Dog food for sensitive skin

It’s ruff for our pups when their skin is feeling sensitive, but happily there are ways we can help. Today, we’re discussing what makes a good dog food for sensitive skin, which ingredients to avoid, and other tactics for easing your pooch’s symptoms.

Understanding sensitive skin in dogs

First off, let’s get a bit clearer about what we mean when we talk about a pup having sensitive skin. It’s quite a broad and common condition, with a lot of different causes and symptoms. Fortunately, it’s also something you can usually manage with sensitive skin dog food and a few minor lifestyle changes.

Some signs that suggest your pooch has sensitive skin include:

• Excessive scratching, chewing, or licking

• Red or inflamed skin

• Dry, flaky, or scaly skin

• Skin infections (which may cause an unpleasant smell)

• Rubbing their skin against the furniture or ground

The condition can also have a detrimental effect on your pet’s fur because their hair follicles are in their skin. As a result, you may notice additional symptoms like:

• Hair loss or thinning fur

• Dull fur

• A greasy coat

• Saliva staining on their fur from excessive licking

You might spot a change in your pup’s behaviour, too. For example, they may become restless or irritable, be quiet and withdrawn, not want to play, or lose their appetite.

The specific symptoms your mutt experiences will vary depending on the cause and severity of their sensitive skin. It could be down to genetics, environmental factors, or an underlying health condition. Some of the most common explanations include:

• Food allergies

• Sensitivity to other allergens, like dust or pollen

• An allergy to their shampoo or a household cleaner

• A dry environment (e.g. due to air conditioning or heating)

• Fleas and other parasites

• Yeast infections

• Skin conditions like dermatitis

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Stress

Sensitive skin can even be a seasonal response to changes in the weather. For instance, just like us, dogs often get dry skin in winter.

When to see a vet about your dog’s sensitive skin

In most cases, choosing a dog food for sensitive skin should help ease your pooch’s symptoms. However, that doesn’t mean changing your pet’s diet will definitely solve the problem. It won’t get rid of fleas, eliminate stress, or prevent an allergic reaction to a grooming product. The most appropriate treatment will therefore depend on the underlying cause of your pup’s sensitive skin.

But it’s not always easy to pinpoint what’s to blame. As such, it’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet if you notice any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned above. They’ll be able to help you determine both the cause of the issue and what to do about it. This might involve taking medication (e.g. to deal with an infection) as well as switching to skin-sensitive dog food.

Why diet matters for your dog’s skin health

What your pet eats has a direct impact on the condition of their skin. The most obvious example of this is with food allergies and intolerances. These can arise at any time, even in response to things your pooch has been happily eating for years. Some of the most common ingredients for dogs to be allergic to are beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat.(1) If you suspect an allergy or intolerance is behind your mutt’s skin condition, the vet may suggest an elimination diet. This can help you identify the problem ingredient and find a dog food for sensitive skin that doesn’t include it.

Nutritional deficiencies are also detrimental to the condition of our furry friends’ skin. The skin is the largest organ of your pup’s body, and it needs a steady supply of macro- and micronutrients to keep it healthy. For example, protein gives the skin structure and strength, while fatty acids maintain the skin barrier’s integrity and support hydration.

Many vitamins and minerals also play key roles in caring for your dog’s skin health. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage, while vitamin A aids skin growth and repair. And B vitamins help to boost hydration and synthesise skin fats. Moving on to minerals, zinc supports skin cell renewal, and magnesium helps maintain skin moisture and promote collagen production. A lack of these (and other) micronutrients can result in dry and flaky skin.

The best sensitive skin dog food will contain all these nutrients. They’ll also be in a bioavailable form, meaning your pet’s body can easily absorb and use them. But how can you tell this from the label?

What to look for in dog food for sensitive skin

The best food for dogs with sensitive skin should contain a named protein source like chicken, lamb, or beef. If your pooch has an allergy to one of these common proteins, you’ll need to search for alternatives. High-quality novel protein sources (i.e. ones your pet hasn’t eaten before) like duck, salmon, and venison are your best bet. Alternatively, you could look into hydrolysed protein dog foods, but we recommend speaking to a vet about this first.

Any dog food for sensitive skin worth considering will also be rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Ingredients such as oily fish, flaxseed, eggs, chicken, and plant oils are great options for providing these. And when it comes to vitamins and minerals, here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Vitamin A – egg yolks, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin

• Vitamin C – strawberries, spinach, broccoli

• Vitamin E – salmon, eggs, leafy greens

• B vitamins – meat, fish, eggs

• Magnesium – leafy greens, whole grains

• Zinc – meat, fish, eggs

• Copper – meat, fish, eggs, flaxseed

If you’re concerned your pet isn’t getting enough of a certain nutrient, supplements might be an option. However, you should consult a vet first to make sure it’s the right choice. Excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins (like A and E) and some minerals can lead to health problems in dogs. Dog food for sensitive skin labelled as ‘complete’ should contain all the nutrients your pooch requires in the correct proportions.

