What do you feed a pitbull 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

8 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls With Skin Allergies in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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While food allergies can affect many different breeds of dogs, they seem particularly common in Pitbulls. The most common allergies that plague dogs are from their food. Changing their diet to one that doesnt cause skin irritation may be a solution.

Many dogs can tolerate all foods just fine, but if you see your Pitbull scratching incessantly without relief and chewing their paws until they bleed, allergies could be the culprit. Even if you feed your dog high-quality food, they can still be intolerant of some of the ingredients.

We are here to help with a list of the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies. Weve chosen our favorites and gathered them here with reviews so you can find the one that your dog needs as soon as possible.

A Quick Look at Our Favorite Choices (Updated in 2024)

The 8 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls With Skin Allergies

1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription Best Overall

Calories:	381/cup
Protein content:	32%
First ingredient:	Deboned salmon

Ollie is the best overall dog food for Pitbulls with allergies. This subscription-based fresh food offers beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb recipes in grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas. This is good for dogs with allergies to specific proteins or grains. All recipes include real animal protein and organ meats while avoiding heavily processed ingredients.

The recipes also have tons of fruits and veggies, including pumpkin, carrots, spinach, squash, and kale. Each one is formulated with the help of veterinarians to ensure it has all the nutrients dogs need. There are no artificial flavors, preservatives, by-products, or fillers like soy or wheat. This subscription is a convenient option, but you have to plan accordingly to ensure you always have the food stocked up in the event of a delay. It also must be refrigerated, so you have to have space. The cost may be too much for some pet parents as well.

• Variety of recipes
• Minimally processed ingredients
• Real animal protein sources
• Easy-to-use delivery service

• Slightly more expensive than regular kibble

2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitivities Dog Food Budget Buy

Calories:	467/cup
Protein content:	26%
First ingredient:	Salmon

The recipe used in Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitivities Dry Dog Food is formulated for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. If youre looking for high-quality budget dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies, this is our pick. The ingredients include live probiotics to support your dogs immune system while being gentle on the stomach. Prebiotic fiber is included to encourage healthy gut bacteria.

The main protein source is salmon, which doesnt trigger an allergic reaction in many dogs. This food does contain rice, so it wont be a good choice for dogs with grain allergies. There is no corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers in the recipe. Oatmeal and omega fatty acids are added for gentle digestion and coat and skin health.

Some dog owners report that this food has a strong smell. It is also a new recipe, and some dogs wont eat it even if they enjoyed the old one.

• Contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber
• Salmon is the first ingredient
• Contains omega fatty acids

• Includes grain
• New recipe

3. Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Care Dog Food

Calories:	400/cup
Protein content:	30%
First ingredient:	Lamb meal

Complete nutrition that mimics a dogs natural diet is what youll find in Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Care Dry Dog Food. This recipe is made in small batches with protein from eggs and free-range lamb. It is easy on dogs digestion and doesnt contain any grain or white potatoes.

Enzymes in the food help break it down so your dog can get the maximum nutrients during digestion. These enzymes also reduce allergy outbreaks and help boost your dogs immunity. Probiotics and prebiotics aid in digestion and the maintenance of healthy bacteria in the intestines.

This food contains poultry. If your dog has poultry allergies, this isnt the brand for them. This is an easily digestible diet with low-risk allergens, but some dogs cant eat anything with chicken in it. This is also our premium choice, but it is expensive. That said, it is suitable for dogs of every life stage and helps stop allergy-related stomach distress.

• Mimics a dogs natural diet
• Digestive enzymes maximize nutritional benefits
• Lamb and eggs are the main protein sources

• Expensive
• Contains poultry

4. Natural Balance L.I.D. Duck & Potato Dry Puppy Food

Calories:	395/cup
Protein content:	25%
First ingredient:	Duck

The Natural Balance L.I.D. Duck & Potato Dry Puppy Food formula was made by teams of veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and scientists to provide the food with the best taste and nutritional value. This limited-ingredient diet uses duck as the protein source for healthy muscle development. This food is free from any corn, legumes, wheat, or soy. It is gentle on your puppys digestive system and has a low risk of allergens. DHA from marine sources supports neurological development in growing dogs.

Potatoes are an easily digested source of carbohydrates and wont trigger gastrointestinal distress. This food has been reported to stop chronic diarrhea in some dogs.

The biggest issue with this food is that the shape and color of the kibble have changed. Some dogs that ate this food regularly no longer like it.

• Made by veterinarians
• Limited-ingredient diet
• Duck is the protein source

5. Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

Calories:	381/cup
Protein content:	32%
First ingredient:	Deboned salmon

Another great choice for dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies is Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food. This kibble is packed full of flavor and protein without any grains. Almost half of this recipe contains protein and healthy fat. Salmon also gives your dog the necessary omega fatty acids to help their skin stay healthy.

This is a great choice for Pitbulls that suffer from poultry or grain allergies. Easily digestible sweet potatoes are added for fiber and carbohydrates. In addition to vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, this food contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. Your dog gets everything that they need in this low-allergen diet.

The kibble size is smaller than large-breed dog food because it is recommended for all breeds. Some big dogs dont like the small pieces. Its also a more expensive food than some others on this list.

