Best Fresh Foods for Itchy Dogs & Cats.

• Posted on 9 May 2025
• By Dr. Jill Tack, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor
• Posted in Food Allergies Dogs, Fresh Food for Cats with Allergies, Holistic Allergy Support Pets, Itchy Cat Food, Itchy Dog Food, Madison Heights Pet Store, Warren Pet Store
• 0

Fresh feeding helps reduce inflammation and calm itchy skin in dogs and cats. Learn how simple ingredient diets support allergy-prone pets naturally.

Fresh, simple food can help calm itching from the inside out.

If your dog or cat is constantly scratching, licking their paws, chewing their skin, or dealing with recurring ear issues, allergies may be at play. At The Pet Beastro, itchy pets are among the most common reasons pet parents come in for help.

While allergies can be complex, food is often a major piece of the puzzle. Fresh feeding doesn’t just cover up symptoms; it supports the body where allergies often begin: the gut.

What causes itching in dogs and cats?

Itching isn’t always about pollen or seasonal allergies. Many pets experience food-related inflammation that shows up through the skin.

Common contributors include:

• Highly processed ingredients
• Artificial additives
• Repeated exposure to the same protein
• Excess carbohydrates and fillers
• Poor gut health

When the digestive system is inflamed, the immune system can overreact, and the skin often takes the brunt of it.

How Dr. Jill + our team approach itchy pets

Dr. Jill and our team start by asking why the body is reacting, not just how to stop the itch.

Our approach focuses on:

• Removing common food triggers
• Supporting gut health
• Reducing inflammatory ingredients
• Choosing clean, simple foods
• Making gradual, sustainable changes

We don’t believe in quick fixes. We believe in building a foundation that helps the body calm itself over time.

Why fresh food helps with allergies

Fresh food supports itchy pets because it:

• Eliminates many common fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
• Reduces exposure to artificial preservatives
• Provides natural moisture for skin health
• Supports healthier gut bacteria
• Delivers nutrients in a more usable form

When digestion improves, the immune system often becomes less reactive, which can mean less itching.

Best fresh food strategies for itchy pets

Every pet is different, but these strategies are commonly helpful:

• Single-protein diets to reduce immune triggers
• Novel proteins like rabbit, duck, or venison
• Moisture-rich meals, such as raw or gently cooked food
• Limited ingredient formulas
• Rotational feeding once symptoms improve

We often recommend starting simple and gradually adding variety as the pet stabilizes.

Can raw food help with itching?

In some cases, yes.

Raw food can help itchy pets because it is:

• Less processed
• Naturally lower in inflammatory starches
• Rich in healthy fats that support skin
• Easier for many pets to digest

That said, raw feeding should always be introduced thoughtfully, especially for pets with severe allergies. Some do better starting with gently cooked or freeze-dried options before transitioning fully raw.

How long does it take to see improvement?

Some pets show changes within a few weeks. Others take longer, especially if inflammation has been present for years.

Common early improvements include:

• Less paw licking
• Reduced redness
• Fewer hot spots
• Improved coat texture

Consistency matters more than speed.

What pet parents ask us most

“How do I know if it’s food-related?”
Food allergies are very common, especially with chronic symptoms. We have a wellness scan that can show allergies and other nutritional concerns. 

“Is chicken always the problem?”
Not always, it depends on the pet.

“Do supplements help?”
Sometimes, but food changes usually come first.

“Can treats cause flare-ups?”
Yes. Treat ingredients matter just as much.

Fresh feeding can help itchy dogs and cats by reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, and removing common dietary triggers. Food won’t fix everything, but it often makes a meaningful difference.

How The Pet Beastro Helps Calm the Itch

Helping itchy pets feel comfortable again is one of our favorite things to do. At The Pet Beastro, we take time to listen, look at the full picture, and help you choose food options that make sense for your pet.

If you're in the Madison Heights or Warren area of Michigan, feel free to visit our store to discuss your symptoms, browse fresh food options, or receive help creating a gentle plan. You can also give us a call or sign up for our text notifications!