How to Choose the Best Food for Pets with Sensitive Skin

Is your pet constantly scratching, biting, or licking their skin? Sensitive skin can be frustrating for pets and their owners alike. The right diet can be a game-changer for pets with skin sensitivities, helping to reduce itching and irritation while promoting a healthy, shiny coat.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best food for pets with sensitive skin, what to look for in pet food, and how premium options like ACANA and ORIJEN can make a difference.

Understanding Sensitive Skin in Pets

Sensitive skin often stems from allergies, which can be triggered by food, environmental factors, or even stress. Pets with sensitive skin may exhibit symptoms like:

Scratching or licking like it’s going out of fashion
Red, irritated spots
Flaky, dry skin (think dandruff but furrier)
Hair loss or hot spots

While topical treatments can offer temporary relief, addressing the issue from the inside out is key. That’s where diet plays a crucial role.

What to Look for in Pet Food for Sensitive Skin

When choosing a food for your pet, consider these important factors:

1. Novel Protein Sources

Some pets are fussy eaters, but others are fussy in the allergy department. If they’ve got sensitivities, proteins like chicken or beef might not cut it. Instead, opt for novel proteins like fish. ACANA and ORIJEN’s fish recipes don’t contain wheat, red meats or chicken – providing great options for pets with diet sensitivities.

2. High Omega-3 and Omega-6

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are known to support healthy skin and a glossy coat. Both ACANA and ORIJEN’s fish recipes have some of the highest omega 3 inclusions of any kibble petfood, and most importantly, correctly balanced ratios of omega 3 to 6. Many other pet diets are too high in omega 6.

3. Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)

For pets with extreme sensitivities, limited ingredient diets can help by reducing potential allergens. These diets typically contain fewer ingredients, making it easier to pinpoint what might be causing a reaction.

4. No Artificial Additives

Steer clear of food with artificial fillers, colours, or flavours. Your pet doesn’t need them, and their skin will thank you for going down the clean route.

5. Biologically Appropriate Recipes

Biologically appropriate food mimics the natural diet of dogs and cats, emphasising fresh meat, fish, and other high-quality ingredients. This ensures your pet receives optimal nutrition to support overall health, including skin and coat.

TOp Food Options for Pets with Sensitive Skin

At Nature's Ki, we recommend ACANA and ORIJEN fish-based recipes for pets with sensitive skin. These premium brands provide high-quality nutrition tailored to your pet’s needs.

Orijen Six Fish Dog

Orijen Small Breed Marine Fish

Acana Wild Coast

Acana Pacifica Dog

Orijen Six Fish Cat

Acana Bountiful Catch

Acana Pacifica Cat

What About Supplements?

Along with changing the diet, you can also look into supplements such as Pet Kelp Skin & Coat or Probiotic. Fish oil supplementation can also help decrease the inflammation of allergies, and probiotics can help rebalance the immune system.

Transitioning Your Pet to a New Diet

Switching your pet’s food requires a gradual transition to avoid digestive upset. Follow this timeline:

Days 1-2: Mix 25% new food with 75% old food.
Days 3-4: Mix 50% new food with 50% old food.
Days 5-6: Mix 75% new food with 25% old food.
Day 7: Transition completely to the new food.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best food for pets with sensitive skin can make a world of difference in their comfort and overall health. By selecting high-quality, fish-based recipes from trusted brands like ACANA and ORIJEN, you can provide your pet with the nutrition they need to thrive.

Ready to give your pet relief? Explore our range of premium pet food from ACANA and ORIJEN at your local stockist today.