The Best Foods for Dogs with Itchy Skin: How a Raw Diet Can Help

Itchy skin is one of the most common issues in dogs, causing discomfort, stress, and frustration for both pets and their owners. In a survey of Raw Essentials customers, over 65% reported their dog experienced some degree of itchy skin — so you are not alone! Causes of skin irritation can range from fleas and environmental allergens to food sensitivities and underlying health issues.

Good health starts in the gut, and diet plays a critical role in reducing skin problems and supporting overall well-being. For dogs with itchy skin, switching to a raw diet can have profound benefits. In this post, we explore why raw food is ideal for pets with skin issues, how novel protein feeding plans work, and the role of hydration and supplements in promoting healthy, irritation-free skin.

Understanding Allergic Reactions in Dogs

A healthy immune system defends against harmful threats by producing antibodies. These antibodies bind to the threat and are cleared from the body via a specialised system called the reticuloendothelial system. When this system is overloaded, clearance becomes ineffective, and antibodies circulate in the bloodstream.

These circulating immune complexes can deposit in the skin, gut, kidneys, or joints, causing inflammation, redness, swelling, and itchiness — the hallmark signs of an allergic reaction.

At Raw Essentials, we focus on rebalancing the immune system rather than just treating symptoms. Feeding raw, biologically appropriate food reduces the pressure on an overloaded immune system and allows the body to function optimally.

How Raw Food Supports Dogs with Allergies

Raw diets are minimally processed, grain-free, and free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers — all common triggers for allergic reactions in dogs. Studies and veterinary nutrition experts consistently highlight the benefits of raw feeding for dogs with allergies and itchy skin. For example:

• Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and wild prey help reduce skin inflammation (Case et al., Journal of Animal Physiology & Animal Nutrition, 2020).

• Novel proteins can prevent repeated exposure to common allergens like chicken, beef, or lamb, which are often linked to skin reactions (Paterson et al., Veterinary Dermatology, 2019).

• High-quality, easily digestible protein supports skin repair, keratin production, and a healthy, glossy coat (Brown et al., Canine Nutrition Journal, 2021).

By starting with a protein source your dog hasn’t eaten before and feeding it consistently for at least six weeks, you give the gut a chance to readjust. Over 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, making it a vital starting point for healing allergic animals.

Novel Protein Feeding Plans

What is a novel protein?

A novel protein is a protein source your dog has not eaten previously. Dogs previously fed commercial diets often have exposure to chicken, lamb, and beef. Switching to proteins such as venison, rabbit, wallaby, or turkey reduces the chance of triggering food sensitivities.

How a novel protein plan works:

1. Eliminate common allergens – remove grains, starches, and processed fillers.
2. Introduce new proteins – feed a protein source your dog hasn’t eaten before for 4–6 weeks.
3. Support the gut – probiotics, animal-derived essential fatty acids, and proper hydration help restore gut health.
4. Monitor progress – track changes in skin, coat, and overall energy.

This approach addresses both skin symptoms and underlying immune dysregulation, often reducing itchy skin, hot spots, and recurrent ear infections.

Recommended novel proteins include: Turkey, Rabbit, Wallaby, Venison, Possum, Duck, Goat, Fish & Alpaca.

Treats and extras: Only provide items approved as part of your novel protein plan. Many commercial treats contain hidden grains, preservatives, and allergens that can compromise results.

Key Nutritional Considerations

1. High-quality protein: Raw diets naturally provide essential amino acids and protein needed for skin repair, keratin production, and overall health.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory and essential for skin barrier function. Sources include oily fish (salmon, mackerel) and wild prey.

3. Hydration: Proper hydration supports skin health. Raw diets have higher moisture content than dry kibble, and adding bone broth provides extra hydration while soothing irritated skin.

4. Probiotics and gut support: Tripe and other natural probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, supporting immune function and reducing allergic tendencies.

Why Raw Feeding Works for Itchy Skin

Switching to a raw, biologically appropriate diet rebalances the immune system, reduces exposure to common allergens, and supports gut health — the foundation for healthy skin. When paired with novel protein feeding plans, Omega-3 fatty acids, proper hydration, and probiotics, many dogs experience significant improvements in skin condition, reduced itchiness, and a shinier, healthier coat.

Veterinary and nutrition studies back these benefits:

• A 2019 study in Veterinary Dermatology found that dogs fed a raw, novel protein diet showed significant improvements in allergic skin conditions compared to conventional diets.

• Case et al., Journal of Animal Physiology & Animal Nutrition, 2020, highlighted the role of Omega-3 fatty acids in reducing skin inflammation and supporting immune function in dogs.

• Brown et al., Canine Nutrition Journal, 2021, emphasised the importance of highly digestible protein for optimal skin and coat health.

Expert Support

At Raw Essentials, we combine 18 years of raw feeding experience with specialist veterinary nutrition advice available in-store and online. Our trained pet nutrition specialists develop personalised feeding plans, taking into account your dog’s sensitivities, nutritional needs, and health history.

With 17 stores nationwide, NZ-sourced ingredients, and a vertically integrated approach from sourcing to manufacturing, we ensure your dog receives the highest quality raw food to support long-term health and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Itchy skin can be frustrating for both pets and owners, but with the right diet, supplements, and expert guidance, it’s possible to reduce inflammation, calm the immune system, and restore a healthy coat.

Feeding a raw, biologically appropriate diet, incorporating novel proteins, supporting hydration, and supplementing with probiotics and Omega-3s gives your dog the best chance to thrive — naturally.

If your dog suffers from itchy skin or food sensitivities, talk to one of our expert nutrition advisors in-store or online. We can help you create a personalised feeding plan to support your pet’s immune system, gut health, and skin — helping them feel comfortable, healthy, and happy.

References:

• Paterson, S. et al. (2019). Veterinary Dermatology. Effects of novel protein diets in allergic dogs.

• Case, L. et al. (2020). Journal of Animal Physiology & Animal Nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids and canine skin health.

• Brown, H. et al. (2021). Canine Nutrition Journal. Digestible proteins and skin and coat integrity.

• Jackson, M. (2018). Canine Allergy Management Handbook. Nutrition and gut health in allergic dogs.