Best Cat Litter Box in 2020: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Before you bring a new cat home it’s important to have all the supplies they need in order to help them adjust to their new environment quickly. An indoor cat needs the best cat litter box, one that’s durable, stable, and includes features that will encourage a cat to use their litter box on a regular basis. But the wrong litter box can cause plenty of behavioral issues in your pet, such as inappropriate elimination, tipping over the litter box, or if the box is the wrong size, they may even end up kicking out most of the litter. In my ultimate cat litter box buyer’s guide, I have compiled information regarding all the features you need to look for to ensure you pick the right litter box for your pet. I’ve also included six product recommendations for litter boxes that are virtually tip-proof, durable, and feature a design that all cats will love.

Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each of the models that made it onto my list, their rating, and top features.

Cat Litter Box Comparison Chart

Product	Type	Cover	Litter	Rating
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Shop On Amazon!	Self-Cleaning	No	Crystal
Omega Paw EL-RA20-1 Roll N Clean Litter Box Shop On Amazon!	Self-Cleaning	Yes	Any
Purina Tidy Cats Litter Box System Shop On Amazon!	Self-Cleaning	No	Pellets
Catit Regular Magic Blue Litter Box Shop On Amazon!	Covered	Yes	Any
Petmate Litter Pan Shop On Amazon!	Traditional	No	Any

Pet Safe Scoopfree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

Our Rating: (5/5)

This is a self-cleaning, automatic waste removal litter box that’s designed to make the cat owner’s life a little easier. This means no more constant scooping, no foul odors, and no inappropriate eliminating due to a dirty litter box. This litter box requires the use of crystal litter, which works to absorb the urine while dehydrating solid waste, significantly cutting down on odors. The low-tracking crystals will also cut down on messy floors. The crystals will not stick to your cat’s paws like traditional litter. Additionally, the included disposable trays feature a plastic lining that will prevent leaks. Cleaning out this box is simple, just remove the disposable tray and toss it in the trash.

Pros

• Self-cleaning
• Crystals absorb odors
• Litter will not stick to a cat’s paws.
• Disposable trays

Cons

• Ongoing cost of disposable trays
• Litter is pricy
• Does not come with a cover

Conclusion

This automatic litter box will help to keep your home smelling fresh by immediately raking the litter and removing any waste, which will significantly cut down on litter box odors. However, the cat owner on a budget will need to take into consideration the high price of the litter and the ongoing costs of the disposable trays. Additionally, the box doesn’t come with a cover, which may cause some cats to avoid using the litter box, especially if it’s placed in a high traffic area.

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Omega Paw EL-RA20-1 Roll N Clean Litter Box

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This model should not be confused with an automatic self-cleaning litter box. Instead, it just allows the user to remove the waste by basically rolling the litter box over. Additionally, the built-in litter step will catch any litter that sticks to your pet’s feet, which will cut down on the amount of litter that’s tracked all over the home. The sifting grill is made out of a durable plastic and will sift the waste from the litter as the box is rolled onto its top, then rolled back into an upright position. The box also comes with a lid, which will give much-needed privacy during use and will make them feel more secure when using their litter box. This is definitely a unique self-cleaning litter box, and one that may be a more affordable option compared to high priced electric models.

Pros

• Self-cleaning design
• Includes grate that sifts out waste
• Litter lift step cuts down on litter that’s tracked around the home
• Includes cover

Cons

• Box can be difficult to clean out

Conclusion

This model will help to cut down on odors, just as long as the cat owner takes care of any waste once a cat uses the box. The box is rolled over, in order to cause the waste and litter to go through the built-in grate. When the box is placed back into an upright position, the litter will be clean and the waste is kept in a bottom compartment until emptied. Easy to use, large, durable, and designed for cats of all sizes, this model is a great buy for both single and multi-cat households.

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Purina Tidy Cats Litter Box System

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This is a simple all in one system that’s easy to maintain. The included ammonia blocker will prevent ammonia related odors for a period of one week. This box uses anti-tracking pellets instead of traditional litter. The pellets work by dehydrating waste and will minimize litter tracking by as much as ninety-nine percent. The pellets will wick away and repel urine, keeping the box itself dry. The urine will pass through a grated tray down to the litter absorbent pads waiting in the bottom tray. The tray is removable so you can simply empty it to get rid of the waste.

Pros

• Includes cover
• Prevents odors for up to one week
• Filtering system removes waste from the box to a tray below
• No scooping required

Cons

• Not all cats will like the pellet litter
• Litter is expensive

Conclusion

Cats are very particular when it comes to their litter boxes. Because of this, not all cats will use the litter box because they may not like how the pellets feel under their feet. This can be a major problem, since the cat will refuse to use the litter box and will inappropriately eliminate in the home. In cases such as this, make sure you still have their regular litter box on hand, at least until the cat adjusts to using the new litter box. This system does an excellent job of eliminating odors and keeping the home smelling fresh thanks to the innovative litter grate design that instantly removes waste from the main area.

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Catit Regular Magic Blue Litter Box

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This model features a large cover that’s designed to give cats the privacy many prefer during litter box use. The box itself features an ergonomic design that provides improved air filtration in order to prevent ammonia related odors. This model also comes with a cartridge set that’s designed to absorb one hundred percent of odors, neutralizing gases instantly. This model is perfect for cats of all sizes and will not move or tip over, even with larger cats.

Pros

• Can use any type of litter
• Includes filter cartridges that neutralize odor
• Perfect for cats of all sizes
• Low price

Cons

• Must be washed with soap and water weekly to prevent odors

Conclusion

This is a fairly basic model, one that most cat owners will love, due to the large design that will allow even larger felines to easily use their box, without tipping it over. This model can use any type of litter and comes with filter cartridges designed to cut down on odors.

