What Treats Help with Itchy Skin and Hot Spots?

Short answer: Choose food-based, anti-inflammatory treats rich in omega-3s and supportive herbs. Our top picks: Gold Fishies, Super Chicken Jerky, Salmon Skin, Smelt, and Green-Lipped Mussels.

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Why Dogs Get Itchy Skin & Hot Spots (Quick)

Common triggers include seasonal allergies, dry skin, food sensitivities, or over-grooming. While your vet can help identify the root cause, omega-3s and gentle anti-inflammatory foods are a smart daily add-on for many dogs.

Owa Owa Anti-Inflammatory Treat Picks

• Gold Fishies – Wild sockeye salmon, pasture-raised eggs, eggshell membrane, turmeric, and black pepper. Bite-size (Goldfish-cracker sized) pieces deliver omega-3s plus joint/skin support; usually no breaking needed (halve for tiny pups).
• Super Chicken Jerky – Thin chicken breast with turmeric + black pepper (to help activate curcumin). Snap into tiny shards for training or sprinkle as a topper.
• Salmon Skin – Single-ingredient, omega-3-rich chew that supports a healthy skin barrier and shiny coat. For sensitive chewers, serve short sessions.
• Whole Smelt – Small whole-fish treat offering natural EPA/DHA; great as a crunchy topper or high-value bite for fish-loving pups.
• Green-Lipped Mussels – A natural source of marine lipids and compounds that support a healthy inflammatory response; nice as a meal add-on a few days per week.

How to Use These Treats for Skin Support

• Go small, go steady: daily micro-servings beat occasional big portions.
• Topper tactic: crumble 1–2 Gold Fishies or a few smelt pieces over meals; add jerky “confetti” for picky eaters.
• Rotate wisely: fish-based treats (salmon/Smelt) most days; add mussels 3–4×/week.
• Watch the signs: track scratching, paw-licking, and stool/skin changes over 2–4 weeks.

Allergen note: Gold Fishies, salmon skin, smelt, and mussels contain fish/egg. If your dog is sensitive, choose an alternative. Always supervise with chews and keep treats to ~10% of daily calories.

When to Call Your Vet

• Persistent hot spots, hair loss, or open sores
• Ear infections, face rubbing, or intense paw chewing
• GI upset that doesn’t resolve when introducing new foods slowly

Real Pet Parent Feedback

“Two weeks of Gold Fishies + salmon skin and the paw licking dropped way down. Her coat looks glossy, too.”

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Itchy Skin & Hot Spots FAQ

Do omega-3 treats really help itchy skin? For many dogs, yes: EPA/DHA help maintain a healthy inflammatory response and support the skin barrier.

Can turmeric help my dog’s hot spots? Turmeric (with black pepper) is used in food-based approaches to support normal inflammatory pathways. It’s not a cure, but a helpful add-on.

How long until I see changes? Many pet parents notice improvements in 2–4 weeks. Track licking/scratching and coat shine.

Are fish and egg allergens? They can be. If your dog reacts to fish/egg, choose a non-fish option and talk to your vet.

Puppies or seniors? Yes, offer bite-size pieces, supervise, and adjust portions to size and diet.