If poor Fido is scratching up a storm, it’s time to start looking at why. Itches are normal, we get them, so do dogs.
But chronic itchy skin?
Not so much.
Itchy skin is one of the main symptoms of food allergies, so just switching your dog to a hypoallergenic dog food for itchy skin when it’s diagnosed will reduce itchiness.
However, feeding your dog a hypoallergenic dog food rich in omega fatty acids is a great way to strengthen its skin and reduce itching even more.
Related: Reasons To Buy Sensitive Skin Dog Food
Omega Fatty Acids in Hypoallergenic Dog Food – What’s the Big Deal
Omega fatty acids are great for so many aspects of your dog’s health.
Omega fatty acids have been found to improve the health of the skin, joints, heart, and more. They can also help give your dog’s coat that wonderful sheen we all love. While it’s not really a medical benefit, it’s a nice side note.
Omega Fatty Acids are Important Because:
These compounds can strengthen skin cells, giving them more fullness and elasticity. This improves the skin’s overall health, and it leads to a reduction in itchiness, inflammation, and self-trauma due to itchiness.
When a dog is suffering from a food allergy, its skin is on fire. The allergic reaction is an uncomfortable, burning itch. In addition to that, its body has an inflammatory reaction, increasing the discomfort further.
As if all of that weren’t enough, because the dog is so itchy, it starts to lick, chew, and bite. This leads to self-trauma such as abrasions, hot spots, and lick granulomas, which can lead to a further breakdown of the skin. This in turn, can lead to secondary infection of the skin.
It’s all a connected vicious cycle.
Related: How to Prevent and Treat Hot Spots
Hypoallergenic Dog Food High in Omega Fatty Acids Saves the Day
While, nothing is a magic bullet, omega fatty acids are pretty darn close.
These compounds do so much for your dog’s overall health, but in the instance of food allergies and the subsequent itching, they really shine. The thing that makes these so great is that they not only contribute to a reduction in symptoms in the short term, but they promote healthy, strong skin in the long term.
That’s important in a dog with food allergies, because their skin is always at risk.
If your dog is suffering from food allergies, I highly recommend finding a hypoallergenic dog food for itchy skin rich in omega fatty acids. They’re wonderful for short term relief and long term protection.
Have you found a great brand of hypoallergenic dog food for itchy skin that you love? Tell us about in the comments.