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Petmate Litter Pan

Our Rating: (4/5)

This is a pretty basic open top litter box the kind most pet owners are familiar with. What’s great about this style is that it’s very affordable, so pet owners with several cats can afford to purchase one litter box per cat. This can help to eliminate odors and cut down on fights and inappropriate elimination. This box doesn’t come with a cover. Additionally, if the owner doesn’t add enough litter or if the cat is over ten pounds, then this type of box can flip over. This box can use any type of litter, which will definitely be a plus for all buyers. The litter box should be emptied out and washed with hot soapy water since the ammonia in the urine can be absorbed by the plastic, causing unwanted odors. This box is as basic as it gets, but it will work great for the pet owner on a budget and in multi-cat households.

Pros

• Low price
• Durable
• Can use any type of litter
• Available in four size options

Cons

• Can tip over
• Must be washed out weekly to minimize odors

Conclusion

This very basic style of litter box is available in four size options. It’s reasonably priced so even cat owners on a budget can afford to buy one box per cat to help cut down on odors and inappropriate elimination. The big drawback for this style is the lack of a cover, which can cause some cats to avoid using the litter box, especially if the box is placed in a noisy part of the home. Additionally, larger felines can easily tip this type of litter box over, especially if the owner doesn’t fill it with enough litter. Overall, while it takes more care and requires some elbow grease to clean these boxes out, this type of box will work for most cats and is a great choice for multi-cat households.

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Cat Litter Box Buyer’s Guide

As you’re shopping around online looking for a new litter box, you may think that most boxes are the same. Unfortunately, not all litter boxes are created equal. A cat can be very particular about the depth, shape, and size of a litter box. If the cat doesn’t like their litter box they will not use it. Of course, this can lead to accidents around the home, and other undesired behaviors. This buyer’s guide will go over the features to look for that can help you ensure you purchase a litter box your cat will love and use consistently.

Size

The size of the litter box will be very important. A box that is too small can make it uncomfortable for a cat to use. Ideally, it should be large enough that they can easily turn around in it. However, a box that’s too large can also make it difficult for smaller cats to get in and out of. Larger cats will also run into issues if they’re using a standard size litter box and cannot fit inside the box properly. If the box is too small, the cat will often hang their rear end over the side, and inappropriately eliminate on the floor. To avoid this, make sure that you measure your pet and pay close attention to the dimensions of each model.

Number of Litter Boxes

Only having one litter box in a multi-cat household is a common mistake many cat owners make. Ideally, you will need to use one litter box per cat plus an additional litter box. This means if you have three cats in the home, you will need to purchase four litter boxes. Why? Most cats are very clean and will refuse to use a litter box that is dirty. If you don’t have the time to constantly stand by a litter box and scoop it out throughout the day, then you need to purchase multiple litter boxes for your home. Cats may also refuse to use a litter box if they smell that another cat has used it in the past.

Depth

Another factor you’ll want to consider is the depth of the box. A box that has sides that are too high can make it difficult for kittens and seniors who have joint problems, to use the litter box. If the sides of the box are too low, then you’ll often find that litter has been kicked out all over the floor. If your cat doesn’t routinely spray or kick out litter, then a model with walls that are 5 to 7 inches will work well. If you do have a litter kicker or sprayer on your hands, then search for a model that has walls that are around 8 to 10 inches tall.

If you have a senior cat who has mobility issues or a young kitten, then look for a box that has walls that are around 2 and 1/2 inches up to 3 and 1/2 inches tall. At this height, the wall should be low enough to make it easy for a cat to get in and out of the box, but the height is just tall enough to prevent litter from spilling out onto the floor.

Types of Litter Boxes

There are many different styles and shapes of litter boxes available to choose from. The style you choose should be based on the size of your cat, their personality, and how messy they are when they use their litter box. Below, I’ll go over the different style options available.

Open Top/Traditional

This is one of the most common and affordable options available. Essentially this style of litter box consists of a rectangular box with walls that are moderately high. This is usually the type most new pet owners will go for in the beginning, until they notice the cat is tipping over the box or the walls are not high enough to contain litter. These boxes are often the most affordable option and are very easy to replace. They can be a good option for cat owners on a tight budget or a multiple cat household.

Hidden

If you have a litter box placed in a common space in the home, then choosing a hidden style litter box can be a great option since these boxes are designed to blend into their surroundings. Many models are designed to look like pieces of furniture such as end tables or planters. Unfortunately, these litter boxes are also pretty pricey, but if you don’t want your cat’s litter box out in plain sight, then they’re a great option.

Covered Litter Boxes

Choosing between a covered and uncovered litter box can be difficult. Why? Basically, you won’t know whether or not your cat prefers an uncovered or covered litter box until you use one. If you have dogs in the home, or the home environment is just naturally loud and chaotic, then your cat may appreciate the privacy that a covered litter box provides. Additionally, a covered box will also prevent litter from getting everywhere. However, if your cat does not like the cover, and they feel trapped when they use their litter box, then they will avoid using it at all costs. If you want to take the chance and purchase a covered model, you can simply leave the cover off if your cat doesn’t like it, however a covered model is much more expensive than a traditional litter box.

