Best Raw Dog Food for Allergies (And Itchy Skin): What to Feed + What to Avoid
If your dog is constantly scratching, licking paws, getting recurring ear infections, or dealing with hot spots, you’re not alone.
Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons dog parents start searching for the best raw dog food for allergies — and for many dogs, the root cause is food sensitivities, ingredient intolerances, or inflammation from highly processed diets.
A properly formulated raw diet can be a game changer for dogs with allergies and itchy skin — especially when you choose the right protein and keep ingredients simple.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
-
What causes allergies and itchy skin in dogs
-
Why raw feeding can help
-
The best proteins for allergy-prone dogs
-
What to avoid
-
How to choose the right raw option (PMR vs complete and balanced raw dog food)
-
Which Raw Dog Food Complete blends are best for allergy dogs
-
Extra support for yeast-prone dogs
Quick Answer: Best Raw Dog Food for Allergies & Itchy Skin
The best raw dog food for itchy skin is a limited-ingredient, no-chicken raw diet using a protein your dog tolerates — like turkey, pork, or duck. Many severe allergy dogs do best starting with a PMR raw diet for dogs (prey model raw diet), while others prefer a complete and balanced raw dog food for convenience.
Why Dogs Get Allergies and Itchy Skin
Itchy skin isn’t always caused by fleas.
Some of the most common causes include:
1. Food Sensitivities
Many dogs react to common proteins or ingredients, especially:
-
Chicken
-
Beef
-
Dairy
-
Eggs
-
Wheat / corn / soy
-
Artificial preservatives and flavorings
Food reactions can show up as:
-
Paw licking
-
Face rubbing
-
Itchy belly
-
Ear infections
-
Red skin
-
Hot spots
-
Chronic diarrhea or soft stool
If you’ve been searching for raw dog food for allergies, this is often where the problem starts.
2. Environmental Allergies
Pollen, grass, mold, and dust can trigger itching too — and food can make symptoms worse by increasing inflammation in the body.
3. Yeast Overgrowth
Yeast thrives when the body is inflamed or the gut is unbalanced. Many dogs with yeast issues show:
-
Corn chip smelling paws
-
Ear gunk
-
Red irritated skin
-
Itching that seems nonstop
If your dog has yeast signs, choosing the right raw dog food for yeast support can make a huge difference.
Why Raw Dog Food Can Help Dogs With Allergies
Raw feeding can help because it’s typically:
✅ Less processed (less inflammatory for many dogs)
✅ Lower in unnecessary carbs (important for yeast-prone dogs)
✅ Free of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
✅ Made with limited ingredients (easier to identify triggers)
✅ Naturally moisture-rich (supports digestion + skin)
✅ Rich in real nutrients that support coat and skin health
Many dogs see improvements like:
-
less scratching
-
fewer ear infections
-
less paw licking
-
shinier coat
-
smaller, firmer stool
That’s why so many people start looking for the best raw dog food for itchy skin after years of frustration.
The Best Raw Dog Food for Allergies and Itchy Skin
When choosing a raw diet for an allergy dog, the #1 goal is:
Keep it simple + choose the right protein
For most itchy dogs, the best raw foods are:
-
single protein or limited ingredient
-
no chicken
-
no fillers
-
made with real meat, organs, and bone
-
complete and balanced OR properly formulated PMR
If your dog struggles with raw dog food for paw licking or recurring ear issues, simple is usually best.
Best Proteins for Dogs With Allergies
Here are some of the most commonly well-tolerated proteins for itchy, allergy-prone dogs:
Turkey
Turkey is a favorite for allergy dogs because it’s:
-
lean
-
easy to digest
-
less commonly a trigger than chicken
Many dogs searching for turkey raw dog food for dogs are dealing with itching, loose stool, or food sensitivities.
Pork
Pork is one of the most underrated proteins for itchy dogs and often works well for:
-
chronic paw licking
-
sensitive stomachs
-
dogs who don’t tolerate poultry
If you’ve tried poultry and your dog stays itchy, pork raw dog food for dogs can be a great next step.
Duck
Duck is considered a “novel” protein for many dogs and is often well tolerated — especially for dogs who have already failed chicken or beef.
For many allergy dogs, duck raw dog food for allergies is one of the most effective options.
What to Avoid If Your Dog Is Itchy
If your dog struggles with allergies or itchy skin, avoid:
Chicken (including chicken fat)
Even small amounts can trigger itching for sensitive dogs.
Too many proteins at once
If your dog is already inflamed, multi-protein blends can make it harder to figure out what’s helping — or what’s causing a flare.
High-carb foods
Many kibble diets are loaded with starches that can contribute to inflammation and yeast issues.
PMR vs Complete & Balanced: What’s Best for Allergy Dogs?
This is one of the most important questions.
PMR (Prey Model Raw)
PMR focuses on:
-
meat
-
bone
-
organs
-
minimal extras
A prey model raw diet for dogs is often ideal for dogs with allergies because it’s ultra simple and reduces variables.
