Got a sneaking suspicion that your dog’s persistent itch is linked to their food? You’re in the right place — allergic skin disorder was the most common pet insurance claim1 in 2023.
Food allergies and intolerances can be complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. There is, however, information that can factor into your choice of what to feed for itchy skin.
If you’re tired of the cycle of trial and error, Lyka's expert guide is a great place to start: always speak to your vet if your dog is experiencing chronic skin issues.
The short answer: what’s the best dog food for itchy skin?
To support resilient skin, research2 suggests opting for foods like:
🐟 Fish oil
🧡 Vitamin E, found in nuts and safflower oil
🍠 Butternut squash
🥬 Leafy greens like green cabbage, kale, and bok choy
💡 Certain ingredients may not be suitable for your dog — no two pups are the same. Speak to your veterinarian if you are unsure of their food allergens or intolerances.
The research-backed link between itchy skin and nutrition
Food allergies to certain ingredients can trigger an immune response, leading to skin itchiness. Only 10-15%3 of dogs’ skin reactions come from food as a direct cause, with all other symptoms being the result of environmental factors. Recent research4 has found that food may lead to itchiness flare-ups in dogs with environmental allergies.
)
Tips for finding an anti-inflammatory food for dogs with itchy skin
An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce itching associated with inflammation.
But what makes food anti-inflammatory, exactly?
Evidence5 suggests that in humans, diets rich in higher GI carbohydrates can contribute to further inflammation. In dogs, research6 shows that puppies fed processed food are at a higher risk of ear infections. In contrast, puppies given a natural diet early in life, especially when their mothers also ate naturally during pregnancy, have a lower risk.
What to avoid when choosing food for dogs with itchy skin
When managing skin itchiness in dogs, avoiding common allergens can help reduce diet-driven inflammation. These ingredients include wheat, corn, soy, and dairy.
To pinpoint which ingredient is causing a reaction in your dog, speak to your veterinarian about an elimination diet. With their support, you can eliminate exposure to food allergens — helping you in your search for a long-term diet that helps them thrive.
Haze the French Bulldog, for example, is genetically prone to skin issues and allergic to lamb, chicken, and beef. Her parent Jamilla felt like she’d tried every diet available until she discovered Lyka: now, her beloved pup gets to enjoy a variety of real food meals formulated with turkey, kangaroo, and fish.
)
What to look for when deciding what to feed dogs with itchy skin
Long-term food for dogs with itchy skin
Soothing ingredients, with anti-inflammatory effects, can strengthen your dog’s skin:
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), in the correct ratio to omega-6s, can reduce inflammation associated with skin conditions7 while boosting overall resilience. Puppies given fish oil supplements (which contain omega-3 EFAs) have lower risk8 of developing atopic dermatitis in adulthood. Look for ingredients like oily fish, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and cold-pressed GMO-free safflower oil.
Vitamin E reduces cell damage caused by free radicals reduces cell damage caused by free radicals9, making the skin less prone to itching and irritation, while improving sebum production. Sebum is a natural oil that supports hydrated and resilient skin. You can find Vitamin E in ingredients like seeds, nuts, and plant oils.
Phytonutrients (or “plant nutrients”) have potent anti-histaminic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, limiting allergic response. Look for ingredients like turmeric (containing curcumin10), blueberries (with quercetin11), and butternut squash (bursting with beta-carotene to support immunity and healthy skin texture12).
“Lyka’s classic bowls are packed with nutrients that are known to improve skin health, and avoid ingredients known to exacerbate skin disease. Lyka contains anti-inflammatory omega oils, prebiotics and antioxidants to support healthy skin and coats.”
— Dr Matthew J Muir, BVSc/BVetBiol (Hons), MRCVS
Treats and supplements for dogs with itchy skin
For dogs with itchy skin, it’s worth triple-checking the ingredient lists of any treats or supplements to make sure they don’t include any common allergens.
On the flip side, some products contain functional inclusions to support healthy skin:
Lyka’s Skin Supplement is bursting with anti-inflammatory ingredients and probiotics to support your dog’s skin, being rich in omega-3, vitamins, and minerals.
High quality treats, like Sardine Snaps and Mussel Munchies, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, bioactives, and vitamin E, B3, B12, and D.
💡 If you are transitioning your dog to a new food, and they have a history of sensitive skin or allergic reactions, take things slow — introducing foods gradually, and with veterinary consultation if needed.
What to feed fussy dogs with itchy skin
Some breeds (like Cavoodles and French Bulldogs) are more prone to skin itchiness, on top of being susceptible to fussy behaviour. When it comes to deciding on what to feed, this can feel like a bit of a double whammy.
This is a common issue: parents may struggle to find a food that alleviates symptoms while being enjoyable — every dog deserves mealtime zoomies. Many options on the market are formulated for dogs with itchy skin, but at the end of the day, they’re still bland, brown pellets.
Gently cooked real food, like Lyka, can support skin health while being delicious and appealing to your dog’s senses and preferences.
)
Join the 83% of customers* whose dogs have seen life-changing skin improvements on Lyka
To keep your dog's skin healthy, it's essential to provide a diet rich in antioxidants, like those found in Lyka's real food meals, which contain fish oil and a single source of limited protein:
Turkey: a novel, limited protein source high in zinc and containing turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Kangaroo: another novel, limited protein option, this meal is rich in zinc and polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help soothe irritated skin.
“Antioxidant deficiencies can lead to skin problems, premature aging and increased inflammation. Real food diets rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E and beta-carotene support skin by protecting against oxidative damage.”
— Dr Darcy Marshall, BSc, DVM
Design a diet for your dog today, giving them variety and joy at mealtimes while managing skin conditions like itchiness.
* Source: Lyka, May 2023. Online Sample: n=54 Lyka customers who indicated skin/coat issues, switched to Lyka as the primary meal source, feeding Lyka for over 3 months
1 https://www.southerncrosspet.co.nz/pet-hub/news/most-common-claims-2023
2 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jpn.13626
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25728611/
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5852758/
6 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1186131/full
7 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jpn.13626
8 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16211
9 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jpn.13626
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32602378/
