Can dry dog food cause itchy skin

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One of the most obvious signs your dog is eating well is a healthy coat. A setter or spaniel with a glossy coat is a beautiful sight, and a greyhound or Jack Russell terrier with a smooth, sleek coat is the very picture of health. While some breeds have a wiry coat, fur that is actually dry and brittle can be a sign that your dog needs a different food. If your dog is scratching a lot, you might start to really wonder about their diet. What is the best option? Should you switch to tinned, wet dog food? Can dry dog food cause itchy skin?

Itchy skin is more than just uncomfortable for your dog. Its a clear sign something is amiss. Scratching damages the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infections. If the problem isnt solved, it can lead to significant hair loss as well as misery for the poor dog. While supplements and treats such as Leader Nutri Vigor Skin and Coat Care Treats give your dogs coat a boost, they are not medicine and they dont get to the root of the problem. If your dog is scratching a lot, it is a sign of a problem. The trick is figuring out what the problem is.

Can Dry Dog Food Cause Itchy Skin?

It seems logical dry food, dry skin? But it is not that simple. Dry dog food should not be dehydrating. A quality dry dog food that will support healthy skin and a glossy coat must include plenty of protein, oils and omega 3. Fish-based foods such as the Go Native Organic Salmon with Spinach and Ginger and Go Native Organic Herring with Carrot and Kale.

But the wrong dog food can damage your pets skin and coat. A food can be wrong for your dog for a variety of reasons and the same food can be right for another dog. Food allergy or intolerance can make a wholesome, healthy food unhealthy for an individual dog. Changing food usually upsets a dogs stomach, but if you try a new food and your dog begins scratching and/ or losing fur, it could be that the new food has an ingredient your dog cant tolerate. No amount of supplements or added oils will help much in that case. To find the right food for a dog with food allergies or intolerance, you must find out which ingredient is the problem. You might be able to do that by comparing the labels to see what is different between the old food and the new one.

Why Is My Dog So Itchy?

Diet is not usually the cause of a dog itching and scratching. Fleas are prime suspects, even if the dog is not hopping with them. All dogs should be protected with an anti-parasite treatment, preferably one that also covers ticks. But if you suspect fleas, you can investigate a bit more. Brush out your dogs coat so it is free of tangles. Then use a fine toothed comb aka a flea comb- to work through the fur. You might be surprised to discover fleas or evidence theyve been on your dog. If you see tiny dark flecks, that isnt just dirt. It is the waste the fleas leave behind.

Dogs can also suffer environmental allergies that cause their skin to get itchy. They can react to anything from garden chemicals to pollen to their shampoo to mould. Anxiety and boredom can also lead to excessive scratching, licking and chewing. You can eliminate some suspect things around the house to see if it helps, but really, this is one for your vet. They can treat your dog to relieve the itching while you work together to discover the cause.

One major danger of a dog scratching a lot is that they can damage their skin. The standard pattern is that the dog will start itching, and this irritates the skin. Then the dog starts to lick and chew the itchy spot, leading to very red, sore skin and some fur loss. Once the skin is damaged, it can easily develop an infection, causing more irritation, which only makes the poor dog chew and lick the spot more. These are called hot spots, and they make dogs miserable. This is why we need to take action when we notice our dogs scratching more than usual.

Keeping Your Dogs Skin Healthy

Your dog doesnt need a skin care regime like yours, but they do need some help to keep their skin healthy and their coat glossy. All dogs benefit from regular brushing. Breeds with short, sleek coats such as Beagles and Greyhounds dont absolutely need daily brushing, but going over them with a soft brush at least weekly will remove loose hairs and stimulate blood circulation in the skin. Dogs with longer hair do need more frequent brushing to prevent mats from developing and to brush out any irritating bits of grass, twigs or other debris that got caught in their coat on their walks.

Excess bathing can irritate the skin, but some dogs do need regular baths. Check the guidelines for your breed or, for mixed breeds, for those breeds most like your dog. Poodles and poodle mixes benefit from professional grooming because of their fur texture. Most dogs do not strictly need haircuts, but many benefit from a nice trim from a groomer when the weather gets warm.

Whenever you are concerned about your dogs skin and coat, worried about how much they are scratching or curious about whether or not they need a professional trim, talk to your vet. Their knowledge of your individual dog as well as the needs of that type of dog put them in the best position to advise you.

What In Dog Food Makes Them Itch

What Helps Dogs Dry Itchy Skin

What Makes Dogs Itch?

Dogs with Dry Skin: Treatment Keep your dog on a flea and tick preventative. Feed your pet a high quality diet and address any food allergies. Use a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs, as well as a conditioner. Use a gentle hypoallergenic conditioning shampoo and spray on conditioner. Brush your dog regularly.

