What's the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Skin and Allergies?

If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or dealing with red, inflamed skin, you are likely searching for a dog food for sensitive skin that actually works. It is heartbreaking to watch your companion in discomfort, and while many things can cause itching, the solution often starts in the bowl.

Dietary sensitivities are a leading cause of chronic skin issues. When a dog’s immune system overreacts to a specific protein or a filler in their food, the results show up on their skin. Choosing the right sensitive skin dog food is about more than just avoiding "bad" ingredients; it is about providing the specific nutrients—like omega fatty acids and high-quality proteins—that help the skin barrier heal from the inside out.

Below, we’ll explore how to identify the best options for your pup, what to expect during a transition, and how to treat dog allergies at home alongside a diet change to ensure your dog finds relief as quickly as possible.

What Are Skin Allergies in Dogs?

Unfortunately, dogs can suffer from allergies as much as humans do. An allergy is a reaction to an allergen where the immune system overreacts to one or more triggers. This overreaction typically leads to a pup suffering from itchy, inflamed, or even painful skin.

Symptoms of Skin Allergies in Dogs

Common signs that your dog may be experiencing a skin allergy include:

• •Excessive itching or paw-licking

• •Skin redness or hotspots

• •Developing rashes or scabs

• •Ear infections

• •Hair loss

If your pup is exhibiting any of these common symptoms, we recommend contacting your veterinarian to discuss potential treatment options.

Causes of Skin Allergies in Dogs

Skin allergens in dogs aren’t always easy to pinpoint. Your pup’s allergies could be caused by numerous factors, such as:

• •Food allergies or nutritional deficiencies

• •Environmental allergens

• •Flea allergy dermatitis

Food as a Cause of Skin Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies in dogs can develop at any stage of life, whether your pup is still young or more mature. Although you’ll typically notice food allergies in younger dogs, they can develop over time, so your pup may be fine for years before displaying symptoms. These types of allergies are on the rise, responsible for one-fourth of skin reactions in dogs.

Food allergies are commonly linked to fillers and highly refined grains in ultra-processed kibble. As dog food becomes more processed over time, we are more likely to see food allergies become more prevalent.

Food Allergy vs Food Sensitivity in Dogs

It is important to note the difference between a food allergy and food sensitivity in a dog. Food allergies occur when your dog’s immune system has a negative reaction to an ingredient, whereasa sensitivity affects your pup’s digestive system. With food sensitivity, they’re more likely to experience digestive issues rather than skin issues.

So, if your dog’s sensitive skin is caused by their diet, they are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to something in their food. One common example for humans and pets is being lactose intolerant. Having milk in these cases wouldn’t be an issue for the immune system (or skin), but it would be for the digestive system.

Foods That Commonly Cause Skin Allergies in Dogs

While any food can cause skin allergies in dogs, the most common food allergy triggers in dogs are:

• •Dairy

• •Eggs

• •Lamb

• •Pork

• •Rice

• •Soy

• •Wheat

• •Beef

• •Chicken

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs

• •Dry skin

• •Redness of the skin, especially in the ears

• •Itching (including scratching, licking, rubbing, or biting affected areas)

• •Oily fur and skin

• •Increased dander

• •Hot spots

• •Repeated skin infection

• •Chronic ear infections

• •Hair loss or dull coat

• •Swelling of the face or eyes

• •Sneezing or reverse sneezing

• •Red or watery eyes

• •“Stained” brownish, red, or pink lips, jowls, or toes

• •Brown, red, or bronze nail beds

• •Gastrointestinal issues (soft stool, vomiting, diarrhea, or gas)

Nutritional Deficiencies and Skin Issues in Dogs

Rather than being allergic or sensitive to specific food ingredients, the nutrients your dog is (or isn’t) getting daily may also be leading to the symptoms they’re experiencing. Many types of kibbles contain only the bare minimum number of fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy skin and coat. 

Kibble also commonly requires high carbohydrates to form crunchy bits. Those levels could trigger inflammation as well as dry, irritated, or itchy skin. Monitoring the ingredients in your pup’s kibble will not only positively affect their long-term health, but it can also relieve existing side effects.