Self-Cleaning

Whether or not a self-cleaning litter box is a good idea is debatable. Some cat owners swear by them, while others claim that these litter boxes can cause issues with their cat using their box regularly, due to some models switching on when the cat is still in the litter box. There are dozens of top-of-the-line self-cleaning models on the market to choose from. These boxes can be a great choice for pet owners who don’t have time to scoop out their litter box throughout the day. Additionally, the boxes do an excellent job of cutting down on odors. These boxes come with an automatic scooper that will sift out waste, pushing it into a removable tray below the surface. The trays need to be emptied out a few times a week or more, depending on how many cats use the box.

Litter

For the most part, you can use any type of litter for litter boxes, choosing the right type based on your cat’s preference. However, the exception here is with self-cleaning litter boxes. These boxes usually require you to use a certain type of crystal litter. The litter is often pricier than basic clumping litter, however, it does a better job of retaining odors. If you’re on a tight budget and considering purchasing a self-cleaning model, keep this extra expense in mind before you buy.

Price

Most types of litter boxes are very affordable. However, hidden litter boxes and self-cleaning litter boxes can be very pricey, with a cost that ranges from $100 up to $300. Standard litter boxes can cost anywhere from $10 up to $40. Hidden litter boxes and self-cleaning models do not have to be replaced as often as standard litter boxes do.

Care and Maintenance

All types of cat litter boxes will need to be properly cleaned and maintained, including self-cleaning models. Cat urine can have a very potent smell to it and it’s often absorbed into the material of the litter box, so even if the box has been scooped out an odor will still linger. Because of this, I recommend cleaning out your litter box using soap and water at least once a week. If you have multiple cats in the home, then you need to wash out the litter boxes more often. All of the models in my lineup can easily be cleaned using basic dish soap, warm water, and a scrubbing pad. Remember, many cats will refuse to use their litter box if the litter is dirty or if the scent is too strong. Proper upkeep and regular scooping will help to encourage your pet to use a litter box consistently.

How to Improve Your Cat’s Litter Box

One of the biggest downsides of owning a cat is having to deal with their litter box. Additionally, cat owners must find ways to prevent their home from smelling like one, keep the floor around the litter box clean, and make sure that their cats are using their litter box regularly. Below you will find some great tips that will help to keep your cat’s litter box smelling fresh, clean, and make it more welcoming for your cat.

• Where you place the litter box will have a big impact on your cat’s comfort level and how often they use it. A box should be kept out of sight. This will help to improve your cat’s sense of security. The litter box should always be placed in a quiet space that is easily accessible for cats and it should not be kept close to their water or food. Cats will instinctively avoid eliminating close to where they eat.
• Even if you live in a small home, try to place the box further away from any loud appliances.
• You can purchase several different textures and types of litter from silica gel and clay to biodegradable. If your cat is refusing to use their litter box, try changing the type of litter they use gradually until you find a type that your cat likes. If you’re not able to find a type of litter your cat is willing to step on then you can also try sand. The average feline has 67 million scent receptors. A human being only has 5 million scent receptors. Because your cat has a very sensitive sense of smell, try sticking with an unscented litter. A perfumed litter may be very unappealing for your cat and one of the reasons they refuse to use their litter box.
• Since you will not be using scented litter, you can keep the area around the box smelling fresh and clean by using just a little baking soda sprinkled on the bottom of the litter box placed before the litter. Try to do a little experimenting and find a good balance between just the right amount of baking soda and litter in order to control bad odors. Try to avoid using too much baking soda since this can also offend a cat’s sense of smell.
• Regardless of how well you clean and maintain your cat’s litter box it will get worn down from regular use. A litter box scooper and a cat’s nails can scrape the plastic bottom of the box and leave behind small scratches that can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Because of this, it’s important that you purchase a new litter box every year. When replacing the litter box try to get one that’s similar in appearance and size to what your cat is used to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Really Work?

Yes, but you’ll still have to clean the box out yourself, from time to time. The automatic scooper will remove clumped litter and feces, but you will need to clean out the interior of the box with soap and water once a week in order to help cut down on odors.

Where Should I Place a Litter Box?

Placing a litter box in a bathroom can be a great idea, just as long as you keep the bathroom door open at all times and avoid flushing the toilet when the cat is in the bathroom. Some people choose the laundry room as well, but this may or not work since some cats will become startled when the washer or dryer is in use or when a buzzer goes off. Ideally, the box should be placed in a quiet spot in the home, with low foot traffic, and far away from their food and water.

Can Cats Find a Litter Box if you Move it?

Most cats will use their keen sense of smell to locate their litter box, if you’ve moved it to a different room in the home. However, if your cat doesn’t like the new litter box spot, they may return to the old space and eliminate there. Pet owners recommend having two litter boxes and placing one in the new location. You can allow your cat to use both spots until they become used to the new location.

How far Away Should cat Food be Kept from a Litter box?

If possible, always avoid placing your cat’s food and water dishes in the same room as their litter box. If you don’t have much room to work with in the home, then try to place their litter box in one corner of the room and their food and water dishes in the corner that’s the farthest away from their litter box.

Do Cats Need Access to Their Litter box at Night?

Yes. Cats are nocturnal and are awake the majority of the night. Make sure you clean out their litter box before you head to bed to ensure it’s clean and ready for them to use upon waking.

