Pyoderma is a serious skin condition in dogs. Often, it involves small pustules developing on the surface of the dog’s skin. However, there are many different symptoms, including hair loss, itching, and dry skin. Different breeds are more prone to this condition than others.
The cause of this condition varies but it can sometimes be controlled with food. Sometimes, allergies are the underlying condition, which means that treatment of these allergies can help reduce the symptoms of this skin condition. Therefore, novel protein diets and limited ingredient diets are highly recommended.
There are a lot of options out there when treating allergies that lead to pyoderma. We reviewed some of the best options below, which should help you choose the best option for your dog.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Purina Pro Plan Focus Canned Dog Food
Salmon as the first ingredient
A suitable amount of protein and fat
High in omega fatty acids
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Best Value
Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
Prebiotics and probiotics included
Turkey as the first ingredient
Added fish oil
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Premium Choice
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein
Hydrolyzed protein
Designed specifically for skin and digestive problems
Cannot cause allergies
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Best for Puppies
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredients
Single animal source
Healthy veggies added
Free from peas and plant-proteins
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Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Dry Dog Food
Hydrolyzed protein
High in antioxidants
Omega fatty acids included
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Pyoderma
Many dogs with pyoderma do best on wet dog food, especially if they have digestive problems too. Therefore, we recommend Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Canned Dog Food. This dog food works very well for dogs with skin and stomach problems, as this is exactly what the food is designed for.
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This wet food features salmon as the first ingredient. Salmon includes high levels of omega-fatty acids, which may help improve your dog’s skin and coat health. When your dog has pyoderma, this is extremely vital. Furthermore, salmon is a novel protein usually. Dogs can be allergic to salmon, but this isn’t typically the case.
Furthermore, this food includes a high level of DHA. This fatty acid helps brain development and can prevent decline as your dog ages. Many older pets have skin problems, so if your dog falls into this category, this canned dog food may help them in other areas of their life, too.
Based on all these aspects, we rated this dog food as the overall best dog food for dogs with pyoderma.
Pros
Salmon as the first ingredient
A suitable amount of protein and fat
High in omega fatty acids
Improves skin, brain, and coat health
Specifically formulated for skin-irritating allergies
Cons
Not all dogs like wet food
If you’re on a budget, we recommend Purina Pro Plan Specialized Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food. Turkey is the primary ingredient. While this does seem like a novel protein, many dogs that are allergic to chicken are also allergic to turkey. Therefore, we would recommend this food for dogs that are allergic to beef, but not necessarily dogs that are allergic to chicken.
Salmon as the first ingredient
A suitable amount of protein and fat
High in omega fatty acids
Improves skin, brain, and coat health
Specifically formulated for skin-irritating allergies
- Salmon as the first ingredient
- A suitable amount of protein and fat
- High in omega fatty acids
- Improves skin, brain, and coat health
- Specifically formulated for skin-irritating allergies
Not all dogs like wet food
- Not all dogs like wet food
Otherwise, this food is a great choice for most dogs. It includes added fish oil, which increases the amount of omega-fatty acids. It also includes added glucosamine, which supports joint health and mobility. Therefore, larger dogs may particularly benefit from this dog food. However, that doesn’t mean that smaller dogs wouldn’t benefit from these joint supplements.
This formula includes probiotics and prebiotics. Both of these ingredients are vital for our dog’s overall health and digestion. If your dog has digestive problems, then these ingredients may be particularly helpful.
Overall, this formula is cheaper than most other formulas on the market. Therefore, we highly recommend it as the best dog food for dogs with pyoderma for the money.
Pros
Prebiotics and probiotics included
Turkey as the first ingredient
Added fish oil
Inexpensive
Cons
Not suitable for dogs allergic to chicken
If your dog is seriously allergic to most types of protein, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein may be the best option for you. This formula requires a prescription and is only for dogs with serious allergies, which can affect their skin. The proteins in this formula have been hydrolyzed, which means that they cannot cause allergies. The main protein source is soy, which isn’t necessarily the best choice for all dogs.
