In a research conducted by Hemida et all in Finland about what can cause skin allergies in dogs, they found that diet plays a big role – higher quality non processed meat/food at a young age has a positive influence on skin allergies incidence in dogs as they reach adult. The reason is because non-processed meat exposes young dogs to certain microbes (tiny organisms like bacteria) that help their immune system grow strong and mature. This stronger immune system might then be better at preventing allergies as the dog gets older.1 
Figure A: X axis is the % of diet that was raw/non processed diet. Y axis is the percentage of dogs that were either healthy (non allergic) or suffering from skin diseases (allergic)
Figure B: X axis is the % of diet that was dry/ processed food. Y axis is the percentage of dogs that were either healthy (non allergic) or suffering from skin diseases (allergic)
Note: Proportion of non-allergic group > allergic group at point when less than 80% of dry food (more than 20% raw food) is given to dogs
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16211
Hemida et al. studied a group of adult dogs and found differences in the occurrence of skin allergies based on the food they ate as puppies from 2 to 6 months old. These dogs consumed a mix of raw food, dry food (like kibbles), other commercial dog food, and home-cooked meals.1
Interestingly, dogs that ate at least 20% raw food in their diet showed less occurrence of skin allergies. The same can be said for those who ate less than 80% dry food in their diet. On the other hand, dogs that didn’t eat any raw food or those whose diet consisted of 80% or more dry food had a higher chance of experiencing skin allergies.
This suggests that a balanced diet, especially one that includes a good portion of raw food, could be beneficial for puppies in reducing the likelihood of developing skin allergies as they grow up.
The reason is because non-processed meat exposes young dogs to certain microbes (tiny organisms like bacteria) that help their immune system grow strong and mature. This stronger immune system might then be better at preventing allergies as the dog gets older.1
Building on this research, it’s important to consider the type of food we’re feeding our dogs. Kibbles, which is often processed and can be high in carbohydrates, might contribute to a higher risk of skin allergies according to this study.
On the other hand, freeze-dried raw meals, which are typically made from non-processed meats and contain fewer carbohydrates, could be a better choice for your puppy. These meals can introduce a variety of microbes to your dog at a young age, helping their immune system mature and potentially reducing the risk of allergies as they grow.
In essence, choosing between kibble and freeze-dried raw meals is not just about what your puppy prefers to eat, but also about their long-term health. As dog owners, it’s important to understand the potential impacts of our choices on our furry friends’ future wellbeing.
Brands such as Bailey+Co, which offers freeze-dried raw meals, could be a particularly great choice.
These meals are primarily made of raw food, aligning with the dietary habits seen to reduce allergy symptoms in our study. In addition, it also contains omega 3/6 and green lipped mussels for added skin, coat and joint health.
So, for dog owners aiming to optimize their pups’ diet with their long-term health in mind, Bailey+Co’s freeze-dried raw meals could be an excellent choice to consider.
Disclaimer: The study/article suggests a causal relationship but does not prove it.
1 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16211