Final Thoughts

The best cat litter box for your pet should be easy to clean, will feature a sturdy design, and will be large enough and tall enough to accommodate your specific cat. As you can see, there are many different styles and types to choose from, with pros and cons that come with each type. Before you buy a new litter box for your cat, you should do your homework and look for a model that will suit your pet’s needs, whether they prefer privacy while they go, they’re very picky and must have a clean litter box to use at all times, or you have a large breed cat that needs more space than the average tabby. I hope this buyer’s guide and the products I’ve included here can help you narrow in on the perfect model for your feline in order to cut down on accidents in the home, and keep your home looking and smelling great.

source https://fourpawideas.com/best-cat-litter-box/

Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies: Buyer’s Guide for 2020

Dogs can have allergies, just like people can. When their diet is to blame, you need to make the switch to the best dog food for skin allergies, which can help to eliminate the signs of an allergic reaction in a matter of days. But since dog food these days is loaded with additives and fillers, finding the right food for your pet can take some serious research.

After trying brand after brand for my dog’s skin issues, I decided to create a buyer’s guide, which includes all of the information you need to know to choose a pet food that will work the best for your pet and their unique nutrition needs. I’ve also included ten of the leading products on the market that contain whole ingredients, which makes them a better and safer choice for dogs with food allergies. Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each of the products that made it onto my list, how they rated, and other important information that will make it easier for you to choose the right food for your pet.

Dog Food for Skin Allergies Comparison Chart

Product	Size	Age	Protein	Rating
Purina Beyond Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	5	Adult	Chicken and Eggs
Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	4	Adult	Chicken
Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Natural Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	4	Adults	Salmon
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes Shop On Amazon!	4	Adults	Chicken
Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	5	Adults	Chicken
Royal Canin Canine Care Sensitive Skin Care Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	3	Small Breed Adult	Chicken
Amazon Brand Wag Dry Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	3	Small Breed Adult	Lamb
AvoDerm Natural Lamb Dry Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	3	Adult	Lamb
Instinct Be Natural Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	4	Adults	Salmon
Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Diet Dry Dog Food Shop On Amazon!	6	Adults & Seniors	Lamb

Purina Beyond Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: (5/5)

This adult grain free dog food contains white chicken and eggs. This is a high protein formula, which makes it a great choice for adult high energy dogs. This food is not recommended for senior dogs, due to the higher protein content. This food does not contain any preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, meat byproducts, soy, wheat, or corn. This formula contains the right amount of essential nutrients, carbs, fat, and protein, all of which will support immune health.

Pros

• Real white meat chicken
• Soy-free
• High protein formula
• Contains no meat by-products

Cons

• Not recommended for senior dogs

Conclusion

Offering a great taste, loaded with white meat chicken and eggs, healthy fats that support coat health. The higher protein content makes the food a bad choice for seniors, since they are not as active as young adults. A higher protein content can be hard on the kidney’s of an older dog. Additionally, the excess protein content can also lead to weight gain. But for younger dogs and adults, this formula contains all the nutrients and ingredients a dog needs to thrive.

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Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This grain-free formula features a flavor-packed recipe that includes sweet potatoes and chicken. This is a high protein formula that contains seventy percent protein. This formula also includes chondroitin and glucosamine which will help to maintain hip and joint health. The omega fatty acids support both skin and coat health. This food is designed for active adults and is not suitable for seniors, due to the high protein content.

Pros

• Made with real chicken and sweet potatoes
• Promotes skin and coat health
• Includes chondroitin and glucosamine
• Contains seventy percent protein

Cons

• High protein content makes it a bad choice for dogs over the age of seven years

Conclusion

Pet owners searching for a grain-free pet food that contains high-quality protein can trust in this top-rated grain-free pet food by Merrick. Loaded with white chicken and sweet potatoes and high in healthy fats, this complete dog food is perfect for active, high energy adults.

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Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Natural Dog Food

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The first ingredient listed for this formula is salmon. The food also includes pumpkin, peas, and potatoes, all of which will aid in digestion. The formula does not contain eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, corn, beef, chicken, or any other ingredients that are known allergens. The food also includes Life Source Bits, which consists of a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that have been chosen by an animal nutritionist and holistic vet.

This formula is formulated for the well-being and health of adult dogs and includes the finest ingredients for skin, immune, and coat health.

Pros

• Limited ingredients
• Does not include meat byproducts
• Promotes bowel health
• Includes healthy fats

Cons

• Can cause flatulence

Conclusion

This limited ingredient formula will help pet owners to determine what triggers skin issues in their pet due to allergies, and includes ingredients that are designed to boost immune, coat, and skin health. Additionally, this food is a great choice for dogs who often experience constipation and bowel irregularity.

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Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This adult dry dog food is specially designed for dogs with skin and digestive issues. The food includes a prebiotic fiber that’s designed to balance gut flora, making the formula highly digestible, allowing for easier nutrient absorption. This food is also loaded with healthy fats and vitamin E for coat and skin health. This formula includes all the nutrients that are needed to fuel gut bacteria, while supporting a balanced microbiome. Additionally, the food contains real chicken, with no meat byproducts.

Pros

• Promotes healthy digestion
• Includes prebiotics
• Contains real chicken
• Loaded with vitamin E

Cons

• Can cause diarrhea

Conclusion

A pet food that feeds the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, and one that’s loaded with vitamins and nutrients that support coat and skin health, this food from Hill’s Science is a great choice for dogs suffering from ongoing coat and skin issues.

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Purina Pro Plan Dog Food

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This latest blend by Purina is a gentle chicken and rice formula that’s perfect for dogs suffering from ongoing coat and skin issues. The formula contains a high-quality protein including real chicken and live probiotics that will promote immune and digestive health. This food contains linoleic acid, vitamin A, and omega six fatty acids for digestive health, and coat and skin health.

The food features meaty, tender pieces for improved texture and a taste all dogs will love. This formula is highly digestible and will promote optimal nutrient absorption.

