At Mersey Raw, we’re faced with many dogs suffering from a range of issues, including itchy skin. If your dog has itchy skin, allergies could potentially be the cause. Knowing how to manage your dog's itchy skin can be tough, and we understand how important it is to relieve your dog's itchy skin.
In most cases, allergies can be triggered by food, and switching to a raw diet has proven a beneficial option for dogs with itchy skin. To learn more about the cause of allergies in dogs and the best raw food for dogs with skin allergies, read on.
The Cause of Itchy Skin in Dogs
One of the main causes of itchy skin in dogs can be food allergies or skin infections. Allergies are a well-known cause of symptoms in dogs, including itchy skin. Whether it's food or environmental allergies causing itchiness in your dog's skin, it's important to find the root cause and address the issue before it worsens.
What Are Food Allergies in Dogs?
Similar to humans, dogs can have allergies. Allergies in dogs can be caused by an overreaction in the immune system, when often harmless substances known as allergens cause mild to severe symptoms. Potential symptoms of allergies in dogs include:
- Itchy skin
- Excessive licking
- Broken skin
- Hair loss
- Ear infections
However, symptoms can vary from dog to dog. Food allergy symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially without knowing the type of food causing them. This is why it’s important to weigh up dietary options and reassess what you’ve been feeding your dog.
It’s important to note that food allergy and food intolerance symptoms are different, and while they share similarities, they aren't the same.
Food Allergies vs Food Intolerances
Let’s look at some key differences between food allergies and intolerances to see what your dog may be experiencing.
| Food Allergy | Food Intolerances |
|---|---|
| Immune reaction in dogs | Non-immune system in dogs |
| Skin issues | Digestive issues |
| Symptoms such as itchiness, sore ears, and skin inflammation | Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain |
If your dog is experiencing itchy skin, it’s likely caused by allergies. Both food allergies and intolerances in dogs should be taken seriously, and you should consult with your vet once you notice symptoms of either.
What to Avoid if Your Dog Has Itchy Skin
If your dog has itchy skin, you’ve likely been told to avoid common foods such as poultry (chicken, turkey, duck). While reacting to poultry isn't particularly uncommon in dogs, allergies can manifest from other things, and it can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause. To prevent allergies, try avoiding:
- Low-quality dog food (such as kibble)
- Food containing cereals
- Added preservatives
- Added colourings
- Added fillers
- Gluten and grain
Eliminating common food allergens can be tough. We recommend stripping back on your dog's diet and going back to basics - an all-natural, species-appropriate diet consisting of nothing but raw protein and healthy nutrients. Luckily, this is exactly what we offer here at Mersey Raw. If you’re eager to start your pooch on an all-natural diet to attempt to alleviate their itchy skin, our starter guide can help you.
Is a Raw Food Diet Good for Dogs With Itchy Skin?
Yes, raw dog food can potentially be good (in fact, great) for dogs with itchy skin! Raw dog food offers several possible benefits:
- Easy to digest
- Improves dental hygiene
- Healthy skin and coat
- Boosts the immune system
- Healthier stools
- Increases energy
- Better joint health
At Mersey Raw, our raw dog food is commonly fed to dogs experiencing skin issues. Unlike processed dog food, raw food is nutritious, healthy, and packed with natural protein.
Feeding a raw diet means you won't have to worry about nasty fillers or preservatives. Raw diets are both naturally grain-free and minimally processed, allowing for easier digestion and potentially fewer chances of allergic reactions in your dog, such as itchy skin.
So, What’s the Best Raw Dog Food for Itchy Skin?
The best raw dog food for itchy skin should be:
- 100% natural
- High-quality
- Free from additives
- Free from the animal protein your dog is allergic to (if confirmed by a vet)
Researching raw dog food brands is essential before making a purchase. We advise buying quality dog food from trusted companies, like us at Mersey Raw. We provide high-quality raw food for dogs with skin allergies. While raw dog food can be beneficial for skin issues, this doesn’t mean the problem will always be resolved. If you do switch diets and your dog continues showing signs of skin allergies, we advise you to seek professional advice from a vet.
Key Takeaways
- One of the most common potential causes of itchy skin in dogs is food allergies
- A raw diet is likely best for dogs with itchy skin
- The best raw dog food for itchy skin should be 100% natural, high-quality, and free from additives or animal proteins your dog is allergic to
Finding the Best Raw Dog Food for Itchy Skin
Don’t worry if you don’t know where to find quality raw dog food for your pooch with itchy skin - you’re in the right place. At Mersey Raw, we specialise in providing all-natural raw dog food across the UK. We’ve seen firsthand how allergies can affect a dog's life, which has pushed us to produce tasty, species-appropriate raw mince meals for dogs.
Rest assured, our raw minces are protein-packed, easily digestible, and free from any nasties! We’ve helped clients manage their pets' allergies by providing them with yummy raw mince meals to aid their dogs' itchy skin issues. If a vet has confirmed your dog's allergies to food sources such as poultry, you’ll be pleased to know that we have an extensive range of other protein options available.
Browse and shop all of our raw minces today to get your dog started on a healthy, raw diet! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.