By Dr. Sarah Lin, DVM, Co-founder of Paw Wellness Co.
If you’ve ever watched your dog scratch until their skin is raw, chew their paws nonstop, or suffer from red, inflamed skin, you’re not alone.
More dogs than ever are struggling with chronic itching, ear infections, hot spots, and digestive issues. And while many owners try grain-free kibble, allergy meds, and medicated shampoos… nothing sticks.
Here’s what most people don’t realize:
Up to 70% of chronic itch in dogs starts in the bowl.
The 5 Main Causes of Itchiness in Dogs
☑️ Food Allergies & Sensitivities
Beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs are the top triggers. Even “hypoallergenic” commercial foods may contain hidden allergens due to factory cross-contamination.
☑️ Environmental Allergies
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and grasses can cause seasonal or year-round itching, especially on the paws, face, and belly.
☑️ Parasites (Fleas, Mites)
A single flea bite can trigger intense scratching. But chemical treatments can worsen symptoms,only treat if parasites are actually present.
☑️ Yeast Overgrowth
Often linked to high-carb diets (like dry kibble), yeast thrives on sugar and causes redness, odor, and persistent licking, especially between the toes.
☑️ Stress or Anxiety
Can lead to compulsive chewing and licking habits, which further irritate the skin and delay healing.
Why Commercial Dog Food Causes Allergies Often ?
Itchy skin, chronic ear infections, hot spots, and digestive issues, many of these problems start in your dog’s bowl.
Commercial kibble, especially dry food, is often made with:
☑️ Common allergens like beef, chicken, wheat, soy, and dairy
☑️ Synthetic additives (preservatives, dyes, flavor enhancers)
☑️ Low-quality fats and fillers that fuel inflammation
☑️ Even so-called “hypoallergenic” or “limited ingredient” formulas can be cross-contaminated with hidden proteins during manufacturing, meaning your dog might still be exposed to triggers even on an allergy diet.
These ingredients don’t just fail to nourish, they activate the immune system , often showing up as skin irritation, redness, and relentless scratching .
The truth is, dogs weren’t built to eat ultra-processed starch-heavy meals. And when they do, it disrupts their gut health, which directly affects their skin.
Switching to a vet-reviewed, homemade diet using real, whole foods, like salmon, turkey, pumpkin, and bone broth, removes these allergens and gives your dog a chance to heal from within.
Healing Starts at Home, Not the Vet!
You don’t need expensive medications or harsh treatments to help your dog feel better.
What you do need is:
☑️ A fresh, allergen-free diet
☑️ Natural supplements like fish oil, turmeric paste, and probiotics
☑️ Safe home remedies like oatmeal baths, ACV sprays, and herbal rinses
☑️ Lifestyle changes that reduce allergens in your dog’s environment
Because healing doesn’t start at the vet.
It starts in your kitchen, and with understanding what’s really causing your dog to suffer.
In Itch-Free Dogs , we guide you beyond kibble and into a full lifestyle shift, including:
☑️ Healing recipes free from beef, chicken, wheat, soy, and dairy
☑️ Natural remedies like oatmeal baths and herbal rinses
☑️ Homemade supplements to strengthen immunity
☑️ Lifestyle tips to reduce exposure to environmental allergens
📘 What You’ll Ge inside ITCH-FREE DOGS:
✅ 50+ Hypoallergenic Vet-Reviewed Recipes:
Real meals & treats, ready in under 20 minutes!
✅ Batch Cooking Plans
Heal your dog without cooking every day.
✅ Natural Remedies
Soothe hot spots, ears, and skin flare-ups safely.
✅ DIY Supplements
Boost gut health and strengthen immunity, naturally.
✅ Tailored by Age & Size
Every dog gets a custom-fit plan.
✅ Home Allergy Triggers Checklist
Remove hidden irritants from your home in minutes.
Healing doesn’t start at the vet, it starts in your kitchen, and with love ❤️
