Around 15% of all skin issues that cause our best mates grief are food related.
And the rest can be helped with diet too!
I’m Mike – one of the founders of Scratch.
For two months all my friends have heard me talk about is dogs and sinuses. It’s the middle of a Melbourne spring at time of writing and I’ve been struck down by allergies for the first time in my life. As pollen fills the air and bits drop off all sorts of plants, my head seems to swell, my ears fill and my face randomly hurts!
Dogs get struck down by allergies too, but luckily we can control their feeding with healthy allergy dog food and make sure that their environment is looking after them.
From our very original single-protein kangaroo recipe, we’ve wanted to design the best dog food for allergies and provide relief for the symptoms, and prevention for the cause.
There are 3 common types of dog allergies
Environmental Allergies
Think grass and pollen.
These often clear up in winter.
Food Allergies
Where their body mistakes ingredients as harmful, causing their immune systems to go into overdrive. That’s where hypoallergenic dog food like Scratch can really help. Learn more about dogs and food allergies.
Food intolerances
Where they lack the digestive enzyme to properly digest certain ingredients.
And 4 great hypoallergenic recipes, just for them
Controlled inflammation
Puppy and adult dog owners have seen benefit from moving to a grain-free, lower carbohydrate diet to control inflammation.
Scratch is really good dog food for allergies, reducing the triggers, building up the gut flora with plenty of fibre, and relieving the skin with a mix of 4 healthy oils.
None of the common food triggers
Most likely, it’s the protein causing the issue. Of dogs with reactions, the most common causes are beef (34%), dairy (17%), chicken (15%) and wheat (13%).
Our single-protein kangaroo recipe has helped thousands of dogs with allergies. Our newer lamb hypoallergenic dog food is a rare grain-inclusive recipe that also helps skin and allergies.
Less processed. More whole
Try to avoid broken down ingredients, seeking mostly whole ingredients that have had less processing.
Scratch is choc full of premium meat & whole veggies.
Plus, we donate 2% of every order
to Australian environmental & dog welfare initiatives
Our original game-changer and the best thing if they can’t seem to shake tummy & skin problems on any other food.
Natural food scientifically formulated for your best mate. 70% meat. 100% nutritionally complete. It’s all the health benefits of raw feeding without the ick.
Hypoallergenic dog food,
supported by Dr. Sam
Our in-house vet Dr. Samantha Rulli has worked with plenty of dogs with sensitive tummies (and their relieved humans).
Dr. Sam’s here to help answer your questions on Hypoallergenic food for dogs, general dog nutrition and share nuggets of wisdom on making your dog’s nuggets nicer. She joins our dog food nutritionists plus our co-founder and resident dog food nerd Doug to round out our dream team of experts in dog health.
But hey, don’t take our word, take theirs
“Mack is a staffy with skin and food allergies, so you can imagine how happy I was to find a dog food with NO chicken listed in the ingredients.
I’m very happy with Scratch, and so is Mack!!”
- Cheryl-ann, Mack's mum
“We’ve been using Scratch for just over 2 weeks and she’s already itching less and skin texture improved dramatically and her stomach and bowel movements have settled!”
- Jade, Willow’s mum
“Had tried a couple of good quality brands but was recommended Scratch by a friend. Amazing difference! No more smelly or runny poo and they love it.
I am so glad we decided to have one more attempt at a change.”
- Hayley, Leo & Lexi's mum
4.9/5 Average Rating from over 50,000 Aussie dogs
We’re famous around the dog park for our 8 rules to better grub:
1. PLENTY of lean, high-quality protein from the best possible Australian meat
We only use animal protein from the human-food supply chain. No ‘pet food meat’ here.
2. ENERGY from animal fats and protein, not carbs
Typical kibble is 45-60% carbs. Scratch kibble starts from 32.5%.
3. NO chemical preservatives and no added colours
No bulk bags made ages ago — you'll get 2 freshly-sealed bags made for your little mate.
4. NO processed soy, corn, cellulose, wheat and low starches
We avoid causes of so many skin and tummy issues that send the immune system wild.
5. WHOLE ingredients as much as possible
No filler here. Whole ingredients keep more nutrients and reduce free-radicals.
6. NOTHING grouped, disguised or hidden
Australian dog food is unregulated(!). Yep. We’re the only brand to disclose ingredient %’s.
7. PLENTY of healthy oils with a variety of Omega-3 sources
Salmon, coconut, you name it. We mix through a stack of healthy oils high in DHA.
