Many pets are sensitive to heaters or air conditioning, which can impact moisture levels in their skin. Occasionally, dogs also have seasonal sensitivities, especially if there is a major shift in the weather.
According to the State of Pet Health report, environmental allergies tend to be more common than food allergies. However, a change in diet can still reduce itchiness and other symptoms.
The Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Skin
The ideal dog food for skin sensitivities contains certain skin-supporting nutrients that promote healthy skin and coats. These skin-friendly foods are also less likely to contain the most common food allergens, such as beef, dairy, and chicken.
However, even vet-performed allergy tests can be unreliable. Thus, an elimination diet is often the first course of action for treating sensitivities.
As a result, food for dogs with sensitive skin usually involves novel protein sources. This means feeding your dog proteins they haven’t eaten before. More importantly, they should contain ingredients that decrease skin inflammation, regardless of what that inflammation is caused by. These types of pet food include amino acids, especially Omega-3 fatty acids.
Here are the top ingredients to look for when choosing food for sensitive skin dogs.
1. Cold-Water Fish and Seafood
To conquer inflammation of all types, the first ingredient in your dog’s food should be fish. It’s rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which don’t occur naturally in your dog’s body and need to come from their diet. These fatty acids’ natural anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe itchy or irritated skin, regardless of the cause.
Ensure the formula meets your pet’s overall nutritional needs. A complete fish-based formula is a great way to conquer genetic or environmental sensitivities.
Look for recipes with salmon or leaner fish like haddock, cod, trout, or Acadian redfish.
Other benefits of feeding your dog a fish-based diet include:
- Great source of protein. Fish can support your active dog’s muscles by serving as a source of amino acids.
- Helps with weight control. Fish is a leaner and more efficient protein source than beef or chicken, helping to control your pet’s weight and promote heart health.
- Shinier coat. In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, Omega-3s promote sleek, soft, and shiny fur.
- Immune system boost. Fish contains vitamins A, D, and E, along with selenium, which can support your pet’s immune system, keeping them healthy and happy.
2. Turkey Based Dog Food
Another inflammation-busting protein worth trying is turkey. Turkey contains selenium, which bolsters your dog’s immune system while reducing inflammation. It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, though not as much as you’ll find in fish-based dog foods. Also, like fish, it’s a leaner protein, which can help with weight management and heart health.
3. Venison Based Dog Food
If your dog’s sensitivities stem from overexposure to one protein, venison may be a strong choice. It’s a high-quality protein and contains iron, zinc, and Vitamin B, which support the immune system and can ensure a shiny, healthy coat.
Other novel protein sources that might help include:
- Lamb
- Bison
- Kangaroo
- Duck
- Goose
- Pork
Soothe Sensitive Skin with a Fish-First Diet
It’s wise to see your vet if you’re concerned about your pet’s sensitive skin. In addition to dog foods for sensitive skin, they may be able to recommend other treatments. For example, a dog who is sensitive to dry air might benefit from a humidifier.
With that said, feeding your dog a complete, fish-based dog food can be key to life-long health and wellness. It’s a lean, nutritious source of inflammation-busting fatty acids. Fish has the power to address everything from itchiness to joint pain. Plus, most dogs find it delicious!
Are you ready to make the switch? Dive into our fish-first dog food and experience the difference for yourself. Your furry family will appreciate it!
