How Diet Impacts Hot Spots in Dogs

Kristina Voltin
May 8
8 min read

Hot spots in dogs, or acute moist dermatitis, are painful, inflamed skin patches often caused by allergies, poor grooming, or flea bites. Diet plays a key role in both preventing and healing these skin issues. Here's how:

Key Nutrients for Skin Health:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Zinc: Supports healing and improves skin strength.
- Vitamins A, C, and E: Aid in skin repair and protect against damage.
Foods to Avoid:
- Artificial preservatives, colors, and additives.
- Low-quality proteins and common allergens like wheat and corn.
Best Foods for Skin Health:
- High-quality proteins (human-grade).
- Fresh fruits and vegetables for natural antioxidants.
- Omega-3-rich ingredients to reduce inflammation.
- Freeze-dried raw food for nutrient retention and allergen control.

Switching to a high-quality, allergen-free diet with whole, natural ingredients can reduce hot spots, improve your dog’s coat, and boost overall health. Transition slowly over 10 days to avoid digestive upset and consult your veterinarian for tailored advice.

How Diet Prevents Hot Spots

Missing Nutrients and Skin Problems

A dog's skin thrives on proper nutrition. Without the right balance of nutrients, their skin can become prone to irritation, inflammation, and infections like hot spots. Here are some key nutrients that play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats help reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin's protective barrier. When a dog's diet lacks omega-3s, they may develop dry, flaky skin, making them more vulnerable to hot spots.

Zinc: This mineral is a powerhouse for skin health and healing. A zinc deficiency can lead to:

Weak skin barriers
Delayed wound healing
Higher susceptibility to infections

Vitamins A, C, and E: These antioxidants are essential for skin cell regeneration and protection against environmental damage. A shortage of these vitamins weakens the skin's natural defenses, increasing the risk of irritation and infections.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how certain ingredients in dog food can exacerbate these problems.

Foods That Cause Hot Spots

Some ingredients commonly found in dog food can trigger allergic reactions or cause inflammation, both of which can lead to hot spots. Here are some of the usual culprits:

Common Trigger Ingredients:

Artificial preservatives
Chemical additives
Artificial colors
Low-quality proteins
Wheat and corn derivatives

These ingredients can weaken a dog’s immune system and promote inflammation, making hot spots more likely. Unfortunately, many commercial dog foods include these problematic additives, so it’s essential to carefully check ingredient labels.

Quality Ingredients Matter

The solution? Opt for high-quality dog food made from whole, natural ingredients. These options not only improve nutrient absorption but also reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions.

Here are some of the best ingredients for supporting skin health:

Ingredients	Benefits
Human-grade proteins	Aid in skin cell repair and regeneration
Fresh fruits and vegetables	Deliver natural antioxidants and essential vitamins
Natural omega-3 sources	Help reduce inflammation and fortify the skin barrier
Limited, clean ingredients	Lower exposure to potential allergens

Freeze-dried raw food is particularly beneficial for skin health. This type of diet retains natural nutrients while avoiding common allergens and artificial additives. For instance, Loyal Saints’ freeze-dried raw dog food uses human-grade ingredients and contains no artificial fillers or preservatives [1]. A diet like this strengthens the skin’s protective barriers and reduces the risk of developing hot spots.

When choosing dog food to help prevent hot spots, focus on these qualities:

Whole, natural ingredients
High-quality protein sources
No artificial preservatives or additives
Limited ingredient recipes
Balanced nutrition suitable for all life stages

Foods That Help Heal Hot Spots

Finding Food Allergies

Pinpointing food allergies is a critical step in addressing skin issues like hot spots. An elimination diet is an effective way to identify problem ingredients. This involves feeding your pet a limited-ingredient diet containing just one protein source. Stick with this regimen for 8 to 12 weeks to give allergens time to clear from the system and allow the skin to begin healing.

During this period, keep a close eye on:

Changes in skin condition
Frequency of scratching or licking
Healing progress
New or recurring outbreaks

After identifying the allergens, you can transition to introducing anti-inflammatory foods that promote long-term skin health.

Foods That Reduce Inflammation

Certain foods are known to help reduce inflammation and support skin healing. Here’s a quick overview of key ingredients and their benefits:

Ingredients	Benefits
Omega-3 Rich Foods	Helps reduce inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier
High-Quality Proteins	Provides essential building blocks for skin repair
Antioxidant-Rich Foods	Combats inflammation and aids in healing
Probiotics	Improves gut health and minimizes allergic reactions

Benefits of Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Some food types go beyond just reducing inflammation - they actively aid in the healing process. Freeze-dried raw food is an excellent choice because it retains essential nutrients while eliminating common irritants, making it a powerful option for managing hot spots.

Why Freeze-Dried Raw Food Works for Skin Health:

Nutrient RetentionThe freeze-drying process locks in vital vitamins and minerals that are essential for repairing damaged skin.
Allergen ControlUsing clean, simple ingredients helps reduce exposure to potential allergens.
Balanced NutritionMany freeze-dried raw foods are formulated to meet AAFCO standards, ensuring your pet gets the complete nutrition needed for skin repair.

