5 Foods to Calm Itching Naturally in Allergic Dogs

Introduction

If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or dealing with red, irritated skin, you’re not alone. Allergies are one of the most common reasons for vet visits, and while medications may bring temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying imbalance.

The good news? Nutrition can help. Certain fresh, natural foods have been shown to support the skin barrier, regulate immune responses, and reduce inflammation. Here are five science-backed foods you can safely add to your dog’s diet to help calm the itch.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins — powerful antioxidant compounds that give them their deep purple color. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, unstable molecules that contribute to oxidative stress in the body. In both people and dogs, oxidative stress has been linked to increased inflammation and allergic reactions.

By reducing oxidative damage, blueberries support immune balance and skin resilience. They’re also rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, both of which contribute to gut health — and since 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, this connection makes them particularly valuable for allergy-prone dogs.

2. Sweet Potato

This vibrant root vegetable is one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes, the body’s first line of defense against allergens, pathogens, and irritants. Deficiency is directly linked to poor skin repair and worsened dermatitis in dogs.

In addition to vitamin A precursors, sweet potatoes supply complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber, which nourish beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut supports immune regulation and reduces the over-reactions that drive allergy symptoms.

3. Flaxseed

Freshly ground flaxseed and cold-pressed flaxseed oil are excellent sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are among the best-researched nutrients for canine allergies. They work by displacing pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids in cell membranes and by reducing cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF-α.

This shift in fatty acid balance helps reduce skin inflammation, itching, and redness. Flaxseed also provides lignans, plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, along with soluble fiber that supports gut health — another key factor in allergy management.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse rich in sulforaphane, a compound known for activating the Nrf2 pathway. This boosts the body’s natural detoxification enzymes and strengthens cellular defenses against oxidative stress. For allergic dogs, this means less tissue damage and improved resilience against flare-ups.

It also provides vitamin C, which has been linked to reduced histamine release. Since histamine is one of the key drivers of itching, redness, and swelling in allergic reactions, broccoli can play a useful role in calming symptoms. Light steaming makes broccoli easier to digest while preserving most of its beneficial compounds.

5. Coconut Yogurt (Unsweetened)

Probiotics — the beneficial bacteria that support gut balance — play a critical role in regulating the immune system. Unsweetened, dairy-free coconut yogurt is an easy, dog-friendly way to add probiotics to the diet. A healthy gut microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and helps the immune system distinguish between harmless proteins and real threats.

By improving gut health, probiotics can reduce the overactive immune responses that fuel allergies and chronic inflammation. Just a spoonful of plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt a few times per week can provide a gentle boost to your dog’s microbiome.

Final Thoughts

These five foods are not magic pills, but they can make a meaningful difference when integrated into a balanced, fresh, anti-inflammatory diet. The real key lies in reducing inflammatory triggers and supporting your dog’s immune system from the inside out.

👉 Want to explore the full list of 15 science-backed foods, with detailed explanations, dosage guidance, and practical applications? You’ll find it inside my Allergies Hub, alongside recipes, supplement guides, and complete nutrition plans.

Click here to explore Allergies Hub

Scientific Evidence

• Blueberries (antioxidants): Kowluru RA et al. “Nutraceuticals and diabetic retinopathy.” Nutrients (2013). Antioxidant compounds such as anthocyanins reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Vitamin A (skin barrier): Watson AL et al. “Dietary constituents and skin barrier function in dogs.” Vet Dermatol (2017). Adequate vitamin A is essential for epithelial integrity and immune regulation.

• Omega-3 fatty acids (inflammation): Vaughn DM et al. “Evaluation of dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation in dogs with atopic dermatitis.” Am J Vet Res (1994). Omega-3 supplementation decreased pruritus and inflammation in allergic dogs.

• Sulforaphane (detoxification): Guerrero-Beltrán CE et al. “Protective effect of sulforaphane against oxidative stress.” Nutrients (2012). Sulforaphane upregulates detox pathways and reduces oxidative damage.

• Probiotics (immune modulation): Pascal M et al. “Microbiome and allergic diseases.” World Allergy Organ J (2020). Probiotics influence immune tolerance and allergic response.

About the Author: Claire Lucie Sonck is an UK-trained, CMA-registered canine nutritionist specializing in fresh, whole, anti-inflammatory plant-based diets for dogs. With experience helping dogs from 65+ countries, Claire provides science-backed nutrition guidance to improve canine health, longevity, and well-being. She is a global speaker, educator, and advocate for ethical and sustainable pet nutrition. Claire’s work has been featured in international conferences, research projects, and educational platforms, helping dog parents make informed, science-driven decisions about their dogs’ diets.

Learn more: www.mycaninenutritionist.com

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Get in touch with Claire Lucie: info@clairethedognutritionist.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet, health routine, or medical care. The author is a certified canine nutritionist and does not claim to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

© 2025 Claire Lucie | All rights reserved.

No part of this article may be reproduced or distributed without written permission from the author.