best dog food for pitbulls with skin allergies
How to treat (and what to feed) your pit bull with allergies
Contact allergens are very different from chronic or acute skin conditions. Knowing both symptoms can help you give your vet a more accurate (and effective) report. Weve summarized what you need to know about allergies, skin problems, and skin irritation below:
Symptoms of skin allergies
Canine skin allergies can appear much like youd expect to see in humans. Many dogs can present with symptoms like:
- Dullness in skin tone
- Rough, reddened, or raw patches
- Itchy skin (indicated by chewing, licking, or biting)
- Balding patches
- Fur abnormalities
- Discoloration
- General irritation
These symptoms may be more visible if you have a dog with short fur. This means that pet owners will have to conduct intentional checks across different dog breeds, especially those with longer hair. These checks should be happening before common symptoms appear. Catching your dogs skin infections and symptoms early can help you address possible causes.
Diet can be a pretty significant main reason for skin allergies, so you might consider asking your vet about changing the type of food youre using or bolstering with less inflammatory dietary options such as sweet potatoes or food that has natural antioxidant and quercetin support infused in the mix.
Common skin conditions
Many common skin conditions can be triggered by environmental allergens, new food, or your pups extra-vigilant immune system. Weve listed a few of the most common below:
Atopic dermatitis
While flea allergy dermatitis is the leading cause of allergiesTrusted SourceVCA HospitalsCommunity of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information.Go to source in dogs, atopic dermatitis comes in at a close second. This disorder is among common health concerns for multiple breeds and happens when theres genetic possibility for a dog to develop pruritic inflammatory skin diseaseTrusted SourceVCA HospitalsCommunity of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information.Go to source. While it is genetically driven, flea and mosquito bites can make it worse as can the presence of environmental factors.
If your dog has this, consider seeking treatment from your vet. You should also swap products you currently have in the home for those with limited and skin-sensitive ingredients, as this can help reduce the severity of your pups symptoms.
Flea allergy dermatitis
This condition is an autoimmune disorder caused by immune system hyperactivity that happens when a flea bites your dog. As your dogs system goes on the attack, their skin can bear the brunt of that often showing up as fur loss, inflammation, pain, and fur loss.
Medicated shampoos can be helpful but we dont recommend using a DIY recipe. If you dont have access to prescription washes or hypoallergenic skin-soothing wipes, you might consider an over-the-counter option with skin-friendly pramoxine. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly to prevent allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Bacterial and fungal infections (general)
Sometimes, your pup might experience health issues. Skin sensitivity and skin issues can be caused by unnamed bacterial or fungal infections, which your pet can treat with medication.
Diagnosing skin allergies
Skin allergies are commonly diagnosed with blood work or topical skin tests, confirming vet hypotheses about possible triggers for your pet.
Treatment for skin allergies
There are many possible vet-approved treatments for dog skin allergies. Some of the most common can include:
- Hypoallergenic dog food or a balanced diet plan
- Cleaning or skin-soothing formulations with natural ingredients (or limited ingredients)
- Supplements, such as capsules for omega fatty acids
- Anti-inflammatory meal plans
The Best Dog Food for Pitbulls with Skin Allergies
Skin problems can get in the way of a hearty meal. No matter how nutritious your choice of dog food is, your Pittys allergies should always be factored in. The best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies is the best pick here. Aside from ensuring that your doggo gets the right nutrition, this food will also prevent the onset of irritations.
Pitbulls are prone to various allergies, especially those associated with their skin. Their thin coat is one reason why they are susceptible to irritations aside from other internal factors.
The type of food you serve for your Pitbull is crucial in dodging skin allergies. Some doggos tend to develop skin irritations due to various food ingredients. So before you purchase another bag of kibble, heres what you need to know:
Why Pitbulls are prone to skin allergies
Since these burly doggos are short-haired, they have a lower defense against allergens. They are also common victims of dermatological problems. Some of the typical culprits are mundane substances like pollen, sunlight, grass, and skin parasites.
Most of the allergens are environment-related. However, the detergent you use in washing the dog bedding or the Pitty shampoo can be allergens too. Contact allergy is common among Pitbulls but this can worsen when combined with other irritants.
As you see, dog allergy is a very diverse topic. One substance can be an allergen to a specific dog but not for the other. This means your pet needs customized attention when it comes to grooming, and most of all, their diet.
