Skin Health Diet

Freeze-Dried, Pasteurized Food for Dogs

Medicus Skin Health Diets for dogs are therapeutic meals designed to provide the nutritional framework for the unique nutritional needs of a dog with skin inflammation.

$4.78 – $39.95

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Diet Overview

Designed to support the skin barrier and diminish heat and inflammation expressed in the hyper-sensitized body.

The Medicus Skin Health Diet is made with real, whole foods picked for their unique properties.

Highlights

  • High-quality novel proteins
  • High levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, with an Omega 6:3 ratio of 0.55:1
  • Essential GLA from evening primrose oil

Who would benefit from this diet?

  • Allergic Dermatitis

  • Food Allergies

  • Atopy

  • Skin Sensitivities

  • Chronic Skin Conditions

  • Other Inflammatory Skin Conditions

How It Works

The Medicus Canine Skin Health Diet is meticulously crafted to address these key nutritional needs:

Nourishes the Body with Novel Foods

  • Novel proteins, including guinea fowl and grass-fed bison liver
    Food sensitivities are a gradual progression, which is why novel ingredients work. Dogs can’t have a reaction to something they’ve never experienced.

Decreases Inflammation in the Skin

  • An ideal ratio of Omega 3 fatty acids repair, nourish, and strengthen the skin’s integrity. Omega 6: omega 3 ratio – 0.55:1

Nourishes the Skin

  • Evening Primrose Oil is rich in essential Omega 6 fatty acid, GLA
    GLA is vital for supporting the skin’s barrier function– this is how the skin protects itself from dehydration and stress

Nutrients vs Ingredients

Where Other Diets Fall Short

Other industry diets meet the nutrient profiles needed to address a disease state but do so using poor-quality ingredients like meat meals, corn, and a lengthy list of synthetic nutrients.

We know that when an animal is sick, nutrition matters most and that you can provide a therapeutic skin health diet with whole foods.

Compare Our Ingredients

Medicus

Guinea Fowl, Bison Liver, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Squash, Carrots, Ground Krill, Sea Salt, Evening Primrose Oil, Ground Egg Shell, Kelp, Cod Liver Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, & Folic Acid

Proof in the Numbers

The Medicus Skin Health Diet meets all the nutrient requirements needed to support a dog with chronic skin issues with numbers comparable to, if not better, than leading diets within the industry.

Ingredients

Guinea Fowl, A novel protein leaner than chicken and rich in essential nutrients, including protein, fatty acids, B-vitamins, iron, phosphorus, zinc, folate, and magnesium.
Bison Liver, A novel meat, bison liver is lean and nutrient-dense, loaded with iron, vitamin B, and C.
Flaxseed, A healthy source of fiber and full of polyphenols, an antioxidant that defends against oxidative stress to decrease inflammation.
Sweet Potato, Filled with vitamins, these root vegetables offer fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Antioxidant micronutrients, including beta carotene, can increase the skin's defenses against UV radiation and help maintain skin health.
Squash, Research shows that vitamin E can help to protect skin against damage and inflammation from free radicals.
Carrots, Like sweet potatoes, carrots are rich in micronutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, including beta-carotene.
Ground Krill, A clean, potent source of omega 3 (EPA/DHA) and the antioxidant astaxanthin. It also contains phospholipids, a more efficient delivery method for Omegas, which repair, nourish, and build skin integrity.
Sea Salt, Salt helps cells move nutrients and waste where it needs to go.
Evening Primrose Oil, From a plant known as the “King’s Cure-All,” the oil is extracted from the seeds because they’re rich in GLA– about 7-14%.
Ground Egg Shell, The shell provides a whole food calcium source, and the membrane lining offers collagen, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine.
Kelp, Naturally high in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural form of iodine.
Cod Liver Oil, A whole food source of vitamin D and rich in anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
Mixed Tocopherols, Part of the vitamin E family (akin to vegetable oil) & often used as a natural preservative to maintain freshness.
Zinc Proteinate, A chelated mineral bound to an amino acid that protects against oxidative stress.
B Vitamins(Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid) Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid are incredibly fragile B vitamins. They help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, so food more easily turns into energy in the body.