Environmental Factors and Sensitive Skin in Dogs

Although food is responsible for 10-20% of all allergies in dogs, the most common type of allergic reaction is to seasonal allergens like dust, grass, mold, pollen, and weeds. We typically can’t eliminate exposure to these allergens, but there are foods that can be added to your pup’s diet to help provide some relief.

Feeding a diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory nutrients can strengthen your dog’s immune system and improve skin health.

Environmental vs Food Allergy Skin Symptoms in Dogs

If a veterinarian hasn’t tested your dog for specific allergies and you’re wondering how to determine if your dog’s skin issues are caused by an environmental allergy or a food allergy, look at the timing of their symptoms. If skin issues persist year-round or seem to worsen after meals, food could be the underlying cause.

You could also change your dog’s diet to a fresh, raw single-protein food (avoiding common food allergens like chicken, pork, beef, and lamb) for 8-12 weeks to see if symptoms improve. If symptoms remain, an environmental allergy is more likely to blame than a food allergen.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis and Sensitive Skin in Dogs

Not all allergies stem from food or environmental factors. Another source of skin allergies in dogs can be caused by Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). This is when a flea bites your dog, creating intense itchiness near the base of their tail and back.

Thankfully, FAD can be avoided with preventative treatment and easily eliminated if contracted. Your pup’s skin irritation could also be a reaction to any products you use while grooming them. You may want to try a hypoallergenic option to evaluate if it leads to improvement.  

What Makes a Great Sensitive Skin Dog Food?

When evaluating options, you should look for recipes that prioritize simplicity and nutrient density. Most commercial kibbles are loaded with binders, starches, and artificial additives that can aggravate an already sensitive system.

The best dog food for sensitive skin typically features:

• •Novel Proteins: Common allergens like chicken and beef are often the culprits. Switching to a "novel" protein—one your dog hasn't eaten before, such as turkey, duck, or lamb—can stop the immune system's overreaction.

• •Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These are essential for reducing inflammation and nourishing the skin. Look for sources like fish oil or flaxseed.

• •Limited Ingredients: The fewer ingredients in the food, the fewer chances there are for a reaction.

• •Zero Fillers: Avoiding corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives is a must for allergy-prone dogs.

The We Feed Raw Advantage for Skin Health

At We Feed Raw, we believe that nature provides the best medicine. Our recipes are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist with over 30 years of experience specifically to support a dog’s biological needs.

Unmatched Simplicity

Our frozen raw patties follow a strict Prey Model Raw philosophy. They consist of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, and 10% finely ground bone. Because we don't use any grains, legumes, or starchy fillers, our frozen line is essentially the gold standard for an elimination diet.

Safety Without Heat

Many "fresh" foods are gently cooked, which can denature the very enzymes and nutrients your dog needs for skin repair. We use high-pressure processing (HPP)—a form of cold-pressure pasteurization—to ensure our food is as safe as gently cooked alternatives while keeping it 100% raw and bioavailable.

Top We Feed Raw Pick for Sensitive Skin

If your dog is struggling with common protein allergies (like chicken or beef), selecting a clean, single-protein recipe is the most effective way to start an elimination diet.

Our turkey recipe is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities to beef or chicken. It is a single-protein option that includes only turkey meat, gizzards, bone, and liver, as well as flaxseed, zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, manganese sulfate, vitamin D3 supplement, salt, and kelp.

Turkey is naturally rich in zinc and B vitamins, which are critical for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and supporting immune function.

Please note that our duck recipe contains turkey and our lamb recipe contains beef. These additions help our food reach the optimal levels of protein and fat, but they may not be ideal for dogs dealing with unknown food allergies.

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

One of the most frequent questions we hear is: "How long until my dog stops itching?"

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it takes time for it to regenerate. While every dog is different, most pet parents begin to notice a decrease in redness and licking within 2 to 4 weeks of switching to a raw, limited-ingredient diet. However, for a full coat transformation and the complete resolution of chronic "hot spots," it typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.

Patience is key. During this time, it is vital to be strict—even one high-starch treat or a scrap of table food can trigger a flare-up and reset the clock on your dog's progress.