Prebiotics and probiotics included
Turkey as the first ingredient
Added fish oil
Inexpensive
- Prebiotics and probiotics included
- Turkey as the first ingredient
- Added fish oil
- Inexpensive
Not suitable for dogs allergic to chicken
- Not suitable for dogs allergic to chicken
However, when your dog is extremely allergic to most proteins, you aren’t left with many options.
There are several other ingredients in this dog food, as well. For instance, brewer’s rice is used as the first ingredient, which is basically white rice. Chicken fat is used to raise the fat content. This ingredient doesn’t include any protein. Therefore, even dogs with chicken won’t react to this.
The main purpose of this food is to provide hydrolyzed protein to dogs with severe allergies.
Pros
Hydrolyzed protein
Designed specifically for skin and digestive problems
Cannot cause allergies
High amounts of protein
Cons
Requires a prescription
While ACANA is a very expensive brand, the ACANA Singles Limited Ingredients Diet Beef & Pumpkin fits the bill for dogs with Pyoderma caused by food allergies. It includes only one animal source, beef, which allows it to be safely consumed by any dog not allergic to beef. It includes very few ingredients, in general, which lowers the odds of your dog having a reaction to this formula.
Hydrolyzed protein
Designed specifically for skin and digestive problems
Cannot cause allergies
High amounts of protein
- Hydrolyzed protein
- Designed specifically for skin and digestive problems
- Cannot cause allergies
- High amounts of protein
Requires a prescription
- Requires a prescription
For carbohydrates, this food includes a range of starchy veggies, such as potatoes and chickpeas. It does not include any peas, which is always a plus. Therefore, it should work well for most dogs, including those allergic to grains.
On a positive note, this formula also includes taurine, which is a vital nutrient. Antioxidants are added to prevent oxidative damage, as well. No plant protein is added, which means much of the protein comes from the included beef. Therefore, the absorbability is luckily quite high.
Pros
Single animal source
Healthy veggies added
Free from peas and plant-proteins
All life stages
Cons
Very expensive
Not suitable for dogs allergic to beef
The Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Dog Food is a prescription dog food that features hydrolyzed protein, so it works well for dogs with severe allergies. Furthermore, this food is designed to be as easy on your dog’s stomach as possible. For instance, it includes corn starch as the first ingredient, which is easy for most dogs to digest.
Single animal source
Healthy veggies added
Free from peas and plant-proteins
All life stages
- Single animal source
- Healthy veggies added
- Free from peas and plant-proteins
- All life stages
Very expensive
Not suitable for dogs allergic to beef
- Very expensive
- Not suitable for dogs allergic to beef
Main Ingredients: Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Oil
Protein Content: 19.1%
Fat Content: 14.4%
Calories: 354 kcal/cup
Along the same vein, this food also includes essential fatty acids. These may improve your dog’s skin barrier, which can prevent bacteria from setting up shop. There are also lots of antioxidants in this formula. These ingredients help improve your dog’s immune system.
However, this food is only for dogs with severe problems. Therefore, it requires a prescription. If you think your dog needs this food, you’ll need to discuss it with your vet.
Pros
Hydrolyzed protein
High in antioxidants
Omega fatty acids included
Very strong formula
Cons
Requires a prescription
Expensive
If your dog has more minor allergies and pyoderma, then you may want to try Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Duck & Potato Recipe. This recipe is not as expensive as other brands, but it includes only a few ingredients. Therefore, it works well for dogs with allergies.
Hydrolyzed protein
High in antioxidants
Omega fatty acids included
Very strong formula
- Hydrolyzed protein
- High in antioxidants
- Omega fatty acids included
- Very strong formula
Requires a prescription
Expensive
- Requires a prescription
- Expensive
The primary ingredient is duck. This protein isn’t common in dog food, so most dogs aren’t allergic to it. For this reason, it is a great option for dogs with allergies to chicken, beef, and other common proteins. This formula is also grain-free, as gluten is another common allergen. It does include potatoes for extra carbohydrates, but it is also completely pea-free.
Flaxseed is included to boost your dog’s immune system and add extra omega-fatty acids, which may also help with skin conditions.
