What Can I Feed My Dog For Hair Loss?
Approximately 25% of dog visits to the vet involve skin and coat issues!
Food allergies in people are generally associated with digestive issues, but food allergies in dogs are frequently linked to skin problems and hair loss.
Dogs may be allergic to environmental allergens like mold, dust, or pollen, or parasites like mites and fleas.
Food allergies are also a possibility; however, the initial symptoms tend to include itching that can lead to hair loss.
If you suspect your dog has food allergies, the best thing to do is visit your veterinarian for testing and an elimination diet.
VIDEO: Skin Infections and Your Dog
Can Dog Food Cause Dog To Lose Hair
A dog’s skin and haircoat can be greatly affected by nutritional deficiencies. In many cases, this occurs when a dog consumes a homemade diet for an extended period of time.
Poor quality commercial dry food, nutrient excesses, or inappropriate supplementation of commercial diets can also cause nutritional deficiencies in dogs
What Deficiency Causes Hair Loss in Dogs
A zinc deficiency can result in hair loss, skin ulcers, thickened skin, and cracks on the soles of the feet and on joints. With sufficient mineral levels in the diet, skin-related symptoms of mineral deficiency disappear quickly
What Vitamins Do Dogs Need For Hair Loss?
The vitamin biotin.
The body uses biotin to metabolize carbs, fats, and amino acids.
Biotin is less commonly known as vitamin H. Biotin for dogs also keeps their hair and skin shiny, supple and healthy.
Best Fish Oil For Dogs
- And don’t forget to Boost the omega-3 fatty acid content of your dog’s diet to improve skin and coat condition too!
Nutrition & Hairloss in Dogs
Veterinarians have long recognized a link between nutrition and the health of the skin and haircoat.
The following is an extract from a veterinary dermatology textbook published in the 1950s:
”Dermatosis (skin diseases) affecting various species of animals are more commonly associate with malnutrition than they are with a good state of nutrition”
A nutritional deficiency can have a huge effect on a dog’s skin and haircoat. This often happens when a dog is fed a homemade diet over a long period of time.
A nutritional deficiency can also occur when dogs are fed poor quality commercial dry food, a commercial food that contains nutrient excesses, or if a commercial diet is supplemented inappropriately.
Best Dog Food For Skin Allergies And Hair Loss
Whether you go dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement.
All of these Dog Food formulas meet AAFCO recommended daily nutrient properties for your dog
Best dog Food for Hair Loss
Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Environmental & Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Egg Product, Rice Protein Concentrate, Soybean Oil
- Key feature: Bioactives and phytonutrients can help normalize immune responses.
- Guaranteed Analysis: 13.5% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 388 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Veterinary Diet
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Sensitivities
Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Environmental & Food Sensitivities dry Dog Food is clinically formulated to help manage environmental and food sensitivities.
Key benefits are formulated to support the skin’s barriers against environmental irritants all year round, with visible skin healing in as little as 21 days in dogs with adverse food reactions.
Nutrition has shown to provide less licking, scratching, headshaking, and skin redness in as little as 28 days as seen in an open-label study. with high levels of essential fatty acids to promote skin health.
It’s important to continue to feed Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Dog Food to help protect against future outbreaks, even when dogs no longer show signs of skin irritations.
Key Benefits
- May help show visible skin improvement in dogs with food sensitivities.
- May help improve night-time scratching and improve sleep quality in some dogs.
- Helps support the skin barrier year-round against environmental irritants.
- Contains a single animal protein source.
- Bioactives and phytonutrients can help normalize immune responses.
Veterinary Authorization
This item needs authorization from your veterinarian. Simply provide your pet and vet clinic information at Checkout and we’ll follow up with your veterinarian to confirm.
If you have a copy of your authorization, you can expedite the process by uploading a scan or photo of it to the Prescriptions section in your account or your order confirmation.
You can also email it to vetdiet@chewy.com.
Best small Breeds Dog Food for Hair Loss
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids)
- Key feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 397kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adult Small Breed
- Best for: Sensitivities
All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit, plus added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients.
This Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and is made with increased protein and carbohydrates to meet the higher energy needs of smaller dogs.
About this item
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit
- SMALL BREED DOG FOOD: Specially formulated for small breed dogs, BLUE Life Protection Formula Small Breed dry dog food contains increased levels of protein and carbohydrates to meet the energy needs of smaller dogs with a kibble size ideal for smaller jaws
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance
- A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dog foods are made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Best Grain free Dog Food for Hair Loss
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Pork Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Canola Meal
- Key feature: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 378kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for Sensitive stomachs
The natural ingredients in this grain-free dog food with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients help support digestibility, less shedding, a shiny coat, strong nails, and healthy skin.
This grain-free meal is packed with protein from beef, lamb, and pork to help support your dog’s muscles, contains a Wholesome Harvest Blend that delivers omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and contains antioxidants for a healthy immune system too.