Food sensitivities can be triggered by the quality of ingredients in a pet food (think meat meals, 4D meats), 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.

Guinea Fowl

A novel protein leaner than chicken and rich in essential nutrients, including protein, fatty acids, B-vitamins, iron, phosphorus, zinc, folate, and magnesium.

Bison Liver

A novel meat, bison liver is lean and nutrient-dense, loaded with iron, vitamin B, and C.

Flaxseed

A healthy source of fiber and full of polyphenols, an antioxidant that defends against oxidative stress to decrease inflammation.

Sweet Potato

Filled with vitamins, these root vegetables offer fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Antioxidant micronutrients, including beta carotene, can increase the skin’s defenses against UV radiation and help maintain skin health.

Squash

Research shows that vitamin E can help to protect skin against damage and inflammation from free radicals.

Carrots

Like sweet potatoes, carrots are rich in micronutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, including beta-carotene.

Ground Krill

A clean, potent source of omega 3 (EPA/DHA) and the antioxidant astaxanthin.  It also contains phospholipids, a more efficient delivery method for Omegas, which repair, nourish, and build skin integrity.

Sea Salt

Salt helps cells move nutrients and waste where it needs to go.

Evening Primrose Oil

From a plant known as the “King’s Cure-All,” the oil is extracted from the seeds because they’re rich in GLA– about 7-14%.

Ground Egg Shell

The shell provides a whole food calcium source, and the membrane lining offers collagen, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine.

Kelp

Naturally high in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural form of iodine.

Cod Liver Oil

A whole food source of vitamin D and rich in anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. 

Mixed Tocopherols

Part of the vitamin E family (akin to vegetable oil) & often used as a natural preservative to maintain freshness.

Zinc Proteinate

A chelated mineral bound to an amino acid that protects against oxidative stress.

B Vitamins

Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid are incredibly fragile B vitamins. They help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, so food more easily turns into energy in the body.

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Our Standards

Click on a standard to read more.

100% Real, Whole Foods

No Meat Meals

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Provides exactly what the body needs to nurture healing. Real food is more bioavailable, easier on digestion, and improves immune health, all crucial for immunocompromised pets. Grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and organic veggies are all responsibly sourced to provide clean, wholesome nutrition when your pet needs it most.

ingredient1

Rendering converts animal carcasses into ingredients for animal feed. They are ground, heavily cooked, pressed to remove fats, ground again, and then dried. Included in this process are bones, organs, blood, feathers, and slaughter floor waste. Meal is a heavily-processed ingredient before it’s added as an ingredient to kibbles.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

No High-Heat Cooking

Responsibly Sourced

Responsibly sourced from local, trusted food suppliers who prioritize the quality and safety of their ingredients. This gives us the ability to ensure we only use human-grade ingredients like USDA organic produce, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised beef.

Top view of Dry dog food in a stainless steel bowl with concrete background.

Ingredients that are cooked in any way lose essential nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, active enzymes, and antioxidants. Kibble goes through four different cooking processes that reach 400℉, eliminating almost all nutrients that the ingredient had in its raw state. The freeze-drying process in all Medicus diets allows for the majority of the nutrients found in food to stay intact.

USDA-Inspected Meats

No Corn

Ingredient Icons_Raw Beef

We use only high-quality, digestible animal proteins–wholesome cuts of meats from healthy USDA-Inspected animals being used for human consumption. They are processed and stored according to strict USDA standards.

corn

Corn is commonly used as a filler for commercial kibble companies, as it is inexpensive and easily accessible. Corn is used as a plant-based protein and isn’t as digestible or bioavailable for carnivores.

Organic Produce

No Antibiotics

Ingredient Icons_Cranberries

USDA-organic produce means whole, unadulterated fruits and vegetables free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, growth hormones, sewage sludge, and irradiation that are utilized in conventional farming methods.

Chicken

Because we only source meats from USDA-Inspected facilities, our animal-based proteins meet the same standards as human meat production. No antibiotics, hormones, or other medicines are administered to the animals prior to slaughter.

