If you’ve noticed that your dog is scratching, licking, or biting their skin constantly, then as a pet owner, you might be feeling concerned. While various factors can contribute, one thing often goes overlooked: their diet. 

You might be wondering what to feed dogs with itchy skin. Luckily for you, at Green Pantry, we create natural dog food that targets specific health conditions like damaged or flaky skin, aiming to unlock a happier, less scratchy life for your beloved companion. 

Interested to know more about our holistic approach to dry, itchy skin? Keep reading to find out! 

The link between diet and dry skin

A dog’s skin and coat can be direct indicators of their overall health, and recurring itchiness, redness, or dull fur can often point to dietary imbalances or sensitivities. There are several possible reasons for itchy skin in dogs, including: 

• Allergens or food intolerances – Seasonal allergies, such as pollen from grass or trees, can trigger skin irritation, redness, and excessive scratching. 
• Fleas and ticks – Flea allergy dermatitis is caused when common parasites come into contact with your dog’s skin, which can lead to immense discomfort. 
• Parasites and skin infections – Bacterial infections often occur when a dog’s skin is compromised by scratching or irritation, causing sores that become infected. Fungal infections are also common and can cause itching, a greasy coat, and a strong odour.
• Dry skin – This is usually caused by low humidity or a regular lack of grooming. Additionally, too much grooming can strip natural oils from the skin and cause dryness and discomfort.

Having a good understanding of these causes for itchy skin can help you decide whether to change your dog’s diet or not.

How to choose a nutritious diet for dogs with itchy skin

We’ve revealed it’s no secret that a healthy and well-balanced diet can help to soothe your dog’s skin… but just how easy is it to choose the right food? At Green Pantry, we make this process easy for you by focusing on what really matters: high-quality, natural ingredients that support your dog’s health from the inside out. 

Here’s what you should be looking out for when it comes to maintaining a shiny and smooth coat: 

High-quality proteins – Look for foods where a specific meat or fish is listed as one of the very first ingredients. This will indicate a high protein content, which is essential for skin repair and overall health. We recommend our Chicken with Pumpkin and Sweet Potato natural dog food that can help with itchy, dry skin and promote a healthier coat! 

Omega-3 fatty acids – These are a non-negotiable when it comes to doggy skin health due to their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Ingredients like salmon oil, linseed, or specific fish are things to look out for when shopping for dog food. 

Natural antioxidants & vitamins – Choosing a dog food that has a vibrant array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs will provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that protect skin cells and support the immune system. At Green Pantry, all of our recipes look exactly as they would in a kitchen before being cooked for meal times. Have a full look at what’s in our pantry here! 

Quality sourcing – A reputable dog food for healthier skin will be transparent about where their ingredients come from and how their food is made. By choosing Green Pantry, you’re knowing that all of our recipes are produced right here at home in the UK. Our meat comes from a red tractor-approved farm, and our fish from MSC-approved, sustainable sources, so you know you’re doing your bit for the planet.

What do our experts say?

Don’t just take our word for it… hear from some of our close experts.

Laura Denby, professional dog groomer, believes that the right dog food makes a huge difference to a dog’s skin and coat:

“I firmly believe that what you put into your body will show in your skin. Many skin problems can be helped with a good diet, and owners should be very mindful of what ingredients the food they give to their dog contains – always read the labels. Good gut health is important for both skin and coat, too. We also see a lot of older dogs that have developed joint and mobility issues.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can read our full interview with Laura here!

Home remedies for dogs with itchy skin

While a balanced and nutritious diet is foundational for healthy skin in dogs, sometimes our furry friends need a little extra TLC to soothe those itches. Here are some easy natural home remedies that can provide some relief: 

• Oatmeal baths – You might not know it, but finely ground oats actually have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Bathe your dog in this milky water, letting them soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. A gentle massage won’t go amiss either! 
• Coconut oil – Organic, virgin coconut oil can help moisturise dry, flaky skin, and has some natural antibacterial properties. Gently massage a small amount onto dry or itchy patches of your dog’s skin. 
• Regular brushing and grooming – Consistent brushing helps to remove loose hair, dead skin, and potential allergens from your dog’s coat. It also promotes air circulation and distributes natural oils, which can significantly improve skin health. Regular bathing with a gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo can also wash away any irritants. 

If you’re not seeing any signs of soothing or have noticed white, dry flakes in your dog’s coat, they might have dandruff. Don’t worry, as we’ve got some top tips on how to get rid of doggy dandruff. Alternatively, if your beloved dog’s skin is still irritated or flaring up, we’d recommend taking them to your veterinarian for a thorough examination.

Soothe skin and reignite your dog’s spark with Green Pantry!

Hopefully, this guide has shed some light on what to feed dogs with itchy skin. Remember, there is a direct link between your dog’s diet and their skin health. Therefore, what you put in their bowl is a huge part of that. 

At Green Pantry, with our extensive wealth of knowledge and experience, we’re passionate about focusing on using high-quality and natural ingredients to nurture your dog from the inside out. So if you’re ready to see a real difference in your dog’s coat and overall comfort, explore our selection of dog food today! 

For more information, please get in touch with a member of our friendly team. We’ll be more than happy to chat to you about all things dog-related!