The Connection Between Dog Diet and Hot Spots

Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, are painful, inflamed patches of skin that can develop suddenly and spread rapidly in dogs. They’re often the result of the dog’s own scratching, licking, or chewing in response to an underlying irritation or allergy. While grooming habits, environmental triggers, and parasites like fleas are common culprits, one major factor is often overlooked: your dog's diet.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore how a dog’s nutrition can contribute to or help prevent hot spots. You’ll learn about dietary triggers, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and how to design a diet that supports your dog’s skin health. We’ll also look at real-world examples, vet-backed research, and tips for creating a food plan that keeps hot spots at bay.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Before diving into the diet connection, let’s briefly review what hot spots are and how they form:

Appearance: Red, raw, wet, inflamed lesions that often ooze pus
Common Locations: Neck, base of the tail, hips, ears, and paws
Symptoms: Intense itching, pain, hair loss, odor, and rapid growth
Primary Causes: Allergies, moisture, parasites, and trauma from licking or scratching

How Diet Affects a Dog's Skin

Skin is a dog’s largest organ and serves as a key barrier against environmental threats. Like all organs, it needs proper nutrition to function and heal effectively. When a dog’s diet lacks certain nutrients or contains allergens, it can lead to:

Compromised skin barrier function
Chronic inflammation
Overactive immune responses
Poor wound healing

Common Dietary Triggers for Hot Spots

1. Food Allergies

Food allergies can lead to chronic itching, which can progress into hot spots.
Common allergens include:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Dairy
- Wheat
- Eggs
- Soy
Dogs with food allergies may also show symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and frequent ear infections.

2. Food Intolerances (Sensitivities)

Unlike allergies, intolerances are non-immune related but still cause inflammation and itching.
Triggers may include artificial additives, fillers, or poorly digested proteins.

3. Excess Carbohydrates and Sugars

Cheap commercial dog foods often contain excessive carbs that contribute to yeast overgrowth, inflammation, and skin irritation.

4. Poor-Quality Ingredients

Low-grade animal by-products, preservatives (like BHA and BHT), and dyes can irritate the immune system.

5. Inadequate Omega Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for skin hydration and inflammation control.
Dogs lacking in omega-3s are more prone to dry, itchy skin and poor healing.

Nutrients Essential for Skin Health

To support healthy skin and minimize the risk of hot spots, your dog’s diet should include:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in fish oil, flaxseed, and algae
Anti-inflammatory and supports skin barrier function

2. Zinc

Aids in wound healing and immune support
Found in red meat, pumpkin seeds, and some seafood

3. Vitamin E

Antioxidant that protects skin cells
Found in leafy greens, nuts, and vegetable oils

4. Biotin

Important for hair and skin integrity
Found in eggs, liver, and sweet potatoes

5. Protein

Needed for skin regeneration and repair
Choose high-quality sources like turkey, salmon, or lamb

Diet Types and Their Impact on Hot Spots

1. Commercial Dry Kibble

Pros: Convenient, cost-effective
Cons:
- Often high in carbs and fillers
- Limited omega-3 content
- Low moisture content can dehydrate the skin

2. Wet/Canned Dog Food

Higher moisture and protein
Better palatability
Still may contain artificial ingredients unless labeled as natural or organic

3. Fresh or Homemade Diet

Allows complete control over ingredients
Must be balanced to avoid nutritional deficiencies
Often reduces exposure to allergens and inflammatory foods

4. Raw Diet (BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

Advocates claim raw diets support better skin and coat
Must be prepared safely and balanced properly
Not suitable for all dogs or households
Note: Raw diets can carry bacterial risks (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), especially for immunocompromised dogs or humans in the household. Always consult your vet before switching.

5. Limited Ingredient Diet (LID)

Excellent for identifying and avoiding allergens
Typically includes a single protein and a limited number of carbs
Often recommended by vets for dogs with chronic skin issues

Identifying a Food Allergy or Sensitivity

If you suspect your dog’s hot spots are linked to diet, consider these steps:

Step 1: Elimination Diet

Feed a simplified diet with a novel protein (like duck or venison) for 8–12 weeks
Avoid treats, table scraps, or flavored medications
Monitor symptoms

Step 2: Reintroduction Trial

Slowly add back ingredients one by one
Watch for the recurrence of symptoms

Step 3: Veterinary Allergy Testing

Blood and saliva tests can identify common food allergens
May be used alongside elimination diets for confirmation

Case Studies: How Diet Helped Resolve Hot Spots

Case 1: Bella the Boxer

Problem: Chronic hot spots and ear infections
Solution: Switched to a grain-free, fish-based LID diet rich in omega-3s. Also, use skin spray to treat the hot spots.
Result: Skin cleared in 6 weeks, no hot spots for over a year

