Why do veterinarians recommend skin-specific diets?

Many pets experience skin problems, but the real culprits are often environmental dust mites, pollen, and dirt, and even the food they eat. According to a study published in the Journal of Small Animal Internal Medicine, approximately 10% of itchy or allergic skin conditions in pets in a UK study were food-related , with a staggering 15% of dogs being allergic to chicken !

In addition to external symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, licking, and hair loss, these allergies are often accompanied by gastrointestinal problems such as loose stools, diarrhea, flatulence, and persistent bowel sounds. According to veterinary clinical experience and research statistics, the two most common causes of skin problems in cats and dogs are:

  • Food Allergies
  • Environmental allergies (such as dust mites, pollen, etc.)

Especially when the allergen cannot be accurately identified, "dietary management" becomes the first step of intervention. This is why veterinarians usually recommend the use of prescription skin food to reduce possible food allergens.

Take a quick look at the different key points👇🏻

The key to food allergies is animal protein

According to BMC Veterinary Research, the top three most common food allergens for cats and dogs are:

  1. beef
  2. chicken
  3. dairy

Due to their larger molecular structure, these animal proteins are easily mistaken by the immune system as "invaders", triggering allergic reactions, including skin redness, itching, hair loss, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc.

How are skin prescription foods classified? 3 levels to understand clearly

The core goal of skin prescription food design is to reduce the overreaction of the immune system, which is mainly divided into three scientific levels:

1. Single Protein Formula

example:

  • Royal Canin Sensitivity Control
  • Hill's D/D Diet

These formulas use rare or single-source proteins (such as duck, venison, and potato protein) to reduce the risk of "high-risk proteins" in food. They are suitable for pets with mild symptoms and suspected food allergies.

📌 Goal: Reduce exposure to the types of possible allergens.

2. Hydrolyzed protein formula

example:

  • Royal Canin Hypoallergenic
  • Hill's Z/D Diet
  • Farmina Vetlife Hypoallergenic

Protein hydrolysis means breaking down protein into small molecules using enzymes, preventing it from being identified as a foreign threat by the immune system and significantly reducing the chance of allergies.

📌 Goal: To "avoid" the immune system's radar through a small molecule structure.

3. Extremely anti-allergic formula

example:

  • Royal Canin Anallergenic
  • Hill's Derm Complete
  • Farmina Vetlife UltraHypo

This type of recipe goes a step further:

  • Use highly hydrolyzed proteins (molecular weight < 1kDa, almost non-immunogenic)
  • Additional skin-repairing nutrients (such as Omega-3, Vitamin A, E)
  • Some formulas have antioxidant support and barrier function strengthening formulas

📌 Goal: To provide the most comprehensive desensitization and skin support, suitable for pets with chronic allergic dermatitis and recurring conditions.

Why do veterinarians recommend long-term use of prescription food?

Prescription skin food isn't just for use during the "treatment phase." Often, a pet's allergies can't be cured, but rather require long-term management to reduce recurrences.

The real purpose of using prescription food is not to "cure" but to establish a stable dietary environment that does not trigger allergic reactions.

Therefore, your veterinarian may recommend:

  • After the skin symptoms stabilize, continue to use the same prescription food
  • Avoid frequent changes in food types or brands

Pettington reminds you: When choosing a suitable prescription food, please follow your veterinarian’s advice!

There are many prescription foods on the market, and just because they claim to be “hypoallergenic” doesn’t necessarily mean they’re suitable for your pet.

Each prescription food targets different levels of allergies and nutritional needs of your pet, so the choice should be based on your pet's condition and reaction level.

Please follow your veterinarian's instructions to choose the appropriate prescription food. Do not change it on your own, and do not buy it on your own without your veterinarian's instructions. Each one has its own design principle, and choosing it randomly may make your pet's allergies worse!

If any problems arise, it is recommended to discuss with your veterinarian to avoid misuse that may lead to recurring allergies or delayed treatment.