Pros

• Includes prebiotic fiber
• Contains real chicken
• Improved texture
• Promotes skin and coat health

Cons

• Price

Conclusion

The tender, crunchy kibble blend will drive any dog wild. This food is loaded with a rich chicken and rice flavor and contains important nutrients that are designed to promote digestive, coat, and skin health. The is a one hundred percent complete formula that provides the type of balanced nutrition adult dogs need to thrive.

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Royal Canin Canine Care Sensitive Skin Care Dog Food

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This formula is tailored to small breed adult dogs that are ten months of age and older, who are struggling with dry coats and skin issues. The ingredients reinforce the skin barrier by providing essential nutrients that will boost skin health. This formula will nourish the coat with amino acids and healthy fats that will help alleviate any current skin issues. The formula is enriched with both EPA and DHA fatty acids that will help to protect sensitive skin and dry coats. The smaller kibble will help to reduce tartar and boosts dental health.

Pros

• Made specifically for small breed dogs
• Includes EPA and DHA fatty acids
• Healthy fats and amino acids promote coat and skin health
• Includes real chicken

Cons

• Strong odor

Conclusion

Perfect for small breed dogs ten months old and up, this limited ingredient formula will aid in digestion while boosting coat, digestive, and skin health. It’s a great choice for dogs who are prone to skin issues, a dry coat, and flaky skin. The limited ingredient formula will help pet owners to pinpoint what foods are triggering skin issues in their pets, which is crucial to both skin and digestive health.

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Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This formula contains the novel protein Australian lamb, which is perfect for pet owners who have tried everything and are desperately trying to get to the root of their pet’s skin issues. Often, protein is to blame for skin allergies in dogs. The use of a novel protein can give pet owners a clear indication as to whether or not protein is to blame for their pet’s ongoing skin issues. This formula also contains a wide variety of veggies, phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Pros

• Contains healthy fats
• Includes lamb
• Loaded with antioxidants
• Limited ingredient formula

Cons

• Can cause flatulence

Conclusion

This pet food is affordable, contains limited ingredients, and includes a novel protein, which will make it easier for pet owners to identify the root cause of their pet’s skin and coat issues. This recipe was formulated with the help of vets for an optimal blend of healthy fats and proteins.

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AvoDerm Natural Lamb Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This lamb and rice formula promote skin and coat health and is made with California avocados, which are loaded with healthy fats. This food does not contain artificial colors and flavors and is free of preservatives. The nutrient dense formula is high in crude fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to vitamin B6. The included avocados are high in folate, fatty acids, niacin, and potassium, all of which will support skin and coat health.

Pros

• Limited ingredients formula
• High in healthy fats
• Made with lamb
• Includes California avocados

Cons

• Can cause digestive upset

Conclusion

The inclusion of lamb makes this formula a great choice for dogs with a protein allergy. Since allergies are developed over time, finding a dog food formula that includes a novel protein is important. This formula is an excellent choice for picky eaters, dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs, and dogs who are allergic to common proteins such as beef or chicken.

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Instinct Be Natural Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This pet food contains wild caught salmon and is free of fillers, preservatives, and meat byproducts. Each piece of dog food is coated in freeze-dried raw for improved taste and nutritional value. The formula is free of any foods that are known to trigger skin allergies in dogs such as wheat, soy, and common proteins such as chicken and beef.

Pros

• High in protein
• Contains wild caught salmon
• All-natural formula
• Free from fillers and preservatives

Cons

• Can cause digestive upset

Conclusion

This formula is made with wholefood ingredients and real meat. It’s loaded with protein and features a minimally processed formula. This limited ingredient formula is perfect from dogs who have ongoing skin issues, dry coats, or digestive issues including constipation.

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Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Diet Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: (4/5)

Rachel Ray has created a limited ingredient formula dog food that’s designed for overweight pets with sensitive skin and digestive issues. The first ingredient is lamb, a type of novel protein that’s used in place of common proteins such as beef or chicken. Protein is often the cause of skin allergies in dogs, so the fact that this formula includes a novel protein makes it a good choice for pets with chronic skin issues. This food is free of artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, and features the type of limited ingredient formula that’s necessary for dogs with sensitive skin or severe digestive issues.

Pros

• Limited ingredient formula
• Contains lamb
• Added vitamins and minerals
• Includes a novel protein source
• No additives or fillers

Cons

• High sodium content

Conclusion

This limited ingredient dog food will be a great choice for dogs who are overweight or seniors. The diet formula means a lower protein content, since pet foods that are high in protein can cause a dog who’s not very active to gain weight quickly. The formula itself is all-natural, making it an excellent choice for dogs who are prone to skin, coat, or digestive issues.

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Dog Food for Skin Allergies Buyer’s Guide

Having a pet with chronic allergies can be very frustrating for the owner and uncomfortable and even painful at times for the pet. A dog can be allergic to a wide range of ingredients commonly found in pet food, which can make pinpointing the allergen seem almost impossible.

An allergy is basically an immune response to an external stimulant. When a type of foreign substance makes its way into the body, the immune system will attack the substance in order to attempt to keep the body healthy. An allergy is the immune system’s overreaction to a substance. This is manifested by skin issues in pets who are allergic to an ingredient in their dog food.

It may seem like an allergy happened suddenly, but it’s actually the result of being exposed to a certain stimulant for a long period of time. This type of long-term exposure to a certain allergen will cause immune distress, causing it to flag the allergen as a serious threat. This triggers an allergic reaction.

A dog can develop an allergy over time. While your dog may not have been allergic to beef during their first couple of years of life, this lengthy exposure to the offending allergen will begin to cause an allergic response, which is often presented in the form of a skin rash.

