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This post was originally published in 2012. It was updated with new information and republished in 2019.

Best Food and Supplements for Dogs with Itchy Skin - Learn how to relieve your dog's environmental allergies naturally through diet.

When Sydney and Rodrigo were puppies, they often itched after being outside.  We were told that this could be due to the growing mushrooms in the yard.  We added ground flaxseed to their diet, and the itching stopped.  Today, I understand this is because of the Omega 3s in flaxseed.  Our dogs now eat a raw food diet, and I have found a better way to treat a dog's itchy skin.

Food/Supplements for Dogs with Itchy Skin

1 – Transition to a Species Appropriate Raw Diet

Feeding a balanced raw diet (or fresh food) helps to build a more robust gut microbiome, which leads to a healthier immune system, reduces inflammation, and more. In my experience, switching to a fresh food diet greatly impacts my dogs' skin and coat health, reducing itchy skin and other allergy symptoms. Some dogs may need additional support in the form of whole food supplements. My favorites are:

2 – Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Dogs

Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce allergy symptoms and itchy skin in dogs. These fatty acids inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances, such as cytokines and leukotrienes, that contribute to allergic reactions and skin inflammation. By modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate itchiness, redness, and irritation associated with allergies in dogs, providing relief and promoting healthier skin.

Because of these benefits, I alternate fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon) and salmon oil by Life Line Pet Products in my dogs' raw diet.

3 – Digestive Enzymes for Dogs

Digestive supplements, such as probiotics and digestive enzymes, can help reduce allergy symptoms and itchy skin in dogs by promoting a healthy gut microbiome and improving digestion. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the digestive system, which can enhance the immune system's response, reduce inflammation, and support a balanced immune function. Digestive enzymes, on the other hand, aid in the breakdown of food, facilitating nutrient absorption and reducing the burden on the digestive system. By improving digestion and supporting a healthy gut, digestive supplements can help alleviate allergies, enhance nutrient absorption, and reduce skin irritation and itchiness in dogs.

A few of my favorite supplements are:

4 – Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms, such as reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), have properties that can reduce allergy symptoms and alleviate itchy skin in dogs. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and beta-glucans that modulate the immune system and have anti-inflammatory effects. By regulating the immune response, functional mushrooms can help suppress excessive allergic reactions and limit inflammation. This can result in reduced itchiness and irritation in dogs with allergies. Moreover, functional mushrooms may support overall immune system health, which can contribute to better allergy management and healthier skin in dogs.

If you're interested in tinctures versus pills and powders, Adored Beast Apothecary has an excellent turkey tail product.

5 – Nettles for Dogs

Nettles, specifically stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), contain compounds that can help reduce allergy symptoms and itchy skin in dogs. Nettles have histamine-blocking properties, which can inhibit the release of histamines, the chemicals responsible for allergic reactions and itching. By reducing histamine release, nettles can alleviate allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and inflammation in dogs. Additionally, nettles may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated skin. For dogs with allergies, incorporating nettles into their diet or using nettle-based supplements may offer natural relief from allergy symptoms and promote healthier, more comfortable skin.

Nettle Tea Recipe

  • Add nettle leaves to water and bring to a boil.
  • After the water comes to a boil, turn off the stove and allow the pot to sit for about five minutes.
  • Strain leaves out of the tea.
  • Pour cooled tea into a dish for your dog. You can also join your dog; add some honey to your mug.

Loop in Your Veterinarian

Don't leave your vet in the dark.  Our dogs' itchy skin was cured with a change in diet; however, not every dog owner is this fortunate, so if your dog's itchy skin is causing misery, please contact your vet for more recommendations.

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