Researchers tested a new dog food made with a special plant ingredient called Siraitia grosvenorii to see if it could help dogs with atopic dermatitis, a condition that causes chronic itching and skin inflammation. They studied 32 dogs by feeding them a regular diet for 12 weeks, then switching to the special diet for another 12 weeks. The results showed significant improvements in itching, skin appearance, and overall comfort. About 81% of dog owners reported being satisfied with the results, and the special diet was safe with no serious side effects. This suggests that adding this plant extract to a dog’s regular food might help manage itchy skin problems alongside other treatments.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special dog food containing an extract from a plant called monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) could reduce itching and improve skin health in dogs with chronic skin allergies
  • Who participated: 32 dogs that had been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition that causes itching and inflammation
  • Key finding: Dogs fed the special diet showed major improvements in itching levels, skin appearance, and skin barrier function compared to when they ate regular food. About 81% of dog owners noticed their pets felt better
  • What it means for you: If your dog has chronic itching and skin problems, this special diet might help reduce symptoms when used along with other treatments your vet recommends. However, this is one study in a specific group of dogs, so talk to your veterinarian before making dietary changes

The Research Details

This was a self-controlled study, which means each dog served as its own comparison. The researchers followed the same 32 dogs through two phases: first, they ate their regular diet for 12 weeks (the control phase), then they switched to the special diet containing monk fruit extract for another 12 weeks (the treatment phase). The researchers measured several things at the start and every 6 weeks: how much water was escaping through the dogs’ skin, how severe their itching was, how their skin looked overall, and levels of immune proteins in their blood that are involved in allergic reactions.

Using each dog as its own comparison is a smart way to study treatments because it reduces confusion from differences between individual dogs. By measuring multiple aspects of skin health—not just what owners noticed, but also scientific measurements—the researchers could get a complete picture of whether the diet actually worked

This study has some strengths: it measured skin health in multiple ways, it had a clear before-and-after design, and it tracked dogs for a reasonable length of time (12 weeks each phase). However, it didn’t have a comparison group eating a fake special diet, so some improvement might be from other factors. The study was relatively small with 32 dogs, so results might not apply to all dogs with this condition

What the Results Show

When dogs switched to the special diet, three important measurements improved significantly. First, the amount of water escaping through their skin decreased, meaning their skin barrier got stronger. Second, their overall itching and skin appearance scores improved dramatically—these improvements were very unlikely to happen by chance. Third, owners reported noticing these improvements in their pets’ comfort and skin health. The improvements appeared gradually over the 12 weeks and were consistent across most dogs in the study.

Interestingly, the special diet did not change the levels of immune proteins (IgE) in the dogs’ blood that are typically involved in allergic reactions. This suggests the diet might work through a different mechanism than blocking the allergic response itself—perhaps by strengthening the skin barrier or reducing inflammation in other ways. The diet was very well tolerated with no reported safety concerns or side effects

Previous research has shown that nutrition plays an important role in managing skin allergies in dogs. This study adds to that evidence by testing a specific plant ingredient. The results align with other studies showing that certain dietary components can support skin health, though this is one of the first studies specifically testing monk fruit extract for this purpose in dogs

The study didn’t include a control group eating a placebo diet, so some improvement might come from other factors like seasonal changes or owner attention. The sample size of 32 dogs is relatively small, which means results might not apply to all dogs with this condition. The study only lasted 24 weeks total, so we don’t know if benefits continue long-term. Additionally, the study was conducted in a specific setting and may not represent all dog populations

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the special diet containing monk fruit extract appears to be a safe option to discuss with your veterinarian as a supplementary treatment for dogs with chronic skin itching. It should be used alongside, not instead of, other treatments your vet recommends. Confidence level: Moderate—this is promising evidence from one well-designed study, but more research in larger groups of dogs would strengthen these findings

Dog owners whose pets have chronic itching and skin inflammation (atopic dermatitis) should discuss this with their veterinarian. This appears safe for most dogs, but dogs with specific allergies to the ingredients or certain health conditions should be evaluated by a vet first. This is not a replacement for veterinary care but rather a potential addition to a comprehensive treatment plan

Based on this study, you might expect to see noticeable improvements in itching and skin appearance within 6-12 weeks of switching to the special diet. However, individual dogs may respond at different rates, and some may see benefits sooner while others take longer

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your dog’s itching frequency daily using a simple 1-10 scale (1 = no itching, 10 = constant itching), and take weekly photos of affected skin areas to monitor visible improvements in redness and texture
  • Switch your dog’s food to the special diet containing monk fruit extract while maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, and keep detailed notes on any changes in scratching behavior, skin appearance, or overall comfort level
  • Create a weekly check-in routine where you assess your dog’s itching levels, skin condition, and overall comfort. Compare photos and notes every 2-4 weeks to track progress, and share these observations with your veterinarian at regular check-ups to determine if the diet is working for your specific dog

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making dietary changes for your dog, especially if your dog has existing health conditions, is taking medications, or has known food allergies. While this study shows promising results, individual dogs may respond differently to dietary changes. Your veterinarian can help determine if this diet is appropriate for your specific dog and how it fits into a comprehensive treatment plan for atopic dermatitis.