About this item
- Dry food for dogs contains high-quality proteins like real pork, beef, and lamb
- Grain-free and poultry free dog food, great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Beef, lamb, and pork dog food contain added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
- Dry dog food contains no grains, corn, wheat, soy, poultry, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Hair Loss
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Canola Oil
- Key feature: High Protein, Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Chicken-Free
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 496 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Sensitivities
This no-grain dog food is made using a limited number of wholesome ingredients that are easily recognizable.
Choose from a variety of formulas made with real meat or fish first, paired with whole ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, or chickpeas — never corn, wheat, or soy. This grain-free hypoallergenic dog food is ideal for pups with a sensitive stomach and offers nothing but pure goodness for your best friend.
About this item
- Limited ingredient dog food filled with ingredients you recognize
- 10 Key ingredients or less
- Packed with the goodness of premium, clean proteins
- #1 Ingredient real meat, poultry, or fish
- Beautiful skin & coat supported by Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids
- Grain-free dog food is perfect for those with sensitive stomachs
- Healthy immune system supported by antioxidants
Best Grain Free Dog Food for Hair Loss
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
- Key feature: Grain-Free, Chicken-Free
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 360 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Sensitivities
Formulated with novel proteins including real smoked salmon, this grain-free recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes that deliver the highly digestible energy your active pup needs.
This formula also contains natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables, and dried chicory prebiotic support for healthy digestion.
Essential minerals are chelated with amino acids to optimize their absorption and ensure maximum benefit, for complete and balanced nutrition
About this item
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream with SMOKED SALMON dry dog food; REAL FISH is the main ingredient; high protein (32%) to help support bones, joints, and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from FRUITS and SUPERFOODS; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS — plus antioxidants and prebiotics — to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system, and overall health and wellness
Best Digestive Care Dog Food for Hair Loss
American Journey Active Life Formula Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran
- Key feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 345 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Sensitivities
The first ingredient is salmon. Although salmon is an excellent protein and omega-3 fatty acid source
The second ingredient is menhaden meal. Menhaden meal is produced by cooking menhaden using a process called rendering.
The rendering process dramatically reduces the natural moisture of menhaden and thereby results in a highly condensed protein source, plus antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and overall well-being, and balanced omegas to support healthy skin and coat.
Key benefits
- A well-rounded, balanced diet provides 25% high-quality protein from real, deboned salmon as the first ingredient.
- Provides a precise blend of nutrients and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.
- Antioxidant and nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, plus easily digestible, fiber-rich grains.
- A balanced blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support healthy skin and lustrous coat.
- No wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, artificial colors, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives.
Best Dog Food for Allergies
Purina pro plan adult skin and stomach dog food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Oat Meal, Barley, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Canola Meal
- Key feature: High-Protein, Sensitive Digestion, Weight Control
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 508 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for Sensitive Skin & Stomach
This adult dog food for sensitive stomachs features a highly digestible formula and nourishes the beneficial bacteria found in your dog’s intestine for his digestive health.
Ingredients such as rice and oat meal provide easily digestible sources of carbohydrates for your dog.
Fish oil—rich in EPA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids—helps support healthy joints and mobility, while omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A nourish your dog’s skin and keep his coat looking healthy.
Plus, there is also no corn, wheat, or soy in our sensitive skin dog food formula.
About this item
- One (1) 30 lb. Bag – Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Salmon & Rice Formula
- Oatmeal is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system
- High protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Used to be known as FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
- No corn, wheat, or soy. No artificial colors or flavors. No poultry by-product meal
Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for Hair Loss
AvoDerm Advanced Sensitive Support Lamb & Sweet Potato Formula Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Pea Flour
- Key feature: Sensitive Digestion, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Chicken-Free
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 420 kcal/cup - Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Sensitive Skin & Stomach
AvoDerm Advanced Sensitive Support Lamb & Sweet Potato Formula is a Limited Ingredient Diet formula that is made with lamb as the only source of animal protein.
This formula is also grain-free and slow-cooked to make it an ideal food for dogs that may have food sensitivities or intolerances.
It also contains sweet potato and a unique blend of fiber to support easy digestion and omega fatty acids to support sensitive skin.
About this item
- AvoDerm Advanced Sensitive Support Lamb & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food, Specifically Developed For Dogs with Sensitive Skin or Sensitive Stomach
- GRAIN FREE, LIMITED INGREDIENT DIET: Lamb is the first ingredient and only source of animal protein
- SUPPORTS SENSITIVE STOMACHS – Made with sweet potato and fiber to support easy digestion
- PROMOTES HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Premium natural dry dog food with added vitamins and minerals made with omega-rich avocados to promote healthy skin, coat, immune system, and overall health
- QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free, potato-free, chicken-free. No by-products meals, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Symptoms of Hair Loss in Dogs
Dog hair loss is a typical condition that affects all types, ages, breeds, and parts of the body. Depending on the cause, various designs and symptoms can appear:
- Overall thinning of the hair
- Hair loss around eyes and mouth
- Patches of complete hair loss
Other Symptoms Include
- Symmetrical patterns of hair loss in the same place on both sides of the body
- Foul odor
- Itchiness
- Black or dark grey skin under hair loss
- Dry, scaly skin around the area of hair loss
- Red, inflamed skin around the area of hair loss
- Oozing moisture or bleeding around area of hair loss (typically a secondary condition)
Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs
A list of common causes of hair loss in dogs include:
- Allergic or contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction can cause skin irritation and hair loss. Common allergies include medication, pollen, dust, chemicals, fragrances, and various plants.
- Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of hair loss on the dog’s body, neck, and head without itching.
- Bacterial infection: When hair loss is caused by bacterial infection, it can usually be traced to a secondary symptom related to a primary condition (allergic or parasitic reaction).
- Cushing’s Disease: This disease is caused by an increase in corticosteroids in the body and it may cause hair loss, skin thinning, hyperpigmentation, and increased thirst and urination.
- Demodectic mange: Caused by Demodex mites, this type of mange can result in hair loss, scaling, redness, ulcers, and sometimes darkening of the skin.
- Diabetes mellitus: A condition that compromises a dog’s immune system, Diabetes mellitus makes a dog more susceptible to infections and various skin conditions.
- Flea allergy dermatitis: Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to flea bites which may result in extreme itching, redness, hair loss, and skin scales.
Treatment of Hair Loss in Dogs
The causes of dog hair loss can vary considerably, and a number of therapies are available for each condition.
Treatment with antihistamines may help with allergic reactions, but bacterial and parasite infections might necessitate different types of medication.
Corticosteroids should be reduced in the treatment of Cushing’s disease, and if a glandular tumor is present, it should be surgically removed.
Hair loss can be reduced by using flea and other insect control methods.
Hair loss in dogs is not always a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by other physical symptoms or indicators of infection-that’s when seeing your veterinarian becomes necessary.
Hair loss might be an indication of a serious disease at times, so don’t overlook the hair loss in your dog.
What Food Promotes Hair Growth in Dogs
Hair loss that isn’t caused by an underlying infection or health condition can sometimes be attributed to nutrition.
If your dog’s diet is deficient in moisture and omega-3 fatty acids, the skin may become dehydrated.
Dried skin becomes itchy, and as a result, your dog will scratch, lick, and bite the region – which can cause hair loss.
Below are some foods that may help prevent hair loss in your dog:
– Eggs – eggs are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s also promote healthy skin and coat by keeping cells around the follicles hydrated. Many veterinarians recommend giving your dog two to four eggs a week.
– Salmon – fatty fish, such as salmon, help promote skin health and keep cells hydrated. A bonus: The omega-3s in fatty fish can also decrease inflammation in the body, which is good for your dog’s kidneys and liver. One to two servings of canned salmon a week should do the trick.
– Sweet potatoes – these unassuming tubers are packed with beta carotene, which speeds up cell turnover and helps keep skin cells fresh. Some owners even report that sweet potatoes helped repigment their dogs’ fur after it had faded due to alopecia. One medium-sized sweet potato for an average-sized dog should be enough to make a difference.
– Oatmeal – whether as oat meal, oat bran, or ground whole oats, oatmeal helps alleviate those with itching skin conditions because the beta glucans it contains act as natural anti-inflammatories.
It’s also high in fiber, so it helps keep cell turnover moving. One to two servings of oatmeal a week should be enough to help your dog maintain healthy skin and fur.
– Coconut oil – this fatty wonder has anti-inflammatory properties that are good for your dog’s skin.
To maintain proper fat levels, give your dog one teaspoon of pure coconut oil daily.
Don’t worry about the calories – dogs don’t need many! You can also mix one part coconut oil with one part animal fat (from a can of tuna, for example) and “sauté” it lightly to make your dog’s dry food more palatable.
In cases like these, here are some of the dietary changes you might make to improve the health and condition of your dog’s skin and coat may include:
- Switching your dog’s food to a Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) to minimize the risk of a reaction.
- Transition your dog onto a new dog food made with a different source of protein and carbohydrate (one he hasn’t had before) to resolve food allergies and sensitivities.
- Always look for Quality Ingredients on the label such as:
1. Named protein source (Beef, Chicken, Salmon, etc)
2. Nutrient-Rich Vegetables and Fruit (carrots, peas, kelp, blueberries or pumpkin, etc
3. Natural flavors and preservatives (Vit C, vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), or rosemary.
4. Named Fat and Oil Source (salmon oil, coconut oil, etc)
Best Dog Food or Hair And Skin - What to do next!
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health – read our blog on: The Best Probiotics for Dogs.
References:
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/dog-food-label-lessons-what-is-an-aafco-statement
- https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/complete-and-balanced-pet-food