Symptoms of Dog Skin Allergies

A skin allergy in a dog is referred to as allergic dermatitis. This involves irritation or inflammation of the skin. Symptoms can vary from pet to pet and can be impacted by the severity of the allergy. For the most part, skin allergies often present themselves with the following symptoms:

• Excessive licking
• Itching
• Chewing or gnawing at the skin
• Itchy ears
• Hair loss
• Inflamed, red skin
• Rashes
• Swollen paws or swollen face

How to Determine the Cause of a Skin Allergy

In order to get to the root of the problem, make an appointment with your vet. Your vet will examine your pet and confirm whether or not you’re dealing with a dog food allergy. Of course, this won’t be the end of treatment. Now, you’ll need to find out what type of food your dog is allergic to. Some dogs are allergic to grains, however, more commonly, dogs are allergic to the protein source in their dog food.

You’ll need to first try an elimination diet before you switch to a regular dry dog food. An elimination diet is fairly simple both to make and in the types of ingredients found in the diet. The goal is to easily identify what food is triggering an allergic response in your dog.

Certain ingredients found in commercial foods can cause an allergic reaction. The key now is to uncover what ingredients your dog is not able to tolerate. For many dogs, the most common culprits include protein, sugar beet pulp, rice, soy, corn, and wheat, in addition to by-products, fillers, and preservatives.

Many pets have an issue with lamb, which can result in hot spots and other related coat and skin problems. Beef and chicken can also be triggers and can cause mild to severe skin issues.

Better choices include turkey and duck.

Food allergies are entirely specific to an animal, which is why it’s so important to ensure the food you feed your pet is labeled as allergen-free, non-allergic, or hypoallergenic. There’s no such thing as a universal dog diet. The same diet that works for two of your dogs may be a poor choice for your third dog.

Over time, even feeding your pet a low-quality pet food can end up depleting their immune system over time since it’s loaded with toxins and fillers that place a major burden on a dog’s immune system and organs. The food may also lack vital nutrients, which can lead to a number of health issues.

Is it Really a Food Allergy?

You may have come across articles online that discuss food allergies and how they can impact a pet’s health, primarily the condition of their skin. However, for some dogs, food allergies don’t have a major Impact. If your dog has diarrhea or itchy skin, then there may be something else behind it. If you feel that your dog may have some type of allergy, you may have noticed that your pet sneezes a lot, they have itchy ears, they have a rash all over their body, or they may have diarrhea, or they vomit often. For others, the skin is inflamed and red, their ear flaps swell, as do their eyelids and lips. Your dog may also have excessive gas and may spend most of their time over-grooming. Food allergies only affect one out of ten pets. So, how do you know if it’s really a food allergy? Using the elimination diet is the best way to determine whether or not your pet is suffering from a food allergy or if there’s an underlying health condition that you should be concerned about.

Elimination Diet

Before you can choose the best dog food for skin allergies, you have to find out what’s causing the skin allergies. For most pet owners, eliminating the high-risk ingredients such as chicken, beef, rice, soy, corn, and wheat, can be enough to manage pet food allergies. In other cases, all glutinous grains must be removed from the dog’s diet. This includes treats. This can often bring about great results.

An elimination diet is often needed to uncover the cause of a pet’s allergic reaction. This will involve feeding the pet a very simplified diet for several weeks. This can include millet and bison, or sweet potatoes and fish, until the allergies subside. Next, you will need to add more ingredients to the food, gradually, and monitor for any signs of food intolerance, such as diarrhea and itching.

You’ll need to keep a record of how your dog responds to each type of ingredient, so you can easily identify a pattern.

Week 1: Begin by feeding your dog a diet of fifty percent cooked mashed sweet potatoes and fifty percent ground turkey. You may notice some reduction in diarrhea and itching during this time.

Week 2: If the diarrhea and itching persists, then replace the turkey with cooked bison or ground beef. If their condition is improving, then you can replace a portion of the sweet potatoes with greens such as parsley and kale.

Week 3: If the diarrhea or itching persists, then you can replace the beef with white fish such as haddock or cod, then replace the sweet potato with a green veggie such as kale, broccoli, or celery. If the condition is improving, then replace a portion of the sweet potato and greens with some pureed melon, chopped bananas, or another type of soft fruit. The fruit should make up approximately five percent of their total diet.

Week 4: If the diarrhea and itching continues then you may need to turn to lab-based testing in order to accurately determine which foods are causing an allergic reaction in your dog. If you want to feed grains to your dog, seeds such as millet or quinoa, or grains that are gluten-free such as oats, are the best choices.

If the conditions are continuing to improve, then you can continue to add new food every few days and monitor them closely, looking for an allergic response.

If a recurrence or flareup occurs at some point, this can indicate that the newest ingredient that has been added to your dog’s diet is the culprit. You will need to remove any ingredients that have been recently introduced for that week and try something else. Some dogs may be intolerant of certain ingredients such as flaxseed, alfalfa, or eggs, so these ingredients should be left out until later in the trial diet.

Other Allergy Testing Methods

Aside from following an elimination diet, there are two other testing options available that can help to determine whether or not your dog is dealing with a food allergy, and what type of food they are allergic to.

A simple blood test is one of the most common alternatives, however they’re not very accurate. There are some new food allergy tests in development which will be far more accurate, unfortunately, they’re not ready for use. Because of this, many vets are in favor of an elimination diet since it provides better accuracy.