Based on all these ingredients, we highly recommend this food for dogs with minor allergies and resulting skin issues. It doesn’t require a prescription like other foods out there.
Pros
Novel ingredients
Only a few ingredients
Extra omega fatty acids
No prescription required
Cons
Grain-free
Nutro So Simple Adult Beef & Rice Recipe features only a few ingredients to add the necessary nutrients and vitamins. However, because there are fewer ingredients than with other recipes, the odds of your dog having a reaction are lower. With that said, beef is the primary ingredient, which is linked to quite a few allergies. Therefore, this recipe is not best for dogs that are allergic to beef.
Novel ingredients
Only a few ingredients
Extra omega fatty acids
No prescription required
- Novel ingredients
- Only a few ingredients
- Extra omega fatty acids
- No prescription required
Grain-free
- Grain-free
On top of beef, this formula includes a range of whole grains. These whole grains provide needed fiber, which may benefit your dog’s digestive system. Fiber is vital for many dogs with digestion problems. Flaxseed is also added, which is high in omega fatty acids.
Generally, this food is also cheaper than other options. It doesn’t require a prescription, so it works well for dogs with minor problems.
Pros
Beef as the primary ingredient
Whole grains included
Cheaper than other options
Cons
Includes beef, which is a common allergen
Chicken included lower on the list
The Purina Beyond Simple Ingredient Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe may work for some dogs that have pyoderma. Generally, this formula includes quality ingredients, such as farm-raised chicken. Therefore, for dogs that were simply on poor foods before, this formula may improve their overall health. However, it does include chicken as the first ingredient, which is an extremely common allergen.
Beef as the primary ingredient
Whole grains included
Cheaper than other options
- Beef as the primary ingredient
- Whole grains included
- Cheaper than other options
Includes beef, which is a common allergen
Chicken included lower on the list
- Includes beef, which is a common allergen
- Chicken included lower on the list
This formula is grain-inclusive thanks to the use of barley. However, it doesn’t include any wheat or soy, which are also common allergens. Artificial flavors and colors don’t appear on the ingredient list, either.
Overall, the ingredient list is fairly simple. This recipe is mostly made with chicken, rice, and barley. Other ingredients are included, but they are mostly there to add nutrients, such as chicken meal.
Pros
No wheat or soy
Grain-inclusive
Chicken as the first ingredient
Cons
Chicken is the primary protein source
Refined grains included
For dogs with allergies, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe may work well. The only animal source is lamb, which is often a novel protein. While dogs can become allergic to lamb, it isn’t a common ingredient, so dogs often don’t get exposed to it much.
No wheat or soy
Grain-inclusive
Chicken as the first ingredient
- No wheat or soy
- Grain-inclusive
- Chicken as the first ingredient
Chicken is the primary protein source
Refined grains included
- Chicken is the primary protein source
- Refined grains included
This formula is grain-inclusive and utilizes brown rice as the main grain. This provides fiber and some nutrients. Fiber is vital to keep a dog’s digestive tract running well. Therefore, this formula may also work well for dogs with digestive issues.
We love that this recipe doesn’t include soy, gluten, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. Therefore, it doesn’t include many of the ingredients that often cause problems for dogs. If your pet is relatively sensitive, this feature is important.
Pros
Grain-inclusive
Novel protein as the sole animal source
No soy or gluten
Cons
No probiotics added
Some consistency problems
The very first ingredient in Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Sweet Potato & Venison Dry Dog Food is sweet potato. As you’d probably guess, this isn’t the best option, as we prefer a meat-based ingredient as the first ingredient. However, if your dog is sensitive to high amounts of protein, then the inclusion of sweet potatoes may be helpful.
Grain-inclusive
Novel protein as the sole animal source
No soy or gluten
- Grain-inclusive
- Novel protein as the sole animal source
- No soy or gluten
No probiotics added
Some consistency problems
- No probiotics added
- Some consistency problems
Venison is the second ingredient. This novel protein isn’t usually a source of food allergies in dogs. Therefore, it works well for dogs with allergies. Plus, it isn’t terribly high in protein, which helps keep this food’s protein content on the lower end of the spectrum. It does include enough protein for most dogs, but not the extreme amounts of protein many dog foods include.