8. SUSTAINABLE approach to business and the produce in our food
We’re a proud B-Corp, donating 2% of revenue & working with the most ethical suppliers.
“I was at my wits end trying to find a good quality food that our fussy dog would eat that didn’t give him diarrhoea. He preferred to go hungry and was losing condition and weight.
I stumbled across Scratch and decided to give it a shot as I had nothing to lose. From the first bowlful he has hoovered his meals and loves both the lamb and kangaroo.
If you do have anything super specific you want to chat about, hit us up on live chat.
What should I feed my dog with allergies?
If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, owners have seen benefit from mo...
If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, owners have seen benefit from moving to a grain-free, lower carbohydrate diet to control inflammation. Our Turkey, Lamb & Beef recipe is the lowest carb but our Kangaroo recipe is more suited to the most sensitive dogs.
What food is best for dogs with itchy skin?
If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, owners have seen benefit from mo...
If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, owners have seen benefit from moving to a grain-free, lower carbohydrate diet to control inflammation.
Scratch grain-free Kangaroo is packed full of lean roo meat, uses 4 skin-soothing oils to provide immediate relief to itchy skin and helps to fix immune response with gut-repairing fibre.
What ingredient in dog food causes allergies?
Common processed grains and meat proteins are the most frequent cause of food...
Common processed grains and meat proteins are the most frequent cause of food allergies and sensitivities in dogs. Of dogs with reactions, the most common proteins to blame are beef (34%), dairy (17%), chicken (15%) and wheat (13%), whilst wheat troubles many dogs.
Does grain-free dog food help with allergies?
Grain-free dog food has been shown to cause less allergies for dogs than grai...
Grain-free dog food has been shown to cause less allergies for dogs than grain-inclusive diets. Not all grains are bad, but few dog food companies make a premium dog food with grains so all of the really good stuff only gets used in grain-free recipes.
If your dog has allergies, look to avoid processed grains such as corn, maize and wheat. If it’s a grain-free dog food that you opt for, look for one with no more than 15% starch.
What meat is good for dogs with allergies?
Over time, many dogs have built up genetic intolerances to low-quality meats ...
Over time, many dogs have built up genetic intolerances to low-quality meats that they or their parents have been repetitively fed. Beef and chicken are the most common. Kangaroo and Lamb are good options for sensitive dogs, as well as Turkey.
What protein is best for dogs with allergies?
Avoid chicken, beef and dairy – the most common proteins causing sensit...
Avoid chicken, beef and dairy – the most common proteins causing sensitivities and allergies for dogs.
Is Sweet Potato good for dogs with allergies?
Sweet Potato is a healthier alternative than Potato for dogs, as it’s l...
Sweet Potato is a healthier alternative than Potato for dogs, as it’s lower starch content doesn’t raise blood sugar and immune response like high-starch foods do.
How long does it take for dog food allergies to go away?
If your vet puts your dog on an elimination diet, they’ll suggest stayi...
If your vet puts your dog on an elimination diet, they’ll suggest staying on it for 3 months to really be sure. However, we’ve seen dogs tummies get immediate tummy relief from Scratch grain free dog food, and easing red, dry or itchy skin within a fortnight.
What do vets prescribe for dog allergies?
It depends on the vet. There are many good vets and a growing number of holis...
It depends on the vet. There are many good vets and a growing number of holistically-minded vets, however many have limited nutritional training. It’s common for vets to prescribe an elimination diet of chicken, veggies and rice which does seem odd to us as most rice raises the blood sugar a lot and chicken is a common allergen, but there we are. If you trust your vet though, don’t let us stop you. Like we said – there are many good ones so hopefully yours works out your dogs food history, takes a look at the contents of their previous diets and can find a link in the cause.
Is hypoallergenic food good for dogs?
Hypoallergenic dog food can and should be very healthy, but it’s possib...
Hypoallergenic dog food can and should be very healthy, but it’s possible to make low-quality hypoallergenic food. Some hypoallergenic dog foods treat the symptom (dog allergies) but through inbalanced recipes or highly processed ingredients that can create flow-on problems that build up over time. A healthy hypoallergenic dog food is well balanced with low-carbs, healthy animal fats and importantly, whole foods instead of processed foods.
Can any dog eat hypoallergenic food?
Yes, while hypoallergenic dog food is designed to avoid allergies, a well bal...
Yes, while hypoallergenic dog food is designed to avoid allergies, a well balanced hypoallergenic dog food will be fine for any dog.
