Will a grain-free diet prevent my dog’s skin problems?

As more people seek to cut carbs like grains from their diet, some owners may naturally wonder if their pets would benefit from a grain-free diet as well — especially ones who suspect their pet may have a corn or wheat allergy or other dietary issue affecting their skin.However, the issue is slightly more complex than just cutting out grains. Not all grains are the same, and many are important power players for dog nutrition by delivering important vitamins, minerals, and proteins as well as carbohydrates for energy. Before eliminating all grains (or all carbs or all gluten) from your dog’s diet, talk to your vet about a food trial. This is a trusted way to discover if food ingredients are triggering a skin response and can help guide you and your vet on modifying their diet.

Does my dog need to wear a raincoat?

In most cases, the answer is no—most dogs are perfectly happy getting wet. Many pet raincoats are designed to help owners, not pets, since a slightly damp dog is much easier to towel dry than a soaking wet one.Many pets actively dislike wearing clothing. If wearing a jacket stresses your dog, it’s better to skip it—and even if they don’t mind, never leave your clothed pet unattended, since clothing can become a safety risk. Short-haired dogs, short-legged dogs, older dogs, and smaller breeds may benefit from a warm coat during winter months, however, since they may not have much fluffy insulation. It can really vary from dog to dog and climate to climate, so ask your vet what we recommend for your unique pet.

I just washed my dog and now they’re shedding more than ever!

It’s very common to see a shed-a-palooza after a bath. It can help to brush well before the bath with a fur-removing comb, and then once afterwards when dry to really get the most hair out during bath time.

Why does my dog have more dandruff after a bath?

It’s not uncommon to see more dandruff after a bath, since bathing can loosen up skin flakes as well as hair. Specks may be especially visible on dark-haired dogs.If your pet’s dandruff seems crazy excessive, check your choice of shampoo with your vet. We may be able to recommend other options or supplements to help with oils in the coat.

Why is my non-shedding dog… shedding?

Some dog breeds, like Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Bichon Frise, are considered to be “non-shedding.” This means that their hair continues to grow (much like human hair) instead of falling out in a regular seasonal shed. However, human hairs do fall out, and so do hairs from “non-shedding” breeds—just less often. You should still expect to see some hair in your house as well as from brushing and bathing.

How do you keep a dog's coat healthy?

Here are the basics on caring for your dog’s coat: A regular high-quality diet (in the proper serving size) Prescription parasite control Baths (as recommended by your vet) Regular coat brushing

How can I improve my dog's skin?

Many different things can cause skin issues in dogs. It’s best to speak with your vet to find out the cause. They’ll be able to recommend or prescribe diet changes, medication, or special shampoos to help your sweet pup.

How to take care of my dog’s dry skin?

Dry skin on dogs can be caused by diet, skin infections, dry air, and more. See your veterinary team to get to the bottom of your dog’s issue. They’ll be able to recommend products, medication, and/or lifestyle changes to help.

diet and nutrition for dogs

What you feed your dog is important for their health.

Got questions about feeding puppies or grown up dogs? Our tips can help you make smart choices in the pet food aisle.

Food and diet tips for obese pets

Pet food nutrient guide

Find out what’s really in your dog or cat’s bowl. Nutrient guide

How to read pet food labels

Understanding ingredients, names, logos, and more. Find quality food

Food and diet tips for obese pets

Chunky cat? Pudgy pup? Check out these tips. Food and diet tips

Manage your pet’s weight

Info on calories, exercise, treats, and more. Why weight is important

Managing diet for diabetes

We’ve got info on medication, food, and more. Manage your furball’s diet

A small dog and a cat eat next to each other out of separate bowls.

A guide to pet food allergies

Ingredients and symptoms to look out for. Dog and cat allergies

A dog watching its owner squeeze an orange

Can dogs eat oranges?

Hint: They can! But here are some foods to avoid. Toxic food list

Poisonous things for pets

Avoid these! Plus, signs to call your vet. Keep these away

Common questions

Should I feed my dog wet food?

There are a lot of benefits of wet diets. If introducing a wet diet, it is important to gradually add it to the dog’s meals to avoid stomach upset. It would be best to speak to your vet about what they recommend in terms of wet or dry or a combination of both.

Do dogs get tired of the same food every day? Should I switch it up?

Consistency of diet is important in dog nutrition. Changing foods often can cause stomach upset. If your dog stops eating their regular food, bring them to your vet as there are serious medical conditions that could change their appetite.

Should I add egg to my dog’s diet?

Because commercially prepared dog foods are designed to be nutritionally balanced, there should be no need to add more food items to your dog’s diet. Supplementing with egg can disrupt the balance of their food, and undercooked or raw egg can be dangerous with potential bacterial concerns.

Should my dog be on a grain free diet?

In the last few years, there has been growing popularity of grain free diets. With the science available now, there is no benefit for feeding a healthy dog a grain-free diet. In fact, they can be harmful. There have been some reports of cardiac conditions related to exclusive grain free nutrition.

Discuss with your vet the best diet for your dog and if there are any specific ingredients they would recommend avoiding based on your dog’s health.

What makes a healthy dog diet?

Quality dog foods have a scientifically balanced ratio of ingredients that deliver key nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals, critical carbohydrates, and more. The healthy choice for your dog is a food formulated to meet their nutritional needs, that they will happily eat, and that doesn’t cause digestive upset. Ask your vet for recommendations.

How many nutrients do dogs need?

Dogs of different sizes and life stages have unique needs, but the seven basic nutrients they should get are critical carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water. Talk to your vet to see what kind of diet they suggest for your special pup.

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