Sadly, pea protein is also included in this food. Much of the protein content likely comes from peas, which aren’t necessarily as absorbable as other sources. Furthermore, pea protein may be linked to heart conditions in some dogs.
Pros
Only novel proteins utilized
Cons
Pea protein included
Sweet potatoes as the first ingredient
Only novel proteins utilized
- Only novel proteins utilized
Pea protein included
Sweet potatoes as the first ingredient
- Pea protein included
- Sweet potatoes as the first ingredient
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Food for Pyoderma
Finding dog food can be complicated. There are so many options out there that it can be challenging to determine which one is best for your canine. When your dog has a health problem, it complicates things even more.
Luckily, there are only a few things you need to consider when selecting a food. Therefore, once you understand these concepts, picking food for a dog with pyoderma becomes much easier.
The Cause of the Disease
Not all pyoderma requires or even needs a change in diet. Sometimes, it has nothing to do with diet. However, pyoderma is often caused by food allergies and the itching that comes with it. Therefore, treating food allergies will often heal the pyoderma, though some antibiotics and other treatments may be needed as well.
Speaking to your vet will help you figure out if this is the cause of your dog’s pyoderma.
The Cause of Allergies
Now that you know the cause of pyoderma, you need to determine the cause of the food allergies. Your vet can help you with this. However, you’ll usually need to do an elimination diet. Dogs become allergic to things over time so if your canine is currently eating food containing mostly chicken, they are probably allergic to the chicken. (If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be having the allergy symptoms!)
This is pretty easy to do if your canine’s food only has one source of protein in it. However, if there are multiple sources, it can be hard to figure out which one is the culprit. The only way to do this is to stop feeding one of the ingredients and see if the symptoms improve.
If they do, that’s what your dog was allergic to. If they don’t, then you’ll have to try another one.
Alternatively, you can simply pick a food that doesn’t include any of the ingredients contained in your dog’s old food. While this won’t help you figure out exactly what they’re allergic to, it often provides a fast solution.
After you figure out what protein your dog is allergic to, simply avoid foods with those proteins. Limited ingredient diets are best, as they include very few ingredients. It’s easier to find a food your dog can actually eat, in this case.
Macronutrients
With that said, you can’t just pay attention to the proteins and allergens in the food. You also have to pay attention to the overall nutrient content. Dogs with underlying conditions often need great nutrition.
Despite some modern advertisements, dogs often benefit from a protein content of between 20% and 25%. This amount of protein is typically enough for moderately active dogs. If your dog is super active, they may need more. Too much protein is associated with some negative health problems, especially when fed long-term. Therefore, you shouldn’t necessarily choose a food with lots of protein.
If a food contains above 25%, you should think about purchasing it carefully.
Dogs also need fat and carbohydrates to survive. Carbs provide a fast energy source and are necessary for a dog’s diet. Of course, carb-rich ingredients are often very cheap. Therefore, some foods may have too many carbs. Be sure your dog is getting enough protein and fat, as well.
Final Thoughts
If your dog’s pyoderma is caused by food allergies, we highly recommend considering a limited-ingredient diet like the one we have listed above. By avoiding your dog’s allergen, you can likely clear up symptoms caused by the allergies, including pyoderma.
Generally, we recommend Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Canned Dog Food for most dogs. This recipe includes plenty of nutrients for skin and stomach nourishment. Therefore, it works well for dogs who are simply sensitive to certain ingredients.
For a budget option, the same brand provides a dry dog food called Purina Pro Plan Specialized Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food. This formula includes ingredients like turkey and fish meal, which can help improve a dog’s skin health.
Hopefully, one of the recipes we listed above works for your dog.
Sources
VCA Hospitals – Pyoderma in Dogs
Featured Image Credit: kazi suhel tanvir mahmud, Shutterstock
Sources
VCA Hospitals – Pyoderma in Dogs
- VCA Hospitals – Pyoderma in Dogs