Can Grain In Dog Food Cause Itching

Over time you may become exposed to grains repeatedly without developing an allergy. You can also find itchy skin, chronic ear infections, as well as discolorations of feet from licking the pet food excessively if your pet has grain allergies. Currently, many human foods as well as dog foods contain grains.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Turkey Entree Grain

Top 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Liver, Meat By-Products, Water, Beef

If your dog isnt fond of dry food, then Purina Pro Plan Turkey Entree is one of the best wet recipes you can find. Its a grain-free recipe, which makes it a good choice for puppies with itchy skin. The high amount of omega fatty acids promotes a healthy coat and better cognitive development.

This recipe has quality proteins needed for muscle development. Its a great option for a smart, strong pup.

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Simplify The Ingredient List

The best way to identify your dogs food allergy is through the process of elimination. And, thats a much easier task when your dogs food has a very short ingredient list.

This is where the discussion about commercial dog foods comes into play. If your dog is suffering from food allergies, that doesnt mean that theyll be allergic to all commercial dog foods. But, because the ingredient lists for these types of food tend to be so long, it can be difficult to pinpoint which ingredient is causing your dog digestive discomfort. You might find yourself swapping from one food brand to another while never finding out which ingredient is causing the food allergies.

All-natural meals, on the other hand, tend to have simple ingredient lists that will give you more control over what your dog is eating.

Is It Safe To Give Them Homemade Food Recipes

Irritating symptoms such as itchiness, rash, poor skin quality, loss of hair can be reduced if you introduce proper homemade diet. In the case of food allergies, determining the cause is of utmost significance. For this reason, using carefully selected ingredients to prepare simple meals at home can be of great assistance.

Homemade recipes for pups with dermatological issues should be in line with nutrition advice from your vet. It is important to provide optimal levels of supplements in the form of essential oils and fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and probiotic formulas as well.

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How Do You Know If A Dog Needs Grain Free Food

If you see any of these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian!The following are symptoms that would be expected in dogs that have food allergies or other types of allergies, including environmental and flea allergies: Itchiness. Excessive hair loss. Bald patches. Inflamed skin. Sores and scabs. Hot spots.

Make Golden Turmeric Paste At Homeincredible Anti

Probably the strongest home made anti-inflammatories out there for itchy dogs is Golden Turmeric Paste. Its a wonderfully effective and easy-to-make treatment that comes with a lot of solid science behind the active ingredient curcumin. Simply cook up some turmeric in good quality coconut oil with some ground black pepper and add it to their food. Careful its so effective it can clash with any other anti-inflammatories the dog might be on. Use one or the other . Heres how to make golden turmeric paste for itchy dogs!

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What Should I Feed My Dog With Itchy Skin

For dogs, scratching is a normal and essential element of grooming, just like licking and chewing. But what do you do when your dog just wont stop scratching?

This behavior can be motivated by anxiety or boredom, or it may have a clearer physical cause. In either case, constant scratching is a sign your dog is trying to relieve some irritation theyre experiencing, so its important to try to pin down the source of that discomfort.

Whether its a pest, an allergy, or a behavioral tic, getting to the source of the problem is the first step toward effectively alleviating your dogs discomfort.

What causes itchy skin in dogs?

The most common causes of itching in dogs include parasites like fleas and ticks, allergies, skin disorders, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Lets dive into each of them one by one.

Fleas and ticks: Fleas are common nuisances that can live for up to a year and reproduce rapidly. Theyre parasitic creatures, needing a host to live on, so the ASPCA advises human companions to check their dogs body for tiny dark or white specks in their coat. These are often most prevalent on a dogs abdomen, near the base of the tail and around their neck. Patches of missing fur, scabs, and extra-sensitive hot spots are also resulting symptoms. Tapeworms, which are typically discovered in your pups stool, are another sign your dog likely has a flea problem, as dogs usually get tapeworms from ingesting an infected flea during grooming.

How can food help?

Try Some Salt Therapy In Your Itchy Dog

Homemade Dog Food for Itchy Skin

I know, sounds crazy, but weve recently Ive had some success with salt therapy. Its a really simple process where you offer the dog 4 different waters, 3 of which contain a little high-quality salt, the fourth is plain, distilled water. You allow the dog to choose. Its a fascinating process, based on an unbalance of electrolytes, your dog will sniff out what he needs. Theres been a lot of good news stories with it. Youve nothing to lose by trying it yourself! More here on our !