• Poultry- and grain-free
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
• Easily digestible ingredients
• Salmon is the first ingredient

• Expensive
• Small kibble size

6. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey

Calories:	395/cup
Protein content:	34%
First ingredient:	Deboned chicken

The grain-free recipe in Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Dry Dog Food helps mitigate allergies while still giving your Pitbull the energy that they need. Chicken and turkey are the main protein sources, so this food is suitable for dogs without a poultry allergy or sensitivity. This recipe also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which is important in large dogs.

The protein sources combine with fruits and vegetables to give your dog essential vitamins and minerals. There are no fillers or by-products in this food. Its filled with antioxidants and omega fatty acids for skin, coat, and immune support.

There are reports of the kibble size being too large for dogs to eat. This formula is made for large breeds. Wellness also makes this food in smaller sizes for all dogs to enjoy. If your Pitbull can handle large chunks of food, this will be fine for them. If your Pittie is on the small side, small kibble is available.

• Protein-rich
• Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
• Low allergy-trigger risk

7. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food

Calories:	422/cup
Protein content:	32%
First ingredient:	Water buffalo

As with most Taste of the Wild foods, this recipe is full of protein and infused with vitamins and minerals. This food has no added grains, fillers, or preservatives, making it closely resemble the minimal diet of wild dogs.

The antioxidants and fatty acids help promote healthy skin, which is important for itchy Pitbulls. Peas and sweet potatoes are easy on your dogs digestive system. Prebiotic properties from dried chicory root help keep your pups gut healthy.

Some dogs with sensitive stomachs cant tolerate the bison meat. If your dog is sensitive to new foods, try mixing this into their regular food in small portions to see how they react. While having water buffalo as the first ingredient, the formula does contain lamb and chicken meal so it might not be suitable for dogs sensitive to those proteins.

• K9-specific probiotic blend
• Contains omega fatty acids
• No added fillers or grains

• May be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Might not be suitable for dogs with chicken or lamb sensitivities

8. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Dry Dog Food

Calories:	383/cup
Protein content:	26%
First ingredient:	Organic chicken

Free-range, organic chicken is the first ingredient in Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Dry Dog Food, so you dont have to worry about any growth hormones or antibiotics in this recipe. Instead, its packed with antioxidants from blueberries, coconut oil, and organic barley.

The high-quality natural ingredients in this diet provide micronutrients and antioxidants to help support your Pitbulls healthy skin. The ingredients are USDA organic certified. Organic sweet potatoes and oatmeal are added for healthy fiber and gentle digestion. This is an expensive option, but if your Pitbull has allergies, dog owners claim that they have seen the benefits of switching to this diet.

• Organic ingredients
• Natural antioxidants
• Gentle digestion

• Food may have a strong odor

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls With Skin Allergies

Choosing the right skin allergy food for Pitbulls can be a daunting task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when youre making your decision. If you think that your dog has a food allergy, the first thing to do is take them to the vet for an exam. After that, you can start trying to make dietary changes for them that should clear up the issue.

What Causes Skin Allergies?

Allergies can be caused by food or environmental factors. When your dog is allergic to something in their food, it can trigger an immune response that presents as itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and facial swelling.

Switching to foods with limited or natural ingredients may be the solution because there are fewer things to trigger this response in your dog. If you can narrow down the allergy to something specific, like poultry, grain, or dairy products, choosing a food will be much easier.

If you cant narrow down the cause of the allergy, you may have to try different foods until you find one that works.

How to Recognize Skin Allergies

Skin allergies caused by food are usually easy to spot. Incessant scratching, red or inflamed skin, and constant licking are significant signs. Sometimes, the scratching can lead to open wounds that eventually get infected. Hot spots can also develop. If you notice these signs, take your Pitbull to the vet for an exam, medication for relief, and an assessment of their diet.

Changing their diet starts with the process of elimination. Trying new ingredients that they havent had before may work well. Try different protein sources and see how your dog reacts. If the allergy symptoms clear up, you know that something in their previous diet was triggering them.

Choosing the Best Food

• Limited-Ingredient Diets:These foods usually have just one protein source, so you will know if your dog can tolerate it or not. There is also a single source of carbohydrates. No fillers or extras are in these foods. Its the closest that you can get to a dogs natural diet.
• Grain-Free Diets:Some Pitbulls can tolerate any proteins just fine but are allergic to grains and gluten. Grain-free foods may clear up the issue because these dont contain gluten.
• Unique Ingredients:A unique protein source, such as bison or venison, may help lower your Pitbulls risk of allergies. Common protein sources can be irritating, and its hard to find one that is suitable for your dog. Introducing a unique protein source may mean there is less of a chance of an immune response.

Conclusion

When it comes to Pitbull skin allergies, we know how hard it can be to watch them struggle. Our best overall choice for dog food to help them find relief is Ollie Fresh Dog Food. This subscription-based fresh food offers beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb recipes in grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas. This is good for dogs with allergies to specific proteins or grains. For a budget pick, we like Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitivities Dry Dog Food. It contains prebiotics and probiotics, along with oatmeal, for easy digestion. We hope you find the right recipe to reduce your Pitbulls allergy symptoms and get them feeling better quickly.

Featured Image Credit: Victoria Brassey, Shutterstock