Extreme Dandruff

[Shannon]

One of my dogs has what I would consider, extreme dandruff. He seems itchy too. He's either begging for pets or scratching himself on our textured walls. He was on Fromm Large Breed Adult Gold which I felt good about feeding him. We recently decided to switch him to Orijen. It's been going well - no upset stomach and my other picky eater goldendoodle is eating better than ever. But no coat change. Any ideas? How long until this could make a difference? Also, has anybody seem dandruff like this improve with a food change? Our vet seems very unconcerned saying they could put him on meds if needed but that it just looks like dry skin. I'd love any thoughts!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The only thing about any food that might help with a dry coat or dry skin would be a low Omega 6:3 ratio and a high Omega 3 fatty acid content from fish. Orijen is excellent for both, but it would take 2-4 weeks to see an improvement, and it still might not be enough. You might try giving a good fish oil supplement. I like Nature Made minis: http://www.naturemade.com/fish-oil-and-omegas/fish-oil-and-omega-3/...

[Shannon]

Thank you for the information! We've been giving him this daily for nearly 8 months. Thought on this kind? https://www.chewy.com/grizzly-salmon-oil-dog-cat/dp/32738

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Grizzly is a good salmon oil. I personally like the softgels, but if you've been giving the fish oil for months, the capsules aren't going to make a difference. I really think this is unrelated to food or diet. 

[Stella]

I would get his thyroid checked, that can cause dry, scaly skin.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There are a number of diseases that manifest with flaking, scaly skin, but there are almost always other symptoms. 

[Stella]

Very true :)