Beyond the Bowl: Soothing Symptoms at Home

While changing your dog's diet is the most effective long-term solution, your dog may need immediate relief from the itching while their body heals. Here are a few ways to soothe sensitive skin from the outside in:

• •Colloidal Oatmeal Baths: This is a classic remedy for a reason. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can provide instant relief from itching and redness.

• •Coconut Oil Massages: Massaging a small amount of virgin coconut oil onto dry, flaky patches can help moisturize the skin and provide a protective antibacterial barrier.

• •Use a Humidifier: If you live in a dry climate or run your heater frequently, the air can sap moisture from your dog's skin. A humidifier helps maintain the skin's natural moisture levels.

• •Regular Grooming: Brushing your dog daily helps distribute natural oils across the coat and removes environmental allergens like pollen or dust that may be trapped in their fur.

The Path to a Healthier, Happier Dog

Choosing a dog food for sensitive skin doesn't have to be a guessing game. By prioritizing raw, species-appropriate nutrition and avoiding the fillers found in processed kibble, you are giving your dog's immune system the break it needs to heal.

We Feed Raw ensures your dog gets the nutrient-dense, safe, and simple food they need to thrive.

Ready to see your dog's coat shine again? Take our quiz today to build a personalized meal plan tailored to your dog's specific allergies and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare We Feed Raw frozen patties?

Our frozen raw patties now come in easy-peel packaging, making them cleaner and easier to open than ever. For the best experience and to maintain food safety, place the patties in your refrigerator for a full 24 hours to thaw before peeling and serving.

Is raw food safe for a dog with a compromised skin barrier?

Yes. We use HPP, a cold-pressure pasteurization method that inactivates pathogens without using heat. This makes our food as safe as gently cooked alternatives while preserving the raw nutrients your dog needs to repair their skin.

Why is turkey recommended for sensitive skin?

Turkey is a lean, highly digestible protein that is often a successful alternative for dogs with allergies to more common proteins. Our turkey recipe is a single-protein meal with no chicken or beef, making it an ideal choice for a strict elimination diet.

Can I speed up my dog's skin healing?

In addition to a diet of sensitive skin dog food, you can soothe symptoms by using colloidal oatmeal baths or coconut oil topically. However, internal healing from a species-appropriate diet is the most important factor in long-term relief.

How can I tell if my dog has a food allergy?

Some of the most common signs that a dog has a food allergy include:

• •Brown, red, or bronze nail beds

• •Chronic ear infections

• • Itchy red skin and a dull coat

• •“Stained” brownish, red, or pink lips, jowls, or toes

• •Watery eyes

What should I avoid feeding my dog with skin allergies?

If you know what your dog is allergic to, then you should avoid giving them that food. If you haven’t figured out what allergies your pup has yet, the most common food allergy triggers in dogs are beef, chicken, dairy, egg, lamb, pork, wheat, soy, and rice. It’s best to avoid giving them food with those ingredients until you figure out the root of the problem.

Should I buy hypoallergenic dog food for skin allergies?

If your dog has a severe food allergy but you don’t know what’s bothering them, then hypoallergenic dog food may help your pup recover so you can figure out what they’re allergic to. However, you can also feed them a raw diet with limited ingredients and get similar results.

What’s the best dog food for skin allergies?

The best dog food for dogs with skin allergies is a low-carb, limited-ingredient, species-appropriate, nutritionally complete and balanced raw food for dogs like We Feed Raw. High in skin-healthy fatty acids and low in potentially allergy-triggering ingredients, our food is an excellent choice.

Can I test my dog for food allergies at home?

Advertised at-home test kits for dog allergies are unreliable and frequently give false positives and negatives. The best way to determine what your pup is allergic to is to take them to the vet for proper testing. Alternatively, you can try a food elimination diet where you feed them a hypoallergenic diet and slowly reintroduce ingredients to test their reactions.

Are grain-free foods better for dogs with skin allergies?

Grains, along with most carbohydrates, can cause inflammation in dogs, triggering or intensifying skin allergies. However, dry dog food that’s labeled as “grain-free” frequently contains legumes and other ingredients that may be connected to a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy.

The best diet for dogs with skin allergies is one that’s naturally grain-free, like We Feed Raw.