Patch tests are another option and they’re significantly more accurate than blood tests. However, they’re not often performed at a regular vet’s office. Instead you may need to go to a special dermatology clinic. At this clinic, a protein is mixed with petroleum jelly, then taped onto your pet’s skin for a period of two days. The skin is tested on the third day. If there is evidence of skin irritation such as hives, inflammation, or redness, then it is considered a positive result. Unfortunately, this type of testing is very expensive, which is why many pet owners choose to follow the elimination diet instead.

Switching to Dry Commercial Dog Food for Skin Allergies

These foods often contain fewer ingredients, whole foods, and a well-balanced formula. This makes it easier for pet owners to avoid purchasing a food that contains ingredients that will trigger a skin reaction. In chronic cases, you will need to be very committed to uncovering the cause of the food sensitivity.

You will need to scrutinize every label, looking closely at all of the ingredients. Fortunately, many of the leading dog food manufacturers are now more aware of potential health concerns, which is why each high-quality brand offers a product line that’s designed for dogs with sensitivities and allergies.

Types of Dog Food for Skin Allergies

There are a couple of types of dog food that are usually recommended for allergy sensitive pets. The first is the limited ingredient diet and the other is novel foods. There are many foods that are prescription-only, however, there are some great foods that you can try that are available in stores or online.

If you’ve taken the proper steps and followed the elimination diet, then finding the right dog food can be as simple as switching them to a food that doesn’t contain that ingredient. However, if you haven’t done an elimination diet, then you will need to switch your dog to a food that doesn’t contain the same types of ingredients as their current dog food and monitor their condition to see if their allergies clear up. Usually, you can shorten this process by making the switch to a limited ingredient diet or a type of hypoallergenic dog food.

Hypoallergenic

Many vets will agree that the best approach to protecting your pet from a food allergy is to switch to a hypoallergenic food. However, with so many brands and formulas available on the market, finding hypoallergenic food that contains quality ingredients can be challenging and expensive. The cost is higher since these foods contain novel protein such as duck, venison, and bison.

Prescription

Some types of dog food that are made for dogs with food allergies will be available by prescription only. This can make the process more complicated for the pet owner, since they will be unable to purchase this brand in stores. Fortunately, there are many online vendors to choose from that will send you the pet food, if you provide a copy of the prescription. In other instances, the vet may also carry this line of food, so you can purchase it at your vet’s office. As you can imagine, food that’s prescription-only will be more expensive, compared to the food you purchase at your local grocery store or pet store. However, considering how the right food can make your pet look and feel, you’ll soon realize it’s worth every penny.

Grain-Free

Certain types of grains can also cause allergic reactions, usually in the form of digestive upset. Grain free formulas are often more expensive than traditional dog food because they’re not loaded with fillers. Traditional dog food will use fillers such as grains, as the main protein source. Grain-free products will use a high-quality protein as the main source. This larger amount of protein will equal a higher price tag.

Novel Proteins

These proteins are less common protein sources found in dog foods, which is why they carry a lower risk of allergies. Novel proteins can consist of herring, lamb, venison, rabbit, and bison. Trying a pet food that contains a novel protein is one of the smartest things pet owners can do. Since it’s often protein that’s the reason behind skin issues, coat issues, and digestive problems, switching to a dog food that contains a type of protein most dogs don’t have can help the pet owner to determine if the protein in their pet’s old dog food was the culprit. Remember, in many cases, allergies will not happen overnight, allergies can develop over time.

Food Ingredients to Avoid

Below, you’ll find a list of the most common food allergens for dogs. Since one of these foods will likely be the culprit of your dog’s skin rash, it’s best to avoid foods that contain them.

Dairy-Free

Most dogs are dairy intolerant, and many dogs can experience an allergic reaction when they consume dairy products. Because of this, it’s best to avoid any products that contain dairy at all costs.

Eggs

Eggs can be a great, cheap source of protein, but they can also cause an allergic reaction in pets. Avoid giving your pet any type of food that contains eggs.

Fillers

Fillers such as corn, husk, and soy, and other types of fillers do not offer any nutritional value for your pet. They’re basically just cheap ingredients that are used to make up the bulk of pet food to save manufacturing costs. They are also common culprits of skin allergies. Avoid foods that contain these ingredients.

There’s a huge selection of dog foods to choose from these days that contain varying ingredients. Make an effort to try out foods that contain novel ingredients, and find a food that your dog enjoys, and one that doesn’t cause skin issues.

How to Prevent Food Allergies

Is there anything pet owners can do to prevent food allergies from developing? This is a complicated question to answer. While many researchers still don’t know much in regard to how to prevent allergies entirely, there are some things you can do that can help to reduce the chances of your dog developing severe allergies over time.

• First, proper nutrition should begin during puppyhood. Follow the appropriate diet, don’t skimp on food quality, and use supplements if necessary.
• Some researchers believe that severe gastroenteritis or early gastroenteritis, especially in young dogs or puppies, will lead to an adult that is more likely to develop an allergic response to their food. Preventing gastroenteritis may seem simple enough. Basically, you will not allow your dog to eat anything but dog treats and dog food. However, in reality it’s significantly harder to deal with. A dog can eat a variety of things, some of which are not harmful, such as wild berries, bark, dirt, and grass. The point here is that it can be very difficult to police everything that goes into your pet’s mouth.
• If you believe that your dog has gotten into the trash or has consumed something that can cause stomach upset, then you may need to make the switch to a low protein diet, until their stomach upset has passed. You can also reach out to your vet during this time. Generally speaking, if a dog has diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days without any signs of improvement, or if the diarrhea is very severe, then contact your vet immediately. In severe cases, you should not attempt to treat your pet yourself or by using over-the-counter medications. It’s especially important to avoid giving your pet something that will stop the diarrhea since this can result in keeping the offending toxins trapped in the gut.
• Usually, a dog should have no problem digesting protein. Pet owners who feed their dogs a raw diet or homemade cooked dog food by blending or grinding their protein source using a food processor will find that their dog may have fewer problems digesting protein. Dogs that are fed a commercial dry dog food that has protein already ground in it before the food is processed may find that this option is more convenient.