Additional Features to Look For:

Human-grade, high-quality ingredients
No artificial preservatives or additives
Protein sources that are easy to digest
Formulations approved by AAFCO
Backed by veterinarians for safety and effectiveness

Switching to a New Diet

10-Day Diet Change Plan

Transitioning your dog to a new diet needs to be done gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach and to prevent worsening any existing hot spots. A 10-day schedule works well for a smooth change:

Days	Old Food	New Food	Notes
1–3	75%	25%	Mix thoroughly and monitor stool consistency
4–6	50%	50%	Keep an eye out for any digestive changes
7–8	25%	75%	Increase new food if no issues are observed
9–10	0%	100%	Complete the transition to the new diet

If your dog shows any signs of digestive discomfort - like loose stools or reduced appetite - pause the process and stick to the current ratio for an extra day or two before moving forward. This slow adjustment helps ensure a smooth transition and can pave the way for noticeable improvements in your dog’s skin and overall health.

Signs of Diet Success

Once the switch is complete, keep an eye out for these positive changes:

Physical Improvements:

Fewer hot spots and flare-ups
Reduced scratching and licking
Less redness or inflammation
A shinier, healthier coat
Increased energy and vitality

Digestive Health:

Firm, normal stools
Consistent and regular bowel movements
Reduced gas or bloating
A steady, healthy appetite

Adding Supplements

To further support your dog's skin and digestive health during the diet change, consider introducing supplements. Start with a well-rounded, balanced meal, then gradually add supplements like probiotics, which promote a healthy gut and can improve skin condition.

For example, Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw dog food offers complete nutrition made with human-grade, all-natural ingredients and contains no additives or fillers. It’s a great base to build upon.

Introduce supplements one at a time and closely observe your dog’s response. Always consult your veterinarian before adding any new supplement, especially if your dog is already on medication for hot spots or other conditions. This ensures their diet remains safe and beneficial.

Conclusion: Diet's Role in Skin Health

Main Points

The link between diet and hot spots in dogs is undeniable. What your dog eats plays a direct role in preventing and healing these skin issues. By focusing on high-quality proteins and nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables, you can help build your dog's defenses against skin problems.

Here’s how proper nutrition makes a difference:

Stronger Skin and Balanced Immunity: A robust skin barrier and a well-regulated immune system can help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.
Better Gut Health: A healthy digestive system supports overall skin condition, keeping flare-ups at bay.

By carefully avoiding common allergens and ensuring a balanced diet with the right amount of fiber, you can significantly lower the chances of hot spots and other skin irritations.

Action Steps

To keep your dog's skin healthy and reduce hot spots, consider these steps:

Work with Your Veterinarian: Pinpoint potential food allergies and create a nutrition plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
Prioritize Quality Ingredients: Look for dog foods made with human-grade, natural ingredients that minimize exposure to common allergens.
Track Progress: Keep an eye on your dog’s skin and coat condition over time to see how changes in diet are helping.
Explore Freeze-Dried Raw Food: Foods like Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw dog food provide complete nutrition, packed with high-quality protein and free from additives or fillers. Plus, they meet AAFCO standards for supporting your dog’s overall health.

Don’t forget to follow a gradual 10-day transition plan when switching foods, and stay in touch with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s progress. A thoughtful approach to nutrition can be the foundation for healthier skin and fewer hot spots.

Hot Spots and Nutrition in Dogs and Cats with Dr. Katie Woodley - The Natural Pet Doctor

FAQs

Can my dog's diet cause or worsen hot spots?

Yes, what your dog eats can have a big impact on both the cause and recovery of hot spots. Skin problems and inflammation, which can lead to hot spots, are often tied to poor nutrition, food allergies, or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Common triggers include artificial additives, low-grade fillers, or specific proteins your dog might react to.

To help prevent or manage these issues, focus on providing your dog with a well-balanced diet made from natural, nutrient-rich ingredients. Choose foods that avoid artificial additives and fillers, and prioritize those packed with quality protein and essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat. If you're not sure what diet is best for your dog, a veterinarian can offer advice tailored to their unique needs.

How can I safely switch my dog to a diet that helps reduce hot spots?

Transitioning your dog to a new diet designed to address hot spots needs to be done gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach. Start by mixing a small portion of the new food with their current food. Over the course of 7–10 days, slowly increase the amount of the new food while decreasing the old. Keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort, like vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, and adjust the transition pace if necessary.

Choosing high-quality, nutrient-packed food without fillers or artificial additives can make a big difference in supporting your dog’s skin health and overall well-being. A diet that includes high-quality protein and essential fatty acids can help maintain healthy skin and reduce inflammation, potentially preventing hot spots. Before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have existing health conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian.

What signs show that dietary changes are improving my dog's skin and hot spots?

When you adjust your dog's diet to support better skin health, you might start seeing some encouraging changes. Keep an eye out for less redness, fewer instances of itching or scratching, and a noticeable reduction in the size or intensity of hot spots. Over time, their coat might take on a shinier appearance, and their skin could look noticeably healthier.

Pay attention to their overall behavior, too. If your dog seems more at ease and less bothered by irritation, it's a strong sign that the dietary changes are working. Just keep in mind that these improvements may take a few weeks to become apparent, so stick to the routine and give it time to show results.