Foods to Avoid for a Dog With Itchy Skin

Itchy dog skin can be an annoyance for both dog and owner. If your dog is scratching more than usual, there are a number of conditions that could be causing it. Food allergies are one of the worst offenders, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. A dog could be allergic to any ingredient in regular dog food, but there are a few common culprits to avoid if your dog has itchy skin caused by food allergies. Ask your veterinarian to suggest a hypoallergenic diet for your dog.

  1. Meat

    • The most common type of meat that causes food allergies in dogs is beef, according to veterinarians at Pet Education. Chicken, lamb and fish could also cause food allergies in your dog. Eliminating one type of meat at a time might help you figure out the exact cause of your dog's allergies.

    Dairy Products

    • Dog food containing dairy products is a common cause of allergies in dogs. Carefully reading the ingredients on the dog food bag can help you determine if a food contains dairy products such as milk protein that might be the cause of your dog's itchy skin.

    Grains

    • Some dogs are sensitive to foods containing grains such as corn and wheat, according to veterinarians at Pet Education. Corn and wheat are main ingredients in many brands of dog food, mainly because they are cheap and nutritious. Some dog food manufacturers produce grain-free products for dogs that are sensitive to this ingredient.

    Additives

    • Dogs sometimes develop a sensitivity to additives in dog food, which causes itchy skin. Types of chemical additives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol and ethoxyquin, according to Dog Allergies. Propylene glycol is a less toxic version of automobile antifreeze. Chemical additives help preserve dog food, ensuring a longer shelf-life. This enables shipping and storage without ruining the dog food. Avoid foods with chemical ingredients listed on the bag, such as antioxidants, emulsifiers, firming agents, flavor enhancers, coloring agents, solvents, stabilizers, texturizers, drying agents, processing aids and nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners.