cairn terrier diet and coat

Question
I have a rescue cairn male, neutered, 3ys old. I had another cairn who lived to be 17 yrs so I'm familiar with the breed. My question is: I feed Iams lamb and rice 1/3 cup twice a day and I have noticed a problem with itching and oily skin. I've had him 2yrs and switched to the lamb and rice 8 months ago thinking this might help the oiliness of his coat. I do not strip him, he gets groomed every 2 months with clippers. He weighs 17lbs, and is not over weight and gets good exercise. Could his food be the causse of the oiliness and itching?  Thank you, Anna

Answer
Anna -

You are right about the cause of the skin problems.  It is ***very*** likely to clear up within a couple of weeks of changing foods.

You will become a master of reading labels.  He should be on a kibble that contains no corn (in any form), no wheat, no soy and no by-products.

That sounds harsh especially once you start reading ingredients in grocery store brands.  The best foods for your fella just don't get sold in grocery stores, and even at some of the big chain pet stores you'll have to ask or do spend some time.

There are brands I recommend. I feed Eagle Pack Holistic Select (I have a jack russell and gordon setter, but foster for a cairn rescue so I always have one of them as well), and there are more commonly carried brands like Wellness, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul, By Nature, Solid Gold, and Merricks.

I am confident that once you start reading labels, and pick something, your little man will be feeling and looking much better !

Good luck.

Beth