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Team Up With Your Veterinarian

If you notice any of the above symptoms or anything else out of the ordinary, the best course of action is to initiate a conversation with your veterinarian who knows your pets unique health profile and who can best help you identify if it is a food allergy or a food sensitivity and suggest the right dog food for itchy skin and eradicate the problem.

Most likely, your veterinarian will want to start with a series of diagnostic tests to get to an actual diagnosis. Determining food allergies is not usually a quick fix. Discuss the possible need for a medication such as an anti-inflammatory or an antihistamine to bring the situation under control more quickly. And, if it is food-related, the next step would be to work together to find the right dog food for your dogs itchy skin.

Most Common Food Allergies For Dogs

Chicken

• Digestive issues
• Watery eyes and runny nose

Understanding how to help dogs with dry skin and other derm issues can feel frustrating, and treatment can vary on a case-by-case basis depending on your dogs diagnosis. But in general, a combination of therapeutic nutrition that can help alleviate their signs and provide long-term care, plus veterinarian prescribed medication, can help prevent future flare-ups of skin allergies.

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How Do You Prevent Food Allergies In Dogs

Tips for Managing Dog Food Allergies Assess their diet. Assess your pets diet to determine if there is something in his food that he may be reacting to. One step at a time. Dont try too many fixes at once. Try an elimination diet. Every Protein is Different. Stick to it. Monitor and document changes. Consult your vet.

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Np Novel Protein Alligator Grain

Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Alligator, Peas, Pea Starch, Alligator meal, Pea Protein

Blue Buffalos veterinary diets are perfect for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs. Some dogs have negative reactions to common proteins, which can cause skin irritation and digestion problems. If your dog displays intolerance to other dog foods, this novel protein formula from Blue Buffalo can minimize those reactions.

This recipe contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed to promote healthy skin and coat. Plus, it is antioxidant-rich to support a healthy immune system.

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First Off Chat With Your Vet About The Best Diet For Itchy Dogs

Any time that youre considering a diet change for your pooch, your vet is going to be a great resource. Chances are, your pup isnt the first scratchy Saluki to walk through their doors, and they may be able to recommend solutions that have worked for their other patients.

Wise advice aside, your vet will help you monitor your dogs health as you try out different diet options. So, make sure to check in with them when youre thinking of making changes.

Keeping Your Dogs Skin Healthy

Your dog doesnt need a skin care regime like yours, but they do need some help to keep their skin healthy and their coat glossy. All dogs benefit from regular brushing. Breeds with short, sleek coats such as Beagles and Greyhounds dont absolutely need daily brushing, but going over them with a soft brush at least weekly will remove loose hairs and stimulate blood circulation in the skin. Dogs with longer hair do need more frequent brushing to prevent mats from developing and to brush out any irritating bits of grass, twigs or other debris that got caught in their coat on their walks.

Excess bathing can irritate the skin, but some dogs do need regular baths. Check the guidelines for your breed or, for mixed breeds, for those breeds most like your dog. Poodles and poodle mixes benefit from professional grooming because of their fur texture. Most dogs do not strictly need haircuts, but many benefit from a nice trim from a groomer when the weather gets warm.

Whenever you are concerned about your dogs skin and coat, worried about how much they are scratching or curious about whether or not they need a professional trim, talk to your vet. Their knowledge of your individual dog as well as the needs of that type of dog put them in the best position to advise you.

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Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain

Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas

The Taste of the Wild Pacific Dog food contains salmon as the primary protein source. Salmons protein content is beneficial for your dogs muscles, and its richness in omega fats also helps prevent itchy skin. If you want to nourish your dogs skin and coat, this dry dog food is a great choice.

Your dog also gets ample antioxidant support and prebiotics from real vegetables. The formula also includes a mix of minerals for full, all-around nutritional support to your dog. Its also free from grains and fillers to ensure premium nutrition.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Dog Food Allergy Rash

Homemade Itchy Dog Spray

When you see your dog itching and biting at their skin, many pet owners mistakenly believe that their pup has fleas. However, if you are on a monthly preventative, and you dont notice any bugs crawling on your dog, there could be another cause. Dog food allergy rash is a common cause of chronic itching in canines. How do you know if it is an allergy? Here are a few key things to look out for.

You Have Ruled Out Other Causes

There are many causes of itchy skin, so it is vital to get to the bottom of any medical problem. Make an appointment with your dogs veterinarian to ensure there isnt something else going on. Insects like fleas, ticks and mosquitos can cause an itchy rash. Bacterial infections of the skin, like mange, can also cause chronic itching and fur loss. Food is one of the most common causes of itchy skin, but you need to rule out more severe causes first.

What Are the Symptoms of a Dog Food Allergy Rash?