Freeze-Dried

No Pesticides

NEW LIFESTYLE IMAGE - Cat - kidney support - Medicus ingredient collage edits

Medicus Veterinary Diets are the first ever freeze-dried pasteurized therapeutic diets. The gentle freeze-drying process makes the food safe for immunocompromised pets as well as shelf-stable for easier feeding. Freeze-drying preserves about 97% of every single ingredient’s nutrients.

Barley Grass

Consumption of pesticides can increase the rate of oxidative damage to cells and inflammation The produce used in our formulas is grown organically, meaning no pesticides or herbicides, like glyphosate, are used in the growing process.

Veterinary Developed

No Hormones

medicus icons _Developed by veterinarians & nutritionists-

With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Chris Bessent utilized whole foods and a research-led approach to develop the first freeze-dried, whole food therapeutic diets for dogs and cats.

medicus icons _clean, quality food (sans hormones, antibiotics, chemicals, toxins)-

The beef in our formulas is pasture-raised and free from hormones.

Independently Reviewed

No Artificial Preservatives

medicus icons _Extensively tested -

We consulted with some of the brightest minds in the industry, including Independent Nutrition Consultants, to formulate these diets.

Ingredient Icons_Mixed Tocopherols

We only use mixed tocopherols, a natural preservative, in all Medicus Diets. While it functions as a way to keep each bag of food shelf-stable and fresh, it is also an antioxidant.

Made in WI

No Artificial Flavoring

Made in the USA

Dr. Chris Bessent is the owner and operator of the Wisconsin-based facilities where Medicus is made. This gives her the ability to provide strict oversight of every step of the production phases, from when the ingredients enter the door to when the finished food leaves the facility to be delivered to your door. Every ingredient, each production phase, and every batch of food is logged for complete traceability.

Natural Raw organic dog food in bowl and dog's paws on white background. BARF dog diet. Raw meat, eggs, vegetables.

Because all of our ingredients are freeze-dried, the original flavor remains, making it similar to a fresh or home-cooked diet in taste.

Limited ingredient

No Artificial Dyes

medicus icons _animal proteins (salmon, chicken, egg)

Our ingredient decks are small because we only use extensively researched foods that address your pet’s unique nutritional needs. The select few ingredients and proportions are chosen by the architecture of whole food and an intimate understanding of disease and its treatment.

beakers

Artificial dyes are used in pet foods to add color to brown kibble in an attempt to give them a more desirable and aesthetically pleasing color.

For Sick Pets

No Byproducts

Young female veterinarian checking up the dog at the veterinarian clinic

These therapeutic diets address the nutritional needs of sick pets, so you can give your pet exactly what they need when they need it most.

Oat Flour

Byproducts are the result of whole foods being broken down into smaller parts, like peas being broken down into pea protein, pea flour, pea fiber, and pea starch. This allows pet food companies to list these as separate ingredients on their ingredient decks.

Antioxidant-Rich

No Cellulose

Blueberries

Every Medicus formula is flooded with antioxidants like polyphenols from blueberries, the carotenoids and zeaxanthin found in spinach, and astaxanthin from krill. Antioxidants help protect pets from free radicals and oxidative damage.

chitosan

Cellulose is used as a filler for many kibbles. Dogs do not have the enzyme necessary to metabolize and break down cellulose, so it is difficult for them to digest and utilize the nutrients.

High levels of Omega 3 fatty acids

No Soy

Ingredient Icons_Krill

Omega 3 fatty acids promote a robust immune system and healthy heart, nourish the skin & coat, and support renal function. The key to getting all these benefits is the ratio of Omega 6:3. Every Medicus formula has the optimal 1:1 Omega 6:3 (or even <1:1 ratio), ensuring your pet benefits from all the whole food Omega 3 fatty acids.

medicus icons _single source novel carb (organic oat)-

Medicus Diets only contain fragile B vitamins and zinc proteinate. B vitamins (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid) play an essential role in helping a variety of enzymes do their jobs, like turning food into energy. Zinc proteinate binds to amino acids and protects against oxidative stress.

