Understanding Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Can dogs have allergies? Yes! If your dog is constantly scratching or showing signs of irritated skin, allergies might be to blame. Many dogs are sensitive to common ingredients in their food, which can trigger uncomfortable skin reactions. While you should always consult your veterinarian before starting any treatments, the right dog food for skin allergies can help reduce this discomfort and improve your dog's overall well-being.

Let's explore the connection between nutrition and skin health to help you choose the best dog food for your allergy-prone pup.

Causes of Skin Allergies in Dogs

There are three main categories for causes of skin allergies in dogs: environmental, flea and food. Understanding the differences between them can be a helpful first step in meeting your pup's needs.However, keep in mind that some dogs can have a combination of dog skin conditions, so there may be overlap. This is why it's important to consult a vet before attempting any type of treatment.

Environmental

Commonly referred to as atopy or atopic dermatitis, environmental allergies are caused by a reaction to substances in the environment. Common causes of environmental allergies include tree and grass pollen, dust mites and molds. In many cases, clinical signs come and go with the seasons. As a result, some pet parents may report these as dog seasonal allergies.

Certain breeds are more prone to developing environmental allergies. These include:

• Labrador retrievers

• Golden retrievers

• West highland white terriers

• German shepherds

• Boxers

• Shiba inus

• American pit bull terriers

• Shih tzus

Atopic dermatitis is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning all other potential conditions that could cause the clinical signs seen are ruled out before making the diagnosis.

To help manage clinical signs, many dogs with environmental allergies are treated with medications that reduce itching and address skin infections when present. For long-term relief, a vet may recommend immunotherapy — commonly administered through injections or oral drops — which can be an effective option based on testing results. While it can take up to 12 months to see a positive effect, it successfully manages environmental allergies in approximately two-thirds of dogs, according to a study in AVMA Publications.

Fleas

Flea allergy dermatitis is caused by a reaction to flea saliva. It usually presents as itchiness and inflammation on the back half of the dog's body, particularly around the rump, tail and hind limbs. While the presence of fleas or flea dirt (flea feces) can increase suspicion of this condition, it's not required to make a diagnosis.

In the case of fleas, your vet will likely recommend not only treating the affected dog but also any other dogs or cats in the household. Additionally, you'll want to thoroughly address the living environment, including both the home and yard. This condition is less common today due to the widespread use of highly effective flea and tick preventive medications.

Food

Food allergies in dogs are more commonly associated with clinical signs that don't seem to follow any seasonal pattern. They are caused by a reaction to proteins found in certain foods, with the most common allergens being beef, dairy, chicken and wheat.

There is no specific test to diagnose food allergies. Instead, diagnosis is made through a food trial, where the dog is fed a simplified food to identify the offending ingredient. Special dog food for skin allergies is the cornerstone of treatment, typically using novel protein or hydrolyzed protein formulas to reduce the risk of triggering a reaction.

Impact of Nutrition on Skin Health

Nutrition is a powerful tool when it comes to keeping your dog's skin and coat healthy. Optimal nutrition supports a healthy, shiny coat and can help reduce dry, patchy skin and other dog skin issues. A well-balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals can help support immune function and protect cells from damage. Antioxidants fight inflammation, while essential fatty acids, like Omega-3 and Omega-6, nourish the skin and strengthen its natural barrier against environmental allergens.

For dogs with skin allergies, specially formulated dog foods can make a big difference in managing clinical signs and helping your pup feel more comfortable every day.

Signs of Skin Allergies in Dogs

When it comes to what skin allergies look like in dogs, there are a number of signs you can be on the lookout for, including:

• Scratching, chewing or licking at the ears, body or feet

• Hair loss

• Itchiness

• Scooting the rear end

• Rubbing the face

• Skin redness, bumps or pimples

• Scabs, skin crusts or skin thickening

• Scaly, flaky skin

• Bad skin odor

• Recurrent ear or skin infections

Diagnosing Skin Allergies in Dogs

If you're concerned about signs of skin allergies in your dog, the first step is to have your dog evaluated by a vet. Your vet will get a thorough history from you regarding the signs you've noticed and perform a full physical exam. In most cases, this means running basic blood tests — such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), a Chemistry panel and a Thyroid level check — to assess your dog's overall health. This is important because some skin conditions may be caused by underlying health issues affecting the whole body.

Additional skin-specific testing may include:

• Skin scrape to evaluate for presence of skin mites

• Skin tape or impression smears to evaluate for bacterial or yeast infections

• Skin biopsy

• Response to treatment trial with flea and tick medication

• Food trial to evaluate for food allergies

• Skin and/or blood testing to help formulate the immunotherapy