In a true dog food allergy, you will notice that certain foods will cause an adverse reaction in your dog. The ingredient will trigger your dog to release histamines, which can cause many symptoms, including:

• Hives
• Behavioral problems
• Trouble breathing

If you notice that your dog is experiencing a dog food allergy rash, talk to your veterinarian. You will need to find the culprit of the allergy, and avoid it whenever possible.

Most Common Allergic Ingredients

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American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain

Top 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Broth, Lamb Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil

American Journey Food offers relief from itching and allergy flare-ups. If your dog has food sensitivities, this limited ingredient diet can help control allergic reactions.

It has four ingredients, including lamb, sweet potatoes, and sunflower oil. Fewer ingredients make it easier for pet owners to avoid allergy-triggering substances. Its the best food for dogs allergic to grains, soy, potatoes, dairy, chicken, fish, beef, or eggs. Many dog owners rely on this dog food for good reason. It supports their pets overall health and relieves itching.

Does Your Dog Have Itchy Skin

Does your dog scratch and bite themself, creating bare patches where hair doesnt grow? Is the skin red and irritated, with a rash or little red bumps? Do you notice flaking skin or excessive shedding?

Skin problems will affect about one in three dogs at some time in their lives, and while there are many root causes, nutrition plays a key role. Some dogs develop sensitivities to ingredients in their food, setting up an inflammatory response that results in intense itching. Other dogs may be missing important fats or other nutrients in their diet that keep skin healthy. Making some changes to your dogs food and adding a few key supplements can work wonders.

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Natural Balance Lid Limited Ingredient Diets Potato & Duck Formula Grain

Top 5 Ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Sweet Potatoes

If you have a sensitive dog with itchy skin, Natural Balance LID Dog food offers a great solution. This dog food has carefully selected ingredients for dogs with fragile immune systems. The limited ingredient diet has duck protein and potatoes to minimize allergic reactions and digestive issues. Plus, the dog food is grain-free and contains no artificial ingredients that cause itchy skin.

The nutritious ingredients help rebuild and strengthen your dogs health, while the omega fatty acids maintain their shiny fur and skin.

Dog Food Allergy Symptoms

Sneezing. Ear infections. Chronic Diarrhea. Restlessness. Dog food allergy symptoms run the gamut from skin reactions to gastrointestinal troubles to behavioral issues.

Below youll find a full list, broken down by category, to help you identify whether your pup might be suffering from a food allergy. Note: its estimated that about a quarter to a third of dogs with a food allergy also have environmental allergy, which has similar, and at times indistinguishable, symptoms, says Dr. Shmalberg.

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When To Expect Results

Just as people want to see pounds lost on the scale the second day of a diet, when it comes to the best dog food for itchy skin, we often want immediate results after making a change in diet or adding a supplement. Veterinarians cited as little as a few days up to several months, depending on your dogs condition.

If there is an underlying food allergy, then response can take up to 12 weeks in some cases, with 8 weeks being more common, Dr. Delaney says. If the skin issue is solely related to poor skin or coat quality due to a diet that isnt meeting a pets specific needs for an essential nutrient like a fatty acid, improvement may be noticed in as early as several weeks.

Hopefully, this information serves as food for thought when it comes to giving your furry friend some relief. It might just result in the only scratching is you scratching his belly or behind his ears.

What Ingredient In Dog Food Causes Dogs To Itch

Wheat, maize, corn, and milk, among other dairy products, are among the ingredients that may cause these reactions. In addition, pets that eat animal foods with grains or cereals may consume mites, a microscopic arthropod that poses ar mite, a microscopic arthropod that can cause atopic dermatitis, especially in dogs.

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Elimination Diet For Dogs With Food Allergies

If an elimination diet is recommended for your dog, a specially formulated hypoallergenic food will be prescribed. For 8-10 weeks you will only feed your dog the prescribed food, completely eliminating all other food sources from your pets diet.

If one or more of the ingredients in your dogs regular food is the source of the symptoms, the elimination of the regular dog food should help to improve your dogs condition.

Its important to note that, for the elimination diet to work you must stop giving your dog treats during this period as well as their regular food. Only the hypoallergenic food should be fed to your dog while they are on the elimination diet.

Being on the elimination diet for 10 weeks will allow your dogs body to adjust to the new prescription food, and give your vet the opportunity to assess your dogs overall health.

If the allergy symptoms clear up while your dog is on the elimination diet, your vet may request that you return to feeding your dog their original diet to see if the allergy symptoms reappear.

While an elimination diet can be helpful in determining food allergies in dogs, other tests can also be useful, and provide quick results. Here at Germantown Parkway Animal Hospital our in-house lab allows our vets to test for the root of your pets problem and offer a customized treatment plan to start the healing process.