Case 2: Max the Golden Retriever

Problem: Frequent licking, red patches on legs
Solution: Eliminated chicken and beef; switched to turkey and sweet potato, and applied anti-itch skin spray to manage the hot spots.
Result: Marked improvement in skin and coat within 2 months

Case 3: Luna the French Bulldog

Problem: Hot spots every summer
Solution: Raw diet with supplements (zinc, fish oil)
Result: Hot spot frequency and severity dramatically reduced

How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs Caused by Diet

1. Immediate Treatment of the Hot Spot

Even if diet is the root cause, the hot spot itself needs immediate care:

Clean the area: Use a vet-approved antiseptic or saline solution to gently clean the wound.
Trim the fur: Carefully clip fur around the hot spot to allow airflow and prevent further irritation.
Topical treatments: Apply veterinary-recommended creams or anti-itch sprays that reduce itching, inflammation, and prevent infection (e.g., chlorhexidine or hydrocortisone creams).

Puainta® Quantum Silver Anti-itch Skin Spray can help soothe, dry out, and heal damp “Hot Spots”. It helps relieve fungal and bacterial skin infections, relieves itchy skin in cats and dogs, and helps control the spread of lesions. This anti-itch Spray provides dogs with hot spots with immediate relief from itching without stinging.
E-collar (cone): Prevent licking, chewing, or scratching, which can make the hot spot worse.
Pain/itch relief: Vets may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or antibiotics if the hot spot is infected.

2. Addressing the Underlying Dietary Cause

A. Start an Elimination Diet

Feed your dog a novel protein and carbohydrate (e.g., duck and potato) for 8–12 weeks.
Avoid all treats, flavored chews, table scraps, and supplements unless approved.
Monitor for skin improvement.
Slowly reintroduce common allergens one at a time to identify the trigger.

B. Switch to a Hypoallergenic Diet

Try prescription diets like hydrolyzed protein diets (e.g., Royal Canin HP or Hill’s z/d).
These diets contain proteins broken down into tiny components, minimizing immune reactions.

C. Improve Diet Quality

Choose dog foods with high-quality proteins, no artificial preservatives, and whole food ingredients.
Avoid brands with by-products, fillers (corn, soy, wheat), and artificial dyes.

3. Nutritional Support for Skin Healing

Supplementing the diet can accelerate healing and prevent future hot spots:

Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed) – reduce inflammation and support skin health.
Zinc – important for skin repair and immune function.
Vitamin E – an antioxidant that helps protect and heal skin cells.
Probiotics – support gut health, which is linked to reduced systemic inflammation.

4. Hydration and Skin Health

Dry skin due to dehydration increases hot spot risk.
Ensure your dog has access to clean water at all times.
Consider adding wet food or broth to meals to increase water intake.
Avoid over-reliance on dry kibble, especially low-quality brands.

5. Consult a Veterinarian or Veterinary Nutritionist

Rule out other underlying causes (e.g., flea allergies, bacterial infections, or hormonal disorders).
Ask about allergy testing (blood tests or intradermal skin tests).
Get help formulating a balanced homemade or limited-ingredient diet if commercial options fail.

Signs the Hot Spot Is Diet-Related

If the following symptoms improve with a dietary change, the diet was likely the cause:

Recurrent hot spots in the same locations
Itching not triggered by fleas, environment, or grooming
Other allergy-related signs (e.g., ear infections, paw licking, face rubbing)
Skin improvement during food trials

Don’t Do This:

Don’t assume a food is “safe” because it’s labeled “grain-free” or “natural.”
Don’t switch foods frequently without tracking ingredients.
Don’t treat only the skin without addressing the cause — the hot spots will keep coming back.

Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Food

Read the ingredient list — look for named animal proteins and whole foods
Avoid generic "meat" or "animal by-product" listings
Check for omega fatty acid content (often labeled)
Avoid artificial preservatives, dyes, and sugars
Consider breed, age, and activity level when selecting formulas

When to Consult a Veterinarian or Veterinary Nutritionist

Seek professional help if:

Hot spots are chronic or recurring
You suspect multiple food sensitivities
You’re unsure how to prepare a balanced home-cooked or raw diet
Your dog has other health issues like diabetes or kidney disease

Final Thoughts

Hot spots are more than just a skin issue — they’re often a sign of deeper imbalances in your dog’s overall health, especially their diet. By providing high-quality nutrition, identifying potential food triggers, and supporting skin with key nutrients, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot spots.

Quick Tips for Preventing Hot Spots via Diet

Avoid known allergens (e.g., chicken, wheat)
Choose high-quality, named protein sources
Supplement with omega-3s and probiotics
Monitor reactions during food changes
Work with your vet for long-term skin health

Diet may not be the only cause, but it’s a powerful tool in your pet‘s health arsenal. A tailored feeding strategy could make all the difference in keeping your furry friend itch-free and comfortable year-round.

By：Emily Carter,DVM