Finally, probiotic and prebiotic ingredients can support skin health by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Oats, pumpkin, bananas, plain and unsweetened yoghurt and kefir are all fantastic choices for this.

Ingredients to avoid in sensitive skin dog food

Finding a good dog food for sensitive skin isn’t just about knowing what the right ingredients are. It’s also about recognising the wrong ones. And this doesn’t only apply to foods that your pet is allergic to (though of course stay away from those!).

You want to steer clear of foods made with low-quality ingredients too. That includes artificial colours, flavourings and preservatives, fillers, and additives like corn syrup. Likewise, if the label lists ‘meat byproducts’ or ‘animal derivatives’ as the primary protein source, it’s unlikely to be the finest option. If you’re at all unsure of what to feed a dog with sensitive skin, ask your vet for personalised advice.

Tips for feeding dogs with sensitive skin

Once you’ve chosen a dog food for sensitive skin, you might think it’s best to make the switch immediately. However, unless your pup has an allergy to their current food, this isn’t the optimal approach. Sudden changes in diet can cause tummy troubles for your furry friend, whereas a gradual transition allows their gut to get used to the new grub.

Feed your pet a mixture of the old and new food, slowly increasing the proportion of the new chow. Do this over a period of seven to ten days until all they’re eating is the sensitive skin dog food. If they experience any issues like diarrhoea or vomiting, slow down the transition even further.

Once your pooch is solely tucking into the dog food for sensitive skin, start keeping track of their progress. Their symptoms are unlikely to disappear overnight, so be patient! Things to monitor include how much your pet scratches, and the size of red or dry patches and bald spots. If your mutt’s symptoms don’t show any sign of improving, speak to a vet. It could be that a different approach is necessary, such as taking medication to deal with fleas or existing infections.

If your pooch has a food allergy, the vet might recommend a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet. These are usually temporary, and the aim is to ascertain which food(s) your pet is allergic to. For the best chance of success, you have to resist the temptation to give your dog treats! You’ll also need to hide any flavoured chew toys and make sure they don’t sneak bites from your plate.

Functional foods for your dog’s sensitive skin

Another option is to turn your pup’s current grub into a dog food for sensitive skin by adding extra ingredients. Functional foods can be great for boosting the nutritional value of your pet’s meals and supporting their skin health.

For instance, chia seed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. As such, it may lessen inflammation and increase skin hydration. Another fantastic option is sea buckthorn oil or powder. These come from tiny berries that are bursting with omega-7 fatty acids, beta-carotene, folate, and vitamins C and E. The ingredient could therefore help to alleviate dry skin and soothe itchiness.

Medicinal mushrooms can also help you create the best food for dogs with sensitive skin. As an example, reishi mushroom powder contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory properties, so could calm inflamed skin. The fungus is rich in ganoderic acid too, which can assist in balancing histamine levels. Because of this, it may ease symptoms caused by allergies. What’s more, reishi supports the immune system, potentially helping your pooch fight off skin infections.(2)

Finally, if you think stress might be causing or exacerbating your mutt’s sensitive skin, ashwagandha powder could be helpful. Studies show that the plant can reduce signs of stress and anxiety in our canine companions.(3) We’ve also got an article on how to ease separation anxiety in dogs that you may find useful.

To harness one of these ingredients, simply mix it into your pet’s normal wet food. We recommend speaking to a vet first though, to check that it’s suitable for your dog’s individual needs. This is especially pertinent if they have an existing health condition or are on any medication.

Beyond diet: other ways to help dogs with sensitive skin

Feeding your pooch specific dog food for sensitive skin is important, but it’s not the only step you can take. For instance, you could apply some products topically to soothe irritation or ease dryness. Aloe vera is an effective option because it helps to moisturise skin, relieve itching, and promote healing. It’s also naturally antimicrobial and rich in antioxidants. Just be sure to choose a gel that’s 100% pure, with no fragrances or alcohol.

Experts recommend brushing your pup regularly too. This can increase blood circulation and remove dirt and other debris that could irritate the skin. In addition, bathe them every one to three months (depending on how mucky they get!) with a sensitive skin shampoo. Too often may strip the natural oils from their skin and dry it out.

If your pooch’s skin problems are because of environmental allergens like pollen or dust, try:

• Washing their bedding frequently

• Wiping their paws when they enter the house

• Vacuuming and dusting more regularly

• Going for walks in the early morning or the evening, when the pollen count tends to be lower

Lastly, make sure your pet is up to date with their flea treatments to avoid pest-related skin issues.

The best food for dogs with sensitive skin

Having sensitive skin is no fun for your pup, but with the right approach, it’s usually easy to manage. The most suitable method will depend on the underlying cause of your pet’s condition. When choosing dog food for sensitive skin, first identify if there are any allergens you need to avoid. Then look for a ‘complete’ product that’s rich in named animal proteins – possibly novel ones – and omega fatty acids. Other key nutrients your pooch needs include vitamins A and E, B vitamins, and zinc. You can also add functional foods to your dog’s meals to help support their skin health. Combined with the other tips above, this should help keep any itchiness, dryness, and irritation at bay!