Dogs With Skin Problems: Recommended Foods

Dogs with skin problems benefit from a restricted diet that excludes certain highly allergenic foods. Canine skin problems are common in many breeds and they are often the result of a food allergy. A switch to commercial dog foods that are formulated for dogs with sensitive skin may be all that is needed to relieve your dog's itchy skin. For more complicated allergies, an elimination diet is recommended.

Common Dog Food Allergens

• Corn
• Soy
• Wheat
• Beef
• Chicken
• Chemical preservatives such as BHA or BHT
• Artificial colorings
• Common Allergen Free Ingredients
• Lamb
• Venison
• Duck
• Rice
• Vitamin E as a preservative

Elimination Diet Process

1. Thoroughly groom your dog to eliminate fleas. Flea bite dermatitis can cause allergic skin reactions.
2. Obtain a prescription diet from your veterinarian.
3. Feed only the prescription diet for two months.
4. Add single food items at two-week interval to determine if symptoms reappear.