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A vet-formulated, freeze-dried raw diet designed to provide targeted nutritional support for dogs with skin sensitivities, allergies, and chronic inflammatory skin conditions. The Medicus Skin Support Diet is built with novel proteins, marine-sourced omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant-rich whole foods selected to help nourish the skin from within, support the body's normal inflammatory response, and maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Complete and balanced for adult dog maintenance per AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. Available in Nugget and Paté formats to support palatability and feeding flexibility.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Who This Diet Is For
- Dogs with food sensitivities or food-related skin reactions
- Dogs with environmental allergies or atopy
- Dogs with chronic itching, redness, or irritated skin
- Dogs with inflammatory skin conditions
- Dogs requiring novel protein nutrition
- Dogs needing nutritional support for skin and coat health
Diet Overview
The Medicus Skin Support Diet is formulated to support skin barrier health and immune balance in dogs with skin sensitivities or allergies. Built with novel proteins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidant-rich whole foods, it helps nourish the skin from within. Food sensitivities can be triggered by the quality of ingredients in a pet food, feeding the same diet for years, and biologically inappropriate foods including fillers, dyes, and synthetic preservatives. Food sensitivities are a gradual progression, which is why clean, novel ingredients work.
- High-quality novel proteins: Guinea fowl and bison liver
- Marine-sourced omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA) from ground krill and cod liver oil
- Antioxidant-rich whole foods: Carrots, squash, sweet potato, and berries
- Supports skin barrier health and coat condition
- Complete and balanced for adult dog maintenance
- Available in Nugget and Paté formats
How It Works
- Uses novel proteins to help reduce allergen exposure: Novel proteins such as guinea fowl and bison liver are less likely to trigger reactions in dogs with food sensitivities than common proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb. Dogs are less likely to react to proteins they have not previously encountered, and highly digestible novel proteins support overall health while the immune system recalibrates
- Supports skin barrier health with targeted fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids from ground krill and cod liver oil provide EPA and DHA to help support the skin's natural barrier, maintain healthy skin and coat condition, and support the body's normal inflammatory response
- Provides antioxidants for skin and immune health: Antioxidant-rich whole foods including carrots, squash, and sweet potato help protect skin cells from everyday oxidative stress and support overall immune function
The Right Nutrients From the Right Sources
Some diets achieve nutrient targets through highly processed ingredients or isolated nutrient additions. At Medicus, nutrient precision and ingredient quality work together. The Skin Support Diet is formulated with whole-food ingredients and carefully balanced nutrients to provide targeted nutritional support for dogs with skin sensitivities - because the source and quality of each ingredient affects digestibility, allergen load, and ultimately skin and immune outcomes.
Ingredients
Guinea Fowl, Bison Liver, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Squash, Carrots, Ground Krill, Sea Salt, Ground Egg Shell, Kelp, Cod Liver Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Key Ingredient Highlights
- Guinea Fowl: A novel, highly digestible poultry protein that helps reduce exposure to common dietary allergens while providing complete essential amino acids to support skin structure and overall health. Most dogs with food sensitivities have been repeatedly exposed to chicken and beef; guinea fowl offers a clean protein alternative with minimal prior sensitization risk. In TCVM, guinea fowl is Neutral to slightly Warming, tonifying Qi and supporting Spleen and Stomach function - appropriate for dogs with skin conditions rooted in Spleen Qi deficiency and Damp-Heat accumulation
- Bison Liver: A nutrient-dense novel organ meat providing concentrated vitamins A, B12, iron, copper, and micronutrients essential for skin cell turnover, immune function, and coat quality. Organ meats provide nutrients in their most bioavailable whole-food form. In TCVM, liver is Neutral with Liver organ affinity, nourishing Liver Blood and Yin - the Liver governs the tendons and is intimately connected to skin and coat health in TCVM theory; Liver Blood deficiency is a common underlying pattern in dogs with chronic dry, flaky, or dull-coated skin conditions