Anti-Inflammatory Diets

No Rendered Fats

Cows_Pasture-Raised

Each diet is flooded with high levels of antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids from organic produce and grass-fed beef, krill, or wild-caught fish. 

Top view of Dry dog food in a stainless steel bowl with concrete background.

Rendered fats in kibble are typically low quality and from unidentifiable animals. They may also contain fat-soluble toxins that can be harmful when consumed. All the healthy fats in Medicus Diets come from clean, whole food sources.

3rd-Party Tested

No Brewers Rice

medicus icons _cGMP facility-

Each Medicus diet went through complete comprehensive 3rd party testing. Several rounds of AAFCO Nutrient Profile testing ensured that both macro and micronutrient levels are tending to your pet’s specific nutritional needs.

Ingredient Icons_White Rice

Many kibble diets contain brewers rice, which is a low-quality carbohydrate source. It is the leftovers of white rice after it has been processed and offers very few nutrients. We only use white rice that provides highly-digestible nourishment.

Minimally Processed

No Wheat

Ingredient Icons_Spinach

Utilizing a gentle process like freeze-drying preserves all of the benefits food offers – from the macro and micronutrients, including high levels of antioxidants that are vulnerable to heat processes.

medicus icons _low carbs--27

Wheat is commonly used as a filler for commercial kibble companies, as it is inexpensive and easily accessible. Wheat is used as a plant-based protein and isn’t as digestible or bioavailable for carnivores.

Bioavailable Proteins

No Feed-Grade Ingredients

Ingredient Icons_Chicken Breast

We use high-quality, bioavailable animal proteins in all of our formulas, like grass-fed beef, guinea fowl, and chicken. Real, whole ingredients are easily digestible and allow the body to absorb and use more of the nutrients in the food.

ingredient1

That means no 4D meats, meat meals, or any other ingredient or supplement not considered human edible.

Ingredients

Guinea Fowl, Bison Liver, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Squash, Carrots, Ground Krill, Sea Salt, Evening Primrose Oil, Ground Egg Shell, Kelp, Cod Liver Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, & Folic Acid

Cups In A Bag

Nuggets

95.1 g/cup  | 9 1/2 cups

Paté

116.7 g/cup  | 7 3/4 cups

Calorie Content

Nuggets

4,316 kcal/kg  | 337 kcal/cup

Paté

4,316 kcal/kg  | 504 kcal/cup

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min.) 32%

Crude Fat (min.) 14%

Crude Fiber (max.) 11%

Moisture (max.) 5%

Complete & Balanced

The Medicus Skin Health Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.

Nutritional Facts

How to Feed

Feeding Guide

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing this diet to your dog. Start with these daily feeding guidelines and follow your veterinarian’s suggestions about the number of meals per day and whether the daily recommendation is right for your dog.

REHYDRATION RECOMMENDED

Nugget Rehydration Directions: 

Rehydrate by adding +/-  ¾ cup of warm water for every cup of food. Mix the water and food, and wait 3-4 minutes, then serve.

 

Paté Rehydration Directions: 

Add 1 1/2 cups of hot water (120 degrees F) for every 1 cup of Medicus pate powder. Mix and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Prior to serving, add two additional tablespoons of warm water and mix.

Palatability Suggestions

Consult with your veterinarian before following these suggestions. Every dog and their condition is different, so it is best to learn whether the recommendations and ingredients are right for them.

Chicken Bone Broth

Hydrate your dog’s food with chicken bone broth (no sodium) as a nutritious and enticing way to add moisture and flavor.

Plain Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is full of healthy probiotics that benefit the microbiome. The gut microbiome directly affects the health of distant organs, skin health included. There’s a strong correlation between skin issues, atopic dermatitis, even skin cancers, and an altered or out-of-balance gut microbiome.

Kefir

Hydrate your dog’s food with kefir, which contains probiotics, beneficial enzymes, and vitamins B & K. It is also a great source of calcium.

