What grain free dog food and how to help my dog's itching problem?

When did her itching start?  Is it all year round?  Is it worse some times of the year than others?  Have you seen a vet, and what did he/she recommend?

Many people focus on food as the cause of itching.  While dogs certainly can have food allergies, they're actually relatively rare compared to other types of allergies like flea bite allergies and environmental allergies like pollens, dust mites and molds.  I believe that statistically food allergies only account for about ten percent of the allergies in dogs.

And sometimes when people think food allergies, they zero right in on grains.  Which can be allergy culprits in dogs.  But statistically protein sources are just as likely to be allergy triggers as grains.  

When food allergies are suspected, the best course of action is to feed a very limited ingredient diet.  Fewer ingredients means less chance that the dog will react to something.  I personally wouldn't worry a bit about the protein level.  Dogs need protein, it's what they thrive on.  And that holds true regardless of the size or activity level of the dog.  A food allergy elimination diet is the standard for determining if food is an issue.  You can prepare a homemade diet consisting of one novel protein source and one novel carb source and feed absolutely nothing but that for two or three months and see if she improves.  If she's otherwise healthy, then she'll be fine on such a limited diet for a few months.  If you can't do a homemade diet, then the next best course is a "prescription" limited ingredient food from the vet.  If you can't do either of those, then I'd look for a limited ingredient commercial food.  Natural Balance allergy line, California Natural, Wellness Simple Food Solutions.

There is a huge amount of "opinion" in what you feed.  Even vets don't agree (hence the phrase "medical opinion";).

I'm going to second everything Myra said except one --I don't like a high protein diet for them.  Call me old school, but I've had many dogs live to **extreme** old age (like 19 - 21) and have found a less protein diet more favorable (and following the guidance of not one but three vets and holistic vets).

I'm *not* telling you it's the only way -- I'm telling you it's *my* way and my way works for my dogs.  Part of the reason I mentioned this is because of your statement that yours were non-athletic dogs -- and protein **does** increase a dog's drive and energy, and if your dogs can't be super active it can be like feeding rocket-fuel with no place to burn it off.

I *do* homecook.  And I'm going to tell you that a true "elmination diet" is the way to go.  Because absolutely protein and other things *can* be every bit as much the problem as carbs, AND your problem so very easily could be atopic allergies rather than food allergies.

 I have Tootsie on  NB L.I.D. and she loves it. Also, I believe micksmom has her lab Caleb on this. I was feeding Orijen for awhile and she also loved it, but like your two pups Tootsie is pretty inactive and plumped up.

Of those choices I'd probably try Orijen first.

Could you also look into The Honest Kitchen's grain free formulas, Thrive, Embark or Zeal.  They've worked wonders for my girls.  Yes, spendy, but with your two very small dogs, one box will last you a LONG time :)

 Good luck!

xNhiwee

Because of the high protein, I am confused on whether it's good for my nonathletic small breeds??

  I honestly don't think that higher protein makes a dog fatter or makes them hyper. Dog foods differ widely in the amount of calories and it's very important to know how many calories are in the food you're using and how many calories are good for your dog. For example, Jessie is 60 pounds and gains weight if fed more than about 730 calories, and she is walked an hour daily. If she didn't get exercised, I would need to feed her less. I agree with some of the other posters about considering environmental allergies as the most likely cause of your dog's itching. Fish oil and Benedryl can help, as well as bathing about once a week in a colloidal oatmeal shampoo.