- Flaxseed: Provides plant-based ALA omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber supporting normal digestion, healthy bowel function, and skin moisture. In Western dermatology nutrition, dietary ALA contributes to the skin's essential fatty acid pool. In TCVM, flaxseed is Cool and moistens the intestines, nourishes Yin, and supports Blood - appropriate for the dryness and Yin deficiency patterns that manifest as dry, itchy, flaky skin in dogs with chronic skin conditions
- Sweet Potato: A gentle, easily digestible carbohydrate source providing fiber, beta-carotene (provitamin A), and antioxidant nutrients to support immune and skin health. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for normal skin cell differentiation and barrier integrity. In TCVM, sweet potato is Neutral to slightly Warming with Spleen and Stomach affinity, tonifying Qi and resolving Dampness - supporting the digestive foundation underlying healthy skin in TCVM
- Squash: Provides fiber and antioxidant nutrients including beta-carotene and vitamin C precursors that contribute to overall nutritional balance and skin support. In TCVM, squash is Cool and slightly Sweet, clearing mild Damp-Heat and supporting the Spleen - relevant for dogs where skin inflammation is driven by Damp-Heat in the skin layer
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, lutein, and antioxidants that support skin health, immune function, and healthy vision. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A as needed, supporting skin cell renewal and barrier function. In TCVM, carrots are Neutral and slightly Sweet, supporting Spleen and Liver function and nourishing the Blood - contributing to the Liver Blood nourishment direction of this formula
- Ground Krill: Marine-sourced EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids with naturally occurring astaxanthin - one of the most potent naturally occurring antioxidants. Krill-derived omega-3s are in phospholipid-bound form for high bioavailability. EPA and DHA directly support the skin's lipid barrier, reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production, and support normal immune modulation relevant to allergic skin disease. In TCVM, marine ingredients carry a Salty, Cool nature, clearing Heat and supporting Kidney and Liver function
- Cod Liver Oil: Provides additional EPA and DHA along with naturally occurring vitamins A and D - both critical for skin barrier integrity and immune regulation. Vitamin D plays a role in modulating the immune response in allergic and inflammatory skin conditions. In TCVM, cod liver oil is Cool with Kidney affinity, nourishing Yin and supporting the Kidney's role in governing the body's fluid and moisture balance - relevant for dry, moisture-depleted skin presentations
- Ground Egg Shell: A whole-food calcium source providing bioavailable calcium for balanced mineral nutrition and bone health without the allergen concerns of dairy-based calcium sources
- Kelp: A natural source of iodine and trace minerals supporting overall nutritional balance, thyroid function, and skin health. In TCVM, kelp carries a Salty, Cold nature with Kidney affinity, softening accumulations and supporting fluid metabolism - relevant for dogs where Phlegm-Damp accumulation contributes to chronic skin thickening or lichenification
- Mixed Tocopherols: A natural source of vitamin E, maintaining freshness while providing antioxidant support. Vitamin E works alongside omega-3 fatty acids to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage - particularly relevant for skin cells under chronic inflammatory stress
- Zinc Proteinate: Chelated zinc in a highly bioavailable form supporting normal skin function, wound healing, immune health, and coat quality. Zinc deficiency is associated with skin lesions, poor coat condition, and impaired immune response in dogs; chelated forms ensure optimal absorption even in dogs with compromised digestive function
- B Vitamins (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid): A complete B vitamin complex supporting normal cellular function, energy metabolism, and skin health. Niacin (B3) is particularly important for skin barrier function; deficiency manifests as dermatitis. B vitamins support the cellular renewal processes essential for healthy skin turnover. In TCVM, B vitamins support Qi production and energy transformation
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein (Min): 32%
- Crude Fat (Min): 16%
- Crude Fiber (Max): 4%
- Moisture (Max): 5%
Calorie Content (Calculated ME)
- Nuggets: 4,316 kcal/kg - 337 kcal/cup
- Paté: 4,316 kcal/kg - 504 kcal/cup
Cups Per Bag
- Nuggets: 95.1 g/cup - 9 1/2 cups per 32oz bag
- Paté: 116.7 g/cup - 7 3/4 cups per 32oz bag
Cup amounts are estimates. Because this food is freeze-dried, volume can vary from bag to bag. What's consistent is weight: each bag contains 32oz with a +/-5% tolerance.
