The largest organ in the body, the skin takes a lot of abuse and is the site of many problems. Our furry friends deal with a lot – dust, chemicals, shampoos, sprays, bugs, infections, and other environmental problems. Unfortunately, skin problems are common.
While bugs, pollen and other environmental triggers can cause skin reactions, other times they are blamed, when food is the real culprit. What goes into the body makes the body react, for better or worse, and it can show up on the skin as the body tries to processes things.
Proper diagnosis is important to determine the root cause of skin issues. For example, is it environmental, seasonal, bacterial, viral, fungal, diet related, or something else? Hopefully, your vet can diagnose the cause. If there is a chemical, bug or infection that is causing the problem, that will need to be fixed first or alongside my diet plans.
After all, we can remove, add or change all kinds of things, but if we don’t get to the root of the problem, the problem will return.
Aside from itching and licking, dogs with skin issues can also experience fur loss, sores, thickened skin, changes in color or texture of skin, ear infections, paw licking and other symptoms.
One thing to keep in mind: If your dog is experiencing skin issues AND gastrointestinal issues at the same time, it is most likely food related.
So, on to food issues….
Did you know certain additives and chemicals in processed foods can be implicated in allergy and skin issue cases? They should be avoided.
They include:
- azo and non-azo dyes
- guar gum
- sodium nitrate
- sodium bisulfate
- sodium glutamate
- butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
- propylene glycol
- sodium alginate
These are just a few examples. Unfortunately, pet foods may contain any of these ingredients.
Fortunately, a simple, nourishing homemade diet can help support the entire body. This includes the largest organ in the body – the skin.
So what does that look like, diet wise?
All of the diets I offer are full of truly nourishing, supportive foods. Diets are tailored to each individual dog because dogs are just that – individuals. But some sample foods I love to use include the following:
- high quality animal protein such as turkey, beef, fish, eggs, or another depending on the dog
- vegetables including cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and more – they are absolutely famous for their cancer-fighting, heart protective, anti-inflammatory powers
- a high quality omega-3 – and I can’t stress the words “high quality” enough. Fish oils are vulnerable to rancidity (meaning they have gone bad), and the source is important too. I will help you pick out options I use for my own dogs, and for myself.
- accent ingredients such as seaweed, berries, herbs and so much more
These are just a few examples. This is not a complete and total guide, but a sprinkling of some well known do’s and don’ts. And keep in mind, a homemade diet is full of moisture, which helps hydrate the entire body, including the skin.
I have been cooking for my own dogs since 2008, and I am happy to show you the ropes. It’s easier than you think, and can reap some serious health benefits, long and short term.
When you are ready to start feeding a truly nourishing homemade diet, please come to me.
Enjoy… Sarah
Sarah Whitman, MS, Holistic Nutrition
Founder, Dog Food Coach