Dogs can get itchy skin due to many different reasons, including allergies, a nutrient-deficient diet and pests, like fleas, lice and ticks. The skin is an organ and, in a lot of cases, a problem with your dog’s “inside” organs will manifest as problem on the “outside” organ – the skin. Toxins tend to build up in your dog’s body and affect his/her internal systems. This can either be from over-medicating your dog or a poor quality diet.
Whether the cause of itchy skin has a dietary or allergy connection or not, it is very important to feed your dog food that is of a high quality. Although the right dog food is not a cure, it can go a long way in bettering the condition.
Best dog food for itchy skin
The first thing to eliminate from your dog’s diet when he/she starts showing signs of itchy skin is gluten and grains. Studies have shown that grains that have been genetically modified tend to cause adverse skin reactions in dogs that are already prone to have sensitive skin. Another option is to start feeding your dog food that is made from organic whole grains, but still try to avoid gluten, husks and hulls.
In the event that your dog is sensitive to dry dog food with meaty flavour, try giving him/her the real deal – raw or lightly cooked meat. Be sure not to overcook the meat, as the amino acid structure in the meat can be altered by heat processes. This accordingly changes the form of the protein and your dog’s body may have an adverse reaction to the altered protein. Some people recommend staying away from lamb meat and only serve your dog beef, turkey, duck or white fish.
It is also very important to feed a dog with itchy skin moist food, whether it is canned, cooked, home-made or raw. Further, always make sure that your dog has fresh and plenty of drinking water. Also try adding the following ingredients to your dog’s diet: EPA ( eicosapentaenoic acid) or DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from fish oils and algae, high potency acidophilus cultures (probiotics), Omega 3 supplement and Omega 6 Fish Oils, flax seeds or flax seed oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, Lecithin granules, nutritional yeast or hypoallergenic B-complex, kelp powder, spirulina and a herb mixture of alfalfa, nettles and horsetail.
Do not make the mistake on putting your dog on a low-fat diet. Dogs need good fat for good skin and coat quality. It keeps the skin moist, which reduce itchiness. If your dog has a weight problem, rather cut the commercially sold, empty calorie treats, but do not cut the fat. However, be careful of giving too many fatty acid supplements, as too much fatty acids in your dog’s system can upset their stomachs and cause vomiting.
Please remember to always discuss treatments, as mentioned above, with your dog’s vet. They know your dog and what is best dog food for dogs with itchy skin, to keep their skin healthy and itch-free.