Transitioning

Day 1-2

Feed 25% | 75%
Medicus | Current Food

Day 3-4

Feed 50% | 50%
Medicus | Current Food

Day 5-6

Feed 75% | 25%
Medicus | Current Food

Day 7

Feed 100%
Medicus

FAQs

Store freeze-dried food like you would any of your dry goods. Keep them in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight for peak freshness.

It is important to note that because these foods are freeze-dried, moisture can affect the shelf life. To prevent that, reseal the product properly after every use by pushing out all residual air. If you live in a hot, humid environment, the product may be exposed to more moisture and shorten shelf life, so follow the above and store it in the fridge.

We recommend keeping the food in its original packaging since that bag was picked specifically to keep oxygen out. Our recipes are only packaged in individual, resealable bags to ensure the freshest food. And if you order more than 32 oz, you’ll get multiple individually packaged bags, so you only have to open one at a time.

All of our diets are freeze-dried and undergo a pasteurization process that eliminates any bacteria to be safe and shelf-stable for immunocompromised pets. The freeze-drying process is not only a safe and effective pasteurization process but also retains 97% of food’s original vitamins and minerals, meaning these diets are undeniably as close to fresh, whole foods as possible.

It is extremely recommended that you add some kind of moisture to your pet’s meal, whether that be from warm water, bone broth, or kefir. Moisture aids overall digestion and helps move any harmful substances out of the body. It is also essential for pets with kidney or bladder problems, as it replenishes fluid lost during increased urination and flushes bacteria out of the bladder.

If there is remaining food left in your pet’s bowl, you can transfer it to an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

We use locally-sourced ingredients for the freshest and highest-quality possible. All of our grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and organic produce are grocery-grade from trusted food suppliers.

All Medicus Diets for dogs are packaged in 32 oz. bags and all Medicus Diets for cats are packaged in 16 oz. bags. This is to maintain peak freshness to preserve the quality and nutrients of the whole food ingredients. We also use mixed tocopherols, which is a natural preservative, in every diet to keep it shelf-stable and also provide additional antioxidants.

We recommend looking at our palatability enticers for each diet on their respective page, as they are catered to each aspect of health that the diet is centered around.

Following our transitioning guide can also help pets gradually adapt to their new food before fully feeding Medicus.

Medicus Therapeutic Diets consist of both Complete & Balanced Diets and those for Supplemental Feeding only.

Each Medicus diet went through complete comprehensive 3rd party testing. Several rounds of AAFCO Nutrient Profile testing ensured that both macro and micronutrient levels are tending to your pet’s specific nutritional needs.

Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.

  • Canine Sensitive Stomach Diet
  • Canine Skin Health Diet
  • Canine Cancer Support Diet
  • Feline Bladder Health Diet
  • Feline Metabolic Support Diet

Intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. 

  • Canine Kidney Support Diet
  • Feline Kidney Support Diet
  • Canine Bland Diet

These diets are complete and balanced for adult maintenance, not for Growth and Reproduction. However, the Skin Health, Sensitive Stomach, and Cancer Support Diets could be used short-term in small to medium dogs, but not large breed dogs.

Customer Reviews

Based on 16 reviews
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(13)
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K
Kathleen Rosenheimer

My 8 month old puppy was suffering from repeated hit spots that required vet visits and the cone of shame. We have been feeding her Medicus skin health and supplements from Herbsmith; AllerQi and Glimmer and her skin issues have resolved in a month! Feels like a miracle! And all in keeping with our family’s commitment to natural remedies and whole foods when possible for our people and our animals… thank you!!!

C
Cavapio
Like the food

I really like the food and can see a difference in my dogs skin allergies. I really dislike how crumbly the food is and feel as if it’s a little bit of a waste to have so much powder in the food.

D
Darlene Varlack
ONLY food my Shitzu Bishon mix can eat!

Life saver

M
Marissa
Too soon to tell a difference, definitely can’t afford to continue

My dog seemed to love the food at least! But I purchased two bags initially and they didn’t even last two weeks for us. Unfortunately, it’s just way too expensive for us. I understand quality costs and wish we could continue.

C
Casandra Floyd
He likes it

I have a finicky poodle. He's on a raw diet I use this as a topper.

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