Homemade Dog Food for Skin Allergies: Everything You Need to Know (+ Top 5 Recipes)

An estimated 10 to 15% of the dog population have skin allergies. All the itching, licking, and rashes can be quite problematic, to say the least. With the diet being a major trigger, one way to solve the issue is to change dog food from store-bought to homemade. 

There’s no denying the benefits of homemade food for dogs with skin allergies. If you’re planning on putting your dog on a full homemade meal plan and not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Soon enough, Fido will be eating the healthiest and most delicious food it can get. 

Why Homemade Dog Food is the Best Option for Allergies 

Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

Cooking homemade food for dogs with skin allergies can be life-changing. As a loving dog parent, you always want to give your furry friend the best. And with a homemade meal, you’re in control of what goes into your dog’s body. 

Fido will be eating food that is free of parasitic or bacterial pathogens which might be getting him sick. Also, the meal will be easier to digest and more appetizing to munch on. And needless to say, you won’t need to worry about allergic reactions because you prepared the food with specific allergies in mind. 

Comparing Store-Bought vs. Homemade Options 

While store-bought food is often more convenient, homemade options offer more peace of mind. It’s worth noting that we have nothing against store-bought food whatsoever; it’s just as beneficial as homemade food. Unfortunately, food allergies in dogs may force you to ditch the store-bought and settle for homemade. 

Besides being convenient, store-bought dog food comes in a variety of options. It packs all the essential nutrients and is approved for safety. 

On the other hand, homemade food is tailored to avoid triggering dog food allergies, giving you peace of mind. When you’re the chef, you’re in charge of what goes into your dog’s body and what doesn’t. This is especially a relief for those who have trouble decoding dog food labels. 

You also won’t have to worry about preservatives and other filler ingredients usually found in kibble or canned food—since homemade food is as natural as it gets. Plus you’ll be able to appease even the pickiest of eaters. 

Ingredients to Include and Avoid in Homemade Dog Food

Dog-Friendly Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

A balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is essential for dogs in general; dogs with food allergies are no exception. Fish like salmon, cod, and sardines, and healthy oils like flaxseed oil go a long way. 

Besides fatty acids, a homemade dog food recipe should contain antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like turkey and deer venison, and soluble fibers such as pumpkin and sweet potatoes. These ingredients can help soothe itchy skin and inflammation in dogs and are unlikely to cause any problems. 

Ingredients That May Trigger Allergies

If you’re preparing homemade food for dogs with skin allergies, the first thing you should consider is the allergies your four-legged friend has. Just like humans, dogs too get allergic to the most random stuff. With that said, certain ingredients are more likely to cause dog food allergies than others. Beef, chicken, dairy, lamb, eggs, wheat, soy, and even corn can all cause food allergies in dogs. And so, unless cleared by a veterinarian, it is best to be cautious about these ingredients.

Ensuring Balanced Nutrition in Homemade Dog Food

Preparing homemade food is all about putting together a balanced diet. Keep in mind that certain key nutrients are essential for your dog. A quality meal contains 40 to 50% protein, 30 to 40% carbohydrates, and 10% fruits and vegetables—plus fats and oils based on your dog’s activity level. 

In many cases, you’ll need to throw in vet-recommended multivitamins, probiotics, and calcium. This way, Fido will be getting all that its body needs to thrive. All this may seem time-consuming and expensive, but if done right, homemade meals can do wonders for your allergic pooch. 

5 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Skin Allergies

Now that you’re familiar with the benefits of homemade food for dogs with skin allergies, let’s go a step further and hook you up with some recipes. 

Remember that you can always cook the meals in bulk and put them in the freezer for later use. To do that, divide the food into individual serving sizes based on your dog’s daily needs, then store the divided portions in separate airtight containers or freezer bags. 

