Finally solved Waffles' constant itching after 8 months - it was the chicken all along

I have been fighting this battle since last summer. My golden Waffles started getting these red patches on his paws and belly, was chewing himself constantly, had recurring ear infections like every 6-8 weeks. Two vets just kept giving us prednisone and sending us home. I spent probably $1,400 in vet bills just going in circles.

Finally got a referral to a veterinary dermatologist and she suggested we do a strict 12-week food elimination trial with a novel protein. We went with a duck and sweet potato formula - nothing else, no treats with chicken, no flavored toothpaste, nothing. By week 6 the paw licking was down like 80%. By week 10 his coat looked completely different.

Turns out chicken is one of the most common food allergens in dogs, and most grocery store kibbles have it as the first ingredient. We've been on duck kibble for 3 months now and haven't had a single ear infection. If your dog has chronic itching and recurring ears, it might genuinely just be the food. Don't give up.