Allergy or Food Intolerance?

While you may initially believe that your pet has a food allergy it may actually be a food intolerance. This means that there’s some type of association between a group of symptoms and a food, usually in the form of gastrointestinal issues or skin problems. A true food allergy triggers an adverse immune response that causes the cells in the body to release compounds or histamines that will result in itchy skin and other allergic signs.

A food intolerance doesn’t involve an immune response. However, the signs of a food intolerance will look similar to the signs of an allergy. As an example, dogs are lactose intolerant. When their body doesn’t process the lactose found in milk this can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.

Intolerances and allergies both cause adverse food reactions. True allergies, which are caused by the immune system attacking the food protein, are not quite as common as food intolerances. If a dog seems otherwise normal, even if they are scratching and licking frequently, a food intolerance, not an allergy can be to blame. That being said, a dog’s diet will definitely play a major role in helping to manage skin diseases and conditions, regardless of whether or not they have an allergic response to food.

Food Allergies and Genetics

Are you concerned that your pet may be predisposed to food intolerances or food allergies? There is some evidence that shows us that if a parent has a food allergy, then their offspring is more likely to have a food allergy at some point in our life. So yes, genes can play a role. However, a dog’s breed doesn’t seem to be a factor. To date, there has been no evidence as to whether or not one breed is more likely at risk of a food allergy than another. This means that any breed of dog, at any time in their life, can experience a food allergy. Some people mistakenly believe that by deviating from the dog’s natural diet, there are some breeds of dogs that may be more predisposed to allergies. As an example, the Husky is accustomed to a diet that’s high in fish, which is commonly found in their natural habitat. That has led breeders to believe that feeding Huskies poultry can often result in a food allergy. However, there is no evidence to support this. Many dogs are able to easily adapt to a wide range of foods. The sex or age of a dog will also have no relevance to food intolerances or allergies. There have been some vets who have reported that allergies have been found in dogs under one year of age. This means that even puppies can be affected by an allergy.

Other Treatment Options

Food allergy treatments will all boil down to identifying the food your pet is allergic to and avoiding giving them that food. This is why the elimination diet is so important, since it’s the only way to identify the food proteins and other types of foods that a dog is having difficulty tolerating. Even if it’s a food intolerance instead of an allergy doing an elimination diet will still be helpful. However, at the end of the day, the simplest way to improve your pet’s symptoms and reduce their chances of experiencing a mild to severe skin rash in the future is to change their diet.

There are some other tactics that you may need to use for your pet who is experiencing a food intolerance or allergy. This can include taking medication,

Certain types of antihistamines such as Benadryl, can help your pet rest easier at night and will also significantly reduce itching. When a dog is feeling itchy, they will obsessively groom, scratch, or lick the area. This can lead to a secondary skin infection, which is why it’s so important to treat the itching even as you’re making the switch to a new pet food.

There are also some types of anti-itch ointments and shampoos that can also be beneficial. Antibiotics and certain types of antifungals may also be necessary in order to treat infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Food Causes Skin Allergies in Dogs?

Proteins are the most common food allergen that can cause a skin reaction in dogs, especially proteins that are derived from dairy products, in addition to gluten, soy, eggs, chicken, lamb, and beef.

What Can I Add to My Dog’s Food for Itchy Skin?

Try adding essential fatty acids. Some of the best concentrated sources include borage oil, fish oils, hemp oil, flax oil, and currant oil. These oils can help with flaky, dry skin, in addition to soothing itchiness.

Is Chicken Bad for Dogs with Skin Allergies?

It can be. Chicken is one of the most common culprits of food allergies in dogs, aside from eggs, beef, dairy, and wheat.

What Can I Give my Dog for Severe Itching?

Oatmeal baths are often recommended for the treatment of itchy skin. It’s very gentle on the skin and safe to use. It can help to fight irritation, minimize itching, and will soothe the skin. You can also try Benadryl, which can help to soothe itchy skin, allowing them to rest better at night. Final Thoughts

Dealing with pet food allergies can be a challenge. However, having a proper diagnosis of the allergy itself and determining the culprit will make it much easier to treat and can prevent skin issues in the future. The best dog food for skin allergies will contain limited ingredients, whole foods, and will not contain any additives or fillers. These dog foods are specifically designed to contain ingredients that don’t have a reputation for causing an allergic reaction in dogs. This can often include novel protein sources such as bison or rabbit, whole foods such as kale, blueberries, and quinoa, and a lack of fillers including corn and husks. These foods can help get your pet back on the path to leading a healthy and happy life, but it will be up to you as their owner to remain committed to finding the source of their allergic reaction, the food or foods that cause an allergic skin reaction, and ensure you eliminate it from their diet. If you’ve had no success with finding the right pet food after making the switch, then you need to make an appointment with your vet to rule out an underlying medical condition, or to help pinpoint the foods that are triggering an allergic reaction. This guide, and the products I’ve recommended here will help you choose the right type of food for your pet, which will help to gradually improve the condition of their skin and coat, improve their energy level, and basically help to get your pup back to feeling their best.

source https://fourpawideas.com/best-dog-food-for-skin-allergies/