Raw Dog Food and Itchy Skin: What to Know First

Many dogs have itchy skin, skin allergies and hot spots. They can have many causes, including environmental allergens, food intolerances and sensitive skin. Talk to your veterinarian about any skin problem. This article covers what raw feeding can and can’t do.

The Connection Between Your Dog’s Skin and Their Raw Diet

Diet is one thing that can affect a dog’s skin. Dogs can react to specific ingredients in their food. Common triggers include beef, chicken, dairy and grains.

Raw food lets you see exactly what your dog eats. Each of our recipes lists its full ingredients, so you can check them against your dog’s known triggers. Raw food is made from whole ingredients: meat, organs, bone, vegetables and fruit.

Raw Food for Dogs With Allergies and Sensitive Skin

Some owners try raw food for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin. Typical kibble can contain grains, fillers and artificial additives. Raw food uses whole ingredients instead.

Some pet parents say their dog’s coat looks better. Kaia’s family is one of them. Kaia, a Blue Nose Pit Bull with severe food and environmental allergies, eats our poultry-free recipes, including rabbit, alongside supplements her family chose. In their words, “her fur grew back full and glossy.” Read Kaia’s Story, in Her Family’s Words, or see her review on our Customer Reviews page. Her story is her family’s experience, not a promise: every dog is different.

Our rabbit recipe uses a less common protein. Rabbit is rarely found in typical kibble. Our rabbit recipe also has pork heart and liver, so check the full ingredient list for your dog’s triggers.

You may see rabbit described as hypoallergenic raw dog food. We use “hypoallergenic” to mean a less common protein that most dogs have not eaten before, not a veterinary diet. If your dog has a diagnosed food allergy, talk to your veterinarian first.

Our kangaroo recipe is another less common protein. It also has lamb heart, lung and liver. Read more in Less Common Proteins for Dogs With Food Sensitivities.

About Rabbit

Rabbit is a lean meat.

If you switch foods, do it gradually. Our Feeding Guide has a 10-day plan.

Fatty Acids, Vitamins and Minerals

Fatty acids, vitamins and minerals are all part of a dog’s diet. Essential fatty acids are found in meat, fish and fish oil.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and fish oil. Ask your veterinarian before you add a supplement.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, B vitamins and zinc are found in whole foods and in raw dog food. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, including keratin, the protein in your dog’s coat.

Raw Food and Typical Kibble

Typical kibble can contain fillers, artificial additives and preservatives. Raw food has whole, unprocessed ingredients.

What Some Owners Like About Raw

1. Ingredient control: Check the ingredient list for your dog’s triggers.
2. Choice of proteins: Our recipes use poultry, beef, pork, lamb, rabbit and kangaroo.

Environmental Allergies

Pollen, dust and mold can also cause itchy skin and hot spots. So can flea allergies. Raw food can’t change environmental allergens. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog scratches a lot.

Choosing a Raw Food

Consider these tips when choosing a raw dog food:

1. Read the full ingredient list: Rabbit and kangaroo are less common proteins, but each recipe has other ingredients too.
2. Avoid artificial additives: Choose food free from artificial preservatives, flavors and colors.
3. Choose whole-food variety: Look for vegetables, fruits and whole meats.

The Bottom Line

Itchy skin has many causes, so start with your veterinarian. Some owners try raw food, and some choose a less common protein such as rabbit. Our rabbit recipe has pork heart and liver, so check the full ingredient list.

If you switch to raw, go slowly. Our Feeding Guide has a 10-day plan. Contact us if you would like help choosing a recipe.