Most foods can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Just remember to avoid refreezing and monitor signs of spoilage. As for portion size, offer roughly half a cup of food for every 10 pounds of your dog's body weight per day.  If your dog eats two, or even three times a day, divide the portions accordingly.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground turkey, cooked
• 1/2 cup sweet potatoes, mashed
• 1/4 cup peas, cooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Combine the cooked ground turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, and cooked peas in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the olive oil, drizzling it evenly over the mixture.
3. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Serve at a safe and comfortable temperature for your dog to enjoy.

Fish and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.75 lbs deboned cod fillets
• 3 cups russet potatoes, diced
• 1 ½ cups green beans 
• 1 ½ cups green peas
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Directions:

1. Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove the fillets from the pan and set aside.
3. In a food processor, blend the diced potatoes, green beans, and green peas until evenly mixed.
4. Transfer the chopped vegetables to the skillet and add the water. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables become tender.
5. Return the cooked cod to the skillet along with the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil. Break apart the cod into flakes and mix thoroughly with the vegetables to form a loose, thick stew.
6. Let the mixture cool to a safe serving temperature before serving.

Lamb and Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked and ground lamb
• 1/4 cup cooked lentils
• 1/4 cup pureed sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped zucchini

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, add the cooked and ground lamb, cooked lentils, pureed sweet potatoes, and chopped zucchini.
2. Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a comfortable serving temperature.
3. Let the stew cool down before serving to your canine companion.

Turkey and Quinoa with Vegetables Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds ground turkey (minimum 85% lean)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 4 ounces kale, chopped (remove large stems)
• 1 pound carrots, diced
• 2 cups raw quinoa
• 5 cups low-sodium bone broth, regular broth, or water
• Two 4.5-ounce tins of sardines in water 

Directions:

1. Sauté a tablespoon of coconut oil in an Instant Pot, add the ground turkey, and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces until lightly browned.
2. Stir in the chopped kale and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted. Add the diced carrots and broth (or water).
3. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” for 4 minutes. Make sure the vent is closed.
4. Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Remove the lid and let the contents cool completely. Stir in the sardines.

Salmon, Spinach, & Pumpkin Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs salmon
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, no added sugar or spices)
• 2 cups frozen spinach, defrosted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon on the sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked.
2. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of brown rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
3. Add the frozen peas to the cooked rice and stir. Cover the pot again to allow the peas to thaw for a few minutes.
4. Remove the cooked salmon from the oven and use a fork to flake it into small pieces, removing any skin and bones.
5. In a large bowl, add the flaked salmon, cooked rice and peas, pumpkin puree, and defrosted spinach. Stir everything well to mix.
6. Serve at a safe temperature.

 

To Sum Up

If you have a dog with allergies, homemade food is the way to go. You don’t even need to be a cooking expert because the recipes are as simple as they get. Just make sure you get a veterinarian's opinion before deciding to cook homemade food for your dog with skin allergies. Soon enough, your furry friend will be thankful for the tastiest, most aromatic—and least allergenic—food of its life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed homemade food to my puppy with allergies? 

Most food allergies in dogs develop before they hit the age of one. While homemade food for dogs with skin allergies is highly recommended, it can be tricky before they’re three months old—but not impossible. This is because puppies under the age of one have very specific nutritional needs to grow up in a healthy way. With that in mind, you’ll want to work closely with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to treat the allergies and make sure that all of your little puppy's nutritional needs are covered. 

How often should I consult a vet when preparing homemade food for allergies? 

Regular consultations with a veterinarian are a must if you’re preparing homemade food for dogs with skin allergies. First, your vet will likely put Fido on an elimination diet to figure out what allergens to avoid. You’ll then want to check in with the vet at least once a month. 

Once the diet is established and everything is going smoothly, go for routine checkups every three to six months. During these check-ups, you can find out about any nutritional deficiencies you need to consider. These checkups are also a good opportunity to do routine tests and bloodwork to make sure your dog is maintaining a healthy weight. 

What supplements help improve a dog’s skin health?

homemade food for skin allergies will often leave your dog with certain deficiencies. To balance things out, you’ll need to add certain supplements to your dog's diet. These supplements include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, Zinc, biotin (vitamin B7), DHA, and collagen. Flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and Vitamin A are also recommended.