We’re beyond excited to introduce our brand new Anti-Itch Chews, the latest product in the Anicura Dog Range. Especially formulated for dogs that struggle with dry, itchy, irritated or allergy-prone skin, these chews contain top-grade ingredients to support your dog’s health in a holistic way, by promoting a healthy gut and balanced immune system. In this blog, we’ll briefly explain what makes these superb supplements so effective.
How does the gut and immune system connect to the skin?
The gut and skin are connected through something known as the gut-skin axis, meaning that the health of the gut is oftentimes reflected in the skin. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with reduced skin inflammation and better immunity, whilst poor gut health can exacerbate eczema, dermatitis and other skin conditions. Other symptoms of poor gut health include low energy, gas and gurgling, diarrhoea, weight changes, a dull coat and itchy, irritated skin.
Feeding your dog a balanced, raw diet is the best way to support their gut microbiome, and our Chews can work alongside a good diet to promote a healthy gut. Dogs are carnivores, and require a protein-rich, low-carbohydrate diet. They also need fibre, which can take the form of vegetables such as broccoli. Supplementing with probiotics and prebiotics, such as those found in our Chews, feeds the gut microbiome and helps to keep it healthy and balanced.
How is the immune system linked to gut health?
What we eat often impacts how we feel, with whole foods generally improving our wellbeing compared to ultra-processed foods. What we may not realise is that this is also felt by our body on a cellular level, and that our dogs have the same experience - they just can’t articulate that to us!
Around 70% of the immune system is found in the gut, so there’s no wonder that what we feed our dog has a direct impact on their immune health. Immune cells in the gut interact with the microbiome, the diverse array of bacteria and fungi that live in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is important that we feed the gut with foods and supplements that support the function of these good bacteria and fungi.
How do our Anti-Itch Dog Chews support these important systems?
Like all our Anicura products, we like to rely on the power of nature. In line with Anicura's philosophy, our Chews contain all natural ingredients and are grain and gluten-free. Here are some of the actives in our Anti-Itch Chews, and their key functions:
- Probiotics – live microorganisms, help restore the balance of the gut microbiome.
- Colostrum - rich in immunoglobins, helps regulate the immune system.
- Fish Oil, Borage Oil & Primrose Oil - rich in Omega-3 and Omega3 fatty acids, reduce inflammation in the skin and support skin health.
- Psyllium Husk & Chicory Root - source of prebiotic fibre, contribute to healthy digestion by feeding the gut microbiome.
- Zinc – reduces skin irritation and supports the skin barrier function.
- Natural Clay – helps detoxify the gut
- Viola Tricolor & Saphora Japonica: antioxidant plant extracts that provide relief from itching due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
With digestive and immune health contributing directly to skin health, the unique blend of gut, skin and immune-boosting ingredients in these treats will help your dog feel their best – in a natural, sustainable, and holistic way.
What’s the difference between our Treats and Chews?
You may be wondering how our Anti-Itch Chews relate to our Therapeutic Training Treats. Our Anti-Itch Chews are classed as nutritional supplements, whereas our Training Treats are simply healthy snacks with some therapeutic benefits. This means the Chews are a lot more potent, and their maximum daily dosage (1 Chew per 10kg of body weight) must not be exceeded. The Training Treats on the other hand, can be fed more freely (as long as they are fed in addition to a healthy, balanced and natural diet).
If your dog is stuggling with problem skin, click here to try our brand new Anti-Itch Dog Chews today!