At RawDogFoodComplete.com, our PMR options include:
Turkey PMR
A great starter for dogs who need a simple, clean protein. Turkey PMR is also a strong option if you’re looking for a PMR raw diet for dogs that is gentle and easy to transition onto.
Pork PMR
One of the best choices for dogs who:
-
can’t tolerate poultry
-
are itchy year-round
-
have recurring ear infections
-
need a very limited ingredient diet
Pork PMR is often a top choice when people search for raw dog food for ear infections and chronic paw licking.
PMR is an excellent option for allergy dogs — especially when your goal is to reduce variables and identify triggers.
Complete and Balanced Raw
Complete and balanced raw meals include:
-
muscle meat
-
organs
-
bone
-
plus key vitamins and minerals in appropriate amounts
This is often the easiest and most convenient option for pet parents because it’s nutritionally complete with no extra steps.
At RawDogFoodComplete.com, our complete and balanced best sellers for allergy dogs include:
Elite Turkey (Complete & Balanced)
This is one of the best options for dogs with:
-
itchy skin
-
paw licking
-
sensitive digestion
-
owners who want an easy “feed and go” raw meal
If you want the convenience of a complete and balanced raw dog food, Elite Turkey is a fantastic place to start.
Elite Beef & Duck (Complete & Balanced)
This is a strong choice for dogs who:
-
can’t tolerate chicken
-
need a more novel-ish option
-
do better with richer flavor and added variety
Duck is often a fantastic protein for allergy dogs, and combining it with beef makes this blend especially appealing for picky eaters.
It’s also a great option if you’ve been searching for raw dog food for itchy skin but your dog refuses plainer proteins.
Extra Support for Yeast-Prone Dogs
If your dog’s itching comes with signs of yeast, like:
-
corn chip smelling paws
-
gunky ears
-
red irritated skin
-
nonstop licking
A raw diet can be a great foundation — but many dogs benefit from extra support.
One of the best add-ons for yeast-prone dogs is:
Adored Beast – Yeasty Beast
Adored Beast Yeasty Beast is a popular supplement used to support dogs struggling with yeast overgrowth. Many raw feeders use it alongside a clean diet to help get yeast under control.
You can find Adored Beast Yeasty Beast for dogs on RawDogFoodComplete.com (often on sale while supplies last).
How Long Does It Take to See Improvement?
Most dogs show improvement in:
-
7–14 days: better stool, less gas, improved appetite
-
2–4 weeks: less paw licking, reduced itching
-
4–8 weeks: coat changes, fewer ear issues, healthier skin
For true food allergies, it often takes 6–8 weeks of consistency.
How to Transition an Allergy Dog to Raw Food
If your dog is already itchy, the best transition is slow and simple.
Step 1: Pick ONE protein
Start with turkey or pork.
Step 2: Stay consistent
Feed the same raw blend for at least 2–3 weeks before switching.
Step 3: Keep treats simple
Use single-ingredient treats and avoid mixed-ingredient chews.
Step 4: Add variety later
Once your dog stabilizes, you can introduce a second protein.
If you’re wondering how to transition dog to raw food, this slow method is one of the best approaches for allergy dogs.
The Bottom Line: Best Raw Dog Food for Allergies and Itchy Skin
The best raw dog food for allergies is one that is:
✅ simple
✅ free from fillers
✅ made with real meat, organs, and bone
✅ based on a protein your dog tolerates
✅ complete and balanced OR properly formulated PMR
For many dogs, switching to raw dog food for allergies is the first time their skin finally calms down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best raw dog food for itchy skin?
The best raw dog food for itchy skin is typically a limited-ingredient diet using a protein your dog tolerates, such as turkey, pork, or duck. Many dogs also improve when chicken is removed completely.
What is the best raw protein for itchy skin in dogs?
Turkey, pork, and duck are among the most commonly tolerated proteins for dogs with itchy skin.
Can raw dog food help with yeast in dogs?
Many dogs improve on raw because it’s typically lower in carbs and free from fillers, which can help reduce inflammatory triggers. Some yeast-prone dogs also benefit from extra support such as Adored Beast Yeasty Beast.
Should I start with PMR or complete and balanced raw for allergies?
If your dog is extremely reactive or you want the simplest approach, start with PMR.
If you want the easiest “feed and go” option, start with a complete and balanced raw dog food like Elite Turkey.
How long should I feed one protein to test allergies?
A true food trial is usually 6–8 weeks, but many dogs show improvement within 2–4 weeks.
What should I avoid feeding an itchy dog?
Dogs with itchy skin often do best avoiding chicken (including chicken fat), highly processed treats, and foods with fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. Keeping proteins limited can also help reduce flare-ups.
Need Help Choosing the Right Raw Blend?
If you have questions about feeding raw or choosing the right Adored Beast products, reach out anytime.
Christa is always happy to help.
📞 636.900.2848
