If your dog suffers from skin allergies, choosing the right food can make a difference for your dog’s comfort and health. Allergies in dogs are a common concern from pet owners and can cause itchiness, red patches, hair loss, inflammation, and secondary skin infections.
Most pet allergies are not caused by food allergens, however. Food allergies in dogs are uncommon, with only 0.2% of dogs impacted. Environmental factors such as dust, fleas and ticks, or pollen are more common causes.
However, for dogs that do suffer from food-related sensitivities, diet is an important factor for symptom management. Avoiding common allergens and supplementing nutrients that help decrease inflammation and support overall skin health can make a huge difference for many pets.
Most Common Dog Food Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system incorrectly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. The resulting allergic reaction is the immune system’s attempt at eliminating the allergen from the body. Dogs can develop allergies to certain compounds present in their food, and these allergic reactions create inflammation in the body, which commonly manifest as skin issues and/or digestive problems.
Best Food for Skin Allergies
The most common dog food allergies are caused by animal proteins, and one of the most common protein allergens for dogs is beef. Beef is a commonly used protein in commercial dog foods, but it can trigger itching, hot spots, and skin inflammation in sensitive dogs. Chicken, a staple in many dog foods, is another common allergen and, while it is considered highly digestible, it can be a trigger for many dogs. Even less common proteins like lamb, pork, and fish can cause reactions in certain dogs.
Sensitivities to grains, such as wheat and corn, are even more uncommon than allergies to proteins, but they do arise in a select few dogs. Soy is another ingredient that, while true allergies are rare, may impact sensitive dogs.
Eggs and dairy are two other possible suspects. While eggs are highly digestible, dogs that are allergic to chicken may have a sensitivity to eggs as well. Dairy that has not been treated with the lactase enzyme should be avoided for all dogs to prevent gastrointestinal (GI) upset. Dairy contains lactose, which is a sugar, and dogs, like all mammals other than humans, do not produce the enzyme lactase that needed to break down this sugar, making them lactose-intolerant. In addition to causing GI distress, it can also create inflammation that may present as skin itchiness.
The best dog foods for skin allergies are likely those that minimize exposure to some of the above-listed common allergens. However, many diets that avoid using common proteins or grains are expensive, so it may be worth a visit to your veterinarian to first rule out environmental allergens as the cause.
Many commercial dog foods have a long list of ingredients on the back of the bag. These ingredients help ensure the proper levels, and ratios, of nutrients your dog needs to thrive. However, the more ingredients a food has, the more difficult it is to pin one down as the culprit for your dog’s itchy skin. That’s where limited-ingredient diets can be helpful, as they typically contain a single source of animal protein and fewer ingredients overall, reducing the chances of triggering an allergy and helping to give you a starting place to determine what ingredients are to blame for your dog’s allergic reactions.
Novel protein diets are also a good option if you think, or know, that the animal protein source in your dog’s diet is to blame. These diets utilize proteins your dog has likely never been exposed to before, such as venison, bison, kangaroo, duck, and rabbit. Grain-free or limited grain diets may be a good option if your dog has a known allergy to some of the commonly used grains.
Selecting a diet that has skin-supporting nutrients is also key for our pets with itchy skin. Finding a food that contains a good source of omega-3 fatty acids will help support skin health and reduce inflammation. Ingredients such as fish oil, flaxseed, and marine microalgal oil may be used to supply these nutrients in many diets. You can also supplement omega-3 fatty acids.
Probiotics supplements or feeding probiotic-rich food aids in digestion and helps improve skin health. A healthy gut can improve your dog’s immune system and reduce the likelihood, and severity, of skin flare-ups. Supplements containing ingredients such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin E can help promote a healthy skin and coat and are beneficial for dogs suffering from skin issues.
For dogs with chronic skin conditions or severe allergies, a hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed diet may be the only option to help reduce allergy symptoms. Some brands offer hypoallergic formulas designed specifically for dogs with food sensitivities. They often contain a source of hydrolyzed protein, such as hydrolyzed chicken or soy. The process of hydrolyzation uses enzymes to break proteins down into smaller, more easily digestible pieces, such as amino acids and peptides, that the body can use. These smaller pieces are less likely to trigger an immune response in the body, making it an ideal choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. If your dog is on a veterinary prescription diet, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to their diet to ensure they do not have ingredients that should be avoided.
Whenever your dog is on a diet with the goal of reducing allergies, it is important to apply the same rules for their food to any treats, meal toppers, and supplements that you give them to ensure you are eliminating all sources of allergens. Managing your dog’s itchy skin starts with identifying and eliminating ingredients to which they may be sensitive. By choosing a high-quality, allergen-reducing dog food and monitoring their symptoms, you may be able to reduce skin irritation and improve their overall well-being. If your dog’s allergies persist, consult with your veterinarian for further testing or recommendations, which may include a more tailored diet or medical treatments in conjunction with a diet change.