If your doggo is starting to scratch and developing hotspots, its time to take him to the vet for a check-up.
Take note, though, that theres a fine line between allergies and intolerances. Allergies occur when your dogs immune system mistakenly identifies a certain substance as a hazard. Meanwhile, intolerance is all in the gut. When your dog cant digest a certain substance, its not right to tag it as an allergy.
The best diet for Pitbull with allergies
The Association of American Feed Control Officials(AFFCO) recommends that you feed an adult dog with 18% protein. For puppies, protein consistency should be higher at 22%. However, addressing skin allergy isnt just about having the skin allergy food for Pitbulls with high protein levels. There are more aspects to consider in order to prevent the condition from getting in the way of your dogs life.
Some protein sources can be allergens for Pitbulls. Some doggos could be allergic to beef, fish, lamb, pork, or dairy. Theres no single ingredient that can be considered as allergens unless your Pittys body reacts negatively to it.
For example, your Pitbull could be allergic to salmon but mine isnt. Still, it doesnt mean salmon is something I should avoid.
One way to know what is best and what isnt for your Pitty is to put him on the food for a few weeks. If the pooch starts exhibiting symptoms of allergy, thats the time you should analyze the situation. What are the main ingredients of the food? Which of those are the possible allergens? Once you have an idea, go to the vet and request a patch test for confirmation.
If you dont want to subject your doggo to this experiment, secure discharge samples from the Pittys eyes, ears, or mouth. Send this to the vet for further examination. Through that, you can determine what you should avoid in order to establish what the best diet for your Pitbull is.
Usually, the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies has these three attributes:
-Limited ingredients
-Prescribed or formulated by veterinarians
-Novel ingredients
Food ingredients to be cautious about
Again, there is no written list of food ingredients that can be harmful to your dog. But, in general, there are some items that tend to induce irritations. So instead of avoiding, its best to proceed with caution with the following ingredients:
Grains
Grains like soy, wheat, and corn has earned bad rap for pissing the stomach of Pitbulls. As much as your Pitty needs sources of carbs, take note that grains take time to digest. These three mentioned items are notorious for inducing or worsening skin allergies among dogs.
Instead, opt for brown rice, barley, or oatmeal as a source of carbohydrates.
Dairy products
If theres one food item infamous for allergies, it would be dairy products. Its the same case with dogs and humans. Although cheese, egg, and the likes are rich in complete protein, always proceed with caution. It contains enzymes that can be allergens for your pet. Anyway, it doesnt mean youre going to ditch dairy for good. If possible, keep it in a low amount.
These two food ingredients are the usual allergens reported by many Pitbull owners. Still, it will vary depending on your dogs immune system.
Best skin allergy food for Pitbulls
If youre planning to purchase your Pitty with skin allergies its new dog food, I suggest that you take a look on these premium picks I got here:
BLUE Wilderness Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
For adult Pitties, I recommend that you consider the BLUE Wilderness Dry Dog Food. First, its guaranteed to be grain-free and to have very minimal dairy ingredients. This is made from deboned chicken and fish for the most sumptuous meal you can give your Pitbull.
Above all, this food doesnt have any poultry by-products, corn, wheat, and soy that can induce or worsen dog allergies.
This food also has potatoes and peas as safe sources of carbohydrates. Aside from that, this dry dog food is also blended with wholesome veggies and fruits for optimal nourishment. Since it has the right balance of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, this is perfect in regaining the health of your pets skin and coat.
Another good thing about this food is it has 34% crude protein, perfect for active adult Pitbulls. Its also packed with antioxidants and minerals that help strengthen the doggos immune system. All the minerals and nutrients here are selected by nutritionists and veterinarians.
Whats interesting about this dog food is its two-part structure. Aside from kibble, it also contains the so-called LifeSource Bits. Its a dark brown bit packed with nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants all intended to support overall health. And in the case of Pitties, its the best skin allergy food for Pitbulls
Pros
Best for gluten-intolerant and allergic dogs
Zero add-ins and artificial preservatives
Free from substandard ingredients like meat by-products
Excellent formulation of nutrients and minerals
Supports the skin, bone, and muscle health
Cons
Only available in a maximum of 24-pound bags
A bit expensive than most
Hills Science Dog Food for Sensitive Skin and Stomach
For those looking for a special formula made for doggos with sensitive skin, the one from Hills Science is the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies. Its said to be formulated for dogs with the nastiest tummy problems and skin issues. Made for adult Pitties, this meal is a combination of chicken and barley for a dose of protein and carbs.