Daily Feeding Guidelines
Use these guidelines as a starting point and adjust based on your dog's individual needs and response. Always provide access to fresh water.
| Weight (lbs) | Average Metabolism (Cups/Day) | Fast Metabolism (Cups/Day) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3/8 | 1/2 |
| 10 | 5/8 | 7/8 |
| 20 | 1 | 1 1/2 |
| 30 | 1 3/8 | 2 |
| 40 | 1 3/4 | 2 1/2 |
| 50 | 2 | 3 |
| 60 | 2 1/3 | 3 3/8 |
| 70 | 2 2/3 | 3 7/8 |
| 80 | 2 7/8 | 4 1/8 |
| 90 | 3 1/8 | 4 2/3 |
| 100 | 3 3/8 | 5 |
| 120 | 3 7/8 | 5 3/4 |
| 140 | 4 3/8 | 6 3/8 |
| 160 | 4 7/8 | 7 1/8 |
| 180 | 5 1/3 | 7 3/4 |
Rehydration Instructions (Recommended)
Adding warm water improves moisture intake, enhances palatability, and supports nutrient absorption.
- Nuggets: Add approximately 3/4 cup of warm water per cup of food. Mix and wait 3-4 minutes, then serve.
- Paté: Add 1 1/2 cups of hot water (120 degrees F) per cup of Medicus paté powder. Mix and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Prior to serving, add two additional tablespoons of warm water and mix.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do novel proteins help dogs with skin sensitivities?
Novel proteins are protein sources your dog has likely not eaten before - guinea fowl and bison liver are uncommon in commercial dog foods. This helps reduce the likelihood of triggering food-related sensitivities while still providing complete, high-quality nutrition. Food sensitivities develop gradually through repeated exposure; introducing a protein the immune system has not previously encountered gives the body a chance to reset without triggering familiar allergen proteins, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Can this diet be fed long-term?
Yes. This recipe is complete and balanced for adult dogs and can be fed long-term to help support skin health and overall nutrition. It is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance. Your veterinarian can advise on whether ongoing feeding is the right approach based on your dog's response and clinical progress, or as directed by your veterinarian.
How do omega-3 fatty acids support skin health?
Omega-3 fatty acids - particularly EPA and DHA from marine sources like ground krill and cod liver oil - support the skin's natural lipid barrier and help maintain healthy skin and coat condition. They also support the body's normal inflammatory response, which is relevant for dogs with allergic or inflammatory skin conditions where chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to itching, redness, and skin barrier breakdown. Consistent daily intake is important, as skin fatty acid composition changes gradually over time, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Do I need to rehydrate the nuggets or paté before serving?
Yes - rehydration is recommended for both formats. Adding warm water improves moisture intake, enhances palatability, and supports nutrient absorption. For dogs with skin conditions, adequate hydration also supports healthy skin moisture from the inside. See the rehydration directions above for format-specific instructions, or as directed by your veterinarian.
How long does it take to see improvements in skin condition?
Skin and coat improvements typically occur gradually as the body renews skin cells - the full skin cell cycle in dogs takes several weeks. Most dogs show early changes in coat texture and reduced itching within 4-8 weeks of consistent feeding, with more significant skin improvements over 8-12 weeks. Individual response varies based on the severity and underlying cause of the skin condition. Consistent feeding without supplemental treats containing common allergens is important for accurate assessment, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Why does this diet require veterinary authorization?
The Medicus Skin Support Diet is formulated for dogs with specific skin and immune conditions. Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause - food sensitivity, environmental allergy, or another inflammatory skin condition - helps ensure the right nutritional approach is selected and that the diet is used as part of a complete care plan. Veterinary authorization ensures the diet is appropriate for your dog's specific presentation and health history, or as directed by your veterinarian.
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