The best part here is that the food has Vitamin E and C plus clinically-approved antioxidants that help restore the shine of Pitbulls coats. There are also Omega fatty acids that both contribute to a healthier digestion and skin. The premium ingredients here are easy to digest and definitely delicious.
This Hills Pet Dog Food is recommended by vets based on the Veterinarian Endorsement Survey conducted in 2023. Aside from that, this formula is actually the brainchild of about 220 veterinarians, pet nutritionists, and scientists. Its guaranteed to yield positive results in the skin department.
Pet owners who had dogs with extreme skin issues including scaling, hotspots, and yeast growth have resorted to this food. With proper transitioning, this food can help clear the itching and wounds in just one month. Even picky eaters would love the taste and nutritional profile of this skin allergy food for Pitbulls.
Pros
Vet and pet nutritionist-approved
All-natural ingredients packed with antioxidants and nutrients
Infused with Vitamins C and E for better coat health
Safe source of carbohydrates and protein
Best for sensitive tummies and skin
Larger bag
Cons
The pieces are bigger which isnt advisable for Pitties under 10 pounds.
Expensive but worth every penny
Causes of Pitbull skin allergies
A lot of pet owners are puzzled as to why their Pitbulls develop skin allergies. Veterinarians believe that the Pitbull breed has a genetic hypersensitivity to various substances, be it on their food or surroundings. Since their immune system seems jumpy, it tends to identify some substances as threats to the body.
Mostly, vets recognize four of the common allergies Pitbulls experience. It can either be contact, environmental, food, or fleas and ticks allergy. Of all these, the contact and food allergies are the most common among Pitties.
This is the reason why its important to choose the right skin allergy food for Pitbulls. Its best to stick to a formulation with limited ingredients. If ever the allergic reaction lingers, it will be easier for you and the vet to spot the culprit.
Like what I said earlier, any food item can be an allergen depending on how your dogs immune system will react to it. You always have to be meticulous and observant at this point.
When it comes to contact allergy, its wise to check the shampoo and chemicals youre using to wash your dog and their accessories.
How to spot skin allergies
If theres one consolation here, its the fact that the symptoms of allergies among Pitbull are easy to spot. Itching and constant licking are tell-tale signs of skin allergies. If your Pitbull is starting to develop hotspots and wounds, its time to assess their diet with the help of a veterinarian.
Other symptoms will include intense chewing, scratching, and redness on the armpits, face, ears, paws, and other folds of the skin. Some Pitbulls may also experience diarrhea and vomiting as well as itchiness on the rear ends.
To spot which ingredients or items cause the allergy, start the elimination process. Start by changing the bedding and ditching your usual detergent or shampoos. If the condition of your pet didnt improve, the next move is to switch the diet.
Transition him to a food with ingredients he hasnt eaten before. If your buddys condition improved, it means his previous meals are mired with allergens. If the symptoms persist, sent the dog to the vet for proper diagnosis.
The veterinarian will perform patch tests to possible allergens. For hard-to-spot allergens, a blood screening test could be done. Its always best to consult your vet if the condition continues to worsen. You simply cant take chances on your hit-and-miss process, especially if the skin allergy is starting to be life-threatening.
Treatment of Pitbull skin allergies
The treatment of your Pitties skin allergies doesnt stop after you got the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies. Its imperative that you work with your veterinarian for a holistic approach. But to alleviate the symptoms while youre at home, I recommend that you practice the following:
Limit the use of sprays and active detergents
Aside from food, another reason why dogs develop allergies is due to the chemicals present in their environment. Start reducing the use of invasive household cleaners and sprays.
Supplement with oils
If your dogs skin appears dry and scaly, your pooch will benefit from the addition of fish oils. This is packed with Omega fatty acids that help restore coat health.
Follow the vets prescription
After consulting with the vet, he or she will likely prescribe antibiotics and other medications to cure the skin condition of your dog. Always stick to the doctors orders. If the irritation lingers, go back to the doctor for another testing.
Always remember that its not just about getting the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies. You should also pay attention to other factors that cause or worsens your Pitties skin irritation. From there, you can get rid of the culprit before it compromises your poochs health.
